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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 99-12-24
From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <ert.ntua.gr/>
CONTENTS
[01] DATE OF ELECTIONS STILL OPEN
[02] DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS GREEK TROOPS
[03] CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR MILLENNIUM PROBLEMS
[04] PATRIARCHATE'S PROTEST TO TURKISH AUTHORITIES
[05] SEVERE WEATHER CAUSES TRANSPORT PROBLEMS
[06] CRIMINAL CHARGES AFTER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CHILDREN'S DEATHS
[01] DATE OF ELECTIONS STILL OPEN
Despite the festive season, political developments are in full swing,
following the decision announced earlier this week by the main
opposition New Democracy party leader, Kostas Karamanlis, to support
the re-election of Kostis Stefanopoulos as president of the republic.
Meanwhile, in spite of public statements by PASOK officials that there
are no vital reasons to seek recourse to the polls earlier than
scheduled, senior members of the party still appear to favour an early
election. However, the prime minister, Kostas Simitis, said in reply
to questions put to him during an exchange of Christmas wishes at PASOK
headquarters yesterday that elections would be held "sometime between
now and October next year." He added that the year 2000 would be of
decisive importance for Greece in view of the decision on the country's
admission to European economic and monetary union and the general
election that must be held next year, in accordance with the
Constitution. The election, Mr Simitis said, would confirm the leading
role played by PASOK on the country's political scene. In the meantime
the New Democracy party leader, Kostas Karamanlis, confident of his
party's victory, is still insisting on national elections being held
before March 2000.
[02] DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS GREEK TROOPS
The national defence minister, Akis Tsohatzopoulos, is currently
visiting the Greek forces stationed in Kosovo, to convey Christmas
greetings to the troops.
[03] CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR MILLENNIUM PROBLEMS
It was announced yesterday that the Greek armed forces and the Greek
police are ready to deal with the computer problem in 2000, known as
the Y2K problem, on the basis of an emergency plan. Some mobile
telephone companies - Panafon, Telestet and Cosmote - also stated that
all necessary measures had been taken to minimise problems which may
arise as a result of the date change. Hospitals throughout Greece will
be on call on New Year's Eve to deal with any problems that might arise
as a result of the so-called "millennium bug" in computer systems. Over
100 appliances used for medical purposes will be put temporarily out of
action as a precautionary measure.
[04] PATRIARCHATE'S PROTEST TO TURKISH AUTHORITIES
The Ecumenical Patriarchate has lodged a protest with the Turkish
culture minister over New Year's Eve celebrations planned to take place
in the historic church of Aghia Irini, in Constantinople. In his
letter, Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos expressed his regret at the
lack of respect for the historic church, and said the Greek minority
strongly objected to the event. The letter concluded by expressing the
certainty that all Christians would share this point of view. Aghia
Irini, in which the 2nd Ecumenical Synod was held in the year 381, is
one of the oldest Byzantine monuments and of special historical and
religious significance. In a separate development, the Turkish
president, Suleyman Demirel, has for the first time issued a Christmas
message to Turkey's Christian minority. In his message, Mr Demirel
underlined that all Turkish citizens were faithful to a tradition of
tolerance in respect of all religions, and lived in harmony with one
another, irrespective of dogma or belief.
[05] SEVERE WEATHER CAUSES TRANSPORT PROBLEMS
After a severe bout of cold weather, conditions in Greece are expected
to improve later today. Meanwhile vehicles on most roads in the north
of Greece have required the use of chains and the airport at
Alexandroupolis remains closed because of ice on the runway. Ferry boat
services from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina to the Aegean islands and
Crete have been cancelled because of the stormy weather.
[06] CRIMINAL CHARGES AFTER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CHILDREN'S DEATHS
The deaths of 3 young children of illegal Kurdish immigrants shocked
the nation yesterday. The 2 boys and a girl died of exposure while
being transported with their parents in a refrigerated truck from the
Evros border to Athens. The public prosecutor has filed criminal
charges against the driver of the truck, and the children's' parents
for illegal entry into the country.
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