The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 01-02-16

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

CONTENTS

16/2/2001 2:10:02 μμ

[01] Ministers' cabinet meeting chaired by Prime-minister Simitis

Among the priorities of the government, are the Olympic Games works, the reform of the National Security and Health systems. Mr. Simitis made special reference to Greece's foreign policy and to the Cyprus issue, stressing that the Greek government was in accordance with the Cyprus government decision to continue negotiations as regards the Cyprus issue.

Regarding the economy, Prime-minister Simits described as positive ECOFIN's approval of the Greek goverment's stability programme but noted the threat from the soaring oil prices.

He added though that inflation was expected to run about 2% by the end of the year. In reference to the long-running dispute over the name of Skopje, Mr.Simits said that a solution could be found that would benefit both countries, as bilateral relations have changed for the better.

[02] Talks on the name of Skopyie

Mr.Reppas underlined that the climate in the two countries relations has changed for the better, something that could be proved by the organization of the Balcan summit meeting to be held on February 22 and 23.

Among other things Mr.Reppas said that the improvement in the two countries relations would contribute to find a solution to the issue of the name of Skopyie, which would be to the mutual benefit of both countries.

On a relative development, during and interview with the Private Skopyian television channel A1 on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Yiorgos Papandreou referred to Greece's relations with FYROM, stating that the two countries proved that they could cooperate and become the example of countries which managed to overcome promblems in their past relations and become the best partners.

As regards the issue of the name, Mr. Papandreou said that the solution could not be 100% satisfactory to both sides, but t would resolve other issues in the two countries relations and would open new prospects for progress. Finally, ND party honorary president Constantinos Mitsotakis also supports a compromise solution to the name of Skopyie.

[03] IOC Vice-president concludes his visit to Athens

Mr. Rogues said that the key for a successful organisation of the Olympic Games was good cooperation between the government and the Organizational Committee, which he described as very good.

[04] New airport in Spata opens in late March

Transport and Communications Minister Hristos Verelis said that the operation permit of the new airport would be issued within the next days.

Mr. Verelis is expected to announce the names of the four companies interested in purchasing the National Air carrier today. The companies must submit their proposals until April 15th.

[05] Meeting of ND party President with the Speaker of the Cyprus House

He also stressed that there could not be enlargement of the European Union without Cyprus.

[06] Foreign Ministry belies articles about failure of Greek Foreign policy in the ME

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Panayotis Beglitis underlined that Mr. Papandreou had not asked for the extradition of the Kurdish and Turkish refugees from Greece.

Referring to the Balcan countries summit meeting in Skopjie on February 23, Mr.Beglitis announced a meeting of Mr. Papandreou with his Turkish countepart Ismail Cem and bilateral meetings with all his counterparts from the Balkan countries on the sidelines of the meeting.

[07] Upgrading of Technological Institutes

[08] Athens stock market

[09] Use of DNA test to combat terrorism and organised crime

In parallel, the Personal Data Protection Authority has set the following terms for the implementation of the measure.

A special bill to clearly determine serious crimes A special judcial authority to decide who is suspect of a serious crime Destruction of the DNA test after the revelation of the identity of the culprit.

Guarantee that the specific DNA test would not be used for any other purpose or any other person.

[10] The weather today

The temperature in Athens will range from 2 to 8 degrees Centigrate and in Thessaloniki from 1 to 8 degrees.

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