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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 02-09-06The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>CONTENTS[01] Weather forecastScattered cloud is forecast in all parts of the country, with showers or isolated storms, especially from late afternoon. Winds variable, light to moderate. On the mainland, temperatures will range from 15C to 29C; and in the islands also from 20C to 28C. Temperatures in Athens between 19C and 29C; and in Thessaloniki from 19C to 28C.(6/9/2002 11:47:00 ðì) [02] Koufodinas surrendersDimitris Koufodinas, the most prominent suspect evading capture in the more than two-month-long investigation to eradicate the «November 17” terrorist group surrendered to police early Thursday afternoon, apparently ending the largest manhunt in modern Greek history.He stated to the policemen unofficially that they were beaten as an organisation but not as individuals, adding that the people who recruited them did not exist anymore. Koufodinas is to appear before magistrate Leonidas Zervobeakos today. When asked by the police were he had been hiding all this period he said that there was a code of honor and he was not the one to break it. Koufodinas undertook the political responsibility of the organisation’s actions, while through his lawyer rejected all charges brought against him. He also said that he would not cooperate with the authorities. His lawyer rejected the allegations according to which her client surrendered after he made a deal with the police. From his side, Press Minister Christos Protopapas stated to NET 105.8 that terrorist organisation “November 17” had been completely uprooted, describing as nonsense New Democracy cadres’ allegations that connected Koufodina’s surrender with the floods in Attica. In the meantime, the New Democracy party described Koufodina’s surrender as an important step, demanding however the arrest of all “Novemeber 17” senior leaders. Synaspismos party spokesman asked for more light to be shed on the case, while the Greek Communist party and the Democratic Socialist Movement spoke of a set up surrender. Finally, the former Justice Minister Michalis Stathopoulos stated to NET 105.8 that Koudodinas would not enjoy any beneficiary provisions, since he did not contribute substancially to the uprooting of “November 17”. (6/9/2002 11:48:00 ðì) [03] Heavy rainfall expected in the weekendThe state mechanism is on the alert following the National Meteorological Service forecast according to which heavy rainfall with hit the country in the weekend.Additionally, at the recently flooded areas of Mochato, Rendis and Phaliron Information and Support Centres will begin operating so that compensations are given fast to the flood-stricken people. (6/9/2002 11:49:00 ðì) [04] Simitis to inaugurate 67th Thessaloniki Trade FairPrime Minister Costas Simitis is to inaugurate the 67th Thessaloniki Trade Fair at 19:00 local time today, while farmers from Macedonia, Thrace and Thessaly will demonstrate at Lefkos Pyrgos handing the Prime Minister a list with their demands.Meanwhile, New Democracy President Costas Karamanlis launched an attack against the government for the course of the economy. Mr Karamanlis stated that the developments on the issues of inflation and public debt are even jeopardizing the nominal convergence, a problem the government continues to suppress. He also described the tax measures ineffective and miserable. In reply, government spokesman Christos Protopapas described Mr Karamanlis’ statements as vague, accusing him of trying to preempt the Prime Minister’s speech. (6/9/2002 11:51:00 ðì) [05] Employees’ available income increased according to reportAccording to the annual report of the Labour Institute of the General Confederation of Greek Workers, the available income of employees during 1995 and 2001 increased by 17%, despite the fact that the lower salaries during the same period decreased by 6.67%The report, which will be publicized in Thessaloniki today, maintains that social convergence with average percentage of the European Union will be achieved after 23 years, provided the present growth rate remains the same. In tandem, during the last years, the gap between the rich and the poor has become bigger. Finally, according to the report unemployment and the trade balance are the most serious problems of the Greek economy. (6/9/2002 11:53:00 ðì) [06] Annan urges for progress on Cyprus issueUnited Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan is expected to meet with the President of the Cyprus Republic Glafkos Klerides and Turkish –Cypriot representative Rauf Denktash to whom he will stress the need of progress on the Cyprus issue at the EU summit meeting due to be held in Copenhagen in December. He will also stress the negative repercussions on the issue if no progress is made.(6/9/2002 11:54:00 ðì) [07] Earthquake hits GreeceNo damages have been reported following the earthquake that took place between Evia and Skyros at 01:19 local time today. The earthquake measured 5.4 on the Richter scale and was also felt in Athens.(6/9/2002 11:56:00 ðì) The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |