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Thursday, 21 November 2024
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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 00-11-17The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>CONTENTSNEWS IN ENGLISH ERA 5. THE VOICE OF GREECE 17/11/2000 10:10:35 μμ [01] Measures for mad-cows diseaseThe EU Veterinary Committee did not reach an agreement regading the age limit of cows which should be tested for the mad cow disease. The Veterinary Committee only agreed on the obligatory test of cows belonging to the high risk groups as from January 1st 2001. The Veterinary Committee has referred the case to the EU Agriculture Ministers' Council which convenes in Brussels on Monday.Additionally, it has asked the ban of use of animal proteins as food to cattle and sheep. In Greece, the President of the Food Inspection Department Christina Papanikolaou admitted that the department was not in a position at present to inspect the production circle, import and consumption of cow meat and advised consummers to prefer Greek products. In reference to the issue, the New Democracy party has accused the goverment of lack of substantial inspection and briefing of the citizens and called it to realise its responsibilities. The Greek Communist party described the selling of the contaminated meat as a raid against the health of the European citizens. [02] Bill for Illegal immigrantsThe government plans to offer a second chance to approximately 200,000 illegal immigrants living in Greece. On the basis of a new draft bill approved yesterday by cabinet- on migrant policies, those who have been in the country for at least two years by November 15 this year can apply for legal residence from local government authorities in their area. The application must be accompanied by a photocopy of their passport and at least one official document providing evidence of a 2-year stay in Greece- even if illegal.A residence permit will be granted to them, if within a 6- month period from submission of their application, they also submit a copy of their criminal record and certification of work in Greece. Those unable to provide the documentation will have to leave the country, said Interior minister Vaso Papandreou at a press conference yesterday. Police will no longer be responsible for issuance of residene permits, which will now be issued by the General Secretary of the regional authorities. At the same time, committees for immigrants will be created in the provinces and their rights will be consolidated. The new bill also provides for employment offices to be set up at Greek consulates. During dicussion on the bill at a cabinet meeting yesterday the Prime minister Costas Simitis stressed that strict checks must be carried out in relation to illegal immigrants already in the country and those planning to enter illegally. Meanwhile, government spokesman Dimitris reppas clarified yesterday that the measures decided on by cabinet would apply only to illegal immigrants already in Greece, not those coming in the future. [03] 27th anniversary of the PolytechnicThe 27th anniversary of the Polytecnhic uprising against the 7-year military dictatorship in Greece will culminate today with the annual rallies and marches in both athens and thessaloniki.In another development, hundreds od pensioners marched to parliament house yesterday, in protest against the amount of a government subsidy for heating oil, the way in which it will be paid and upcoming changes in the social security system. They expressed their objection to the fact that the subsidy will be paid in two installments and called on the government to increase the amount. Similar demonstrations were also held in other major urban centres throughout Greece. [04] Regulation for Civil Servants codeA circular by Interior Minister Vaso Papandreou re-activates a regulation of the Civil Servant Code providing for the submission of a bi-yearly form on the " source of wealth " by all civil servants aimed to prevent corruption cases.[05] Labour relationsThe Labour Ministry draftbill regarding labour relations will be tabled to the Parliament without significant changes till the end of the week.The main points of the draftbill to which the Union of Greek Industrialists and the General Confederation of Greek Workers have reacted are -the settlement of labour time to 38 hours weekly ,same lay-off limit for companies employing 20 to 200 employees and reduction of employers' social security contributions for workers' earning up to 200 thousand dr. monthly. [06] 15th European Cinema FestivalGreece will participate with Theodoros Aggelopoulos movie , "Eternity and one day" in the 15th European Cinema Festival to be held from November 18 to December 2 in Ottawa, Canada.[07] Message to the Albanian leadershipGreek Foreign Secretary General, who is in Tirana is delivering a message of Prime minister Costas Simitis and Foreign minister George Papandreou to the Albanian leadership.The message refers to the need for the respect of human rights, the respect of the minorities' rights, the combatting of illegarl migration and the more effective guarding of the borders. The Greek side also underlines its interest to the Greek minority which lives in Southern Albania, as soon Albania's relations with the European Union will be upgraded. The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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