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

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

CONTENTS

[01] In about-face, Bush to extend 9/11 panel deadline

The White House will agree to extend by 60 days the deadline for the commission investigating the SEptember 11, 2001 attacks, to complete its work, despite initial objections, people familiar with the matter said today. The extension was requested by the commission, which said it needed the extra time to conduct interviews and review documents related to the attack.

[02] Electoral law passed with narrow majority

The new electoral law was passed today in parliament with a slim majority of only 3 votes, with 144 in favour and 141 against, following the opposition New Democracys demand for a roll-call vote. Voting in favour were the ruling Pasok partys deputies, including eight of those excluded from the partys candidate lists, because of their recent involvement in a controversial forest land amendment. Two independent deputies, Stephanos Manos and Giorgos Psaharopoulos also voted in favour of the legislation.

[03] Annan to set date for Cyprus unity talks soon

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today he expected to set a date within the next few days for a resumption of UN-backed talks on reunifying Cyprus. While he had not yet consulted with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash widely blamed for sinking an earlier round of negotiations on the divided island he clarified that he intended to invite the parties fairly shortly.

[04] Papandreou calls on Pasok members to participate in "new beginning"

The final details for the upcoming Pasok congress on Friday and the election of a new leader on Sunday were examined today by the partys Executive Bureau. The partys sole candidate George Papandreou called on party members and friends to participate actively in the new beginning, announcing general constitutional changes in the structure and operation of Pasok.

[05] Greece aims for improved competitiveness and better living conditions

Addressing the National Council of Competitiveness today, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said that an improvement in competitiveness in the economy and better living conditions were the target set by the country for the next few years. Meanwhile, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos presented a report on the economys competitiveness.

[06] Pasok slams ND's social security program

Foreign Minister and future Pasok leader George Papandreou said the socialist partys program meets the challenges of the future, while NDs program causes social conflicts. His comments were echoed by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who stressed that ND wants to open a new social rift, as it plans to decrease pensions and increase the age for pensions.

[07] ND clarifies controversial social security program

Following tough criticism from Pasok and other parties, as well as strong objections from trade unions, main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis today clarified details of the conservative partys social security program. The ND leader accused Pasok of distorting the partys positions and explained that there would be no increase in social security payments by employees, nor in the maximum age for pensions.

[08] Weather forecast

A mainly fine day is forecast, with some local cloudy patches in the Cyclades and southern Crete. Temperatures in Athens will range from 8 to 18 degrees centigrade, and in Thessaloniki from 3 to 15 degrees.

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