The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-06-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] On the Lisbon Treaty

17 Ιουν 2008 19:49:0 (Last updated: 17 Ιουν 2008 21:52:1)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

The debate on the Greek oppositions call for a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty is currently underway in Parliament. The PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) rapporteur Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou said that her party has called for a referendum, because a wider information and participation are required. KKEs Greek Communist Party) rapporteur Antonis Skyllakos voiced his partys satisfaction about the negative vote of the people of Ireland, arguing that it was a crushing blow to EU Treaty and the EU in general. SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) deputy Theodoros Dritsas stressed that the [Greek] Constitution dictates the holding of referendums on crucial social matters. Finally, speaking on behalf of LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally), Athanasios Plevris also championed the call for a referendum.

Representing the Government, Justice Minister Sotiris Hatzigakis noted that all Treaties are ratified by the House, claiming that holding a referendum on that particular case would degrade the House. A roll-call vote will wrap up the debate at midnight.

It should be noted that former PASOK leader and ex-Prime Minister Kostas Simitis has walked out of the debate, following the PASOK infighting triggered by his letter to PASOK President George Papandreou.

"Should you believe that 83% of the lawmakers that voted for the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty does not express the peoples will, then you think that there is another problem, much bigger than that of the ratification of the treaty," commented Deputy Foreign Minister Petros Doukas.

"We are not intimidated by different views. Provided that we will have guaranteed time for a public dialogue on the Lisbon Treaty, the result will be positive for the society, our political system and Greece," stressed Socialist MP Christos Papoutsis.

Justice Minister Sotiris Hatzigakis said that the oppositions call ran contrary to the Constitution that allows referenda on serious social matters.

"The essence of your argument is that we do no trust the peoples verdict," replied PASOK deputy Theodoros Pangalos.

Head of SYRIZAs parliamentary group Alekos Alavanos hailed the people of Ireland for rejecting the Lisbon Treaty, claiming that they saved Europes honor. He then went on to blast the Government for denying a referendum, arguing that it is afraid of the people.

On her part, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis commented: "Greeces European prospect cannot and must not be questioned. The European construction should remain solid and it will as long as governments and parliaments claim their responsibilities and live up to expectations. When having the nations future in their hands, politicians should not opt for the alibi of a referendum."

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Cyprus: New Pascoe-Talat Meeting

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA-MPA

UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Lynn Pasco met Tuesday with the Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat in the Turkish-occupied side of the island. Talat said he would not attend a dinner with the UN official and Greek-Cypriot President Demetris Christofias. Earlier, Pascoe had held talks with Christofias. The Cypriot government spokesman, Stefanos Stefanou said that President Christofias reiterated his commitment to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation and political equality, as dictated by the relevant UN resolutions. The goal, continued Stefanou, is to turn the Cypriot Republic into a federal state with international profile. That was exactly what had been agreed with the Turkish-Cypriot community, said he. "If we sidestep what has been agreed, if we distort them, we reduce the prospects of a solution," concluded the Cypriot government spokesman.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Between Israel and Hamas

17 Ιουν 2008 20:20:0

By Katerina Ioannidou

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian militants was struck in the Gaza Strip, hoping to help stop the Israeli blockade imposed on the Hamas-led Gaza. After weeks of separate talks with Israel and Hamas, the two sides were urged to agree to halt atrocities and military operations against each other, a spokesman of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry was quoted as saying. Confirming information that leaked in the Press, the Egyptian official said that the ceasefire would start as of 06.00 (Greek local time) on Thursday.

However, Israel has questioned Hamas intentions to stay committed to the agreement, while the head of the Hamas-led government in the Gaza Strip welcomed Egypts efforts, stressing that the progress made would help stop Israeli operations and lift the blockade.

Actions matter and not words, said a spokesman of the Israeli Prime Minister, implying that the agreement would be broken. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, while the government spokesman said that Israel keeps being interested in agreeing on a truce.

An announcement by the Israeli Defence Ministry, a ministry official involved in the negotiations, would be Tuesday night in Egypt for talks with the head of Egyptian intelligence.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] In Madrid

17 Ιουν 2008 19:53:0

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA-MPA, AFP

Within the framework of a US-Russian initiative against nuclear terrorism, representatives of 55 nations held a closed session in Madrid on Tuesday, said the Spanish police. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak and his US counterpart John Rood, as well as EU and IAEA reps attended the meeting. It is the fourth meeting held after the anti-nuclear terrorism initiative undertaken by US President George W. Bush and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in 2006. The goal of the meeting hosted in Madrid was to develop and draft a plan of international cooperation with a view to enhancing the fight against nuclear terrorism, claimed the Spanish Foreign Ministry.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] To Attend the OECD Meeting

17 Ιουν 2008 19:06:0

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA-MPA

Greeces Transport and Communications Minister Kostis Hatzidakis is in Korea to attend a ministerial meeting on the Internet held by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Minister and senior officials of the OECD member states and other nations, representatives of the EU and other international bodies, academics and representatives of the private sector and the Civil Society have been invited to attend the meeting in Seoul. The OECD meeting aims at recording and assessing the changes brought about by the new communications technology in economy and society. On the sidelines of the meeting, Xatzidakis will hold talks with his Korean counterparts, as well as business representatives.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Called by KKE

17 Ιουν 2008 19:00:0

Demanding a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, the Greek Communist Party (KKE) held Tuesday evening rallies in Athens and Thessaloniki. "Following the answer of the people of Ireland, the Greek people should also demand a referendum so that they can contribute to the rejection of the EU Treaty, sending a message of resistance and disobedience," read an announcement by KKE.

Translated by Areti Christou

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