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Thursday, 21 November 2024
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Antenna: News in English (PM), 98-03-31Antenna News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: Antenna Radio <http://www.antenna.gr> - email: antenna@compulink.grLast Updated: Tuesday, 31-Mar-98 22:55:32CONTENTS
[01] Tsochatzopoulos-YeltsinThe Russian president gave Greece's defence minister defence minister an unusually ostentatious welcome in Moscow Tuesday. And their half-hour discussion was conducted in what was called an "exceptionally warm" atmosphere.At Boris Yeltsin's request, Akis Tsochatzopoulos did not reveal the contents of their conversation to the press. One thing is for sure, they talked about Russian weapons sales to Greece and Cyprus. Cyprus is due to take delivery of Russian S-300 land- to-air missiles in August, over vehement opposition from Turkey. Asked to comment on international pressure on Cyprus to cancel the deal, and on Greece to refuse any eventual request to supply Cyprus with the missiles, Tsochatzopoulos said "There's no question of Greece taking into consideration pressure not to buy this or that weapon. We can acquire any weapon we want to, and will buy in accordance with our national interest". Yeltsin assured Tsochatzopoulos that Russia will back Greece fully in the purchase of any Russian weapon it decides it wants. At present, Greece is considering buying three Russian weapon systems: the S-300s, Sukhoi jets, and T-80 tanks. Details of all that will be discussed by Tsochatzopoulos and the Russian foreign minister Wednesday. [02] EU-CyprusTurkey is further cementing its institutional ties to northern Cyprus, which Turkish troops have been in occupation of since 1974.Ankara's move comes in retaliation for the European Union's decision to start membership talks with the Cypriot Republic. Those talks opened Monday. Turkey objects to Cyprus joining the EU before it does, and was angered when the EU refused to shelve the Cyprus accession plans. Turkey and the Turkish-Cypriots also argue that the island should not enter the EU until the Cyprus problem is solved. But Greece and Cyprus say it is Turkey, which has 35 thousand troops on the island, that is preventing a solution from being found. The self-declared Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognised only by Turkey. And it has been hoped by the international community that the Turkish- Cypriots would accept an invitation from the Cypriot government to join the Cypriot EU negotiating team. Instead of accepting offers to bring the Turkish- Cypriots into the EU talks, Turkish leaders have threatened to annex northern Cyprus outright if the Cypriot Repbulic joins the EU. Greece and the Cypriot Republic have advised the Turkish-Cypriots not to move into isolation at Turkey's behest. But the words have not been heeded. Instead, announcing their latest integrational moves, Turkey and Cyprus say quote "efforts to enable Turkish-Cypriots to participate in international political, economic, cultural and sporting events will be strengthened". Turkey and occupied Cyprus are lifting tariff barriers between them, and intend to sign a free trade agreement. Turkey will also provide occupied Cyrpus with cheap loans and tax exemptions, and help build up its transport and communications infrastructure. "We are open for all kinds of integration", says Turkish state minister Sukru Sina Gurel. [03] Nicholas BurnsThe American ambassador to Athens thinks Greece can and should play a leading role in the Balkans.Nicholas Burns spoke in Thessaloniki, where he attended the 5th "Greece and the Balkans" forum. "So I'm leaving you with one message. We're working well with Greece in the Balkans and we look forward to continuing that . Thank you. Efharisto". [04] Economy-MarketThe government is putting a lid on rising fruit and vegetable prices. The upward pressure on prices comes in the wake of last week's flooding, which destroyed thousands of acres of crops.In addition to imposing price ceilings on fresh produce, the government is also going to increase imports of foreign farm goods. At Athens markets, a number of consumers complained that things are getting more expensive. Finance minister Yiannos Papantoniou says things aren't that bad. There hasn't been a big hike in prices, he adds. Greengrocers have been rational in their response to the shortage of produce. [05] Karamanlis-EducationThe leader of New Democracy is lashing out at the government's reform of the education system. Kostas Karamanlis addressed Athens law students on the eve of their elections.Karamanlis reiterated New Democracy's promise to found private universities when it comes to power. Karamanlis added that ten percent of EU funds given to Greece for educational purposes have not been used by the education ministry. [06] Mimis TryforosPoet and playwright Mimis Tryforos was buried in Athens Tuesday afternoon. He died Saturday at the age of 86.Triforos's name is closely bound to that of Sofia Vembo - together, TrifOros and Vembo raised the morale of Greek troops duing the Second World War, entertaining them in difficult times. [07] UNICEFThe Greek chapter of UNICEF is holding a radio marathon this Thursday, to raise money to combat diseases afflicting children in the the Third World; and to sensitise people to the needs of the world's poor.The marathon will run from 9am till 9pm, and be aired on a number of stations. It will also feature a two-hour joint broadcast by Antenna, Sky, and Flash radio. At least three million children are saved from polio every year by Unicef's vaccination programme. Says Greek chapter chairman Andreas Komninos: "It is estimated that by the year 2005, our 1.5 billion dollar programme will have gratly reduced the number of polio cases in the Third World". At the press conference, Antenna anchorwoman Tatiana Stephanidou said, "Instead of buying a chocolate for one of our kids, we can save the life of a child in Somalia. It's that simple". Students from Antenna's journalism school have volunteered to man the phones during the marathon. (c) ANT1 Radio 1998Antenna News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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