The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 02-10-23

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Weather forecast

(23/10/2002 1:16:00 μμ)

[02] Debate on 2003 state budget draft bill

Finance Minister, Nikos Hristodoulakis said that the government s main target was to maintain high pace of development in 2003 despite global uncertainty due to the possibility of military action against Iraq. Mr. Hristodoulakis underlined that funds provided to financing public investments could guarantee a 3,1% pace of development.

Commenting , the N.D party spoke of a virtual reality draft bill , the Greek Communist party of an upper income class oriented draft bill while the Coalition of the Left and Progress described it as fragile.

Following his meeting with Finance Minister, the President of the Civil Servants Union, Spiros Papaspirou expressed his argument over next

year s income policy which provides 2,5% rise in incomes and did not rule out industrial mobilizations.

In the meantime , positive for the Greek economy is the autumn report of the organization for economic cooperation and development OOSA which predicts a 3,6% pace of development for this year and 4% for next year.

(23/10/2002 1:17:00 μμ)

[03] Abolition of fine on early paid off loans

(23/10/2002 1:18:00 μμ)

[04] Evaluation of election results still the focus of political interest

Following his meeting with Prime-minister Simitis , Interior Minister, Kostas Skandalidis said that the strongest political force are the progressive citizens while government spokesman, Hristos Protopappas called for the creation of a center- left alliance.

On his part, the N.D party leader, Kostas Karamanlis said that voters of all political persuasions had responded positively to the N.D party s [policies while N.D spokesman Thodoros Roussopoulos said that the government persisted in ignoring the voter s message.

(23/10/2002 1:19:00 μμ)

[05] Inner cabinet meets to discuss Prime-minister Simitis tour of European capitals

After his meeting with the U.N special envoy on Cyprus Alvaro de Sotto, Foreign Minister , George Papandreou expressed conviction that Cyprus &#8211;E.U admission course will conclude at the Copenhagen summit meeting in December. Mr. De Sotto shared the same view , underlining , however, that efforts should be centered on the U.N target , that is to find a solution before the Copenhagen summit.

In reference to the Turkish Cypriot representative , Raulf Dektas poor health, Mr. De Sotto wished soon recovery in order to return to negotiations table soon .

(23/10/2002 1:33:00 μμ)

[06] State hospitals &#8211;pilot program for drug addicts

A methadone program will continue to be applied exclusively by OKANA.

(23/10/2002 1:34:00 μμ)

[07] New charges against November 17 alleged members

Today 28 year old Vasilis Xiros is expected to submit his testimony in relation to fresh charges against him , including a 1996 attack on the American embassy in Athens with an anti-tank missile.

Meanwhile , Public Order Minister, Mihalis Hrisohoidis , who is on a 3-day visit to Washington has scheduled a series of meetings with U.S officials , focusing on investigations in domestic terrorism , Greece s role in the U.S campaign against international terrorism and security for the 2004 Olympic games in Athens .

(23/10/2002 1:36:00 μμ)

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