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

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Funeral of football coach Kyrastas held today

The funeral was held today of veteran footballer and coach, 52-year-old Yannis Kyrastas, who died yesterday of a rare blood disease. The funeral was attended by politicians, athletes and sports fans.

[02] NATO to provide security for Athens Olympics

NATO agreed today to provide security for the Athens Olympics and Euro 2004 soccer tournament in Portugal, as part of a renewed offensive against terrorism, following last months' train bombings in Madrid. Athens has requested help from the alliance to guard the August 13-29 Games, including air and sea patrols and equipment, to protect against attacks from weapons of mass destruction.

[03] Pasok defines opposition tactics

The framework within which Pasok will function in its capacity as the main opposition party, as well as its restructuring and tactics, were outlined today by party leader George Papandreou during Pasoks National Council meeting. Also discussed was the partys course, in view of the upcoming European elections on June 13.

[04] Opposition urges responsible and sober stance on Cyprus

Commenting on the Cyprus talks, main opposition Pasok leader George Papandreou stressed that it was a time for responsibility and not defeatism, noting that his party would maintain a responsible stance, irrespective of the cost. Communist Party General Secretary Aleka Papariga also recommended a sober attitude, while describing the Annan plan as unfair and dangerous. The fact that the proceedings concluded without the signatures of either the Greek government or the Cypriots, was positive, she added.

[05] PM proposes convening of National Council of Political Leaders on Cyprus issue

In Athens, the prime minister today announced a decision to propose to the the President of the Greek Republic, Costis Stephanopoulos, the convening of the National Council of Political Leaders, in order to forge Greeces strategy on the Cyprus dispute, following the tough negotiations in Lucerne. After briefing parliament on the reunification talks, he underlined that efforts by the Greek side focused on security issues and on the UN plans conformance with European Union standards.

[06] Greece says Cyprus' fate in Cypriots' hands

Greece said today the fate of Cyprus now rested squarely with the island's two ethnic communities, but suggested it saw little to commend a UN-backed reunification plan they will vote on this month. Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said he had tried hard to forge a compromise at talks this week with Turkey and Turkish Cypriots, but the UN blueprint that emerged differed little from drafts already rejected by Greek Cypriots and Athens.

[07] Weather forecast

A mainly fine day is forecast, with cloudy patches in the western part of the country. Temperatures in Athens will range from 9 to 16 degrees centigrade, and in Thessaloniki from 5 to 14 degrees.

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