The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 03-01-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Weather forecast

The temperature in Athens will range from 9 to 15 C and in Thessaloniki from 7 to 10 C.

(23/1/2003 10:42:00 ðì)

[02] European Labour Ministers meet in Naphlion

(23/1/2003 10:44:00 ðì)

[03] Diplomatic efforts to prevent war against Iraq intensify

On a relative development, the Greek Foreign Minister discussed on the phone the issue with the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and with his Turkish counterpart Yiassar Yiakis in view of Muslim countries' meeting due to be held in Constaninople today.

Meanwhile, although France and Germany stated that they were determined to prevent war against Iraq, American Secretary of State Colin Powell described their stance temporary.

However, according to the London &#8220;Times&#8221;, Germany will ask from United Nations' inspectors a new report, while France, Germany and Switzerland are asking for more time to be given to the United Nations inspectors, who are continuing their investigations in Iraq.

From his side, American President George W. Bush maintains that Washington has not decided yet whether it will launch an attack against Iraq, while Moscow believes that the decision for a military attack against Iraq has already been taken and will take place in mid February.

At the same time, American Democrat and Republican senators are asking to be briefed better by the White House on why the war against Iraq is necessary, pointing out that it would be a mistake for the United States to intervene militarily in Iraq on its own or with the support of few countries.

Finally, according to the &#8220;Guardian&#8221; the American army will protect Iraq's oil deposits, so that a similar destruction to that of 1991 is averted.

(23/1/2003 10:48:00 ðì)

[04] New tender for the ATHENS 2004 security programme to be issued

Spokesman Christos Protopapas added that conditions and prerequisites were not met during the tender's final phase.

Moreover, he clarified that the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA), the high-ranking committee that approves major defence contracts and top military promotions, among others, will consider the 2004 security contract only after a winner has been selected.

Two international consortia were in the bidding for multi-million dollar contract, the centrepiece of government's and Athens 2004 organisers' (ATHOC) commitment to ensure absolutely secure Olympic Games in 2004.

Two offers were on the table coming into the week, by the &#8220;SAIC&#8221; and &#8220;TRS&#8221; groups.

In later statements following a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said a new tender will be issued immediately, and again under the defence ministry's auspices.

From its side, the New Democracy party reacted by saying that by serving the interests of t he two groups, the government is jeopardizing the security issue of the ATHENS 2004 Olympic Games.

(23/1/2003 10:51:00 ðì)

[05] Joint Agricultural Policy presented in Brussels

From his side, in an interview with NET 105.8, Agriculture Minister George Drys stated that the majority of the Greek farmers' interests who own small size cultivations would not be affected.

Meanwhile, a demonstration is taking place in Karditsa and Trikala today in protest to the economic crisis and unemployment prevailing in many parts in Thessaly. Participating are Agricultural Organisations, employees' organisations and Trade Unions.

(23/1/2003 10:52:00 ðì)

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