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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 01-01-29The 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 29/1/2001 10:14:52 рм [01] India asks for economic aid from the World BankHuge destructions in West India, where whole regions were literally destroyed by last Friday's strong earth-tremor, measuring 7,9 on the Richter scale, have shocked the international community.Last night, in the town of Butz, a seven year old boy was drawn up alive after having stayed 60 hours under the rubble, and two hours later rescue teams drew up his mother. Rescue teams are trying to find more survivors, although as time goes by hopes are getting fewer. According to the Indian Defence minister, the toll will be over 20.000 dead and 40.000 injured people, and the risk for epidemics is threatening. Numerous countries, however, have already sent humanitarian aid to India. In the meantime, India asked from the World Bank and other financing organisations economic aid amounting to 1,5 billion US dollars in order to re-build Goutzarat. The United States, Canada and Pakistan have already sent economic aid to India. [02] Papandrou-Yilmaz meeting in DavosForeign minister Yorgos Papandreou had a one-hour meeting yesterday with Turkish deputy Prime minister Mesut Yilmaz on the sidelines of the world economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland.The main focus of their discussion was Turkish relations with the European Union and, in particular, the implementation of obligations stemming from Turkey's status as a candidate for European Union membership. Turkey is going to submit its so-called National Action Plan until February, which will be describing its priorities within the partnership relationship with the European Union. Following his meeting with Mr. Papandreou, Mr. Yilmaz said his government was ready to speed up reforms towards this objective, and requested the assistance of the Greek side in its efforts. He also said that there was a possibility for Mr. Papandreou to visit Ankara the following March, adding that Turkey's National Programme regarding its association relationship with the European Union would be ready. However in relation to the Cyprus issue, both men said that there continued to be great divergence of views. Also within the framework of the Forum, Mr. Papandreou took part in a public discussion on Balkan reconstruction, and later had contacts with his Egyptian counterpart Amr Mousa, with whom he examined develpments in the Middle East. [03] Denktash reiterates his intransigent positions to SottoIn Cyprus, Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, at a meeting yesterday with the UN envoy Alvaro de Sotto -reiterated his inflexible position in relation to the proximity talks, stressing that the self -styled Turkish-Cypriot state must be recognized as a precondition to a resumption of the talks. He also maintained that the five proximity talks had not contributed to the preparation of unconditional face to face talks on the basis of the United Nations Secretary General's plan.Today, Mr. de Sotto is scheduled to meet once again with the Turkish-Cypriot leader, as well as with Cypriot President Glafkos Kliridis. In the meantime, Greek-Cypriot Panikos Tsiakourma's wife has asked for Mr. Sotto's intervention for her husband's release. Mr. Tsiakourma is being detained illegally in a prison of Denktash's pseudostate. Finally, the illegal court in the occupied territories will decide on Tuesday whether Tsiakourmas will be released under bail. [04] Simitis ends his two-day tour in CreteDuring his two-day tour to Western Crete in the weekend, Prime minister Costas Simitis reiterated his government's determination to materialize its policy.[05] Karamanlis asks for Papantoniou's resignationSpeaking at an event organized by the New Democracy party for local administration, party leader Costas Karamanlis exerted harsh criticism on the policy implemented by the government, more specifically as regards the Stock Exchange and the economy.Commenting on Mr. Karamanlis' statements from Ioannina, National Economy minister Yannos Papantoniou said that the Stock Exchange should stop being a party dispute field, stressing that similar statements did not do any good to any body, especially to investors. [06] 35.000 new working positionsThirty five thousand working positions will soon be created in municipalities, through programs processed by the ministries of the Interior and Labor. These positions will be financed by employement programmes under the condition that the employees' positions will be safeguarded after their financing ends.[07] Amanatides still in critical conditionInternational footballer, Yorgos Amanatidis, is in the intensive care unit of Errikos Dynan hospital in Athens, with serious head injuries, after a car accident he had on Saturday. Doctors say the next few days will be critical for the state of his health.[08] Hospital doctors on strike tomorrow and WenesdayHospital doctors have decided to stage a 48-hour strike starting from tomorrow and ending on Wenesday reacting to the reforms of the National Health draft bill which has been tabled at Parliament.[09] Chrysohoides, Karamanlis to discuss about terrorism todayDuring their meeting today, Public Order minister Michalis Chrysohoides and New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis will discuss about terrorism.[10] Laliotis to inaugurate art exhibitions at Metro stationsEnvironment and Public Works minister Costas Laliotis and the President of "Attiko Metro" Leonidas Kikkiras will inaugurate the new art exhibitions at the Metro stations of Sygrou-Fix, Omonia and Metaxourgio today.[11] Employees react to the use of depleted uranium weaponsThe Unions of employees in Athens will meet at Akadimos theater at 6 pm today to demonstrate for the use of depleted uranium weapons.The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |