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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 01-10-05The 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 5/10/2001 12:29:00 μμ Russian airliner crashes Anti-terrorist campaign gains pace Papandreou in Sofia Greek economy holds well says Papantoniou The situation with the Cyprus issue unacceptable says Peter Hayne Waves of illegal immigrants hit Greece 2,18% rise at the Athens Stock Exchange on Thursday Hadjichristos' funeral this afternoon [01] Russian airliner crashesThe cockpit of a Russian Tu-154 airliner which crashed into the Black Sea has been located, as speculation continues about the causes of the crash.The plane - flying from Tel Aviv in Israel to the Russian city of Novosibirsk - was carrying 64 passengers and 12 crew, when it apparently exploded in mid-air. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the plane might have been brought down by terrorists. But a US official in Washington suggested that the airliner was accidentally hit by a Ukrainian missile fired during a military training exercise near the crash site. Thirteen bodies have so far been recovered from the crash site, 190km (115 miles) south of the Russian city of Sochi. The plane, carrying mainly Israelis of Russian origin, disappeared from radar screens at 0945 GMT on Thursday. The answer for the crash of the airliner will be given by the black box of the aircraft, which has been found. [02] Anti-terrorist campaign gains paceIn support of the USA, NATO has decided to allow American and NATO forces to have access to all ports, airports and airspace of NATO country-members.At the same time, the NATO headquarters in Naples decided to activate the Permanent Naval Force in the Mediterranean in which Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey and the US are participating. On a relative development, following a request by Washington, Cyprus has decided to allow American aircrafts to use its airspace, including the military base "Andreas Papandreou" in Pafos. From his side, the Australian Prime Minister anounced that Australia will provide about 1,000 soldiers and two aircrafts to the United States for the compaign against terrorism. In the meantime, in an attempt to prove that the American pressure is not against the Afganis, President George W Bush has announced that the United States is to provide an extra $320m in aid to help Afghanistan ' s impoverished people during the coming winter. The money will be spent on food and medicines to assist Afghans who have remained in the drought-stricken country, as well as those who have fled to neighbouring countries and are living in refugee camps. At the same time, Pakistan says there is enough evidence against Osama Bin Laden for him to face trial in connection with the 11 September terror attacks on the United States. The announcement comes the day after Pakistan was presented with evidence from the US about Bin Laden s role in the attacks, in which more than 6,000 people were killed. From their side, the Taleban are refusing to hand in Osama Bin Laden even if he proves to be guilty. They have stated that they will hand him in under the condition that he will be tried at an Islamic court. Within the framework of the US to gain the backing of other countries in its campaign, the US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has arrived in Egypt for talks wi th officials. After his meeting with the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Mr. Rumsfeld said that Egypt and the US share the same views. It is the third leg of four planned stops in the Middle East and Central Asia by Mr Rumsfeld, who is trying to shore up support for possible strikes against Afghanistan. Before landing in Cairo, Mr Rumsfeld held talks with leaders in Oman and Saudi Arabia Mr. Rumsfeld ' s next stop will be in Uzbekistan. However, after yesterday' s incident when a Palestinian gunman shot dead three Israelis in the northern Israeli city of Afula, the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon gave a strong-worded speech warning the United States not to appease the Arab countries at Israel's expense, and saying that Israel would take whatever actions necessary to protect its citizens. Meanwhile, Russia is evacuating its diplomats ' relatives from Pakistan. Additionally, the Greek Foreign minister Yorgos Papandreou stated after his meeting with his British countepart in London that the American military operation would hit only selected targets. UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to leave Moscow for Pakistan on Friday, in an effort to shore up the international coalition against terrorism. In Moscow, Mr Blair discussed the crisis arising from last month's attacks on the United States with the Russian President, Vladimir Putin. He praised " the strength of leadership of President Putin at this time". Mr Putin said that Russia fully backed the international coalition being built, adding that the West had found a safe partner in Russia in the battle against world terrorism. [03] Papandreou in SofiaForeign minister Yorgos Papandreou is in Sofia in order to participate in the international Conference entitled "The contribution of the new Republics to Euro-Atlantic Security", the sessions of which begin today with an opening speech by the NATO Secretary General. Following his talks with high officials of the State Department and the Foreign Office during the last two days, Mr. Papandreou s speech is expected with great interest. Following the 11 September terrorist attack, the conference is going to focus on the issue of NATO ' s expansion.[04] Greek economy holds well says PapantoniouAfter his meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis at Maximos Mansion yesterday, National Economy minister Yannos Papantoniou said that he briefed the PM on the new year s budget and stated that the Greek economy was holding well. Mr. Papantoniou also said that the Bank of Greece, the Greek government and the United States government are cooperating for the combat of terrorism.[05] The situation with the Cyprus issue unacceptable says Peter HayneReferring to the Cyprus issue, the British deputy minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Hayne has stated that Britain considers the existing situation in Cyprus unacceptable. At the same time, he expressed his disappointment on Mr. Rauf Denktash s negative stance and urged all parties including Turkey to cooperate with the United States Secretary General. Mr. Hayne also added that Britain respects and supports all the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and expects all members of the European Council including Turkey to comply with its decisions.[06] Waves of illegal immigrants hit GreeceMore than 700 foreigners have tried to cross the borders of Greece illegally in the past few hours. Additionally, during the last 24 hours 580 illegal immigrants from Afganistan and Pakistan entered Greece, while today the Coast Guard in Kalymnos arrested 13 illegal immigrants of various nationalities and the Coast Guard in Kos arrested six illegal Afgani immigrants.[07] 2,18% rise at the Athens Stock Exchange on ThursdayThe General Share Price Index of the Athens Stock Exchange rose by 2,18% yesterday closing at 2.279 points.[08] Hadjichristos funeral this afternoonRenowned actor Costas Hadjichristos funeral will be held at the Athens First cemetry this afternoon.The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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