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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Bush presses Spain's prime minister on Iraq withdrawal

U.S. President George W. Bush expressed regret today to Spains new prime minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, over his decision to withdraw 1,400 troops from Iraq and urged him to make sure the move does not put other forces at risk. In a telephone call initiated by Zapatero, Bush also warned Madrid against taking future actions that could give "false comfort to terrorists."

[02] US agrees Falluja plan, to take time in Najaf

U.S. officials and civic leaders of Falluja today agreed a plan to bring peace back to the bloodied Iraqi city after two weeks of heavy fighting in which hundreds of Iraqis died. On a relatively peaceful day, the commander of 2,500 U.S. troops outside Najaf said he would allow time for talks before any attempt to enter the holy city to seize a rebel cleric -- which could spark a wider and bloodier uprising. The Shiite cleric, Moqtada al-Sadr, called for a halt to attacks on Spains 1,400 troops near Najaf after the new government in Madrid said it was pulling out of the U.S.-led occupying coalition.

[03] UN council holds emergency meeting on Middle East

The U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting on the Middle East today at the request of Arab nations following Israels assassination of a top Hamas leader and a major policy shift by U.S. President George W. Bush.

[04] IOC's Oswald briefed on Olympic's preparations

The Chairman of the International Olympic Committee Coordination Commission Denis Oswald who is conducting a visit to Athens was briefed today on the course of the Olympic projects. Tomorrow, Mr. Oswald will inspect Olympics venues and will meet with related ministers.

[05] Pangalos says "no" vote will be final separation of Cyrpus

Pasok MP Theodoros Pangalos stated that the Annan plan provides prospects for a viable solution despite its drawbacks and added that a no vote would be a final separation of the island.

[06] Gov't will assume initiatives in the event of "no" vote

Government spokesperson Theodoris Rousopoulos clarified today that the government would assume initiatives in cooperation with the Cypriot government in the event the Greek-Cypriots votes no to the Annan plan.

[07] New hope for Greek Cypriot backers of U.N. plan

The Greek Cypriots largest political party held out hope today of backing reunification with Turkish Cypriots if the United Nations gave guarantees that its peace plan would be enforced. With time running out for supporters to turn the tide of opposition to the U.N. plan, the communist AKEL partys stance may be crucial to the cause of reuniting Cyprus. Party officials said they wanted guarantees under either Chapter 6 or Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which deal with peaceful resolution of disputes and powers to impose sanctions on parties found to be at fault. Cyprus AKEL party intends to transform its NO vote to a strong YES vote in the event its request for UN guarantees is met, according to AKEL general secretary, Dimitris Chrsitofias.

[08] Annan to submit report on Cyprus to UN Security Council

This evening, UN secretary general Kofi Annan will submit a report to the UN Security Council oncerning the handling and developments on the Cypruss issue . Mr. Annan is expected to request the adoption of the proposed plan for Cyprus, the prohibition of arms sales to Cyprus in the event both sides vote yes on the April 24th referenda, the creation of a new peacekeeping force and its transformation into a U.N. peacekeeping delegation.

[09] Weather Forecast

Clouds, rain and sporadic showers are forecast in most parts of the country and snowfall in the mountainous regions of Ipirus and Macedonia. Temperatures in Athens will range between 10-18 C and in Thessaloniki from 8-15 C.

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