The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-04-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM calls for pre-agenda debate on the economy

In a letter sent today to the speaker of parliament, Anna Psarouda-Benaki, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis has requested a pre-agenda debate on the economy. Karamanlis maintained that the state of the Greek economy was falsely presented in an over-optimistic light during the pre-election campaign, and that figures, such as the public deficit, appeared smaller than they actually were.

[02] Greece rejects media concerns over Athens OLympics security

Athens 2004 Games organisers today rejected concerns over its security plans, as the British Olympic Association and Scotland Yard lent backing for Greece. After a series of fiercely critical articles in British and Australian media over the past week, organisers said their security measures were the most extensive in the history of the Olympics. Greece is putting in place the biggest security blueprint ever, worth more than 650 million euros.

[03] Military involvement in Games security examined

Matters concerning NATOs involvement in security measures for the 2004 Olympic Games were discussed at meetings today in Athens between the the commander of the Alliances southern wing, Admiral Gregory Johnson, and Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis. Tomorrow, Greeces Chief of Staff, Georgios Antonakopoulos, will depart for a week-long visit to the United States, where he is scheduled to meet with high-ranking military officials. Topics to be covered will include the war on terror, peace missions to the Balkans and participation by the Greek armed forces in security measures for the Games.

[04] Postive responses to Greece's stance on UN plan for Cyprus

Nicosia said today it was satisfied by Greeces position on the UN plan, as expressed yesterday at the Council of Political Leaders, chaired by the President of the Greek Republic, Costis Stephanopoulos. Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos thanked the Greek political leadership for its unreserved support for the Cypriot people.

The US State Department also commented positively on the Greek governments stance, while the American ambassador in Athens, Thomas Miller, appeared satisfied by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis decision on Cyprus.

[05] US aid for Turkish Cypriots if Greek Cypriots reject reunification deal

Following a meeting in New York with the UN Secretary-General, British Prime Minister Tony Blair described the referendum as the greatest political progress in Cyprus. On his part, Kofi Annan said that the matter was now in the hands of the Cypriot people. At the same time, Anerican Secretary of State Colin Powell clarified that the US intended to assist the Turkish Cypriots, in the event that the Anna plan was rejected by Greek Cypriots.

[06] Cypriots pressured to say "yes" to Annan plan

International pressure continues to be exerted on Cyprus, in view of next weeks April 24 referendum on the UN-backed reunification plan for the island. At the UN headquarters in New York, the United States and Britain are insisting on the adoption of a presidential statement that urges the Cypriot people to say yes to the plan, drafted by UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan.

[07] Weather forecast

A cloudy day is forecast for most of the country, except for the western, central, northern and eastern Aegean, where there will be occasional showers. Temperatures in Athens will range from 11 to 20 degrees centigrade, and in Thessaloniki from 9 to 18 degrees.

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