The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-01-23

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Russia, France seek international conference on Iraq

Russia and France, which opposed the US invasion of Iraq, called today for an international conference to discuss rebuilding the country, amid efforts to establish a sovereign Iraqi government by mid-year. Meanwhile, facing increasing pressure for direct elections in Iraq, the White House said today that President George W. Bush wants a quick decision from the UN on sending a United Nations team to Iraq to look at the issue.

[02] Extreme weather conditions cause serious problems nationwide

The icy weather is expected to continue nationwide until Sunday, but although the worst is over, serious problems remain after galeforce winds, heavy snow, and high seas caused havoc throughout the country. The island of Lemnos has been declared in a state of emergency, as it is grappling with power cuts and extensive damage after the extreme weather conditions yesterday.

[03] Ship sinks off the coast of Crete in galeforce winds

The Greek-owned cargo ship, Kefi, which was sailing from Constantinople to a West African port, sank in galeforce winds today about 120 nautical miles west of the island of Crete. Ships responding to the distress signal found only one lifeboat with two crew members aboard. No further survivors have been found, but the search is continuing.

[04] PM Simitis tours Thessaly

Touring the Thessaly region today, Prime Minister Costas Simitis inspected works at the Panthessalic Olympic stadium, stressing that the governments aim was for the countrys balanced development. Subsequently, the prime minister went to Larissa, where he announced the convergence charter for Thessaly.

[05] FM Papandreou says Cyprus settlement involves EU date for Turkey

Following his contacts in London and Berlin, Foreign Minister George Papandreou said today that a settlement to the Cyprus dispute was on the cards, with a solution involving granting Turkey a date for the start of European Union accession negotiations. The time period for this would be extended from May 1 the date of Cyprus EU entry to the end of this year.

[06] Honorary ND president Mitsotakis steps down from active politics

Honorary New Democracy president, Constantine Mitsotakis today announced that he will not be a candidate in the March 7 elections, but said he would remain active in politics. In an emotionally charged atmosphere, ND President Costas Karamanlis thanked the former prime minister and ex-party leader for his lengthy service to the conservative party, announcing that tomorrow they would tour the island of Crete together.

[07] Turkey backs renewed Cyprus peace talks

Turkeys political and military leadership today threw their weight behind a resumption of stalled peace talks for the divided island of Cyprus and said they aimed for a speedy agreement. Meanwhile UN Secretary-General Kofi Anna said he was not aware of any breakthrough on the reunification talks, but reiterated that he was available to help

[08] Weather forecast

A very cold day is forecast, with local snowfalls, mainly in the east and southern island regions. Temperatures in Athens will range from 2 to 3 degrees centigrade, and in Thessaloniki from -6 to 1 degree.

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article