The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-03-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Armed Forces Parade Messages of Unity

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

The celebrations for the national holiday of 25 March escalated with the Armed Forces parade in the centre of Athens, which was attended by the State and political leadership. "The effort and fight have to intensify as we are faced against important national and international challenges, for the effective confrontation of which the unity of Greeks around the world is required," noted President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias in his message. Earlier, in the Athens Cathedral, a Te Deum was officiated by Archbishop Christodoulos and attended by the State, political and military leadership of the country. The Armed Forces paid tribute to the President of the Republic, while following Karolos Papoulias laid a laurel wreath to the monument of the Unknown Soldier.

"Heavy Heritage"

With special references to unity, fighting spirit and reforms the State and political leadership of the country sent out messages for the national holiday of 25 March.

Among others, in his message Mr Papoulias underlined that the vision of the fighters of 1821 is a heavy heritage for Greeks, which leads us to the highest mission; to serve with responsibility, union of hearts and unity the ideals of freedom, national independence, justice and democracy, as well as to remain focused to the values and principles which kept, through the passage of centuries, the flame of Hellenism lit.

"The dual celebration of Orthodoxy and Hellenism underlines the perennial opportuneness of values and ideals which inspired the fighters of renaissance," underlined the Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis on his part, stating that 185 years later on the demand for freedom, national independence, justice and dignity continues to unite Greeks as a rule of our collective actions.

The Speaker of Parliament, Anna Benaki-Psarouda, referred to the challenges faced by the country and the unity of the Greek people, noting "the challenges are many. If we follow the example of unselfishness of the heroes of 1821 we can feel worthy of our history."

"The revolutionary fight celebrated by Hellenism will always constitute the symbol of dignity for all people fighting for its independence," stated President of PASOK George Papandreou.

"The revolution of 1821proves that the way of organised and decisive fights is the one that benefits the people," stated KKE, while SYN stated that the fight for independence, human rights and social progress is always timely.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Student Parade in Athens

Related Links:

Athens Urban Transport Organisation

[02] Political Dead-End Snubbing De Villepin

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters, Le Monde

The debate between students, unions and the government has reached a dead-end, following the decision of students to cancel the scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Dominique De Villepin on Saturday, with whom they would have discussed the event of the law of the first job contract (CPE) being repealed. On Friday, the meeting of the Prime Minister with representatives of unions also reached a dead-end following his refusal to repeal the much-discussed law. Unionists and students renewed their date for general collective actions on Tuesday, at the time when more than 60 out of the 84 universities and more than 600 out of the 4,330 high schools of the country have been taken over or their personnel is striking.

"Rift with Society"

As per the Agence France Presse (AFP), the students decided to deliver a letter to De Villepin instead of meeting with him, while they will explain the reason of their refusal to hold discussions with the French PM in a Press conference on Saturday at noon.

"The President and the Prime Minister have come to a rift with society, leading the country into a crisis," stated President of High School Unions (UNL) Karl Stoeckel, adding "we will not negotiate and endanger the youths future.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Le Monde: Etudiants et lyceens anti-CPE declinent l'invitation de Villepin

BBC: French student group to snub PM

Related News:

France in Political Crisis

Villepin-Trade Unions Meeting

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