The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 01-03-26

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

CONTENTS

26/3/2001 2:40:11 μμ

[01] FYROM's goverment forces captured all key positions in the hills above Tetovo and arrested many Albanians rebels

In the meantime, seven people were injured while the FYROM authorities have expressed fears that in several parts the autonomist guerillas are holding civilians, hostage to use them as a "human shield".

In the meantime, observers believe that the goverment forces have not secured their achievements while London has called on Skopjie to show restraint a demand also expected to be expressed by NATO Secretary General, who will visit FYROM's capital today.

[02] Greek initiative for the participation of all Balcan countries Defence minsters in the April 5th meeting

Within this framework Mr.Tsochatzopoulos yesterday visited Bulgaria for talks with his Bulgarian counterpart.

In repply to a Bulgarian reporter's question on whether developments in FYROM directly affected Greece, Mr.Tsohatzopoulos stressed that it was wrong to create false impressions about the existence of a security problem n the broader region.

On his part, the Bulgarian Defence Minister referred to both Greece and Bulgaria's willingness to cooperate for the aversion of a civil war in FYROM and support FYROM's goverment decisions, only within the framework of EU and NATO relevant decisions.

[03] March 25th, grand military parade in Athens. Students parades in NY, Sydney, Melbourne

A te-deum was oficiated at the Athens Cathedral. On the occasion of the Greek national holiday, the President of the Greek parliament, Apostolos Kaklamanis who is currently on a visit to the US called on Greek-Americans to influence public opinion and US parliamentary groups, by informing them on the real facts related to the Cyprus issue and Turkish claims in the Aegean.

From his side, on the occasion of the National holiday, in his messages to the Greek President Costis Stephanopulos and Prime minister Costas Simitis, the President of Cyprus Glafkos Klerides expresses the belief that with the help of Greece there will be a just and viable solution to the Cyrpus problem.

In tandem, the Greek ambassador to Cyprus Christos Panagopoulos stated that the Joint Defence region of Greece and Cuprus is inseperable, adding that the two goverments are determined to defend it.

Greeks living in Melbourne also celebrated March 25th with a grand parade of students and Greek organisations around the area of the Unknown Soldier monument.

Archbishop of Australia Stylianos, Australian Prime minister John Howard, main opposition leader Kim Bizley, Prime minister of New South Wales Bob Karr and other officials were present at the celebrations for the national day at the Opera house in Sydney.

March 25th was also celebrated in the United States in the presence of the undersecretary for Greeks living abroad, Grigoris Niotis and a delegation of the Greek Parliament headed by the Speaker of the Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis.

American President George Bush signed the declaration for the national holiday at the White House. Present were Foreign Undersecretary Grigoris Niotis and Archbishop of America Dimitrios.

Mr. Bush spoke war mly about Greek-American relations, expressed his wish to visit Greece and appeared certain that the 2004 Olympics would be carried out successfully. American Secretary of State Collin Powel in a letter to the President of the 2004 Olympics Gianna Agelopoulou Daskalaki expressed his satisfaction over the security measures the Greek government has decided to take during the Olympic Games.

[04] British Prime-minister hailed Greek-British police cooperation

In tandem, he hailed the cooperation established between the Greek and British police.

Finally, a biministerial meeting will be held on Wednesday to examine issues related to the 2004 Olympics.

[05] Greek population about 11.2 million people

According to the National Statistical Service, the total population of Greece is estimated around 11,2 -11,3 million people.

[06] Eleftherios Venizelos, new international airport officially opens on Tuesday

[07] Press Ministry issued 28 radio permits, the rest radio stations to close down

Shortly after the announcement approximately 70 stations, which were refused licences, will have to close down.

The 28 stations will broadcast for the next month through facilities currently set on Mount Ymettos, while their aerials will be moved to Mount Parnitha next month.

[08] Weather forecast

The temperature in Athens will range from 12 to 28 degrees Centigrate, in Thessaloniki from 9 to 21 degrees and in the islands from 14 to 26 degrees.

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