The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 00-05-22

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <ert.ntua.gr/>

CONTENTS

(THE VOICE OF GREECE - Translators Dpt.)

[01] Simitis underlines the need for PASOK 's renual

Mr. Simitis also spoke of the formation of a new coalition leadership of the central-left forces.

Additionally, the Prime minister underlined that the government's policy commitments must be materialized within the next two years, denouncing at the same time cases of arrogance and indifference on the citizens' problems.

Mr. Simitis stated that in the near future, the government would turn its attention on promoting privatizations and structural changes on a faster pace.

Within this framework, Mr. Simitis is scheduled to meet with the National Economy and Finance minister Yiannos Papantoniou tomorrow.

[02] Olympic flame travels

The sacred flame arrived at the Athens international airport at 10 o'clock, where a group of Australian dancers received it with wishes for a safe flight.

Earlier, at the Kallimarmaro Stadium in Athens, the President of the Greek Olympic committee, Lambis Nikolaou -in the presence of President of the Republic Costis Stefanopoulos- handed over the Olympic flame to the representatives of the Sydney Olympics Organising Committee.

The flame arrived at Guam island in the Southern Pacific. On September 15th, the flame will arrive at the Sydney Olympic stadium, after travelling through 12 island states.

However, most probably the flame will not pass from the Fiji and Solomon islands due to domestic political unrest.

[03] Greece and Cyprus await for progress on behalf of Ankara

Mr. Kyprianou is meeting with European Union commissioner responsible for labour and social policy issues Anna Diamantopoulou, who arrived in Cyprus.

In the meantime, in statements made to the Cypriot newspaper "Haravgi", the Foreign minister Yorgos Papandreou stated that the lack of progress in the Cyprus issue, would affect Greek-Turkish relations, long term and short term. Regarding the 3rd round of proximity talks, Mr. Papandreou noted that the question was whether the Turkish-Cypriot side would come to the talks with views that would allow substantive negotiations.

He also reiterated that the international community -through United Nations resolutions- had determined a federation as the appropriate solution. In conclusion, the Greek Foreign minister stressed that in order for the way to open for Turkey's inclusion into the European Union, Ankara must resolve specific issues -like the Cyprus dispute- in accordance with the decisions made at the Helsinki summit.

[04] Clinton supports withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus

He also stated that he was determined to solve the Cyprus issue, forseeing as the most suitable solution that of a bizonal federation with two autonomous entities which would be respecting Human Rights and would be allowed free travel to all parts of the island.

From his side, the Cypriot government spokesman stated that the American President's statements regarding two autonomous entities were not reported correctly, pointing out that the Greek-Cypriots' participation in a forth round of proximity talks would depend on the results of the third round of proximity talks.

In the meantime, the Cypriot Interior minister Mr. Chrystodoulou has stated that no Cypriot President would sign a solution which would be mutilizing Cyprus and expopriating the Greek-Cypriots' rights.

[05] Vartholomeos ends his visit to Greece

[06] Celebration of incorporation of Ionian Islands to Greece

[07] Leading role for Italy and Greece in the Adriatic and Ionian Sea

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