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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 99-11-22
From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <ert.ntua.gr/>
CONTENTS
[01] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT VISITS ATHENS
[02] GREEK GOVERNMENT SATISFIED WITH AMERICAN PRESIDENT'S VISIT
[03] AMERICAN PRESIDENT CONTINUES TOUR OF EUROPE
[04] OECD REPORT ON GREEK ECONOMY
[05] DEBATE ON NATIONAL ISSUES AND FOREIGN POLICY
[06] ARMED FORCES DAY
[07] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER TO DELIVER SPEECH IN CYPRUS
[08] 40TH THESSALONIKI FILM FESTIVAL
[09] POPULAR GREEK SINGER HOSPITALIZED
[10] 3.7 RICHTER AFTER-SHOCK IN ATHENS
[01] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT VISITS ATHENS
The latest developments in the Cyprus issue and the results of the
diplomatic efforts undertaken by both Nicosia and Athens will be the
focus of today's talks in Athens between the Cypriot president, Glafkos
Kliridis, and the Greek prime minister, Kostas Simitis. The Cypriot
government spokesman, Michalis Papapetrou, said yesterday that the
statements made by the American president, Bill Clinton, with regard to
the Cyprus dispute contained some very positive comments but they would
be judged by their results. The honorary president of the New Democracy
party, Konstantinos Mitsotakis, said after his meeting with President
Kliridis yesterday that for the first time in a very long time there
were positive developments in the Cyprus issue.
[02] GREEK GOVERNMENT SATISFIED WITH AMERICAN PRESIDENT'S VISIT
The Greek government appears to be satisfied with the outcome of
President Clinton's recent visit to Athens. The American president's
references to the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations showed his
views were close to those of this country. For their part, the
opposition parties have spoken of "statements without substance" made
by President Clinton while most of the foreign news agencies refer to a
rapprochement between Washington and Greek positions. Reuters
mentioned President Clinton's open support for Athens' positions
regarding Greek-Turkish relations.
[03] AMERICAN PRESIDENT CONTINUES TOUR OF EUROPE
Continuing his tour of countries in south-eastern Europe, President
Clinton arrived in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, yesterday on a 2-day
official visit. Draconian security measures are in force in the city
and the Bulgarian government has banned all anti-American
demonstrations. The security measures, which have been widely lampooned
by the Bulgarian press, are so strict that even the prime minister
himself, Ivan Kostov, has expressed his annoyance. President Clinton is
expected to thank the Bulgarian government for its support for Nato
during the war in Kosovo and to encourage it to carry on with its
economic reform measures. Yesterday the American president took part in
Florence in an international conference for the 21st century, organised
by the Italian prime minister, Massimo D'Alema. The prime ministers of
Britain, Portugal and France also attended the congress, together with
the German chancellor and the presidents of Brazil and the EU
Commission. President Clinton pointed out that not all the pressing
social problems could be resolved through the operation of a free
market, but said he was in favour of a globalized market with a human
face and a reduction in inequalities.
[04] OECD REPORT ON GREEK ECONOMY
According to the bi-annual report of the Organisation for Economic
Cooperation and Development, Greece has ensured its entry to European
economic and monetary union. The OECD report, which is particularly
positive in its remarks about Greece, also predicts a rapid growth rate
and an impressive reduction in unemployment.
[05] DEBATE ON NATIONAL ISSUES AND FOREIGN POLICY
The plenum of the Greek parliament will hold a debate on national
issues and Greek foreign policy on December 15th.
[06] ARMED FORCES DAY
In a statement issued yesterday to mark the feast-day of the Greek
armed forces, the national defence minister, Akis Tsohatzopoulos, spoke
of the readiness and ability of the armed forces to face any challenge
and of its effective defence of the country's sovereign rights.
[07] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER TO DELIVER SPEECH IN CYPRUS
The Greek foreign minister, Giorgos Papandreou, is to deliver a speech
on the topic "Responses to modern challenges: Cyprus, Greece and
Europe", at Cyprus University on Thursday, within the framework of his
forthcoming visit to Cyprus.
[08] 40TH THESSALONIKI FILM FESTIVAL
At the 40th Thessaloniki Film Festival, which wound up yesterday
evening, the Chinese film "Public Baths," directed by Zan Yang, won the
Golden Alexander award, followed by "Garage Olympo" by the Argentinian
director, Marco Bekis, for the Silver Alexander. This evening, state
prizes will be awarded for Greek productions. 14 of the films competing
for the awards were partly funded by Greek State Radio and Television.
[09] POPULAR GREEK SINGER HOSPITALIZED
The popular Greek singer, Stamatis
Kokkotas, has been admitted to hospital after suffering a heart attack.
According to reports, he is now out of danger.
[10] 3.7 RICHTER AFTER-SHOCK IN ATHENS
AREA A mild earth tremor measuring 3.7 on the Richter scale, with its
epicentre under Mount Parnitha, shook Athens yesterday evening.
Seismologists have given assurances that the tremor was an after-shock
from the 7th September earthquake in the region.
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