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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 00-05-09
From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <ert.ntua.gr/>
CONTENTS
[01] Positive comments on the course of the Greek economy at the EU
[02] The issue of unemployment discussed at the EU Social Policy and
[03] Athens 2004 Olympic Games
[04] President Klerides resumes his duties
[05] Turkish proposal for confidence building measures in the Aegean
[06] State - church relations
NEWS IN ENGLISH
(THE VOICE OF GREECE - Translators Dpt.)
[01] Positive comments on the course of the Greek economy at the EU
finance ministers council
Negotiations began in Brussels at the council of European Union
Economic and Finanace ministers, ECOFIN, on the drachma's entry into
the Eurozone. The package of measures, which Greece will pledge to
observe -following a positive decision for EMU accession- was discussed
at the meeting. The comments made on the course of the Greek economy
by the economy ministers of Greece's EU partners were positive. Greek
national economy minister Yannos Papantoniou confirmed that the
drachma's admission into the Eurozone would take place smoothly.
Meanwhile it was announced that the inflation rate in Greece dropped
from 3,1% in March to 2,6% in April.
[02] The issue of unemployment discussed at the EU Social Policy and
Employment council
The Employment and Social policy Council, which met in Brussels,
examined the general guidelines of the European Union's economic
policy. Labour minister Tasos Yiannitsis, who represented Greece at the
council, said that the issue of unemployment was brought up at the
council which indicated the EU's increased interest in unemployment
issues.
[03] Athens 2004 Olympic Games
This week is considered crucial for the progress of works related to
the 2004 Olympic Games to be held in Athens.Prime- minister Simitis is
expected to take the final decisions for the roganisation of the games
after a bi-ministerial meeting. Mr. Simitis met with Culture minister
Theodoros Pangalos while today he will meet with the vice-president of
the International Olympic Committee Zaque Rong. On Wednesday a
delegation of the International Olympic Committee will arrive in
Greece, to be briefed on the progress of preparations, while on the
same day in Ancient Olympia, a ceremony will be held for the departure
of the Olympic flame to Sydney. Representing Australia at the ceremony
will be the Australian governor - general, Sir William Deane. The flame
will pass through 102 municipalities and communities of Greece, before
arriving in Athens, from where it will be conveyed on a special flight
to Australia, on May 21. Thrusday morning Mr. Simitis will have a
meeting with Australia's governor general.
[04] President Klerides resumes his duties
The President of Cyprus Republic Glafkos Klerides resumes his duties
today from the Evangelistria clinic, where he is been treated after a
minor operation. Mr. Klerides, who briefed the Speaker of the
Parliament on his decision, had a telephone conversation with the Greek
President Costis Stephanopoulos.
[05] Turkish proposal for confidence building measures in the Aegean
In an interview with the newspaper" Yeni Bigil, Turkish Foreign
minister Ismail Cem said that Athens was examining a Turkish proposal
on confidence building measures in the Agean. He also stressed that
Ankara was seeking common understanding points with Greece and referred
to the positive developments in the economic and trade relations
between the two countries. Finally, the Turkish Foreign minister
underlined that the Athens and Ankara agreement on the combat of
terrorism was of vital importance to Turkey and further improved
relations between the two countries.
[06] State - church relations
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stated that the government did not
intend to change the existing framework regarding the responsibilities
of the state and the church, describing the Justice minister's views as
personal. Mr. Stathopoulos' views supporting a political oath, non-
religious funerals and the abolition of the description of religion on
identity cards received positive comments by the Liberal and the
Coalition of the Left and Progress parties, which accused the
government of diffidence and prolongation of old fashioned
regulations.
From his side, Archbishop Christodoulos stated that the opinion
of people was a factor that could not and should not be ignored.
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