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Wednesday, 17 April 2024
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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 01-05-08The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>CONTENTSNEWS IN ENGLISH ERA-5. THE VOICE OF GREECE 8/5/2001 10:09:00 рм [01] Weather forecastUnsettled weather is forecast for most parts of the country today with cloud likely to turn to rain or storms. Winds northwesterly moderate to very strong turning gale force in the south.In Attica temperature will range from 15-24 degrees C, in Thessaloniki from 14-24 degrees C and on the islands from 15-23 C. [02] EU active role in the internatonal scene supports Prime-minister SimitisPrime-minister Simitis, heading a ruling Pasok Party delegation, is presently in Berlin to attend the 5th Convention of the European Socialist Party. In his speech, Mr. Simitis expressed his favour for the EU's active participation in the international scene, underlining that Europe should contribute in the efforts for regional peace and stability.National Defence Minister, Akis Tsohatzopoulos - Vice- president of the European Socialist Party - centered his speech on the ideas," society of solidarity and development", uderlining that this was the obligation of the socialists and not just an abstract goal. Talks of the European Socialist Party Convention will focus on German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder proposals for a strong EU goverment and powerful parliament, the American plan for a new antimissile system as well as Washinghton's refusal to sign the Kyoto protocol on the greenhouse effect. [03] Turkey brings up demlitarisatio of the Aegea islandsTurkey's military has reportedly rejected the helicopter transport of Greece's naval chief to a Turkish base in the Aegean because the aircraft will land at the Dodecanese island of Rhodes. Greece's navy chief was scheduled to attend a command transfer ceremony at the Turkish naval base of Axaz.The incident brings back the issue of demlitarisation of the Aegean related to Turkey's unilateral claims. Athens has for decades patiently pointed out to International Law, Maritime and shipping pacts and internationally recognised treaties as negating all of Ancara's claims. [04] President of the Athens 2004 met with NY governorThe President of the "Athens 2004" Organisational Committee , Yianna Aggelopoulou Daskalaki, met with the NY Governor George Pattakis yesterday. Mrs Aggelopoulou is in NY with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou with the aim to attract more American investments for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and support the idea of the Olympic Truce. Mrs. Aggelopoulou appeared certain that Greece will win the bet while the American ambassador to Athens Nicolas Berns spoke of an Athens-Washinghton excellent cooperation in the combat of terrorism.In the meantime, according to a survey conducted by the British Foreign Office -released yesterday-Greece has the lowest crime rate in relation to the EU average. The study also describes Athens as a safe city. Despite the fact that the crime rate rose by 14% during the period 1995-1999, it is still remains considerably lower to the average noted in the 15 EU member states. In the 2-year period 1997-1999, in Athens, there were 169 murders for every 100.000 people, compared to 50 killings for each 100.000 head of population in Washinghton, which has the highest crime rate of any capital city in the world, followed by Pretoria and Moscow. [05] Cyprus admission course satisfactoryCyprus Foreign Minister, Yiannakis Kassoulidis attended the informal meeting of Foreign ministers of candidate for accesion to the EU countries held in Sweden.Upon his return he expressed satisfaction at the course of negotiations on Cyprus accession to the EU. [06] European People's Party meeting in ThessalonikiThe present situation in the Balcans, political asylum and immigration policies and European consumers protection are among the issues to be discussed durng the 2-day session of the European People's party held in Thessaloiki from May 8-10 Kostas Karamanlis, President of the ND party will deliver a speech at today's opening session.[07] Prime-minister Simitis repeated his commitment for a social dialogue without preconditionsFrom Berlin, Prime-minister Simits announced the goverment's plan to use tax revenues to support the social security system. Earlier, in an interview with Greek state television channel ERA-1, the President of the General Confederation of Greek Workers had called on a goverment to make an official proposal about the funds for the social security system.Mr.Simitis supported the mantainance of the tripartite financing of the social security system and repeated his commitment for the opening of a dialogue without preconditions. Mr.Simits also reconfirmed that the goverment's conviction is to establish a state system and state financing of the social security system which has already being applied to a great extent. Today's meeting of the board of the General Confederation of Greek Workers is expected with great interesr after the new statements by the Prime-minister. The President of the GCGW ,Hristos Polyzogopoulos described developments as positive underlining though that they should be evaluated on the basis of securing long-term funds to cover deficits in the social security system. Finally in repply to the ND party president claim that he would never give a dime for funding the ailing pension system, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou stressed that the Pasok goverment's position is to find revenues without imposing new taxes. [08] Interior Ministry gives second opportunity to immigrants in GreeceThe Interior Ministry has sent a circular to all sectors involved with immigration policy explaining the new procedures included in the so called "second opportunity " for immigrats living in Greece. The new bill provides for stay permits to all immigrants who can prove that they have been living in Greece for a year.[09] Ecumenic Patriarch concluded his visit to GreeceEcumenic Patriarch Vartholomeos - who concluded his visit to Greece yesterday - expressed satisfaction at the Pope's visit.Last stop of his tour of Northern Greece was Serres where he was declared honorary citizen. [10] Archibishop Hristodoulos in MoscowArchibishop Hristodoulos, who is currently on a visit to Moscow, called on for Russia's admission to the EU. In parallel he appealed for unity and dialogue among the Orthodox Churches in order to deal with interior problems of the Orthodox churches and the problems caused by the Roman Catholic Church.Within his official visit to Moscow , Mr Hristodoulos met wth the Russian Metropolitan Smolenk Kyrllo who is in charge of public relations for the Moscow Patriarchate and was received by the President of the Lower Duma Genadi Seleznief. Mr.Hristodoulos will speak at the Theological Academy i the city Zagorsk today and will meet with the Russian President later in the afternoon. [11] Population cencus of Greeks living in Canada on May 15thA population census of Greeks living in Canade will be conducted on May 15th.The Greek-Canadian Cogress has launched a campaign to make Greek-Canadians realise the importance of givig data about ther cultural and national identty. [12] Prince Charles on a private visit to GreecePrince Charles is on a private visit to Greece .He arrived at Mt Athos yesterday where he was warmly welcomed by the monks. According to reports, he has scheduled a tour of the Aegean islands next.[13] Fuel price increaseNew increase in fuel prices as from today with gasoline going up by 5 drs per litter and heating oil by 1 dr per litter.[14] Lawyer's on strikeAthens and Peireus lawyers will abstain from their duties today and tomorrow while lawyers in the rest of the country will abstain till the end of the week.[15] Athens stock marketOn the Athens stock market, the geeral share price index went down by 1,5% to close at 3156,14 points.[16] FYROM-parties agree grand coalitionThe mai parties in FYROM agreed today to form agrad coalition goverment of national unity including all main ethnic Albanian and Slav parties. European Union security affairs chief Xavie Solana participated in the marathon talks while the idea of mposing a state of war was off the agenda for now because the FYROM security forces conducted a succesful operation today said Skopyian prime-minister Georgiefsky.[17] Yugoslav President in the USAmerican State Departet spokesman Richard Bowcher said that Yougoslav President Voslav Kostunica - who is on his first visit to the US as president of Yougoslavia - is likely to meet wth the Aerican State secretary Collin Powell .[18] US resumes spy plane flightsThe US has carred out its first reconnaissance flight off the Chinese coast since one of ts spy planes was involved in a md- air collision with a Chinese fighter jet on April, 1st.The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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