The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-02-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Dismal six weeks for Bush has supporters edgy

Since the beginning of 2004, President George W. Bush has suffered one political misfire after another, prompting some Republicans to wonder anxiously when the White House political machine will get in gear.

In the latest embarrassment to hit the White House, the administration on Wednesday distanced itself from its own buoyant employment forecast that had predicted 2.6 million new jobs this year.

That followed red faces over a statement by Gregory Mankiw, chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, who described the process by which hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs are migrating overseas as both natural and good. With many Americans extremely anxious over their job security, that statement seemed particularly callous and politically ill-judged.

[02] Turkish military helicopter crashes, five dead

A Turkish military helicopter crashed soon after taking off in a mountainous region of eastern Turkey today, killing all five crew-members. The cause was being investigated.

[03] Poll says ND leads by 3,3%-G. Papandreou most suitable for PM

A 3.3% lead for ND was reflected in MRBs nationwide poll that was conducted from February 10 to 16. ND concentrated 39.6% and PASOK concentrated 36.3%, with the KKE trailing with 5.3% and the Coalition of the Left at 3%. 12.1% of those polled stated they were undecided. With respect to the question, most suitable for Prime Minister, Pasok president, George Papandreou leads with 45,2% against ND leader, Kostas Karamanlis 41,7%.

[04] EPP's two day meeting gets underway in Athens

The European Constitution and the European elections in June will dominate the two-day meeting of the EPPs (European Peoples Party) Presidency that began in Athens today. Vice President of the EPP is ND leader, Kostas Karamanlis. The six Prime Ministers of the EPP are in Athens for the meeting of the partys Presidency, being organized by ND. Present at the meeting were the Prime Ministers of Spain, Jose Maria Asnar, Italy, Silvio Berlusconi, the Netherlands, Jan Peter Balkenende, Portugal, Durao Barroso, Malta, Fenech Adami, Louxembourg, Jean Claude Junker and Slovakia, Mikulas Dzurinda. French Prime Minister, Jean Pierre Raffarin sent a message to the meeting since he was unable to attend due to regional elections being held in his country.

[05] G. Papandreou presents Pasok's economic program

Pasok president, George Papandreou presented his partys economic program today promising among others, accelerated rates of cohesion and a simultaneous securing of economic stability, modernization of the investment environment, distribution of wealth towards the non-privileged classes and drastic poverty combating measures.

[06] US secy of state sends congratualtory telegram to T. Giannitsis

U.S. Secretary of State, Colin Powell sent a congratulatory telegram today to acting Foreign Minister, Tasos Giannitsis. The telegram expressed the will that should be available for good cooperation between the two sides and U.N. Secretary General, Kofi Anan concerning the Cyrpus dispute. In statements made, Mr. Giannitsis expressed the optimism that a solution to the Cyprus issue is very near.

[07] Cyprus peace talks get underway

Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders trying to unite Cyprus staked out opening positions that were far apart today at the start of talks for the Cyprus dispute. European Commissioner Gunter Verheugen, responsible for the EU enlargement, was also present at the talks.

In comments to reporters, Greek Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash indicated how tough negotiations would be as they try to meet deadlines starting on March 22 and leading up to April 21 referendums. Papadopoulos said that most issues raised for negotiation by the Turkish Cypriots conflicted with the U.N. plan.

From his end the Turksih Cypriot leader, stated he was already concerned about what impact reunification with the far wealthier Greek Cypriots would have on his northern enclaves economy.

U.N. envoy Alvaro de Soto said the two hours of talks between Turkish Cypriot Rauf Denktash and his Greek Cypriot counterpart, President Tassos Papadopoulos, were «very constructive.» But neither leader was willing to make such positive comments after the talks.

[08] Weather Forecast

Scattered clouds are forecast in all parts of the country, turning to showers in the Ionian and on the mainland; and to light snowfall on high ground in the north. Winds variable, moderate to strong. Temperatures in Athens will range between 4-15 C and in Thessaloniki from 0-10 C.

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