The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-03-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] U.S. soldier killed in bomb attack in Iraq

A U.S. soldier was killed today when a bomb was detonated beside a military convoy near the flashpoint town of Falluja west of Baghdad. The attack happened around 18 km from Falluja, a volatile town in the "Sunni triangle" where much of the resistance to the U.S.-led occupation has been concentrated. The attack brought to 401 the number of U.S. soldiers killed in hostile action in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion on March 20 last year.

[02] Actor, author Peter Ustinov dies at 82

Oscar-winning British actor and playwright Peter Ustinov, one of the worlds best-loved raconteurs and mimics, has died at the age of 82. Author of more than a dozen books and even more theatrical works in a career spanning more than 60 years, Ustinov died of heart failure in a clinic near his home on the shores of Lake Geneva on Sunday night, his family said. The actor and humorist, who was also well known for charity work, had been in hospital since shortly after Christmas when he was taken ill on his return from a holiday in Thailand.

[03] Greece-Moldova sign cooperation agreements

Greece and Moldova signed tax and labor agreements today during the Greeks president visit to the former Soviet republic. President Kostis Stephanopoulos is in Moldova for a two-day trip at the invitation of his Moldovan counterpart. Greek and Moldovan officials signed an agreement to avoid double taxation and to grant social services to expatriates working in either country. Mr. Stephanopoulos is to meet Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev and top Moldovan lawmakers. He will also visit the state-owned Cricova Winery before leaving Moldova late Tuesday.

[04] GSEE strikes on Wednesday

On Wednesday March 31st, the General Confederation of Greek Labor (GSEE) stages a 24-hour work stoppage over national collective labor agreement. The GSEE is also demanding an 8% salary increase and a one hour reduction in the work week.

The strike on Wednesday is expected to shut down some public services - including the mass transit system - close some banks, and cause flight delays and cancellations at airports around Greece.

[05] Bank of Greece presents proposals to communal partners

The Bank of Greece proposed 4.5% salary increases to the communal partners in a recent report submitted to Parliament by Bank of Greece Governor, Nikos Garganas concerning numismatic policies. The report also cites limitations in public spending and changes in the job market and calls on enterprises to hold back increases in products and services.

[06] US pres. Bush sends letter to PM Karamanlis

In a letter to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis US president George Bush characterized Greece as a valuable ally in the war against terrorism. In his letter, Mr. Bush officially congratulated Mr. Karamanlis on his recent election, mentioned Greeces strategic position in the region and the world and proposed various methods of cooperation in the war against terrorism.

[07] PM Karamanlis contacts for Cyprus

Greek prime minister Costas Karamanlis conferred this morning with Cyprus president Tassos Papadopoulos ahead of UN secretary general Kofi Annans presentation of his new (4th) plan for a Cyprus settlement. Karamanlis, who arrived in Buergenstock late Sunday, was scheduled to attend a meeting of the Cyprus National Council at 11:00 (Greek time), while he also had a very brief meeting with Turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gul following his arrival Sunday night. The meeting with Gul took place at the initiative of the Turkish foreign minister and was of a courtesy nature. Gul congratulated Karamanlis on his recent election victory and briefed him on the results of Sundays municipal elections in Turkey. He also informed Karamanlis that Turkish prime minister Tayyip Erdogan would be arriving in Switzerland Monday afternoon.

[08] Weather Forecast

Clouds are forecast in Thrace, the islands of the northern and eastern Aegean and the Dodecannese and clouds and scattered showers in the remainder of the country. Winds southeasterly moderate in the west and northeasterly moderate to strong in the east. Temperatures in Athens will range between 11-17 C and in Thessaloniki from 8-13 C.

[09] Annan says new Cyprus peace plan can break ice

U.N. chief Kofi Annan unveiled a revised Cyprus plan today that he said would "break the ice" and comprise a win-win proposal that the UN had worked on right up to the last minute and which incorporated as many of the changes desired by the two sides as possible, without upsetting its overall balance. Secretary-General Annans new proposals, presented at high-

pressure talks at the Swiss Alpine resort of Buergenstock, would give Greeks more land but allow fewer to return home to what after a 1974 partition became the Turkish zone of the island.

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