The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-03-04

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] US election campaigns kick-off

Democrat John Kerry and Republican President George W. Bush kicked off what promised to be a bitter and close eight-month election battle in a flurry of attacks and flag-waving ads.

[02] Government, foreign troops get grip on Haiti

The government and foreign military forces gained a tentative grip on chaotic Haiti today as U.S. and French troops stepped up patrols and armed rebels who helped oust the president prepared to leave the capital.

[03] Facilitations for traveling voters

Drivers licenses, license plates and drivers permits for cars, motorcycles and mopeds that have been removed by or turned in to the authorities, will be returned tomorrow in order to facilitate voters who are to travel in order to vote in Sunday's general elections. The basic requirement for the return is full payment of the fines, if a fine is due to be paid. There will be discounts and leave from work for voters who have to travel in order to vote. Schools will also be closed on Friday and Monday.

[04] UN envoy departs for Ankara for emergency meetings

UN special envoy for the Cyprus issue, Alvaro DeSoto departs for Ankara tomorrow in order to conduct meetings with the Turkish government. Mr. DeSoto is expected to conduct similar talks in Athens in the near future.

[05] Denktash threatens to quit Cyprus peace talks

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash raised the rhetorical heat over deadlocked peace talks today, saying he would quit as negotiator and campaign against a U.N. deal if it failed to include his basic demands.

Talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders have entered their third week with scant sign of progress, and Denktash said he did not believe a deal could be reached by a May 1 deadline. But the pro-settlement prime minister of his breakaway enclave, Mehmet Ali Talat, said at least some issues would be agreed by the time U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan steps in to fill in the gaps under a tight U.N.-imposed timetable.

[06] ND leader speaks at rally in Athens

New Democracy leader, Kostas Karamanlis speaks at a central party rally this evening at Areos Park in central Athens. Many streets in and around the area will remain closed until the end of the speech.

[07] Pasok president speaks at rally in Ileia

Pasok president, George Papandreou speaks in the Pirgos this evening in the prefecture of Ileia while tomorrow the final day of campaigning Mr. Papandreou will speak at a large rally in Athens at Areos Park. During an interview to Antenna television today the president of Pasok underlined that Greeces growth rate will continue at 4% annually while he also reiterated funding for the pre-electoral commitments made would derive from combating tax evasion

[08] Weather Forecast

Overcast weather turning to showers or sleet is forecast in all parts of the country, especially in the east and south. Light snowfall is expected on high ground. Winds north-northeasterly, very strong to gale force. Temperatures in Athens will range between 4-9 C and in Thessaloniki from 1-6 C. Snow is expected on mountains around Athens.

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article