The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 03-02-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Weather forecast

The temperature in Athens will range from 3 to 9C and in Thessaloniki from 0 to 4C.

(17/2/2003 10:46:00 рм)

[02] Efforts for peaceful settlement of Iraqi crisis continue

Britain, Spain and Italy are among the chief backers of the United States' tough stance against Saddam Hussein.

France, Germany and Greece - which currently holds the presidency of the EU - are warning against a rush to war.

The meeting comes after Nato on Sunday reached a face-saving deal ending a damaging rift over military help to Turkey - the only member of the alliance bordering Iraq.

France, Germany and Belgium had been blocking the move, saying it would imply that war with Iraq is inevitable.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Costas Simitis stated that the United Nations Security Council and not the European Union is responsible for the solution of the Iraqi crisis.

Mr Simitis will meet with his Turkish counterpart Abdulah Gul and in the afternoon with Mr Annan.

At the same time, Greece on Sunday urged Arab states to work with the European Union as a lever to persuade Iraq into complying with UN resolutions on disarmament, and help to avert war.

Representing the EU at a meeting of the 22-member Arab League, Foreign Minister George Papandreou said the 15-nation bloc and the Arab world should create links to help defuse the crisis with Iraq, avoiding a clash of cultures and religions.

He also stressed that Iraq should fully comply with 1441 United Nations resolution.

From their side, in a joint declaration issued by the Arab Foreign Ministers, it is stressed that Europe and the Arab world should cooperate in order to disarm Baghdad and to avert war.

(17/2/2003 10:47:00 рм)

[03] New President elected in Cyprus

The vote comes at a crucial time for the future of the island, which has been divided into Greek Cypriot and Turkish sectors for nearly 30 years.

Mr Papadopoulos has promised a firmer line in talks with Turkish Cypriot leaders on reunifying the island.

Official results showed Mr Papadopoulos won a surprising 51.5% of the votes, well ahead of Mr Clerides, who took 38.8%. Third came Alekos Markides with 6.62% and last Nikos Koutsou with 2.12%,

The 83-year old president acknowledged defeat in a telephone call to Mr Papadopoulos, wishing him luck.

From his side, Mr Papadopoulos asked from Mr Clerides to remain in the National Council and offer him his help, a proposal that the former President accepted.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis from Brussels congratulated Mr Papadopoulos on his success, while the opposition parties of New Democracy, Synaspismos, and DIKKI sent congratulatory cables to the newly elected President of the Cyprus Republic.

(17/2/2003 10:48:00 рм)

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