The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 99-04-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] NATO planes continue air strikes against Yugoslavia

Meanwhile, hundreds of American paratroopers of the 82nd airborne division have been deployed in Albania to protect the 24 Apache helicopters that are expected to arrive there today. For his part, NATO secretary general Javier Solana has stated that the Apache helicopters would get into action early next week.

[02] UN secretary general undertakes diplomatic initiative

[03] Greek prime minister meets with Kofi Annan

The Greek prime minister also said that the prolongation of the crisis would lead to even more difficult and complicated problems and stressed that Greece supported a peaceful settlement and was against the continuation of the war.

[04] Russia to stay out of conflict but China urges end to war

China has once again called for an immediate cessation of NATO bombings in Yugoslavia, adding it was opposed to any settlement of the Kosovo crisis that would be imposed on Belgrade by force.

[05] Greek defence minister reiterates Greece will not participate

Greek national defence minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, replying to a question on a possible NATO demand for the passage of military forces through Greece, said that such a request would be either approved or rejected by political decision of the Greek government. He underlined, however, Greece's stand not to participate in war operations.

Mr Tsohatzopoulos' statements are preparing the ground for Greece's participation in NATO ground operations, the Greek Communist Party stressed.

[06] Plans on oil embargo to be imposed on Serbia

[07] Foreign minister briefs officials on Greek initiative

Mr Papandreou briefed Mr Annan on Greece's initiative to send humanitarian aid to Kosovo. Mr Annan praised the move, which -- he said--would be backed by the UN organization as well.

Speaking with his German counterpart, Mr Papandreou outlined the proposals he will bring forward at the NATO summit and briefed him on the outcome of the informal meeting of Balkan states' representatives, which was held in Athens yesterday, on the issue of the reconstruction of the Balkans.

Earlier, in statements, the Greek foreign minister had analyzed the main points of the Greek initiative. Referring to the scenarios about ground operations in Kosovo, he said the climate was not positive for such a move, although there were a lot of rumours on the issue.

Finally, he expressed a different stand on the issue of extending the embargo on Yugoslavia. "It could have been a last move before the bombings or a second phase move accompanied by a diplomatic initiative", Mr Papandreou said.

[08] Patriarch Alexei of Russia visits Belgrade

The patriarch of Russia said it was important that the tragedy which cost the lives of people, destroyed the country's infrastructure and was causing waves of Serb and Albanian refugees should stop.

Patriarch Alexei is to meet Serbian Patriarch Paul and have talks with Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic. He is to discuss with president Milosevic the idea of demilitarizing Kosovo which would allow for the resumption of peace talks with the international community.

Patriarch Alexei is also expected to call for an immediate end to NATO bombings and the withdrawal from Kosovo of both Serbian forces and the guerillas of the Kosovo Liberation Army. He is to return to Moscow tonight.

[09] No sign of increased radioactivity in Greece

A similar statement was also made by environment minister Kostas Laliotis, who stressed that there was no reason for concern.

On the other hand, the members of the Greek Initiative Against Radioactive Weapons have expressed their concern over the possible impact on Greece of the bombings in Yugoslavia.

[10] Greek premier may meet Turkish president at NATO summit

The above statement was made following Mr Simitis' meeting with UN secretary general Kofi Annan in New York. In addition to the Kosovo issue, the two men also discussed the Cyprus dispute, for which Mr Simitis said that the UN should undertake initiatives.

[11] Premier inaugurates Greek exhibition halls in New York

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Mr Simitis said among other things that the new halls at the Metropolitan Museum would trigger off questions and thoughts on artistic creation in the 21st century.

[12] Cyprus submits plans for Euro-Mediterranean Development Bank

Cypriot foreign minister Ioannis Kassoulidis said on his return from Stuttgart that the proposals were well received and would soon be worked out.

[13] Event in honour of late statesman Konstantinos Karamanlis

Attending the commemorative event were Greek president Konstantinos Stefanopoulos, former French president Valery Giscard d'Estaing, former Italian president Francesco Cossiga, many government officials and Greek politicians, deputies, as well as personalities of the arts and letters.

The Greek president referred with respect to the political work and the personality of the late statesman, saying that he was a man worthy of the homeland.

Mr Cossiga said among other things that Konstantinos Karamanlis was sorely missed in Greece and Europe. His absence is felt even more strongly on the terrible days we are now going through, he said.

Finally, Mr Giscard d'Estaing spoke about a dynamic and yet sensitive man whom the Greeks adored and the Europeans admired.

[14] Athens stock exchange dropped 4.87% yesterday

The fixing price for the US dollar was 305,680 drachmas, the Deutschmark 166,349 drs and the euro 325,350 drs.

[15] Telecommunications projects to cost 410 billion drachmas

Mr Mantelis yesterday inaugurated Iridium, the first satellite cellular telephone and stressed that Greece was now entering a world satellite orbit. Iridium operates with 66 low orbit satellites covering the entire planet.

[16] Well-known Greek Radio TV collaborator dies of heart attack

[17] Bulent Ecevit receives mandate to form Turkish government

Last night, Mr Ecevit received the mandate to form a government from Turkish president Suleyman Demirel and the consultations are expected to begin in mid-May.

[18] Russia condemns the West's policy of double standards

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