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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 99-12-27
From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <ert.ntua.gr/>
CONTENTS
[01] WAVE OF BAD WEATHER CAUSES DEATHS IN EUROPE
[02] NO GREEK-TURKISH EXERCISES PROPOSED SAYS GREEK MILITARY
[03] TURKISH-CYPRIOTS WILL NOT BE OVERLOOKED IN EU SAYS CLERIDES
[04] GIFTS OF THE MAGI ON DISPLAY AT ATHENS CHURCH
[05] GREECE READY FOR Y2K
[06] MILD QUAKES NEAR GREEK ISLANDS
[01] WAVE OF BAD WEATHER CAUSES DEATHS IN EUROPE
Unprecedented bad weather is sweeping northwestern Europe, resulting in
dozens of deaths and enormous destruction to property, mainly in
France, Austria, Switzerland and Germany. According to meteorologists,
the cold front is expected to hit Greece and the Balkan region
tomorrow, with strong northwest winds, heavy rain and storms. In
France, the death toll has risen to 31, while reported injuries stand
at over 200. Gale force winds-blowing at a speed of 180 kms per
hour-have uprooted trees and disrupted road and air transport and
communications. In Germany, at least 15 people have been killed,
mainly in traffic accidents caused by uprooted trees on the roads. Most
of the victims come from the province of Baden-Wutenberg. At least 11
people have lost their lives in Switzerland, while eight people were
killed in central Austria. Massive problems have been caused in road
transport in Belgium, northern Italy and Britain, where three people
have died so far, due to the bad weather.
[02] NO GREEK-TURKISH EXERCISES PROPOSED SAYS GREEK MILITARY
In response to statements made recently by the Turkish chief of staff,
General Hussein Kivrikoglou, the Greek National Defence Ministry
announced yesterday that no proposals have been received from Ankara to
conduct joint military exercises. In his statement, General
Kivrikoglou also claimed that Turkish military aircraft are now flying
over the Aegean unarmed, as an act of goodwill. However, Greek military
sources have replied that this is not the case, and that the point is
for Turkish aircraft to enter the Aegean area legally, observing
international air regulations.
[03] TURKISH-CYPRIOTS WILL NOT BE OVERLOOKED IN EU SAYS CLERIDES
The concerns of the Turkish-Cypriot residents of Cyprus will be dealt
with within the European Union framework, following Cyprus' accession,
Cypriot president Glafcos Clerides assured the Turks yesterday, while
Foreign Minister Ioannis Kassoulides called on both communities to plan
their common future. In an interview with the Turkish television
channel, NTV, President Clerides stressed the need for political will
to ensure a resolution of the Cyprus dispute. He also said that the
Turkish-Cypriots' concerns will not be overlooked, when Cyprus enters
the European Union. Moreover, in an interview with the same newsagency,
the Cypriot Foreign minister Yannakis Kasoulides referred to the
proximity talks held in New York, which he said began at a slow pace
and with low expectations. He also said that the fact that they are
continuing will prove just how much both sides have the required
political will in order to ensure that positive results are achieved.
[04] GIFTS OF THE MAGI ON DISPLAY AT ATHENS CHURCH
Two thousand years since the birth of Christ was celebrated yesterday
morning at the holy cathedral of Aghios Pandeleimonos in the Athens
suburb of Acharnon. Thousands of people are paying a pilgrimage to the
church to honour the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, which
according to Christian tradition were given to Jesus Christ at his
birth, by the Three Wise Men. The three gold bars and several pellets
of frankincense mixed with myrrh, are being displayed in a silver and
glass case, on loan from the Monastery of St. Paul on Mount Athos.
They will remain on display only until the end of the month. According
to some church histories, the gifts of the Magi were presented to the
monastery in 1453 by the mother of Sultan Mehmet, who conquered
Constantinople that year. However, there are a number of different
versions of the story.
[05] GREECE READY FOR Y2K
Greece is prepared to deal with the Y2K-the so-called computer
virus-Transport Minister Tasos Mandelis said yesterday. Meanwhile,
experts are making efforts to deal with the 2000 computer bug, mainly
in the sectors of transport, telecommunications, power and water
supply. The result will become evident after midnight on New Year's
Eve. Experts have given assurances that Greece is ready to deal with
the problem and international organisations have notified airline
companies to land at Greek airports if their aircraft have problems
with landing procedures in neighbouring countries.
[06] MILD QUAKES NEAR GREEK ISLANDS
An earthquake, measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale was reported in the
sea area east of the island of Zakynthos, at five past 10 last night.
Another two mild earth tremors were also reported yesterday in Crete
and Rhodes, measuring 4.3 and 4.6, respectively. There were no
casualties or property damage and seismologists said there was no cause
for concern.
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