The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 01-01-26

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

CONTENTS

26/1/2001 10:26:37 рм

[01] Pope John Paul II invited to Greece

From his side the Archbishop of Athens and all Greece Christodoulos stated that the Church would take a stand on the issue as soon as the Vatican submitted the relevant application and the Pope expressed the wish to come to Greece as the leader of the Roman Catholic church.

In the meantime, Mr. Stephanopoulos was warmly welcomed by the inhabitants of the Greek-speaking villages of Italian Apoulia during his visit there.

[02] ND deputy Michaloliakos to be released soon from hospital

To date, little progress has been made in finding the preparations of the attack, which police have said bear some of the hallmarks of the elusive November 17 terrorist group. So far, no organization has claimed responsibility for the murder attempt.

In the meantime, the governent is speeding up procedures to table a counter -terrorism draft bill in Parliament next month.

[03] Drop of General Share Price Index, mystery to Papantoniou

He also stated that although the level of competitiveness of the Greek economy is satisfactory, inflation constitutes a continuous threat to the economy which however, must be dealt with.

In the meantime, the General Share Price Index of the Athens Stock Exchange rose yesterday by 1,16% after first fallling below 3.000 points.

[04] Papandreou discusses with Soto about Cyprus issue

The Greek Foreign minister asked that the negotiations should continue on the basis of the resolution 1250 of the Security Council, while Mr. de Soto stressed that big efforts should be made for the issue to be settled.

Meanwhile, Mr. de Soto concluded that the new American government, which would meet soon with the United Nations Secretary General Koffi Anan, was supporting the United Nations efforts for the solution of the Cyprus issue.

From his part the Turkish-Cypriot representative Rauf Denktash appeared provocative yesterday stating that the Greek-Cypriots were aiming to dominate the whole island through the European Union, reiterating at the same time his refusal to take part in the Cyprus proximity talks.

In a speech at a central hotel in Constaninople, Mr. Denktash pointed out that Cyprus accession to the European Union before Turkey's accession was not in accordance with the 1969 agreements, adding that no solution of the Cyprus issue would be reached if the powerful countries continued to regard the Greek-Cypriots the same as the Cyprus Republic.

[05] Human Rights issue obstacle for Turkey's European prospects

This statement was made by the British Foreign undesecretary responsible for European Affairs Keeth Vaz in response to a question asked by the President of the Human Rights committee of the Parliament An Klouid.

In an interview with the Greek service of the BBC, Mrs. An Klouid stressed that except the Human Right issue, Turkey's European prospects were stumbling on the lack of progress in Greek-Turkish relations and efforts for the solution of the Cyrpus issue.

[06] Papariga-Milocevic discussions in Belgrade

Mrs. Papariga stressed that it was obvious that everybody agreed that all peoples should be free to choose about its presence and future.

[07] Papazoi visits Russia for discussions

They also discussed about the pending agreements on aviation and sea transport, as well as about the progress on the Bourgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipe line.

According to statements made by the Greek Foreign undesecretary to reporters later, Greece and Russia re- affirmed their interest on the pipeline, adding that Bulgaria should resume its responsibilities as a result.

Mrs. Papazoi and Mr. Avdeyief reiterated their support to the newly elected Yugoslav President Voislav Kostounica and to his country's unity in view of the independence tendency on belalf of Montenegro.

Mrs. Papazoi is meeting today with Culture minister Michael Svidcoi and the Foreign undesecretary.

[08] Archbishop Christodoulos gives dinner in honor of Greek commissioner

The Archbishop stressed that it was necessary for the Commissioner and the Europe-deputies to know the positions of the Church on European issues and believed that there should be cooperation between them before important decisions were taken in the European Parliament.

[09] Simitis visits Crete today

Specifically, prime minister Simitis will visit the prefectures of Rethymno and Chania today and tomorrow.

[10] Anna Daskalaki briefs the foreign press on 2004 Olympics

Mrs. Daskalaki described terrorism as an international problem and expressed her confidence to the state.

She excluded the possibility to run as a candidate for the Athens Town Hall and emphasized her close cooperation with the State.

[11] ''Euro-fighter programme'' to be re-negotiated

The final decisions onthe programme are expected to be taken by the Defence and Foreign affairs committee, which will also arrange finance to cover the enorous sum of 1.7 trillion drx.

According to acting government spokesman Tilemachos Chytiris the purchase of the planes will be re-negotiated and the delivery of the planes will begin in 2006 and end in 2010.

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