The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 03-04-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Weather forecast

(17/4/2003 1:19:00 μμ)

[02] Signing of EU enlargement treaty

In their Athens declaration, the leaders of the 25 EU member states stress their determination to end century old disputes and overcome former divisions In parallel they expressed support to the UN organisation and committed themselves to work hard to safeguard international peace and stability, to combat terrorism and limit weapons of mass destruction.

Greek Prime-minister and current EU Council President Kostas Simitis spoke of a historic day in which Europe proves it overcame its division in two hostile camps caused by World War II. He also spoke of a triumph for peace and security in Europe, but stressed the need for revision of the EU s foreign and defense policy to deal with political developments while he also referred to the EU leaders willingness for close relations with the US.

European Commission President Romano Prodi said that the admission of Balcan states was the next step in European unification.

The new EU chart will be presented at the EU summit in Thessaloniki in June said the President of the EU Legislative Assembly, Ziscar D Estain.

EU leaders and Foreign Ministers will attend a European Conference at the Zapion Mansion this morning.

American President, George Bush supports EU enlargement and believes that the U.S and EU will closely cooperate to offer their assistance to the liberated people of Iraq said Secretary of State Collin Powell. The American secretary also said that the U.S is committed to work hard for a just and viable solution of the only one EU member state, Cyprus which is still divided.

Cyprus President, Tassos Papadopoulos described the day of the signing of Cyprus admission to the EU as the most important day for the island after the day of its independence.Cypriot membership will nominally cover the entire island, but will in practice apply only to the Greek Cypriot south and stop at a heavily fortified green line splitting the island from the northern Turkish Cypriots.

Turkey s Foreign Ministry announcement says that Ancara on legal and political ground does not accept Cyprus admission to the EU. However, EU Commissioner responsible for enlargement, Gunter Ferhoigen said that Turkey is in a difficult position and needs encouragement and understanding to go on with reforms which will allow it to enter the block.

In the meantime, 70 violations of the Greek airspace by Turkish war aircrafts were recorded yesterday.

In reference to the EU, the leader of the main opposition ND party, Kostas Karamanlis, spoke of a historic day stressing that the block should soon proceed to its political unification and building of a common foreign and defense policy while the President of the Coalition of the Left and Progress, Nikos Konstantopoulos described it as an important step for the future of Europe and expressed hope that it would contribute to the solution of Cyprus political problem.

On the sidelines of the summit, Greek Foreign Minister, George Papandreou held talks with his British, French, Spanish and German counterparts on rebuilding post war Iraq at the presence of UN General Secretary. The EU will issue a statement on Iraq today which would call for a central role of for the UN in post war Iraq and would declare Europe s willingness to help reconstruction work.

Anti war demonstrations were staged in Athens and Thessaloniki yesterday while two policemen were injured and tens of demonstrators arrested in some violent incidents. In the meantime special security measures will be in effect till 7 am today.

(17/4/2003 1:21:00 μμ)

[03] Dimitris Dollas, truck-driver to face felony charges of murder

(17/4/2003 1:21:00 μμ)

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