Antenna: News in English (AM), 97-07-30

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From: Antenna Radio <http://www.antenna.gr> - email: antenna@compulink.gr

News in English, 30/07/97

TITLES

• Security measures being taken for the 6th annual World Track-and-field Championships
• Greek-American George Stefanopoulos meets with defence minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos
• And, places to visit in Greece off the beaten path.

ATHENS'97

The 58 events will be broadcast to 200 countries around the world, but what viewers will not see are the security measures being taken behind the scenes.

With athletes arriving from all over the world, 15 thousand police officers uniformed and plainclothed will be mobilized. They will cover the Olympic Statium in Maroussi, hotels where participants will be staying, and along streets and at the main arrivals terminal at the international airport to ensure the safety of athletes, trainers and judges.

Special security forces major-general Ioannis Georgakopoulos from the Athens police headquarters reported on the security measures being taken saying that,"We have ensured that all the appropriate security measures will be taken at the arrivals terminal of the international airport, and for the safe transportation of athletes to and from the sports complex."

Georgakopoulos said that security measures would also be taken to protect athletes while in residence and of course extensive coverage at the Olympic statium. Saying that, "All athletes, trainers and judges will receive the best protection possible, recognizing of course that some athletes require extra security."

Police contigents will be stationed along major traffic routes. At their disposal will be motorcycles, cars, speed radars and communication equipment. In addition a hi-tech survelliance system of hidden cameras will operate at key points around the city.

Harris Kastanidis transport minister, accompanied by several officials from the Greek Civil Aviation Service, was at the Greek airport in Athens Tuesday inspecting the strict security measures which are being implemented for the upcoming track and field events.

KastanEEdis expressed satisfaction over the strict measures being taken saying that, "I'd like to express my satisfaction over the cooperation between Greek police and Civil Aviation Service. I'm referring to the necessity of such severe security measures which will protect Greece's prestige and will be instrumental in holding the Championships games in the best way possible".

The airport areas set to host the athletes and their groups will be sectioned off within the regular airport to ensure the safe and quick transport of arriving participants from the airport to the downtown Athens area.

Police are set to patrol all entrances on a 24 hour basis, refusing admittance to anyone who does not have within his possession a special authorization card.

Yiannis Papadogianakis, justice ministry's general secretary says that the measures fall under three categories; policing, safety and traffic control. Adding that, "Of course, there is always the possibility of something going wrong. However, the government believes that everything will go well, so that Athens can go to Lausanne, the International Olympic Committee's headquarters

with the advantage of a successful, safe and well organized event under its belt."

ATHLETES ARRIVALS

During their arrival at the international airport on Monday, reporters asked them to comment on the upcoming 10 day event.

1994 winner of the US national games, Octavius Terry commented on the upcoming games saying that, "I'm very happy to be participating in the world championships after I secured 4th position in my country's national games. I consider it very important to be a part of the US national team. My first goal is to reach the finals and then, anything could happen, maybe even a medal. Adding that, "Greece is a place I've always wanted to visit. I've heard so much about it". 25 year old Terry is scheduled to compete in the 400 meter hurdle race.

Julliette Campbell of Jamaica's national team who reached the semi-finals at the Olympics in Atlanta commented on the championships saying,"I expect to do my best since I'm in excellent condition". When asked about her impression of Greece, she gleefully added, "I've recently been to the island of Crete. It reminded me very much of my country with its beautiful beaches. This is my second time in Greece and I can't wait to see the stadium". Campbell will run in the 400 relay.

Micell Malone, one of the best athletes who was US champion in 1990 and 1996 in the 400 meter race, arrived in Greece Monday, saying, " I expect to perform my best and that means to reach the finals, and if I do this, to be among the three first runners".

DOLLAR

A meeting was held Tuesday, by Economy minister Yiannos Papanto-nEEou, to discuss economic issues saying that the government's efforts will be focused on maintaining and trying to reduce the inflation rate to 3 percent by the end of 1998. In June the inflation rate was 5.5 percent.

No specific measures have been announced as yet, but the ministry of Commerce has vowed to continue its talks with all venders to prevent any further increase in prices of products.

The Bank of Greece announced Tuesday that beginning August 1st, all Greeks will be able to open accounts in foreign currency, with no limits at Greek and foreign banks. No special documents will be needed to justify the opening of accounts. Payments or withdrawals will be possible in drachmas or any foreign currency.

The exchange rate leveled at 288 drachmas to the dollar on Tuesday after a continuous rise over the past 10 days.

STEFANOPOULOS GEORGE

Stefanopoulos met with Defence minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos Tuesday expressing not only optimism regarding the Cyprus issue but Greek-Turkish relations as well.

