The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-02-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Iraq suicide bombs kill 11

Suicide car bombers killed at least 11 Iraqis and wounded 58 foreign troops today in twin attacks on a military base south of Baghdad in the run up to a United Nations report on the feasibility of direct elections in Iraq.

[02] Greek Church urges clergy to prepare for Olympic Games visitors

Greeces Orthodox Church has told the clergy to dress properly, address visitors softly and ring bells sparingly during the Olympics, as part of its bid to use the Games to showcase the countrys Orthodox heritage. In a 10-point letter to churches in the Greek capital, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Christodoulos, also recommended that churches be tidied up and have brochures ready for the thousands of tourists expected to arrive for the Games this summer.

[03] Actress Despo Diamantidou dies

Veteran of Greek stage and screen Despo Diamantidou died today at the age of 86. The late actress also had an international career, apart from working with most of the major Greek directors in the more than 40 Greek films she starred in. Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos expressed his condolences and said the funeral would take place at the states expense.

[04] Pasok and ND agree on rules for one televised pre-election debate

The press spokesmen for the ruling Pasok and the main opposition New Democracy parties, Nikos Athanasakis and Thodoris Rousopoulos, respectively, today reached agreement on how at least one live televised debate will be conducted between party leaders George Papandreou and Costas Karamanlis. The debate will be divided into topics the economy, education, employment, health, foreign affairs and public administration, as well as a section for unrestricted questions by journalists.

[05] European Popular Party presidency meets in Athens

A meeting of the presidency of the European Popular Party whose vice-president is New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis begins this evening in Athens. On the agenda of the talks are the European elections and the European Constitution.

This morning, Karamanlis was briefed by the president of the Athens 2004 organising committee on the progress of preparations for the Olympics, and he expressed certainty about Athens success in hosting the Games.

[06] Papandreou addresses the elderly and people with special needs

In view of the upcoming March 7 elections, political party leaders pre-election activities are accelerating. Measures to boost the income of the elderly and improvement in the quality of life were announced by Pasok leader George Papandreou today, during his visit to a state-run senior citizens facility in Ilioupolis.

This evening, Papandreou is scheduled to address people with special needs at the Peace and Friendship Stadium.

[07] US urges Cypriots to give peace a chance

The United States threw its weight behind the Cyprus reunification drive today, urging the public on both sides of the divided island to give peace a chance. US envoy Thomas Weston implored Greek and Turkish Cypriots not to reject a proposed UN-backed settlement to the long-standing dispute, if leaders of their two communities agree to it and put it to them in a referendum.

[08] Weather forecast

A cloudy and cold day is forecast, with local showers in the afternoon in western Greece and Macedonia, as well as light snowfalls in the hills. Temperatures in Athens will range from 2 to 13 degrees centigrade, and in Thessaloniki from -2 to 9 degrees.

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