The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Optimism Over Bilateral Relations Aimed at Agreement

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

A few hours remain before the emergency meeting of the European Unions Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Luxemburg, where they will try to reach an agreement on the negotiating context of accession discussions with Ankara, which have been set to start on Monday. In tonights meeting they will try to find a compromising solution, if Austria backs down with its demand of an alternative approach being included, instead of Turkeys full accession, in the document. However, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that on Saturday evening he had "a very constructive phone call" with Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Sch&#252;ssel. Minister of Foreign Affairs Petros Molyviaits appeared optimistic over Turkeys European prospect, in an exclusive interview on NET, while in an interview in the Sunday edition of Kathimerini, he sends a message to Ankara, stating that the Turkish side, from now on, will have to operate based on the rules and regulation of the Union. In the meantime, there is an evident pro-Europeanism on both sides of the Aegean, and optimism over bilateral relations, as concluded by an opinion poll by Kapa Research, which took place in Greece and Turkey.

Historic Opportunity for Turkey

"The respect of good neighbouring relations does not compromise with military activities and provocations in the Aegean Sea, and after the extension of anachronistic idea of casus belli ," stated the Foreign Minister in an interview to the Sunday edition of Kathimerini.

At the same time, Mr Molyviatis noted that we should not be delusional that all the above will take place on October 4.

Moreover, the Minister stated, "it would be a mistake by Turkey to miss out on the historic opportunity for its accession in the European Union," and repeated that our countrys expectation from the accession negotiations of the neighbouring country is the establishment of stability and peace.

Opinion Poll in Athens and Istanbul

An evident pro-Europeanism on both sides of the Aegean, a joint distrust to the Americans and optimism over bilateral relations is concluded by a Kapa Research opinion poll, on the account of Sunday edition of Vima and Turkish newspaper Hurriyet.

The opinion poll stated that Turkeys future accession in the EU will positively affect the relations of the two countries.

The double research entitled "Athens-Istanbul, Greek-Turkish relations and Turkeys European prospect" is the first large-scale research carried out in elite groups of politics and economics of the two cities.

A representative sample of businessmen, people of the arts, communication and political officials filled out around 1,000 questionnaires, from September 15 to 26.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

In View of the Crucial Decision

Related Links:

Hurriyet

Vima

[02] International Outcry Suicide Attacks

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Associated Press, ANA

Suicide bombers carried out the coordinated attacks in Bali, stated counter terrorism official Ansyaad Mbai adding that it is unknown if the bombers had the explosives strapped on themselves or transported them. Regardless of the fact that no organisation has claimed responsibility, the Jemaah Islamiya an Al Qaeda-linked group is suspected. In the meantime, Authorities reviewed the tragic death toll from the three explosions, which rocked the tourist resorts of Jimbaran and Kuta on Saturday evening local time, stating that the casualties are 26 while the injured more than 100. As per information by the Greek Foreign Ministry, 100 of our fellowmen vacationing in Bali are safe from harm. The hits in Bali caused an international outcry, while UN General Secretary Kofi Annan voiced his shock by the fact that the island has been a terrorist target once again, and called on the countrys Authorities to take immediate action, locate the perpetrators and prosecute them.

Two Malaysians Have Been Named

As per Indonesian Police, two Malaysians are thought to be behind the attack, in particular Azahari bin Husin and Noordin Mohamed Top. They have vanished after the terrorist hits in the US, when Malaysia started the manhunt for the location of extremist Islamists.

Among the dead are two Australians, one Japanese woman and 12 Indonesians, while among the injured 49 Indonesians, 15 Australians, six Koreans, three Japanese and two Americans.

The President of Indonesia arrived at the scene of the attacks, while later on he will visit the wounded persons in a local hospital.

Saturdays terrorist hit awoken painful memories. On October 12, 2002, 202 persons were killed, the majority of whom tourists, in terrorist hits carried out by Jemaah Islamiya.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

"Blind" Hit in Bali

[03] As of Noon Onwards Bad Weather Subsides

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8

The strong thunderstorms that started on Friday caused serious problems in most areas of the country. Many houses flooded in Thessaloniki, where the fish market in Michaniona turned into a lake, since the water level exceeded 1.5m, as well as in Kavala, Chalkidiki and Ilia, while landslides occurred in Thasos. Moreover, water and electricity was cut in many areas of the Thessaloniki Prefecture. Strong rainfall also occurred in Attica. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service forecasted the continuation of the bad weather, however the extreme weather conditions will subside as of noon onwards.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Bad Weather Persists

[04] Optimism Over Bilateral Relations Aimed at Agreement

By

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

A few hours remain before the emergency meeting of the European Unions Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Luxemburg, where they will try to reach an agreement on the negotiating context of accession discussions with Ankara, which have been set to start on Monday. In tonights meeting they will try to find a compromising solution, if Austria backs down with its demand of an alternative approach being included, instead of Turkeys full accession, in the document. However, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that on Saturday evening he had "a very constructive phone call" with Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Sch&#252;ssel. Minister of Foreign Affairs Petros Molyviaits appeared optimistic over Turkeys European prospect, in an exclusive interview on NET, while in an interview in the Sunday edition of Kathimerini, he sends a message to Ankara, stating that the Turkish side, from now on, will have to operate based on the rules and regulation of the Union. In the meantime, there is an evident pro-Europeanism on both sides of the Aegean, and optimism over bilateral relations, as concluded by an opinion poll by Kapa Research, which took place in Greece and Turkey.

Historic Opportunity for Turkey

"The respect of good neighbouring relations does not compromise with military activities and provocations in the Aegean Sea, and after the extension of anachronistic idea of casus belli ," stated the Foreign Minister in an interview to the Sunday edition of Kathimerini.

At the same time, Mr Molyviatis noted that we should not be delusional that all the above will take place on October 4.

Moreover, the Minister stated, "it would be a mistake by Turkey to miss out on the historic opportunity for its accession in the European Union," and repeated that our countrys expectation from the accession negotiations of the neighbouring country is the establishment of stability and peace.

Opinion Poll in Athens and Istanbul

An evident pro-Europeanism on both sides of the Aegean, a joint distrust to the Americans and optimism over bilateral relations is concluded by a Kapa Research opinion poll, on the account of Sunday edition of Vima and Turkish newspaper Hurriyet.

The opinion poll stated that Turkeys future accession in the EU will positively affect the relations of the two countries.

The double research entitled "Athens-Istanbul, Greek-Turkish relations and Turkeys European prospect" is the first large-scale research carried out in elite groups of politics and economics of the two cities.

A representative sample of businessmen, people of the arts, communication and political officials filled out around 1,000 questionnaires, from September 15 to 26.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

In View of the Crucial Decision

Related Links:

Hurriyet

Vima

[05] Family Tragedy

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

On Saturday night, a 36-year-old patient pushed out of the second-story window, of the psychiatric hostel he was hospitalised in, on 59 Dodekanisou Street, Peristeri, his 58-year-old mother, who was visiting him, resulting in the woman to be fatally wounded. A preliminary investigation is being carried out by the Peristeri 2nd Police Department.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] After 100 Years Santa Ana has Awoken

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

The highest volcano of El Salvador has awoken after a century, spewing out ashes and lava. On Saturday, two persons lost their lives due to landslides. The countrys Authorities have declared a "red alarm" in a 4km radius around the crater, while 2,000 residents were forced to flee their homes. The scientists stated that similar eruptions can occur in the coming days, while they warned of landslides.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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