The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-04-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM calls for curbs on spending, except for Games

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis today urged cabinet members to curtail spending, apart from expenditure for the Olympic Games. On his part, Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis stressed that the 2003 state deficit is double that presented by the previous Pasok government.

For 2004, he expressed the view that the deficit will be contained under 3%, rather than 1.2%, as provided in the state budget, while he forecast a growth rate of less than 3.7%, compared to the target rate, 4.2%.

[02] Athens will be ready for Games says IOC Coordinating Committee President

Following a visit today to the Olympic Stadium, the president of the IOCs Coordinating Committee, Dennis Oswald, said he was certain everything would be ready by the end of June for the Athens Olympic Games. In addition, he described the Olympic swimming pool as a unique facility, unequalled anywhere else in the world. On the subject of security for the Games, Oswald pointed out that already scenarios on possible dangers were fading out.

[03] PM stresses unity after the referendum

In Athens, the Cyprus issue was the focus of todays cabinet meeting, while both the government and the opposition had contacts yesterday with the parties involved. According to reliable sources, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis has underlined the importance of unity on the day after the referendum. At the same time, Karamanlis expressed the view that Greece considers it is offering its services in relation to the Cyprus dispute both medium and long-term while backing Turkeys European prospects.

[04] Cyprus awaits further developments

In Nicosia, a climate of expectation prevails. The issue of guarantees has been clarified in the Annan report, according to the Cypriot government spokesman, Kypros Chrysostomidis, speaking in a interview with NET radio. Since this morning, the leadership of the AKEL political party has been meeting, in order to define its stance following the latest developments. Its general secretary said the party wanted a yes response to the referendum.

[05] Pressure builds for Cypriots to vote "yes" in referendum

The United States today pushed for a Security Council resolution, in an effort to woo wary Greek and Turkish Cypriots to back the UN plan to reunify the island, in separate, simultaneous referendums this weekend. With time running out to end 30 years of division, the European Union also weighed in, warning the majority Greek Cypriots that life would not be the same on the Mediterranean island, if they reject the UN peace deal.

[06] UN resolution and amended plan on Cyprus for discussion by Security Council

A diplomatic marathon is under way in New York, Nicosia and Athens, after the submission of a new draft resolution on Cyprus by the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, and a new, amended reunification plan for the island, tabled late last night by the United States and Britain. At 10 this evening, Greek time, the UN Security Council will discuss the American-British plan, which adopts only the security measures, the changes in the peacekeeping force on Cyprus and the arms embargo.

[07] Weather forecast

A cloudy and rainy day is forecast, with some snowfalls in the hills in central and northern Greece. Temperatures in Athens will range from 14 to 17 degrees centigrade, and in Thessaloniki from 10 to 13 degrees.

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