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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 03-11-25The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>CONTENTS[01] Weather forecastScattered clouds and humidity are expected in all parts of the country with some early morning mist and a chance of rain in the northwest. Winds variable, light. Temperatures in Athens will range between 13-21 C and in Thessaloniki between 8-17 C.(25/11/2003 8:08:00 ìì) [02] 2004 security Greek issueNATO forces will not participate in the security of the Athens Olympic Games, according to Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou. Mr. Papantoniou made the statements today following today's meeting under PM Simitis that was participated by Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou. The Defense Minister denied rumors that stated NATO forces would be involved in security issues during the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.Mr. Papantoniou clarified that Greek forces responsible for the Athens Olympic Games security, will cooperate with foreign agencies and forces, both NATO forces and third country forces in order to assure the flow of information and a system protection program to protect from any possible threat. He assured the Greek government has taken all the necessary measures for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games to be the safest games ever held in the history of the Olympic Games. (25/11/2003 8:11:00 ìì) [03] Euroarmy discussed in ministerial meetingThe likelihood of the European Rapid Reaction Force's autonomous operation was discussed in view of the NATO Defense Ministers Summit meeting in Brussels next Monday and Tuesday.After the meeting, Mr. Papantoniou reiterated Greece's position, which is in agreement with that of Germany and France regarding the need to secure autonomous EU action. Mr. Papandreou stated that the issue of the EU relations with NATO was also discussed with US Secretary of State Colin Powell. (25/11/2003 8:14:00 ìì) [04] Cypriot president in AthensThe course of the Cyprus issue is dominating the contacts Cypriot President Tasos Papadopoulos is having in Athens. During his meeting with the President of the Hellenic Republic, Kostis Stefanopoulos, the two men discussed issues concerning the coordination of Greek and Cypriot actions in view of Cyprus' accession to the EU, as well as developments in Cyprus and the elections in the occupied territories.In statements made after the meeting, President Papadopoulos stressed he is ready to participate in negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus issue within the framework of the plan proposed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and added the initiative for the recommencing of negotiations belonged to the UN Secretary General. Mr. Stefanopoulos noted that the Annan proposal has been accepted as a basis of cooperation by the Cypriot and Greek sides, and observed changes must be made to issues concerning immigrants and settlers for adjustment to communal acquis. (25/11/2003 8:16:00 ìì) [05] EU bends budget rules for France and GermanyEuropean Union finance ministers effectively suspended the bloc's budget rulebook today in a bitterly disputed deal to spare giants Germany and[06] France from disciplinary action over their excessive deficits.The European Commission, guardian of rules meant to underpin the euro, immediately opposed the decision. Hinting at a legal challenge, the EU executive said it reserved the right to examine the implications and decide on possible subsequent actions.The Commission insisted on a rare vote on its recommendation that the euro zone's two biggest economies be forced to make deeper deficit cuts in 2004 under the Stability and Growth Pact on budget discipline, but failed to win the required majority. Ministers asked Berlin and Paris for a political commitment to cut deficits that are set to break EU limits for the third year in a row in 2004, rather than pushing them along a disciplinary process whose ultimate sanction is a fine. Both [07] France[08] and Germany promised to get below the EU deficit ceiling of three percent of gross domestic product in 2005, but the German pledge was conditional on growth reaching forecasts by Brussels, which expects 1.6 percent expansion next year.Greek government spokesperson, Christos Protoppas stated Greece's position regarding the maintenance of Stability Pact remained unchanged however noted understanding was needed in comprehending both countries financial problems.Bank of Greece Governor, Nikos Garganas pointed out the first adverse effects of the Stability Pact's violation will be evident after the increase in interest rates and the euro's weakening. (25/11/2003 8:19:00 ìì) [09] Athens Journalists's Union in support of hunger strikersSupporters of five imprisoned anti-globalisation protesters who have been on hunger strike in[10] Greece for up to two months kept a vigil today in what they say has become a death watch. The hunger strikers are awaiting trial on charges of possession of explosives and weapons.In the meantime, more than two-dozen European Parliament members expressed «strong concern» today for the jailed hunger strikers. The petition, which included lawmakers from[11] Greece[12] and 10 other EU countries, asked Greek authorities to «fully respect» the rights of the suspects, but did not directly ask for their release pending trial. A judicial panel is expected to rule this week on their request to be released from a maximum-security prison in Athens. A public prosecutor has recommended against their release. No trial date has been set. The powerful Athens Journalists' Union, meanwhile, joined calls by doctors and lawyers' groups and urged authorities to release the five suspects on compassionate grounds.(25/11/2003 8:21:00 ìì)[13] Intnl Day for Elimination of Violence Against WomenToday the 25th of November marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and is dedicated to women who are daily victims of violence from their social, family and professional environment. Greek women who are married, unemployed and secondary school graduates between the ages of 31-40 are the most common victims of domestic violence according to information from the General Secretariat of Equality. In 2003, 1062 women visited the secretariats center while its switchboard received over 2400 calls for assistance.(25/11/2003 8:23:00 ìì) [14] Blasts in Baghdad, U.S. HQ warns staff of attackLoud blasts echoed across Baghdad after dark today and loudspeakers at the headquarters of the U.S.-led administration ordered personnel to take cover as an attack was under way. The compound has come under mortar and rocket fire several times this month, prompting intensified U.S. military operations against guerrilla targets in Baghdad.A top U.S. general said earlier today that tougher U.S. tactics had halved the number of attacks on his forces in Iraq in the past two weeks, but that assaults on Iraqis had surged. (25/11/2003 8:27:00 ìì) [15] Nine charged in Turkish bombings, Britain warns of moreNine people were charged today with involvement in the suicide bombings of British targets that killed dozens of people in Istanbul, but Britain warned more attacks in Turkey could be imminent. The suspects were charged with "belonging to, aiding and abetting an illegal organisation" in the early hours today after lengthy questioning.Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said the bombings had provided a "sorrowful" start to the Eid al-Fitr Muslim holiday that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, but voiced defiance. Groups apparently linked to Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network have claimed responsibility for the November 20 attacks. (25/11/2003 8:32:00 ìì) The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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