The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English (AM), 99-03-02

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

Today's ERA News Online

CONTENTS

[01] Greek government replies to allegations

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday described Dilan's statements as an anti-Greek delirium and adoption of the worst kind of Turkish propaganda, stressing that it would not prove to the Kurdish peoples' benefit if the Kurdish issue became part of a Greek-Turkish dispute. Referring to the opposition parties, he said they were not up to circumstances.

In the wake of the outcry caused by her statements, Ms Kilic Dilan adopted a milder tone and gave an additional press conference in a bid to explain her allegations on Saturday concerning the Greek government and prime minister Kostas Simitis. She stressed that the most important thing was Abdullah Ocalan's safety and the protection of human rights.

[02] Opposition parties' criticism continues

New Democracy party leader Kostas Karamanlis reiterated his proposal for the government's resignation, but former party leader Miltiadis Evert disagreed with the party leader's demand and called for the convening of the political party leaders' council under the chairmanship of president of the republic Konstantinos Stefanopoulos or prime minister Kostas Simitis.

[03] Former foreign minister denies having made statements

In a written statement, Mr Pangalos has described the report as fabrication, stressing that he never made any statements to Greek or foreign reporters on the Ocalan case, as he was awaiting the conclusions of the parliamentary inquiry committee.

[04] Investigation into Ocalan affair wound up

Additional testimony was also given by the official in charge of the VIP lounge at Athens airport, Stefanos Evangelatos.

[05] European Socialist party adopts resolution on Kurdish issue

Speaking during the congress, Mr Simitis stressed categorically that neither as socialists nor as Europeans, but not even as human beings, could we tolerate the situation created by Turkey's stand.

The president of the European Socialists' 4th congress currently taking place in Milan, Rudolf Sharping, said Turkey's European course would largely depend on its stand on the Kurdish issue. Former leader of the French May '68, Green party Euro-deputy Daniel Cohn-Benditt also launched a strongly-worded attack on Turkey and the US over the Ocalan affair. He said the European plan to get Ocalan safely to South Africa was undermined by the US which organized his abduction in Nairobi, Kenya.

Experts of the Council of Europe's committee against torture are to visit the Kurdish leader in jail today. Furthermore, the European Human Rights Court yesterday started hearings on a series of recourses by Kurds against the Turkish authorities for violations of human rights, freedom of expression and opinion, the right to life and accusations of torture. Athenians attended en masse last night's marathon concert organized in Syntagma square by scores of musicians, artists and intellectuals in a show of solidarity with the Kurdish people.

[06] European Socialists adopt manifesto for Euro-elections

Mr Simitis stressed that the socialists can and must concentrate their efforts on creating new jobs, since they cannot accept the financial and mainly the human decay caused by unemployment. In parallel, he underlined that without a continuous development process, there is no prosperity, therefore the manifesto includes a commitment for closer coordination among the member-states.

Another point of the manifesto refers to the need for modernization and reform of the European social model, since the existing one, although successful, is going through a certain crisis. Economic and Monetary Union is a great achievement, Mr Simitis added, however the effort should continue, so that stability, development and employment may be secured through the euro.

Mr Simitis also said that a common foreign and security policy should be implemented by the EU, as well as solidarity with third world countries. On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr Simitis met his Italian and French counterparts, Massimo D'Alema and Lionel Jospin, and discussed the European socialists' common campaign for the Euro-elections as well as the negotiations for the Agenda 2000.

[07] Greek and Georgian presidents meet in Tbilisi

[08] American state department says Greece friendly country

[09] Young Greeks living abroad are to meet in Melbourne in March

Moreover, the great parade of Greek organisations to mark the March 25th Greek national holiday will also take place on March 26th in Melbourne. Chairman of the council of Greeks living in Oceania Kostas Vertzalias stated that the congress aims at strengthening the ties of the younger generations with Greece. Secretary general for Greeks living abroad Stavros Lambrinidis will attend the sessions of the congress together with other officials from Greece and representatives from other Greek organisations.

Meanwhile, festivities under the title "Antipodes", one of the most important festivals in Australia, aiming at the promotion of Greek culture in Australian society, will also culminate on March 26th.

[10] Talks between Greek and Skopjan state radios

Participating in the Greek delegation are Greek Radio general director Yannis Tzanetakos, director of regional radio-station network Nikitas Lionarakis and the general director's advisor on international issues Filotas Yannotas.

[11] First round elections in Athens Bar Association

Mr Roupakiotis has the lead with 32.6% of the votes, followed by Mr Paxinos with 29.6%.

[12] 75% participation in election for delegates to PASOK congress

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