The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 02-07-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Weather forecast

(27/7/2002 12:13:00 μμ)

[02] Rogue satisfied with latest developments on terrorism

At the same time, one of the basic first generation members of the terrorist organization Pavlos Serifis revealed to the public prosecutor that he participated in the terrorist organisation from 1975 to 1980 and that he was involved in the assassinations of CIA station manager Richard Wells and Greek policemen Petrou and Stamoulis. He also confessed that Alexandros Giotopoulos was unquestionably the leader of the organization, underlining that he had &#8220;pulled the trigger&#8221; three times.

Meanwhile, Patroklos Tselentis, another member of the terrorist group &#8220;17 November&#8221;, appeared before the Court of Appeals prosecutor yesterday.

Based on the new legislation on organized crime, he is accused of a number of felonies. Specifically, he is accused of murder, attempted murder and armed robbery with murder. He requested and received more time until Sunday to prepare his testimony.

Meanwhile, authorities do not make any comments on the information according to which, a police operation was launched in Mitilini, in the northeastern Aegean island of Lesvos last night, aimed at the arrest of Dimitris Koufodinas or another 17N member under the code-name &#8220;Aris&#8221;.

On a relative development, following their testimonies, Thomas Serifis and Costas Telios were remanded in custody. Telios reiterated all details related to his participation to November 17 and everything he knew about the organization.

From his side, government spokesman Christos Protopapas reiterated that the government&#8217;s goal is that all investigation on terrorism to extend to other organizations besides November 17.

In and interview with NET 105.8, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Costas Gitonas stated that we were at the end of the terrorist organization November 17 and its uprooting.

From his side, New Democracy MP stated on the same radio station that it was too early for conclusions since the leader of the terrorist organization had not been revealed yet.

At the same time, Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas denied any association of terrorist group &#8220;17 November&#8221; with Turkish organizations, responding to a statement issued by the Turkish police and clarified that if there is new evidence the Turkish authorities will be briefed.

Mr. Protopapas also stated that the issue of terrorism is not up for political party exploitation, while the mass media should avoid involving people in terrorism in an arbitrary way.

In the meantime, during his meeting with Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos yesterday, IOC President Zacques Rogue described the latest developments on the issue of terrorism as an important development for the safe and successful staging of the 2004 Olympic Games. Mr. Rogue stated that substantial progress was made on the preparation status, despite the fact that there were some obstacles and difficulties that had to be overcome.

Moreover, White House spokesman Ari Fletcher described the operation for the uprooting of November 17 as a success of the Greek government and an example for the war against terrorism.

Finally, according to an opinion poll conducted from 11-23 July by Metron Analysis, with a cross section of 1,200 people, the majority of them believe that the authorities will uproot November 17, while the difference between PASOK and New Democracy parties has fallen to 5.5 percentage points.

Specifically, the New Democracy party is ahead with 37.4%, PASOK follows with 31.9%, third comes the Communist party of Greece with 4.6%, the Synaspismos party fourth with 2.6% and DIKKI with 3%

55.1% believe that Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysohoides does his job well.

(27/7/2002 12:19:00 μμ)

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