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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 00-05-26
From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <ert.ntua.gr/>
CONTENTS
[01] The controversial issue of ID cards
[02] George Papandreou met Madeleine Albright in Florence
[03] The formation of an interparty committee asked Tsohatzopoulos
[04] Cypriot foreign minister's statements
[05] Simitis met Zelman
[06] Crucial meetings in ND party
[07] Konstantopoulos' statements on Olympic Games
[08] Measures preventing arson incidents in forests
[09] An earthquake measuring 5.3 degrees on the Richter scale
NEWS IN ENGLISH
(THE VOICE OF GREECE - Translators Dpt.)
[01] The controversial issue of ID cards
In the continuing clash between the Church and state on the
government's decision to remove religious affiliation from state-issued
ID cards, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said that the decision
would be implemented in a matter of days. The move enjoys support by
many political forces apart from the ruling PASOK party, but has
irritated the church. Metropolitan of Piraeus Kallinikos organised a
demonstration in protest at the government's decision, and other priest
have also threatened to hold protest rallies. Metropolitan Chrysostomos
of the western Athens suburb of Peristeri hinted that the Church should
establish its own political party. Government spokesman Reppas said
that the government did not want conflict on the issue, pointing out
that fanatism and intolerance were not appropriate in today's society.
The Holy Synod had an emergency meeting to look into details of the
issue. Reliable sources indicate that the Church plans to take recourse
to the Council of State, Greece's highest administrative court.
[02] George Papandreou met Madeleine Albright in Florence
At a meeting in Florence, Italy, on the sidelines of the spring NATO
session, foreign minister George Papandreou and his American
counterpart Madeleine Albright discussed about the Greek-Turkish
relations and developments in the Balkans. Referring to the Cyprus
dispute, the two ministers agreed that substantial negotiations should
begin in the framework of the third round of proximity talks. Mr
Papandreou briefed Ms Albright on the meetings he had with the Turkish
foreign minister Ismail Cem and reiterated that the United States would
be ready to offer their help, since Greece and Turkey need their
contribution. According to information, a similar statement was also
made by the American secretary of state. During their meeting Mr
Papandreou also explained the Greek position that Serbia's isolation
was creating the opposite results of those sought by the international
community and a different message should be sent to Belgrade. This
point of view was well received, not only by the Balkan states but also
by the American diplomacy itself.
[03] The formation of an interparty committee asked Tsohatzopoulos
National defence minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos announced the formation
of an interparty committee which will examine proposals and ideas
dealing with the strategy defence revision of the Armed Forces.
[04] Cypriot foreign minister's statements
Cypriot foreign minister Yannakis Kasoulidis said that the United
States' stand on the settlement of the bi-zonal bi- communal federation
remains clear. This was resulted from the meeting American president
Bill Clinton had with homogeny.
[05] Simitis met Zelman
Prime minister Costas Simitis met with his Czech counterpart Milos
Zelman who is paying an official visit to Greece. The two prime
ministers signed a cooperation agreement on economy, industry and
technology. Mr Simitis described the meeting as friendly and said that
countries like the Czech Republic play an important role in
developments in the Balkans.
[06] Crucial meetings in ND party
A series of crucial meetings are taking place in the New Democracy
party in view of the party's extraordinary congress. The Organization
Committee of the congress met while the party's Central Committee is to
convene tomorrow.
[07] Konstantopoulos' statements on Olympic Games
The leader of the Coalition party Nikos Konstantopoulos, following a
meeting with the president of the National Olympic Committee Yanna
Angelopoulou - Daskalaki, said that the government is responsible for
the delay and the serious organizational problems which appear in view
of the Olympic Games. The Coalition party will organize a one-day
meeting on the subject the course of the Olympic games at Zappion, on
Monday.
[08] Measures preventing arson incidents in forests
In a new move that is aimed at preventing arson incidents in forests,
from June 5, prefectural authorities will have the power to ban traffic
in sensitive forested stretches from 9 in the evening to 6 in the
morning to minimise their exposure to intentional fire. The state has
also announced that hefty penalties of up to 20 million drachmas would
be imposed on citizens and municipalities if they are found to have
caused a forest fire due to negligence.
[09] An earthquake measuring 5.3 degrees on the Richter scale
A strong earthquake measuring 5.3 degrees on the Richter scale was
recorded in the Ionian Sea. The epicenter of the tremor was in the sea
region north of the island Lefkada, 300 kms northwest of Athens. No
victims and damages were reported.
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