The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-03-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Emotional Kosovo funeral held under tight security

The funeral of two Albanian boys, whose death by drowning sparked the ethnic clashes in Kosovo, was held today under massive security measures. Kosovo Albanian leaders called for a dignified ceremony, free of political overtones. The funeral was attended by Kosovo Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi.

[02] Turkey to urge Denktash to join Cyprus talks

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has said he will speak with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, in a final bid to persuade him to attend crucial UN-backed Cyprus peace talks this week. Denktash has so far rejected calls to attend the talks in Switzerland, in protest at concessions required of him under the UN plan, saying he did not see any chance of an agreement.

[03] Kosovo clash stirs fears on divided Cyprus

Deadly clashes between Serbs and Albanians in Kosovo have stirred fears in Cyprus that a similar future of inter-ethnic conflict beckons if it signs up to a UN plan reuniting the island. According to Tahsin Ertugruloglu, a former foreign minister in the self-styled Turkish-Cypriot state, Kosovo is a good example of what could happen under UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan for Cyprus. Security concerns, including the fate of the Turkish and Greek soldiers stationed on the island, will loom large in UN-brokered talks in Switzerland, starting March 24.

[04] Greece to oppose EC proposal on Mediterranean products

The future of Mediterranean products will be on the line tomorrow and Tuesday in Brussels, during a Council of European Union Agriculture ministers, as the European Commission has proposed a review of the subsidy system. Speaking to NET radio this morning, the minister for Agricultural Development, Savvas Tsitouridis, said that the Greek government would oppose the proposal, in order to avert losses for Greek producers.

[05] Poll shows majority of Greeks happy with new government

A public opinion poll conducted by the VPRC company, on behalf of the daily newspaper, Kathimerini, indicated that 56 percent of Greeks are satisfied with the results of the March 7 general election. The poll also showed a popularity rating of 79 percent for Prime Minister Karamanlis and 73 percent for the new government.

[06] Debate begins on government's policy statements

With a speech by main opposition Pasok leader George Papandreou, a debate on the governments policy statements began today. It will conclude tomorrow midnight, with a roll-call vote of confidence. Yesterday Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis pointed to the governments immediate priorities the Cyprus issue and the Olympic Games in Athens.

[07] Weather forecast

A warm and humid day is forecast, with some scattered cloud throughout the country. Temperatures in Athens will range from 10 to 24 degrees centigrade, and in Thessaloniki from 8 to 22 degrees.

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