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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 01-09-05
From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>
CONTENTS
[01] Search for illegal immigrants
[02] Opinion poll on the government
[03] Preparations for Thessaloniki International Trade Fair
[04] The PM s announcements on economic measures
[05] Foreign Minister Papandreou in Cyprus
[06] Greek Ferry Engine failure
[07] Athens bourse
NEWS IN ENGLISH ERA-5. THE VOICE OF GREECE
5/9/2001 11:02:00 рм
[01] Search for illegal immigrants
The dream for a better life turned into a nightmare for more than 350
Iraqi illegal immigrants whom Turkish immigrant-smugglers threw
overboard on Wednesday, from a smuggling boat to the coast of Mandoudi
in Euboea. However, according to unconfirmed information five of them
have been found dead. So far, 112 illegal immigrants - 91 men, 13 women
and 8 children - have been arrested and are now housed in the
installations of a factory in Skalistiri, while near-by residents are
offering them food, clothes and medication. The smuggling boat was
found adrift in the region of Dafnopotamos, since the Turk smugglers
abandoned it and disappeared. Meanwhile the search to locate more
illegal immigrants continue. Four boats of the Port Police, a
helicopter of the Greek Navy and a speed-boat are sweeping the area for
survivors.
[02] Opinion poll on the government
A new opinion poll carried out by METRON ANALYSIS on behalf of the
radio station "Flash 9.61" shows that the negative climate is being
reversed for the government and Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.
According to the opinion poll, the majority of the people approves the
stand of the President of the Republic Konstantinos Stefanopoulos on
the issue of identity cards, while the popularity of Archbishop
Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece is declining. In addition, the
percentage of Prime Minister Kostas Simitis popularity is again higher
than that of the leader of the main opposition New Democracy (ND) party
Kostas Karamanlis for the premiership.
[03] Preparations for Thessaloniki International Trade Fair
A broad government meeting under Prime Minister Kostas Simitis is
taking place today to prepare Mr. Simitis visit to the International
Trade Fair in Thessaloniki. The Prime Minister will receive a
delegation of the General Confederation of Traders and Craftsmen at 1
p.m. today and Health Minister Alekos Papadopoulos at 2 p.m.
[04] The PM s announcements on economic measures
Yesterday, PM Simitis announced a 1.3 trillion drachmas package of
measures for the economically weaker groups for a period of three
years. Mr. Simitis also announced 5,000 drachma raises to farmers
pensions and the EKAS allowances, as well as significant credits to
fight unemployment and poverty. Meanwhile, ND party leader Kostas
Karamanlis accused the PM of making announcements which are very close
to political fraud. Mr. Karamanlis will meet with the board of the
Federation of Greek Industries at 1 p.m. today. In a related
development, the Civil Servants Union - ADEDY- has planned to hold a
rally in Athens today, on the issue of family allowances.
[05] Foreign Minister Papandreou in Cyprus
Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou who is on a two day official
visit to Cyprus has stated that the settlement of Greek -Turkish
relations is going through the resolution of the Cyprus issue. Mr.
Papandreou will meet the Cypriot President Glafkos Kliridis today.
[06] Greek Ferry Engine failure
The ferry boat "Daidalos" of the Minoan Lines that presented an engine
failure last night while sailing off the Croatian coasts is expected to
reach Venice this evening. 744 passengers and 117 members of the crew
are on board the ferry.
[07] Athens bourse
On the Athens Stock Exchange, Losses were recorded again on Friday. The
general index dropped to -0.56% at 2,717.88 points, while the volume of
transactions was 107.83 million Euro or 36.473 billion drachmas. Of the
stocks trading yesterday, 93 recorded gains and 224 had losses, while
the value of 60 stocks remained stable.
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