The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 01-02-14

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

CONTENTS

14/2/2001 3:51:43 μμ

[01] Ministry of Health to ban the use of the human genetic chart

This new scientific achievement opens great possibilities in science and medicine in particular. Yet scepticism prevails as regards the use of knowledge and the repercussions from the uncontrollable use of such discoveries.

Prime minister Kostas Simitis underlined that bio-technology promises much, but its discoveries involve high dangers as well.

[02] Greek Foreign Minister conclude his visit to Jordan and Lebanon. Close cooperation with the US Secretary of State to combat terrorism

Mr.Papandreou had contacts yesterday with Lebanon's Prime- ministier Rafik El Hariri, Foreign Minister Mahmut Hamut, Vice-president Isam Fares, the President of the Republc of Lebanon, General Emil Lahut and the orthodox Metropolitan of Beirut Elias Aunda. Talks focused on developments in the ME under the shadow of clashes in the Gaza Strip as well as bilateral relations between Greece and Lebanon.

Shortly prior to his departure for Athens, Mr. Papandreou had his first telephone contact with the new Americn Secretary of State Colin Powell to whom he conveyed his impressions as well as the concerns and expectations of the officials he met on the ME issue. They also discussed developments in the Balkans while Mr. Papandreou referred to the need for cooperation between the EU and the US, underlining the stability role that Greece could play.

On his part, Mr.Powell assured his Greek counterpart that he wanted close cooperation on issues related to the Balkan region.

Mr.Papandreou also briefed Mr Powell on the course of Greek- Turkish relations as well as the problems related to the Cyprus issue.

In reference to the issue of terrorism, they agreed on a close cooperation to combat terrorism. Mr.Papandreou also said that recent articles created an unfair image of Greece while described the American secretary recent statement as positive.

Finally Mr.Papandreoua and Mr.Powell will meet in Brussels on February 27th, on the occasion of the Nato summit.

[03] Cyprus President met with Greek President on Tuesday

In reply to a relevant reporters' question after the meeting, Mr.Kyprianou described as unacceptable the proposal for the creation of two states for the solution of the Cyprus issue.

In the meantime, ND deputy Dora Bakoyianni, who is in Cyprus at the invitation of the Cyprus Federation of Businesswomen, yesterday met with Cyprus Justice and Public Order minister and the President of the United Democrats party, Giorgos Vasiliou.

[04] A debate opens in the parliament on procedures for the election of the President of the Republic

However, regardless of the final proposal of the majority of the parliament, the voting of the article is extremely difficult as a majority of 180 votes is required.

The ND party has proposed direct election -by the people - of the President of the Republic.

[05] OECD - favourable report on the Greek economy

However, the report underlines the need for the speeding of reforms in the sectors of health, social security and public administration.

National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou expressed satisfaction at the result of the Economic and Finance Ministers Council and the content of the report of the organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development which foresees a 4,6% pace of development in 2001 and 4,4% in 2002.

[06] IOC Vice-president arrives in Athens on Wednesday

[07] Study Centres certificates can not be recognised in Greece

On his part, Government Spokesman Dimitris Reppas said that EU bodies could not intervene in matters determined by the Greek Constitution.

Euro deputy of the Coalition of the Left Wing and Progress party, Alekos Alavanos, whose question brought up the subject, stated that the European Commission has begun procedures to refer the case to the European Court.

[08] Meeting of Prime-minister Kostas Simtis with Pasok party General Secretary

In the meantime yesterday, referring to the recent statement by Public Order Minister Mihalis Hrisohoidis about a change in the Pasok party symbols, Government Spokesman said that there was no question about a change in the Pasok party symbols as they have taken roots in peoples' conscience.

[09] Reduction of hirings in the public sector - transfer of activities to the private sector

Mrs Papandreou also clarified that only graduates of the National Public Administration School would be hired in permanent positions in the public sector.

[10] Innovative Supreme Court verdict

[11] Decision signed for the extradition of drug smuggler Valantares

[12] Exhibition of photographs to shed light on the tortures to Greek Jews during the nazi occupation

The exhibition was organised under the initiative of the Ministry of Press and the Jewish Museum with the aim to shed light to the exiles of the Jews and the assistance offered by the Greek people to help them survive.

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