The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-04-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] No ban on rle-entry for legal immigrants leaving the country for Easter

In accordance with a decision by the Interior MInistry, economic immigrants living and working legally in Greece can leave the country for EAster holidays, without risking the possibility of problems of re-entry, provided they return by April 20. They must also hold a valid passport and a residence permit, for which a renewal application has been made within the legal time limit, plus certification attesting that all requisite documentation has been filed for a work or residence permit.

[02] PM says Acropolis Museum construction will go ahead

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis today assured the president of the Melina Mercouri Foundation, Jules Dassin, that construction of the Acropolis Museum will go ahead as planned. The assurance was given at a meeting this morning, which was also attended by Culture Undersecretary Petros Tatoulis.

[03] Government to call for debate on the economy

Cabinet decided today to call for a pre-agenda debate in parliament on the economy, after the Easter holiday break. Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said that shortly a fiscal report would be completed and the data announced in parliament. According to the preliminary information available on the report, Greece's deficit is 2.95% of the Gross National Product, and similar data is expected to emerge from a European Commission report.

[04] Pasok leader calls for objective and responsible evaluation of UN plan for Cyprus

In a meeting chaired by Pasok leader George Papandreou, the main opposition party focused on the Cyprus question, with Papandreou underlining the need for an objective and responsible assessment of the Annan reunification plan. At the same time, he announced that Pasok deputy Anna Diamantopoulou will visit Brussels tomorrow, in order to meet with the European commissioner in charge of EU expansion, Gunther Verheugen.

[05] Cabinet discusses Cyprus issue

In Athens, the Cyprus issue was discussed today at a cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis. Reliable sources reiterated that the government would announce its positions on the UN reunification plan at the appropriate time. Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis clarified that during the recent UN-brokered talks in Lucerne, Greece did not play a negotiating role, but offered its collaboration, as requested by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

[06] Greek government reiterates support for Cyprus

Greek Foreign Undersecretary Yannis Valinakis and the secretary of New Democracy's Central Committee, Vangelis Meimakis, are presently in Cyprus, for contacts with the island's state and political leadership. On his arrival at Larnaca airport, Valinakis said that his presence in Cyprus confirmed the Greek government's support, stressing that they were concerned not only about tomorrow, but also Cyprus' long-term future.

[07] Cypriot President to speak on UN plan tomorrow

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos is likely to say tomorrow whether he backs a UN plan to reunify the island before it joins the European Union on May 1. Papadopoulos is seen as being cool to the latest United Nations plan, which will be put to a referendum on April 24, but newspapers speculated today that his rejection was a foregone conclusion. Greek Cypriots appear to oppose the plan, but man look to Papadopoulos and political parties for guidance on how to vote.

[08] Weather forecast

A partly cloudy day is forecast, with possible light showers in most of the country. Temperatures in Athens will range from 8 to 21 degrees centigrade, and in Thessaloniki from 6 to 18 degrees.

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