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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 99-08-24The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <ert.ntua.gr/>CONTENTS[01] GREEK PREMIER COSTAS SIMITIS' VISIT TO ALBANIAThe Greek Premier Costas Simitis is going to Tirana today on a 1-day official visit for talks on Balkan developments and bilateral relations with the Albanian president, Redjep Meydani, and the Prime Minister, Pandeli Maiko.In an exclusive interview with the Albanian news agency ATA, the Greek Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis, said yesterday that the government's main axes on the threshold of a new era in the region were cooperation, development, respect for national borders, peace and normality. He also added that the two countries' relations have been continuously and steadily been developing in all sectors lately. He described these relations as friendly stating that they promoted cooperation. He also said that he believed in Albania's progress and developent, since these two factors guaranteed stability in the Balkans. That is why for the Greek Government cooperation has always been its main goal of its foreign policy. To achieve this cooperation Greece helped Albania adopt the International structures of cooperation and promoted the two countries' economic cooperation. Besides, the Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo stated to the Athenian news agency that Greek-albanian relations have been developing during the last years positively, adding that this development must be boosted with the implementation of a realistic policy, preventing thus the efforts of some circles who are trying to harm the two countries' relations. Mr. Milo agreed that there existed problems between the two countries, but as he said, those were of minor importance compared to the two countries' positive cooperation. Finally, he said that Mr. Costas Simitis' visit would clear the "fog" developed, as he said, lately in Greek-albanian relations. [02] TURKISH PRESS COMMENTS ON GREEK AID TO TURKEYGreece's contribution to the earthquake stricken areas in Turkey has been commented most positively by the Turkish press. While "Sabach" daily writes that the earthquake has contributed to the collapse of prejudices, all the rest of the newspapers, irrelevant of their past views regarding Greek-turkish relations, have praised the Greek Government and the Greek public opinion."Star" reports that it is time animosity between the two countries was forgotten, while hard-liner columnists on Greek-turkish issues, stated that the Greeks, the Israelis and the Russians were the first who hasted for help. Finally, "Jumhuriet's" hard-liner columnist Ahmet Kislali describes the Greeks as the Turks' brothers. [03] GREEK AID TO EARTHQUAKE STRICKEN TURKEY CONTINUESThe days that have passed since the catastrophic earthquake in Turkey have dramatically diminished chances of discovering survivors in the ruins. The danger of epidemics has been added to the tragic scenery as the lack of water in redfugee camps is becoming more pressing and the life of the homeless is made extremely difficult by the strong rainfall in the region. Our country has taken up an initiative in the EU for aiding with the problems Turkey is facing.According to Foreign Minister Yiorgos Papandreou nothing has changed in Greek-turkish relations though new prospects are opening up for the peaceful co-existence of the two peoples. A similar view was voiced at the General Affairs Council by government spokesman Dimitris Reppas who left open the possibility of Greece's lifting the veto on the EU's funding to Turkey. However, he pointed out that Greece's stance on this issue will depend on the development of relevant discussions on a European Union level. In the meantime, the Greek mission sent to the earthquake stricken areas in Turkey returned yesterday. A parliamentary delegation of 5 doctors departs today from the airport of Elefsina on a military airplane to transport humanitarian aid to the turkisn people; the head of parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis stated he hopes this move will provide a starting point for a rapprochement between the 2 peoples. [04] MOBILISATION OF GREEKS LIVING ABROADIn Nicosia President Klerides met yesterday with Greek Foreign Undersecretary Grigoris Niotis, also responsible for issues of Greeks abroad, to discuss ways of mobilising Greeks Living Overseas in view of anticipated developments in the Cyprus issue.Mr. Niotis referred to the invitation extended to Mr. Klerides to participate in the World Conference of the Greeks living abroad due to be held next December in Thessaloniki, as well as to the planning made by both sides on the Cyprus issue. Mr. Niotis stated that Mr. Klerides agreed with the Greek Government's proposal for the Cypriots living abroad to have a permanent deputy president in the nine-member Presidency of the World Council of Greeks abroad, who will be presenting their views. Finally, Mr. Niotis referred to Cyprus' accession to the European Union, stressing that the efforts on behalf of Greece will continue. [05] RESIGNATIONS OF CYPRIOT OFFICIALSThe Cypriot Defence minister Yiannakis Chrysostomis submitted his resignation to the President of the Cyprus Republic yesterday, who from his side accepted it. Mr. Chrysostomis stated after his meeting with President Klerides that he had submitted his resignation for reasons of touchiness and dignity. President Klerides also accepted the government spokesman Costas Serezis' resignation submitted yesterday for the second time. Mr. Serezis had submitted his resignation firstly three weeks ago.[06] ANASTASIA KELESIDOU WINS THE SILVER MEDAL IN DISCUS THROWINGGreek successes continue in the 7th international field and track chanpionship in Seville, with Anastasia Kelesidou winning yesterday the silver medal in discus throwing. The greek chanpion won second place with a throw of 66 mets and 5 centmtrs while, in the same event, Stella Tsikouna won 8th place and Katerina Voggoli the 11th. Hopes for further Greek distinctions now lie with Voula Tsiamita and Olga Vasdeki in today's triple-jump final.[07] PREMIER C.SIMITIS MEETS WITH CONFEDERATION OF GREEK WORKERSThe Greek government's financial cadres met yesterday to discuss the economic policy of 2000. A new meeting will be held tomorrow presided by the Greek Premier Costas Simitis, while the final decisions are expected to be taken during the Ministerial meeting on Friday.The General Confederation of Greek Workers and the Public Workers' Union will present tomorrow afternoon Mr.C. Simitis with demands related to financial and labor issues, the establishment of the 35hr week, support measures for the unemployed and low income earners as well as rises in the public sector. [08] UPWARD TREND OF THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE CONTINUESThe General Price Index of the Athens Stock Exchange continued its upward trend yesterday rising by 2,56% closing at 5.066,39 points an all times record.The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |