The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-02-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] Suspected ricin poison found at U.S. Senate

U.S. Senate hearings were disrupted on Tuesday after a powder that initially tested positive for the poison Ricin was found in a congressional mailroom, stirring memories of a deadly 2001 anthrax attack. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist said he was convinced the powder, found on Monday afternoon, was ricin, but officials awaited confirmation from tests at an Army laboratory. He said 16 people were nearby when the powder was found but not all had been exposed and there were no reports of illness.

[02] Buoyed by polls, Sharon stands by Gaza pullout

Buoyed by opinion polls, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon vowed today to forge a new government if pro-settler coalition partners try to block his plan to evacuate Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie described Sharons Gaza plan as "good news". The announcement, which stunned friends and foes alike, marked the first time Sharon had revealed details for such an extensive pullout from land occupied in the 1967 Middle East war.

[03] Blair calls Iraq WMD inquiry, opponents cry foul

Prime Minister Tony Blair bowed to pressure today for an inquiry into the quality of British intelligence on banned Iraqi weapons, but his opponents said its terms were so narrow it would let the government off the hook. Britains third party, the Liberal Democrats, said they would take no part in the investigation after Blair refused to allow it to probe the politics behind the decision to wage war. Instead, it will focus exclusively on problems with the information gleaned by spies.

[04] No ships out of Piraeus and Rafina

A sailing ban was imposed on routes from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina this afternoon due to the gale force winds at the seas.

[05] PM SImitis invites citizens to join March 7th victory

During the inauguration ceremony of a new hospital in Ileia prefecture, Prime Minister Kostas Simitis extended an invitation for the victory of democratic and progressive powers on March 7th. Mr. Simitis referred to the work of the past eight years and characterized the New Democracy as being incapable and irresponsible to govern.

[06] Cyprus issue mobilizations

The Cyprus issue is on todays agenda in the meeting between US President George Bush and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan at the White House, while at the same time American diplomacy has been mobilized in order for new developments to take place. Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou had a long telephone communication yesterday with Mr. Annan, who informed him of the contacts and communications he has had with President of the Cypriot Republic Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan. According to a foreign ministry announcement, Mr. Papandreou reiterated Greeces preparedness to restart negotiations but expressed reservations to Mr. Annan as to the degree that the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot sides are willing to accept Mr. Annans terms.

[07] Reactions over ND's economic proposals

The government and political parties reacted strongly over New Democracys economic proposals. Government spokesperson Christos Protopappas stated Mr. Karamanlis insinuated the economy is destroyed and proceeded in administering benefits and grants to citizens.

Economy Minister, Nikos Chrsitodoulakis called New Democracys economic proposals a repetition of Pasoks measures which are alredy being implemented by the governing party and noted that the opposition partys proposed tax measures would lead to austere antipopular policies.

[08] Weather Forecast

Clouds with a possibility of some light rain. Winds northerly strong to very strong and gale force in the east. Temperatures in Athens will range between 6-12 C and in Thessaloniki from 1-9 C.

[09] ND leader presents party's economic program

The leader of the main opposition New Democracy party, Kostas Karamanlis presented his partys program for the economy today which includes measures for the unemployed, farmers, pensioners and businesses as well as comprehensive program for privatizations. Mr. Karamanlis committed to reduce unemployment to 3% by the end of the four-year period.

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