The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 00-11-27

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

CONTENTS

27/11/2000 2:59:57 μμ

[01] Presidential elections in the U.S

Mrs. Harris said that George Bush is the winner with 537 votes ahead of his Democrat rival Al Gore, adding that the hand recount has not been taken into account.

Yet, Gore has no plans to concede defeat ,instead he would push ahead with court challenges to cancel the presidential election results, while Bush has pushed the case to U.S.Supreme Court which is expected to have the final word. Al Gore will address the nation tonight and call for a fair and accurate accounting of the votes in Miami-Dade and possibly Palm Beach counties .

[02] The American administration fully supports the U.N Secretary General efforts for a settlement of the Cyprus issue

On the sidelines of the conference, the Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou met with U.S. Secretary of State Madleen Albright who expressed the full support of the American Administration to the U.N. Sec General efforts for a settlement of the Cyprus dispute. In the meantime, the Cypriot goverment has slammed Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Dektash for his threats to stop the proximity talks, thus destroying all efforts to settle the Cyprus dispute, and has called on the UN, the EU and the international community not to succumb to his threats.

Upon his arrival in the occupied part of Cyprus, Dektash exluded his future participation in the Cyprus proximity talks if they were not conducted on the basis of two separate states, adding that he would brief the United Nations on his decision. At the same time, according to his statemetns to the Turkish newspaper "Sabah", Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem stated that Turkey was ready to pay any price for Cyprus. Additionally, he said that Turkey did not intend to change its policy regarding Cyprus.

He made the comment in response to a question about the possibility that Dektash's decision would isolate Turkey from the EU and the rest of the international community. In the meantime, Cypriot President Glafkos Klerides made an appeal for patience and hope, in his message to the Cypriot people, on the occasion of the declaration of November 30 ,as the " Day of the Enclaved". Among others, Mr. Klerides said that the Cypriot government's aim was to place Karpasia under Greek-Cypriot administration within the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

[03] Greek National Defence Minister postponed his visit to Yiougoslavia

Furthering cooperation between the two countries in the defence sector as well as promotion of peace ,stability and safety in the Balcans will be among the issues to be examined during Mr. Tsohatzopoulos contacts in Yiougoslavia. In the meantime, National Defence undersecretary Dimitris Apostolakis concluded his visit to Toledo.

Mr. Apostolakis discussed with his Spanish counterpart Fernando Diez Moreno and senior officials of the Spanish Defence ministry issues of bilateral cooperation, the situation in the Balkans, the Meditteranean and the creation of the European army. Besides, the Chief of the National Defence General Staff, General Manousos Paragioudakis is currently visiting the US, following an official invitation from his American counaterpart, Henry Shelton.

The Greek Chief of General Staff will be briefed by Mr. Shelton on matters of mutual interest in the military field, and will also meet with the Nato Chief Commander, General William Keeman.

[04] Mad cow disease - growing concern

In Germany, a backup test confirmed its first case of mad cow disease as anger grew towards those who had insisted the country would remain free of the brain wasting illness. People blasted the goverment and farm authorities for arrogant claims during BSE scares elsewhere in Europe that Germany was immune because of better tests and tighter controls. In Greece, a ban was imposed as of yesterday on the selling of T-bone steak. In tandem, the competent services in Thessaloniki and Ioannina located and confiscated small quantities of animal flour and French beef. In the meantime, after an extraordinary meeting yesterday, butchers left open the possibility to close their shops at Christmas holidays in protest against inneficient information while they have also raised the issue of compensation due to the plunging beef sales .

[05] Faran company file opens - Ricomex and Viokyt companies files will open soon

[06] Strike mobilisations in protest against the new draftbill on labour relations

[07] Technical Chamber elections

With 99,3% of the votes counted, PASK supported by the Pasok party gathered 31,3% of the votes while Democratic Movement supported by the ND party gathered 29,6% of the votes.

[08] Hague Conference on world climate failed

Saturday's chaotic breakup of the two-week Hague conference left the fight against global warming in disarray. Negotiations will resume in May.

[09] President of the IOC, Juan Antonio Samaranc reconfirmed that the 2004 Olympic Games will be held in Athens

He described as rubbish scenarios involving alternative sites, in the event that infrastructure in the Greek capital would not be ready on time.

In addition, he expressed the opinion that the current situation in Greece and the progress of the country's economy would facilitate the successful organisation of the 2004 Olympic Games.

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