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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 01-06-06The 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 6/6/2001 2:29:00 μμ NEWS HEADLINES Simitis's interview in NET SEDM continue their meeting in Thessaloniki Simitis to visit Berlin ECOFIN examines European economic policy Fuel prices to drop Bureaucracy obstacles in the legalisation process of immigrants in Greece Draft bill for organized crime passed in Parliament Christodoulakis to meet the American minister of Commerce today Extended stay of UN peace keeping force in Cyprus satisfies Nicosia Scandalides says Greek-Rumanian relations are exemplary Fire damages 15.000 square metres of forestland Iliopoulos burried today 3,31% drop in Athens Stock Exchange yesterday Zan Michelle Jarre in the Athens Festival [01] Simitis' s interview in NETDuring his interview with the programme "Protagonistes" of NET (New Greek Television) yesterday evening, Prime Minister Costas Simitis appeared optimistic as regards the country's course, admitting that there existed problems, but as he said he was determined to implement the policy his government had planned. Referring to the economy, he said that according to unshakable evidence things were going well, underlining that grumbling did not serve any purpose, critisizing thus the New Democracy party.Mr. Simitis said that the growth rate was above 4%, adding that 80% of the goals set for Greece's real convergence would have been attained by 2004. In tandem, he pointed out that progress was made in many sectors, stressing that in the next months 3 new hospitals would open, while the old ones were being moderinized. He reiterated his government's target to boost the Social State, expressing his optimism that the dialogue regarding the Social Security System would take place. Referring to the relations between the State and the Church, he stressed that the state identity cards issue had closed, but added that he would be glad to discuss with Archbishop Christodoulos any other issue related to the relations between the State and the Church. As regards the Municipal and Prefectural elections and especially to the candidates for the three major Municipalities Mr.Simitis stressed that they had to be politicians, adding that they did not have to come from PASOK. The Prime Minister rejected all senarios regarding a government re-shuffle, underlining that problems could not be solved through magic. He also stated that he was against the creation of an Olympic Games ministry. Finally, asked to say what he would do after the elections in 2004, that is if he would run for Presidency in the case PASOK won the elections or he would lead PASOK in the case it lost the elections, he said that he first would raise the issue of his succession. Refer ring to the Prime Minister's interview, New Democracy spokesman Theodoros Rousopoulos said that Mr. Simitis through his well-advertised interview attempted to mislead the Greek people finding refuge to the past and to acutenesss, seeking desparately a way out of his deadlocks. [02] SEDM continue their meeting in ThessalonikiDefence Ministers of the countries composing the Multinational Brigade of Southeastern Europe (SEDM) are continuing their informal, two-day meeting in Thessaloniki, where participating is Greece's Akis Tsochatzopoulos.The discussions being held there are focusing on the clashes in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), as well as the situation in Southern Serbia and Kossovo. On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos met with his Turkish counterpart Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, accepting Mr. Cakmakoglu's invitation to visit Ankara in September within the framework of the armaments exhibition "Defendory 2001". [03] Simitis to visit BerlinPrime Minister Costas Simitis is visiting Berlin today at the invitation of the German Chancellor Georhard Shroeder. Earlier Mr. Simitis will chair a Cabinet meeting.[04] ECOFIN examines European economic policyThe general guidelines of the economic policy set by the European Council for 2001 are being examined by ECOFIN in Luxumburgh. Except the targets for economic development and the boosting of capabilities of the country-members to deal with stuctural changes, the 15 European Union's Finance and Economy ministers are discussing a packet of tax measures, the implemention of Valued Added Tax (VAT) on electronic transactions and the creation of a pan-European Stock market by 2005.At the same time, the EURO dropped by 0,25% reaching the lowest level in the last six months. [05] Fuel prices to dropFuel prices will drop as of tomorrow with gasoline dropping by 10 drachmas per litre and diesel oil by 3 drachmas per litre.[06] Bureaucracy obstacles in the legalisation process of immigrants in GreeceThe legalisation process of the 400.000 immigrants living in Greece began yesterday with bureaucratic problems in the special centres of the Organisations of the Local Administration. The 1.300 special centres set up in the Municipalities of the counrty, are aiming to receive the immigrants required documents.[07] Draft bill for organized crime passed in ParliamentThe draft bill regarding the combatting of organized crime passed during the Parliament?s plennary session last night. The Coalition of the Left Wing and Progress party and the Greek Communist party did not take part in the discussion. In the meantime, Scotland Yard officials met with Public Order minister Michalis Chrysohoides yesterday in the presence of the British Ambassodor to Athens David Maden.Mr. Chrysohoides was briefed by the Scotland Yard officials and the Greek police on the course of the investigations regarding the assasination of British military attache Steven Saunders by the terrorist organisations "17 November". [08] Christodoulakis to meet the American minister of Commerce todayDevelopment minister Nikos Christodoulakis is meeting with the American minister of Commerce Donald Evans in Washington today to discuss the development of bilateral commercial and economic relations.[09] Extended stay of UN peace keeping force in Cyprus satisfies NicosiaNicosia is satisfied with the United Nations Secretary General' s decision to extend the stay of the United Nations peace keeping force in Cyprus, since according to the government spokesman, his report is based on the 186 resolution of 1964, which consists the antipod of the Turkish demands.At the same time, Turkish-Cypriot representative Rauf Denktash is being held responsible for the non-continuation of the Cyprus proximity talks. On a relative development, the European Union Ministers Council called on the European Council to commence negotiations with Cyprus, Turkey and Malta so that these countries can participate in the Community's programmes related to research, education and vocational instruction. [10] Scandalides says Greek-Rumanian relations are exemplaryPASOK' s Secretary Costas Scandalides, who is on a two-day visit to Bucharest, described Greek-Rumanian relations in the Balkans as exemplary.Following his meeting with the Rumanian Prime Minister and the President of Social Democracy party Adrian Nastaze, Mr. Scandalides stated that Greece and Rumania consist stability factors in the region, adding tha the boosting of the two countries political and economic relations is anavoidable. [11] Fire damages 15.000 square metres of forestlandAccording to the latest information, more than 15.000 square metres of forestland were burnt, and forty cottage houses sufferred damages as a result of the fire which broke out in Oropos.In the meantime, the fire which broke out in Ancient Nemea yesterday, is abating, while the fires in the Municipality of Livathus, Kefallonia, in Mavra Alonia, Chalkidiki and in Kosmadeous, Samos are under control. [12] Iliopoulos burried todayWell known actor Dinos Iliopoulos funeral will take place at the First Athens cemetery today. Dinos Iliopoulos died at the age of 86 on Monday. The famous actor was born in Alexandria, Egypt in 1909 and grew up in Marseilles.His family moved to Greece in 1935. In addition to his theatrical performance, the people loved him because he was modest and a man of moral standards. [13] 3,31% drop in Athens Stock Exchange yesterdayThe General Share Price Index of the Athens Stock Exchange dropped yesterday by 3,31% closing at 2.910,55 points.[14] Zan Michelle Jarre in the Athens FestivalZean Michelle Jarrre, who will be hosted during the Greek Festival at Herodus Atticus on 19 and 20 June will present his work "The Akropolis" for the first time.The event, which has been orgainized by "Elpis", the Society of the Childrens friends with cancer, is taking place under the auspices of the Culture ministry. The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |