The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-03-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Thousands of public sector contract staff to become permanent personnel

With a new legislative framework currently being drafted, the government is expected to pave the way for contract workers in the public sector whose work addresses permanent and continuous needs to become permanent personnel. Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos pledged that the relative presidential decree will be ready prior to the European elections and, immediately after, procedures will take place to ascertain which contract staff meet the requisite criteria.

[02] Papandreou to attend European Socialist Party meeting in Brussels

Pasok leader George Papandreou is scheduled to go to Brussels tomorrow, in order to attend a meeting of socialist party leaders, who are members of the European Socialist Party. Among other things, at the meeting, the role of the European Union in development and employment will be discussed.

[03] PM urges modesty and hard work for ND's deputies

The first meeting of the ruling New Democracy partys parliamentary group chaired by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis took place today in a festive atmosphere, following the vote of confidence received by the new government last night. Addressing NDs 165 deputies, the prime minister called for modesty, hard work and a minimum of talk, stressing that citizens were now waiting for the new government to fulfill their expectations.

[04] Olympic Games security proceeding "rapidly and smoothly"

Successive meetings are currently underway focusing on the crucial issue of security for the Athens Olympic Games in August. According to Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis who met with the president of the Athens 2004 organising committee, Yanna Angelopoulou, today matters were proceeding rapidly and smoothly.

The US ambassador in Athens, Thomas Miller, also met with Angelopoulou, accompanied by the State Departments counter-terrorism coordinator.

[05] Pasok leader slamsgovernment over Cyprus dispute

Main opposition Pasok leader George Papandreou today accused the government of embarrassment and delay on the Cyprus issue, immediately after his meeting in Athens with the honorary president of the KISOS party, Vassos Lyssaridis.

On his part, Lyssaridis expressed his pessimism about the upcoming talks at Lake Lucerne, saying that Turkey had changed its stance.

[06] Bilateral Cyprus talks end

Greek Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said today that bilateral talks with Turkish Cypriots on a peace deal had reached no agreement and would now move to Switzerland, where Greece and Turkey would join them. Disagreements primarily focus on territorial trade-offs, property claims and security concerns.

[07] Weather forecast

A cloudy and cool day is forecast, with rain and storms in the western, central and northern parts of the country. Temperatures in Athens will range from 12 to 17 degrees centigrade, and in Thessaloniki from 9 to 13 degrees.

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