"I hope you know that president Clinton is very concerned about the problem in Cyprus, that's why he's appointed a special envoy, Mr. Holbrooke hoping that he can discuss this problem with the minister (Tsochatzopoulos) as well, because we feel there is a moment of opportunity in Cyprus right now and by appointing Mr. Holbrooke the president has really put his personal stamp on the problem in Cyprus. He knows that Mr. Holbrooke is creative and forceful and we want to do what we can to help promote a solution, it's been too long, Cyprus without a solution".

TSAKOPOULOS

Tsakopoulos is the first Greek-American who personally met with Clinton, after the signing of the Greek-Turkish non-violence agreement in Madrid two weeks ago. During his meeting he denounced Turkey's behavior over the Aegean and the Cyprus issue.

The businessmane said that Turkish president Bulend Etchevit's statements last week on Turkey annexing northern Cyprus if the island's government went ahead with accession talks with the European Union was provocative.

In a letter given personally to the president, TsakO-poulos emphasized that the provocative attitude of the statements undermine the recent results of the Madrid agreement. Saying that, "Turkey's aggressive policy is encouraged by the US through its constant supply of weapons, which Turkey uses to threaten Greece and Cyprus.

He then praised Greece's role in helping to establish peace and stabilisation in the Balkans. Reaffirming Greece's support of Turkey's aspirations to join the EU. Adding that if the US could convince Turkey to stop it's aggressive policy it would be beneficial in promoting Turkey's EU membership.

CLIRIDIS/DENKTASH

No comments were made after the first meeting Monday. But Feyssel said that the meeting's goals were achieved, estimating that the second meeting could positively influence the atmosphere of the second round of bilateral talks to be held in Switzerland in August.

The two men spoke about humanitarian and not political issues. More specifically the topic centered on Cypriots missing after the Turkish invasion on the island in 1974. And of Cypriots forced to live in the Turkish occupied territory in northern Cyprus.

CLIRIDIS/DENKTASH

No comments were made after the first meeting Monday. But Feyssel said that the meeting's goals were achieved, estimating that the second meeting could positively influence the atmosphere of the second round of bilateral talks to be held in Switzerland in August.

The two men spoke about humanitarian and not political issues. More specifically the topic centered on Cypriots missing after the Turkish invasion on the island in 1974. And of Cypriots forced to live in the Turkish occupied territory in northern Cyprus.

EDUCATION

The lowest scores were recorded at the Comprehension level in the four categories of studies.

Under the Greek education system, last year high school students choose one of four categories to study. The category they select, includes four lessons in which they are tested on. The results of the tests determine whether or not they win a place in higher education.

The Ministry of Education will publish a list of state universities corresponding to entry grades required for that university. The long awaited list will be posted at the end of August.

F-16

Georgios Andonetsis Airforce Chief of staff watched the arrival of the fighterjets, congratulating the Greek and American pilots who flew them to Greece from the US. Saying that,"Hard work, sacrifice and blood. This is the price the Greek Airforce officials have to pay to follow such a strenous training program. To be first in the Aegean". Adding that, "And, we ARE first, something we have proved over the past twenty years".

The new F-16s are equipped with a modern central computer enabling them to functions under any condition. And whether or not it is during the day or at night. The fighterjets also are equipped with a high-technology weaponry system for a more clearer view of the target.

The official ceremony of the F-16 arrivals will will beheld in Volos, north central Greece this coming September.

MIRAGEM

A naval ship, helicopters and a C-130 aircraft continued their search through Tuesday for the Greek air force pilot, who was reported missing Monday after his fighter jet crashed off the coast of Skiros in the northwestern Aegean.

Naval forces searching the area found some wreckage, which will be examined by Airforce officials in an effort to explain why the accident occurred. The most probable explanation is that the jet's engine suddenly switched off while the Mirage 2000 was flying at just one thousand 5 hundred feet over the sea.

Pandelakis had clocked in more than 400 hours of flying time, which spoke of his experience, in the Mirage 2000. He was participating in a series of exercises with another aircraft when the crash occurred.

LOTTO

The lottery game launched by the Greek soccer pool and lottery organisation OPAP, announced the scheduled changes during a press conference with sports minister Andreas Fouras Tuesday.

Propo will offer more profits for the lucky ones who manage to predict goals. One more category will be added to the current three categories of winners. A series of other changes promise more profits to those who know a thing or two about soccer and also believe in their good luck.

ANCIENT THEATER

Thymios Sokos, Agrinio's mayor says the community of StrAtos was a highly important cultural capitol in antiquity.

The Ancient Theatre of the Stratos, presented William Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' put on by the local theatre group.

The theater was revived thanks to the intense efforts of residents to see theatrical plays being performed at their region's archeological monument.

Dimitris Sideris, president of the StrAtos community enthusiastically commented, "Our efforts were succesful. We open the ancient theater's gates to anyone who's interested in seeing performances there".

© ANT1 Radio 1997

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