The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] In Manhattan

26 Σεπ 2008 22:47:00

Sources: ANA

Addressing Greek-Americans in Manhattan on Friday, Greeces Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis stressed, "We are determined to deal with the problems and move forward, all together. In this difficult environment, Greece is going through a period of change and reform."

Bakoyannis said that Greeces foreign policy was exercised with extroversion and national self-confidence, further adding that Greece and the USA were linked with close, long-standing and strategic bonds. "Both at a bilateral level and in the framework of international organisations, Greece and the US work closely together to deal with all major international challenges. We are jointly fighting the battle against terrorism in all its forms. We are not just another ally. We believe that we are a valuable ally and partner," she stressed.

Touching on the FYROM name dispute, the Greek Foreign Minister claimed: "The neighbouring countrys government has to actively demonstrate, with realistic proposals, its intention to come to a mutually acceptable solution on the basis of a composite name with a geographic determinant that will apply for all."

With regard to the Greek-Turkish relations, Bakoyannis argued that Athens support to Turkeys European perspective was part of a strategic policy of helping all countries in the region come close to European institutions. "But Turkeys European future is in its own hands. It must demonstrate that it has the political will to meet the criteria set by the EU member-states," she added.

Shifting her attention to the Cyprus row, Bakoyannis argued that its solution was the Greek policys key goal. "We are after Cyprus unification in a fair, viable and functional way based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation. We are after a solution to everyones benefit, a solution that will live up to the Greek nations expectations and contribute to stability and peace in our region. We all support President Christofias and the Cypriot political leadership in their campaign to put an end to injustice, to an unacceptable situation that has been going on for 34 years. I want to hope that Turkey will also realize that a solution to the Cyprus issue is to the benefit of the Turkish people, as well," underlined Bakoyannis.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Papandreou's Speech

26 Σεπ 2008 21:55:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA-MPA-ΝΕΤ

The US financial crisis, as well as the developments in conflict zones, including the Caucasus and the Middle East, topped the talks Greek Socialist leader George Papandreou held in the UN. Papandreou met with Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and chaired the sitting of the Socialist International on the sidelines of the 63rd UN General Assembly. In his opening address, Papandreou touched on the collapse of Wall Streets capitalism, arguing that trillions are being wasted affecting pensions, education and social welfare. Among the participants are the Presidents of Irak, Pakistan, Chile, Finland and Panama, the Austrian Chancellor, Mongolias head of government, the head of the United Nations Development Programme, the President of the International Labour Organisation, as well as the heads of socialist and labour parties from all over the world.

Papandreou spoke of a system that allows the few to get a firm grip on power and make decisions, also adding that the conservatives succeeded in privatizing profits and nationalizing losses. "We are experiencing the end of the conviction that markets can be self-governed. It is more than obvious that the cost of non intervention is huge and affects those most vulnerable," argued Papandreou, further warning of the conservative powers drive to invest in the citizens fear and insecurity. "Frightened citizens look for saviours with ultra powers that prefer to seek for scapegoats rather than real solutions." said he.

The Socialist International President stressed that the democratic powers have the historical responsibility to work for their citizens prosperity, security, democracy, prudent governance, wise wealth distribution, social policy and education. He then went on to urge the Socialist leaders to undertake national, as well as international initiatives to restore the damage reported.

"Immigration, climate change, epidemics, violation of human rights, financial crisis and global problems are our problems, regional problems. And regional problems grow global [] We all have our priorities. And mine is Greece and the Greek people," added Papandreou.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] In New York

26 Σεπ 2008 19:47:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA-MPA-ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

Greeces Socialist leader George Papandreou is in New York, where he is to chair a sitting of the Socialist International board on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Except for the UN resolutions, a solution to the Cyprus row should also fall in line with the principles and acquis of the European Union, since Cyprus is an EU member, stressed Papandreou after his meeting with Cypriot President Demetris Christofias early on Friday. Papandreou hailed the opening of the talks between the two sides, placing emphasis on matters pertaining to security. "There is no need for more guarantors within the EU," underlined he, further claiming, "The solution should be in the interest of the Cypriots within the framework of the European family." The Greek Socialist leader vowed to do anything in his power in the framework of the Socialist International, calling on the government to act similarly.

The Cypriot President, on his part, praised the opening of the talks, stressing he would like to believe, "the Turkish-Cypriot side will too demonstrate a similar good will so that the Cyprus issue can be resolved the soonest possible." "The Greek-Cypriot side has no objection to that, noted he, also adding that there are still some important aspects that have yet to be touched on.

Translated by Areti Christou

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