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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 03-10-08The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>CONTENTS[01] Weather ForecastCloudy in all parts of the country with showers and isolated storms in some areas. Improved weather is expected later in the day with the exception of Macedonia. Winds variable, moderate to strong, turning very strong at sea. Temperatures in Athens between 12C and 25C; and in Thessaloniki from 10C to 18C.(8/10/2003 8:19:00 μμ) [02] Investigations continue on suspected "Al-Qaida" prisonerPolice authorities continued their investigation today as to whether a suspected immigrant smuggler being questioned had possible links with the al-Qaida terrorist network. The investigation, confirmed by government officials late Tuesday, was surrounded in secrecy as authorities refused to release any details regarding the suspect.NET television said the man under investigation had been arrested with two other smuggling suspects. Government spokesperson, Christos Protopappas stated the investigation is continuing but noted that nothing serious has arisen thus far. At the same time, the Greek Police denied rumors that stated the arrested foreigner is associated with the Al-Kaida terror organization. (8/10/2003 8:21:00 μμ) [03] 10% stake of National Bank of Greece to be soldThe government announced yesterday that it will sell a 10 percent stake in National Bank of Greece, the country's largest bank. The sale of the stake, most of which will go to foreign institutional investors, will bring National Bank a step closer to total freedom from state tutelage and, more importantly for the government, provide the state with at least 450 million euros in needed revenue. Sale advisors Citigroup Global Market Ltd and Merrill Lynch International are expected to sell the 25.7 million shares by today. According to today's "Imerisia" newspaper, the move paves the way for an upcoming offer for a stake in the public power-company DEH towards the end of the month.(8/10/2003 8:24:00 μμ) [04] Defense Minister G. Papantoniou addresses Greek-US conferenceDuring his address yesterday at the 2nd Annual Conference on Greek-US Relations taking place in Washington, Greek Defense Minister Giannos Papantoniou referred to the main axes of Greece's foreign and defense policies emphasising European policies on security and defense and the problems with Turkey.Mr. Papantoniou briefed the American audience on the plans for the development of the Euro-army within the framework of the drawing up of the European Constitution. Mr. Papantoniou who is visiting the United States to attend the NATO Defense Ministers Summit that will take place in Colorado on October 8-9 underlined the need for multi-level cooperations in confrionting international terrorism palcing emphasis on Greece's participation in this international effort. (8/10/2003 8:25:00 μμ) [05] V. Skouris elected president of European Communities Court of JusticeGreek justice Vassilis Skouris was elected president of the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of European Communities until October 6, 2006, replacing previous president Gil Carlos Rodriguez Iglesias, who had held the post since 1994. His election was welcomed by the Greek government, whose spokesman Christos Protopapas expressed Athens' satisfaction and said that the election reflected the image and acceptance enjoyed by Greece and distinguished Greeks in the international community.(8/10/2003 8:27:00 μμ) [06] U.N. envoy urges Israel, Syria to avoid escalationThe U.N.'s top Middle East envoy urged Syria and Israel today not to allow an Israeli strike deep inside Syria to escalate into a wider conflict. Tensions flared on the Lebanese-Israeli border this week, after Israel bombed what it said was a training camp for Palestinian militants deep inside Syria.(8/10/2003 8:30:00 μμ) [07] Dozens said killed as Afghan disarmament signedDozens of people were reported killed or wounded in fighting today between pro-government factions in northern Afghanistan as a deal was signed on a key U.N.-backed plan to demobilise warlord armies. Rival commanders said more than 50 people were killed and wounded in the clashes which came as the Defence Ministry, the United Nations and Japan signed an agreement in Kabul on an ambitious plan to demobilise 100,000 factional fighters.(8/10/2003 8:33:00 μμ) [08] Iraq Council seeks compromise with U.S. on TurkeyIraq's Governing Council said today it was trying to find a compromise to end a dispute with the U.S.-led administration over the deployment of Turkish troops to help occupying forces stabilise the country. Turkey's parliament voted on Tuesday to approve sending soldiers to join the occupation force in Iraq. But members of the Governing Council, handpicked by Washington as the first step on the road to Iraqi self-rule, said the body had unanimously agreed to reject the presence of soldiers from any neighbouring country, including Turkey.(8/10/2003 8:42:00 μμ) [09] It's "governor" Schwarzenegger, please!Arnold Schwarzenegger, the people's choice to be governor of California, prepared to move swiftly today to shape his administration after fears of a chaotic transition of power faded. Campaign sources said Schwarzenegger would appear later today and announce the head of his transition team. He was expected to name an experienced Republican political veteran to the post. Ousted Gov. Gray Davis, recalled by voters in a vote virtually unprecedented in U.S. political history, ordered Democratic Party loyalists to cooperate with the incoming Republican administration to ensure a smooth hand-over. But it remained unclear exactly when the Austrian-born former bodybuilder turned Hollywood idol would formally take office. First the state election board must certify the election, a process that could take several weeks. Most did not expect Schwarzenegger to take the oath of office in Sacramento until next month.Schwarzenegger, who never spent a day in political office and hardly ever voted, easily won the governorship of the state in a recall election on Tuesday that saw voters boil over in anger, flock to the poll in huge numbers and throw out Davis less than 10 months into his second term. (8/10/2003 8:47:00 μμ) The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |