The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-02-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cypriots bemoan lack of progress in peace talks

Greek and Turkish Cypriots agreed today that they had made virtually no progress in a week of negotiations under a tight United Nations timetable aimed at reuniting the island before it joins the European Union on May 1. Under the complex UN plan, the two sides have been given till March 22 to agree to the terms of a deal. If they fail, their patrons, Greece and Turkey, will be brought in to assist.

[02] Opposition parties organise pre-election rallies nationwide

Opposition parties have also organized pre-election rallies nationwide this week, with only eight days before the polls. ND leader Costas Karamanlis is speaking in Ioannina today, and is expected in Mytilini tomorrow. Meanwhile, Communist Party General Secretary Aleka Papariga is touring the Achaia province on Sunday, while Coalition of the Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos will visit Ioannina tomorrow. DIKKI President Dimitris Tsovolas is scheduled to speak this evening in Thessaloniki.

[03] Pasok presents Health program

Pasoks proposed program for the Health sector was presented today by the socialist partys leader, George Papandreou. It provides for increased funding during the period 2004-2008, over 4% of the Gross National Product; the hiring of an additional 10,000 nursing personnel this year, and the full staffing of all the countrys hospitals by 2006.

This evening, Papandreou is scheduled to address party supporters at an open-air rally in Patras.

[04] President Stephanopoulos briefed by PM Simitis

The President of the Greek Republic, Costis Stephanopoulos, was briefed today by Prime Minister Costas Simitis on issues relating to the upcoming March 7 elections, as well as developments in the Cyprus dispute. In an emotional atmosphere, Simitis underlined that Stephanopoulos was a fine example for future presidents. On his part, President Stephanopoulos expressed his appreciation of Simitis and thanked for everything he had done for the country

[05] Major parties claim victory in televised political debate

Greeces first live televised debate between political party leaders was held last night, hosted by state television, ET, with both major parties, Pasok and New Democracy, claiming positive points for their respective leaders. The ruling Pasok partys president George Papandreou said he was not bound by party mechanisms and his choice of government staff would be made without confining party criteria. On his part, ND leader Costas Karamanlis said his party was centrist, and close to citizens, without expressing any extremes

[06] Weather forecast

A cloudy and mild day is forecast, with rain in western and northern Greece, the eastern Aegean islands and the Dodecanese.Temperatures in Athens will range from 12 to 18 degrees centigrade, and in Thessaloniki from 8 to 13 degrees.

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