The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 01-03-01

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

CONTENTS

1/3/2001 11:00:56 рм

[01] Relocation of Korydallos prisons

[02] The Swedish PM visits Athens

The object of their talks was the issue of modern challenges the united Europe will have to deal with, the dangers in the food chain and current developments in the Balkans.

In statements after the meeting, the two prime ministers stressed the need for technology and research development, deeper approach to social policy with regard to dealing with the demographic problem, training and policy in small and medium-sized businesses so that the European Union (EU) may become more competitive than the Unites States (US).

The Russian president Vladimir Putin will attend the Stockholm summit meeting, as one of the issues that will be brought up at the summit will be the EU-Russian relations.

Replying to a question concerning the mad caw disease, the Swedish prime minister made it clear that the issue will not be discussed in Stockholm, as the issue is already being dealt with by the EU Agriculture Ministers Council and the competent EU Commissioner Mr Filser. He also said that according to the EU budget there is no more money for the agricultural sector and therefore, no additional funds are provided for compensations.

[03] The Belgian defense minister in Greece

The two ministers talks covered issues such as the European defense in the Cyprus issue, the latest developments in southern Serbia and Kosovo, Greek - Turkish relations, Turkey's European course and the Middle East issue.

The Belgian defense minister also met with his Greek counterpart Akis Tsochatzopoulos. They both expressed their concern about the activities of Albania's extremist elements in southern Serbia.

About the issue of a European army, both the Belgian and the Greek defense ministers said that the time-table of setting up the army will be respected and then explained the relation of this force with the NATO structures.

[04] Reforms in the National Health System

In addition, Mr Papadopoulos presented the draft bill on radical changes in the sector of welfare that will be tabled in parliament soon.

[05] New offices of the National Real Estate Registry

It is also stressed in the minister's reply that it would be disastrous if the programs of the National Real Estate Registry were cut down, suspended or delayed during the crucial period 2001 - 2003.

According to information, the new objective real estate values will be up to 60% higher. The relative announcement is expected to be made on Friday at the latest.

[06] Meeting on the social security system

The issue was raised by representatives of the workers and employers, while labour minister Tasos Giannitsis said that a long-term solution was sought in this sector.

In a press conference on social security on Wednesday, the general secretary of the Greek communist party Aleka Papariga presented her party's positions on the issue.

[07] Evening hours for civil services

Revenue Offices and the first four public economic services will be the first to enforce the new hours and will be open from 3 pm starting on Monday, March 5th.

[08] Privatisation of Olympic Airways

[09] OTE utility bill rates

International calls will be reduced up to 10%, while on the contrary, local calls will go up to 10.5 drachmas per minute compared to 9 drachmas a call costs today.

[10] Athens bourse

[11] New Committee on INTERNET

The committee' s work and the people who will be consisting it, were announced at a press conference on Wednesday.

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