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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 00-11-28The 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 28/11/2000 4:46:26 μμ [01] Final approval for the 3rd EU Support Framework FundFollowing the signing of the third E.U Support Framework, amounting to 44.29 billion euro [about 16 trillion drs.] , National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou described yesterday as a most important day for Greece.Mr. Papantoniou referred to the importance of these funds for the upgrading of infrustructure works during the period 2000- 2006, stressing that the right use of the funds would change the country's picture within the next years. Referring to the final approval of the 3rd EU Support Framework, EU Commissioner responsible for regional development Michel Barnie stated that it opened true propsects for Greece to bridge the developmental gap separating it from the other EU member states, in view of the next EU enlargement adding that a necessary precondition was not only the absorvance of funds but also right management in order to fulfill the high targets set by the EU always taking into consideration the healthy macroeconomic situation in Greece . [02] Meeting between President Stefanopoulos and Prime-minister SimitisDuring his meeting yesterday with the President of the Republic Kostis Stefanopoulos, Prime-minister Kostas Simitis expressed his optimism at the positive course of the Greek economy despite the negative developments at international level. Mr. Simitis briefed Mr. Stefanopoulos on all issues related to domestic and foreign policy, as well as the prospects of the EU-Turkey partnership relation.[03] Yianna Aggelopoulou briefed Prime-minister Simitis on the outcome of the IOC visit to AthensPrime-minister Simitis yesterday received the President of the Athens 2004 Organising Committee, Yanna Aggelopoulou.During their half-hour meeting, they discussed the oucome of the visit of the IOC coordinating committee delegation which is monitoring the course of the Olympic works under the supervision of IOC Vice-president Jacques Rogues. Meanwhile, Environment Minister Kostas Laliotis yesterday presented the results of a study carried out by the Economy Institute, according to which Greece's construction sector can meet the works that will be done through the Third EU support framework. [04] Former King of Greece claims the so-called royal propertyGreece does not negotiate with forces or factors contrary to the " country's interests" reiterated yesterday goverment Spokesman Dimitris Reppas, repplying to a proposal by Former King Konstantinos to negotiate the amount of compensation for the so-called royal property.In parallel ,the Secretary of the Pasok party Central Committee Kostas Skandalidis stressed that the Greek goverment will exhaust all constitutional and legislative in order to safeguard the interests of the Greek people. On his part, the President of the N.D party Konstantinos Karamanlis underlined that Konstantine Gluxbourg should be treated as an ordinary individual, whose problem should be solved on the grounds of international law butnot at the expense of the Greek state. The President of the Coalition of the Left Nikos Konstantopoulos described the claims of ousted King Konstantine as provocation to democracy. Konstantine Gluxbourg, in an interview yesterday, explained that he claimed the Tatoi and Mon Repo properties because he felt he had the right to own two houses as all Greeks do. [05] Growing concern at the ad cow diseaseConsumers' concern regarding the mad cow disease is growing throughout Europe while an extraordinary meeting of the EU Agriculture Ministers' Council has been set for December 4th.However, in his speech in the parliament yesterday, Greek Agriculture Minister Giorgos Anomeritis once again reassured that no case of the mad cow disease has ever been reported in Greece so far.He also stressed that only 40 thousand tonnes of animal feed from meat-flour was used in Greece compared to the 1.660.000 tons of animal feed consumed annually. [06] Strike mobilisations culminate today with the Civil Servants 24-hour strikeThe 48- hour strike-mobilizations - which began yesterday in protest against reforms in labour relations and the social insurance system - culminate today with the 24-hour strike staged by the Civil Servants Union. Within this framework, hospital doctors, personnel of insurance services and garbage collectors continue their mobilizations.Participation of airport employees in today's 24-hour strike of the Civil Servants Union is expected to create problems in air transport. [07] Need for the speeding up of structural changes in the Greek economyIn his statements today, the President of the Greek Industries Union , Lefteris Antonakopoulos underlined the need for the speeding up of structural changes in the Greek economy. In reference to reforms in labour relations, he expressed the view that they increased labour cost and created an inflexible labour market. Mr.Antonakopoulos also called for reduction of the special consumption tax on fuel.[08] No room for new political partiesIn repply to a question regarding scenarios about the setting up of a new political party by the Mayor of Athens, Dimitris Avramopoulos ,during an interview with a with a private television channel yesterday, the New Democracy party leader Kostas Karamanlis stressed that there was no room for a new party, adding that the doors of his party were open to Giorgos Souflias. However, he ruled out the possibility of Antonis Samaras' return to the New Democracy party.[09] Pasok party Organisation Office meets on Friday and SaturdayPrime-minister Kostas Simitis yesterday chaired a meeting of the Pasok party Executive Office which examined current political developments and preparations for the congress of the Pasok party Organizing Sector, due to be held next Friday and Saturday.[10] Presidents of the Parliaments of candidate for admission to the EU countries meet in LemessosThe 10th meeting of Presidents of the Parliaments of candidate for admission to the EU countries chaired by the President of the European Parliament was held in Lemessos yesterday. The subject of the meeting was to review enlargement procedures.In his speech ,the President of the Cyprus parliament Spiros Cyprianou described the European Parliament and Cyprus stronger supporter in its European course expressed through its resolutions. Participating in the meeting was also Zaques Poos who had proposed Cyprus candidacy for admission He has already stated that basedon political criterium ,Cyprus was even at present ready for admission to the EU. In the meantime, Greek Goverment Spokesman described as a provocation to the international community, both Ancara's and RaulfDektash desicionsto abstend from the 6th round of proximity talks if their terms were not accepted. In parallel, the leader of the Turkish Republican party Mehmet Ali Talat described as the biggest historical mistake Ancara's and Dektash decision to walk out of the Cyprus issue proximity talks . [11] Athens stock marketOn the Athens stock market ,the general price index had a slight drop of 0,27% to close at 3312.08 points.The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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