The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-01-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] US to review pre-war intelligence on alleged Iraqi weapons

The White House pledged today to review pre-war intelligence that pointed towards the presence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, after the top US weapons hunter concluded that Iraq had no stockpiles of biological and chemical weapons. But regardless of what weapons searchers discover or not in Iraq, the Bush administration stands by its decision to go to war against Iraq, the White House spokesman told reporters.

[02] UN to decide on Iraq, 3 US soldiers missing

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he may decide as early as today on sending a mission to help a US handover of power to Iraqis, while American forces search for three missing military personnel. The US military said a helicopter crashed yesterday during a search for a soldier who was on a patrol boat on the Tigris river.

[03] IOC president notes changes in Athens prior to Olympic Games

In a message today, on the occasion of 200 days before the Olympic Games in Athens, the President of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, and the President of the Athens 2004 Organising Committee, Yanna Angelopoulou, noted the enormous changes that have taken place in the Greek capital in preparation for the Games. Rogge expressed his satisfaction about the governments handling of the issue of security at the Olympics and his conviction that the pre-election period will not adversely affect preparations.

[04] ND party to raise issue of parliamentary operation

The opposition New Democracy party will raise the issue of parliaments functioning tomorrow, while according to reliable sources, the file of all legislative amendments passed recently is being examined. ND deputy Giorgos Souflias said the network of values in Greek society had been damaged by governmental actions and accused future Pasok leader George Papandreou of participating.

[05] Parliament to dissolve on February 11

There will be a dissolution of parliament on February 11, announced Prime Minister Costas Simitis today, following his meeting with the President of the Greek Republic, Costis Stephanopoulos. Simitis explained to President Stephanopoulos that a government with a new mandate will be required to handle the developments in the Cyprus issue.

[06] Turkey pressures Greek-Cypriots on resumption of peace talks

Turkey piled pressure on the Greek Cypriots today, saying they must make the next move in efforts to end the decades-old division of Cyprus, following Ankaras decision to back a speedy resumption of peace talks. Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said Turkey and the self-styled Turkish-Cypriot state were united in wanting to work for a deal in good faith and he reiterated Turkeys call for an impartial mediator.

[07] Cyprus issue discussed at EU's General Affairs Council

The Cyprus issue was the focus of todays meeting of the European Unions General Affairs Council, with the participation of Foreign Minister George Papandreou. Prime Minister Costas Simitis described as unclear the most recent stance taken by the Turkish government and stressed that there should be a substantive change in its position.

[08] Weather forecast

A cold day is forecast, with snowfalls in the hills. Temperatures in Athens will range from 1 to 11 degrees centigrade, and in Thessaloniki from 1 to 7 degrees.

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