Compact version |
|
Sunday, 22 December 2024 | ||
|
The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 01-02-13The 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 13/2/2001 1:37:45 μμ [01] ECOFIN approved the Greek stability program for 2000-2004The EU Economic and Finance Ministers Council - ECOFIN - yesterday unanimously approved the Greek stability program for the 2000-2004 period, describing it as compatible with the overall orientation of the EU economic policy. However, they underlined the need for speeding up reforms in the labour market and the social security and pension systems. The council also underlined the possibility of escalation of inflationary pressures.National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou assessed that Greece would develop to the most dynamically and rapidly developing country in the EU if the stability program proved successful. In parallel , Mr. Papantoniou added that he fully agreed with the council's remarks, explaining that they supported the Greek government in dealing with those people who react to reforms. [02] Excellent cooperation between Greece and Jordan confirmed during talks between Greek Foreign Minister Papandreou and his Jordanian counterpartForeign Minister Giorgos Papandreou visit to Jordan signals the boosting of Greece's presence in the Euro- Mediterranean region and aims at establishing stability and cooperation in the broader region.Talks between Mr.Papandreou and his Jordanian counterpart, Abdoulilah Hatib reconfirmed the two countries excellent cooperation not only n the political sector but also in the fields of economy, education, tourism, environment and culture. Mr. Papandreou briefed Jordan's delegation on the recent developments in the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations, while a big part of the discussion focused on developments in Middle East. The Greek Foreign Minister stated that Greece backed the continuation of the peace procedures. It should be noted that 60% to 65% of Jordan's population are Palestinians and at the same time Israel and Turkey prefer to hold talks with Jordan. Mr. Papandreou also met with Prime minister Ali Abu Rayieb, while his scheduled meeting with King Abdala II did not take place due to the King's late arrival from a trip abroad. Today, Mr. Papandreou will pay an official visit to Beirut. [03] Airport in Spata opens in March . IATA insists , after the completion of road networkEnvironment and Public Works Minister, Kostas Laliotis has stated that the official opening of the new airport in Spata will take place in March, without any compromises related to the airport's safety and high quality services , adding he believed the Spata airport would be listed as one of the most modern, safe and reliable airports in the world.However, the International Air Transport Union insists that the opening of the airport should be postponed till road access to the airport and all infrastructure works are completed. [04] European Commission supports -diplomas by Study Centres equivalent to degrees by Greek UniversitiesAccording to the European Commission, diplomas granted by Study Centres in Greece, affiliated to universities in EU member states, should be recognised as equivalent to Greek University degrees.The recognition of diplomas is based on the constitution and the relative legislation, therefore similar diplomas could not be recognised as academic study titles in any case," was the reply of the Education Ministry. In the meantime, the Presidents of Technological Institutes have asked for a meeting with Prime minister Costas Simitis and Education Minister Petros Efthimiou, while the professors of the Technological Institutes of Piraeus and Thessaloniki will abstain from their duties until Wednesday. Additionally, University rectors proposed that the tabling to parliament of the relevant draft bill should be postponed. [05] Enquiry Committee to look into the granting of Greek citizenship to foreignersEighty-three deputies of the main opposition New Democracy party have proposed the setting up of an Enquiry Committee to look into the illegal granting of Greek citizenship to foreigners during the last elections.Commenting on the proposal, Government Spokesman said that the New Democracy party was trying to turn the Parliament, into a judicial body while the New Democracy party spoke of a panicked government. [06] September 15, Day to remember the Greek genocide in Asia Minor by the Turkish forcesFollowing the signing of a Presidential decree by Culture Minister Evagelos Venizelos and Interior undersecretary Constantinos Kaiserlis, September 15 has been declared " Day of remembrance " of the Greek's genocide in Asia Minor by the Turkish forces.The decree, which will be signed by the President of the Hellenic Republic, has caused Ankara's discontent. Called upon to comment on Ankara's reaction, government spokesman stated that the Presidential decree was passed by the Parliament in 1998 and did not consist a government decision. Mr. Reppas also said that the decree did not determine the two countries' relations in the present and future, adding that Greece wished for the improvement of its relations with Turkey. [07] Increase in fuel pricesFuel prices are expected to increase significantly as from tonight. According to reports, unleaded gasoline will go up by five drachmas per litter while, diesel and heating oil by 9-19 dr. per litter.[08] Athens stock marketOn the Athens stock exchange, the General Share Price Index went up yesterday by 0,83% to close at 3.195,89 points[09] Seminar on '' State Radio and challenges in the 21st centuryA five day seminar entitled " Public Radio and challenges of the 21st century ", began yesterday at Zappeion Mansion with the opening speech of ERT's Managing Director Panayiotis Panayiotou.During his speech Mr. Panayiotou underlined the imperative need of a "red communication line" among state mass media of Balkan and South-Eastern European countries for the benefit of their peoples. [10] Weather ForecastThe National Meteorological Service forecasts for today rain and occasional thunderstorms in the Cyclades, the Dodecanese and Crete and fine weather in the rest of the country.The temperature in Athens will range from 8 to 13 degrees Centigrade and in Thessaloniki from 6 to 13 degrees. The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |