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Thursday, 21 November 2024
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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 99-10-04The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <ert.ntua.gr/>CONTENTS[01] PATHENIANS REASSURED BY SEISMOLOGISTS AFTER NEW TREMORSeismologists have given reassurances that after-shock activity in Attika is developing normally, following the most recent tremor, measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale, recorded last night just after 8 o'clock. The epicentre was at Parnitha. The director of the Athens Geodynamic Institute advised people to remain calm and stressed that the tremor was in no way connected with a recent controversial prediction by the VAN group of a major earthquake on the weekend.Today seismologists from the institute will begin new research in the region of Lamia, in order to locate the origins of electrical signals which the VAN group announced they had recorded in the past few days. The Environment Undersecretary, Christos Verelis, said the signals may have come from tests conducted by an Italian company, installing a natural gas line in the region. Meanwhile, schools, whose opening was delayed due to damage stemming from the September 7 quake in Athens, will begin classes today. [02] GREEK-TURKISH PROBLEMS STILL EXIST SAYS PAPANDREOUForeign Minister George Papandreou, who is currently on a visit to Constantinople, Turkey, will today meet with his Turkish counterpart, Ismail Cem. Yesterday, the Greek foreign minister stated that humanitarian aid and solidarity were helping Greece and Turkey to deal -- each in a different way -- with the existing problems between them. He made the comments while visiting a town where the Greek government has sent prefabricated housing as aid to the homeless quake-stricken people.Despite the good climate created between the two countries during the past few weeks, Mr. Papandreou pointed out -- in reply to journalists' questions -- that problems still exist, particularly the long-standing Cyprus dispute. Addressing Turkish intellectuals and businessmen last night, the Greek foreign minister pointed out that the only "wall" remaining in Europe was in Cyprus. Concerning Turkey's relations with the European Union, he emphasized that they were not controlled by Greece, which was in favour of Ankara's real EU candidacy, with all the obligations and rights that this would entail. For the solution of other Greek-Turkish problems, he said that a prerequisite was the implementation of rules and regulations laid down by international laws and treaties. Meanwhile, in an interview with the prestigious Greek daily newspaper, To Vima, former Greek foreign minister Thodoros Pangalos said that if Athens gives the green light in Helsinki for Turkey's EU accession, numerous problems will emerge. He added that the period of public relations was now over. [03] GERMAN CHANCELLOR ON ATHENS VISITGerman Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will arrive in Greece today, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Greek-German Chamber of Commerce in Athens. He will be accompanied by his diplomatic adviser, Ambassador Michael Steiner, an expert on southeastern Europe. Mr. Schroeder is scheduled to discuss Greek-German relations with Prime Minister Costas Simitis. Turkish relations with the European Union and the Cyprus problem will also be on the agenda. This evening, the German Chancellor will address a gathering organised by the chamber at the Hilton Hotel, followed by a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Simitis.[04] COMBINED MILITARY FORCE SEEN AS DETERRENCE TO THREATSNational Defence minister Akis Tschohatzopoulos stated yesterday upon his departure from Cyprus -- where he observed the "Nikiforos" military exercise -- that Cyprus and Greece's combined military force was the basic prerequisite to deter any threat from other countries. Earlier, at a joint press conference, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos and his Cypriot counterpart, Socratis Hasikos, had reiterated their countries' common defence policy, which is related to Cyprus' accession to the European Union and the strengthening of the military force within the framework of the joint Greek-Cypriot defence pact.Regarding the Cyprus issue, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that the latest international activity in relation to the long- standing dispute was the result of a national strategy, stressing that the Cypriot Republic was undergoing a critical phase as regards its future course. [05] ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS TO VISIT BELGRADEArchbishop Christodoulos of Athens and all Greece is to pay an official visit to Belgrade soon. Preparations for his trip are already under way. Meanwhile the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church will convene today to discuss the thorny issue of a proposed visit to Greece by Pope John Paul II.[06] POTENTIAL AMERICAN INVESTMENTS IN GREECEReturning last night from the United States, where he participated in a meeting of the International Monetary Fund, National Economy and Finance minister Yiannos Papantoniou expressed his satisfaction about interest exhibited by American businessmen for investments in Greece. In a separate development, the government is determined to safeguard the normal course of the Athens Stock Exchange with the implementation of six new institutional measures. At the same time, it will enable employees, through legislation, to buy shares, in order to participate in businesses they are employed at.[07] ENERGY MINISTERS IN THESSALONIKI MEETINGEnergy ministers from five Balkan countries -- Greece, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Romania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - are to meet in Thessaloniki on October 10. The purpose of the meeting is the signing of a declaration on the setting-up of a competitive electrical energy market in south-eastern Europe and the promotion of investments in the energy sector.[08] GREEK RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS TEAM BRINGS HOME GOLD AND SILVERIn its best-ever performance, the Greek national rhythmic gymnastics team is returning to Athens with two gold medals and one silver medal, won at the 23rd World Championships in Osaka, Japan. The outstanding performance secured for the 5-member, all- girl team participation in the 2000 Olympic Games to be held in Sydney, Australia. In the meantime, an Olympic athletes' group said yesterday in Athens that athletes should be ineligible to compete in future Olympics unless they carry a "doping passport," proving they have undergone regular drug tests. If approved, passports would start to be issued before next year's Sydney Games, but the project would only be implemented fully in time for the 2004 Games in Athens.[09] COACH AND TRUCK IN DEADLY COLLISIONAt least 10 people have been reported dead and 30 injured, after a bus and a truck collided head-on early this morning in the Tembi valley in central Greece. The coach was carrying supporters of the PAOK football team. Police expect the death toll to rise, as some people are still trapped under the wreckage of the two vehicles.The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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