The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-04-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Mutually Accepted Solution

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

The solution of the FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) name issue lies in the hands of FYROM says Athens, while Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis has stated that the neighbouring countrys European prospect remains in the air if the name issue is not resolved. At an off-the-agenda debate held at political leaders level on the name issue on Thursday, Mr Karamanlis rejected allegations on a secret agenda on the Skopje issue, reiterating that Greece wishes the resumption of negotiations on the name issue. At the same time, the opposition spoke of excessive exultation and unclear messages on the resolution of the name issue. Earlier, Deputy Foreign Minister Giannis Valinakis had discussed the Skopje issue and developments in the Balkans with his US counterpart Matthew Braiza, who will successive meetings with the President of the Parliament, the Development minister and Deputy Foreign minister Petros Doukas, who is responsible for international economic relations. Meanwhile, FYROM Parliament continues its debate today to decide whether early elections should be declared.

"Good Neighbourly Relations"

In reply to a question as to what he thinks of Mr Milososkis letter to NATO members Giannis Valinakis stated that it seems that Skopje has not received Greeces message in the right way and that is why its allies should help the other side understand the message. Mr Milososki was asking NATO member states to allow FYROMs entry to NATO irrelevant to the solution of the name issue.

He also reported that FYROM would not join the EU and NATO if no good neighbourly relations are achieved. As for the Bucharest Summit Meeting, he said that it has become clear that the resolution of the name issue should take place within the UN and under envoy Matthew Nimetz.

However, ht added that each country should help FYROM understand the message sent in Bucharest by the Greek side.

"Our message is clear," he underlined. "We are supporting our neighbours European and NATO prospects, including those of FYROM. However, the name issue should be resolved first in the Greek way. We are determined for that," he concluded.

Meanwhile, after his meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Petros Doukas, Mr Matthew Braiza stated "we are doing all we can to encourage Skopje to proceed to a constructive compromise." From his side, Mr Doukas pointed out that NATO and the EU should persuade Skopje to reach an understanding with Greece.

Karamanlis Message from Parliament

At the same time, Mr Karamanlis stressed on Thursday that although that Greece supports relations of friendship and cooperation with FYROM it will not act irresponsibly on the regions stability and security, as well as with Greek national issues. Mr Karamanlis spoke of a positive development for Greece at the NATO Summit Meeting.

PASOK (Socialists) President George Papandreou said that the veto has not written off past mistakes, adding that his party had acted patriotically.

KKE (Greek Communist Party) Secretary General Aleka Papariga stressed the need for an anti-imperialistic policy, adding that it became evident in Bucharest that the EU should be transformed to a European NATO.

SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) Parliamentary spokesman Alekos Alavanos Held the US and powerful European countries responsible for the situation as they have adopted the divide and conquer policy.

Finally, LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) President George Karatzaferis expressed his opposition to a solution based on a composite name and under the US influence.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

FYROM: Marathon Debate

Fresh Invitation Expected

Skopje Issue in Parliament

[02] In View of Easter

11 Apr 2008 14:45:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

Deputy Agriculture Minister Alexandros Kontos has issued a circular proposing the stepping up of checks in the market in view of Easter. He told NET 105.8 that from now on receipts from now on will bear the country of origin of the meat sold, adding that nine out of ten Greek prefer local meat. Sanctions will be strict for those who break the law, adding that the name of the enterprise that breaks the law will be made public.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Samos & Crete Hit by Quakes

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8

A mild quake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale was registered at 11:01, Friday, 285 kilometres east of Athens, with its epicentre located in Vathi Samos.

Furthermore, a sea quake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale took place off Heraklion, Crete at 02:15.

No damages have been reported yet.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] A Crocodile's Shopping Therapy

By Vivian Papastefanou

Malaysian fire and rescue officers caught a three-metre-long crocodile that was found trying to climb the stairs of a two-storey shop in provincial capital Malacca, a news report said on Friday.

The 200-kilogram reptile, believed to be from a nearby swamp in the central state of Malacca, was halfway up the flight of steps when shocked onlookers called the fire and rescue department.

The crocodile was transferred to a public zoo.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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