The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-03-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis' Speech at ND Central Committee Frontal Attack with Vested Interest and Corruption

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8

On Saturday, in the ND Central Committee meeting that is taking place in a central Athens hotel, Prime Minister, Kostas Karamanlis repeated his decision of going forth with a frontal attack with vested interest and corruption phenomena. The Prime Minister austerely criticized PASOK and critics of the government over the main shareholder bill, while he made reference to the economy giving special emphasis to reform and denationalization issues, targeted at the countrys development. He also repeated Greeces support to Turkeys accession to Europe, wished for success of the upcoming discussions with his Turkish counterpart, and also for Turkey to respond to its European duties.

"Guarding the State"

The Prime Minister, during his speech, noted, "we will not abandon our commitment and we well guard the state."

He noted with emphasis that the government will not give up the fight for transparency.

"The citizens will be the winners from the frontal attack with corruption," he stated.

Mr Karamanlis also attacked PASOK, saying that on this day the opposition has abandoned its commitments.

The Prime Minister asked for the consensus and cooperation of the political forces for the counter of the countrys great problems.

Apart from the economy, the Prime Minister included education and health in the governments priorities list.

Harsh Criticism from Meimarakis

After the Prime Ministers speech, the Secretary of ND Central Committee also spoke, letting out a harsh attack to PASOK for the situation of the economy that it passed over to the ND government.

Also, Mr Meimarakis made harsh criticism to the opposition for the way it reacts to the main shareholder bill and asked from the ND members keep substantial communication with the citizens and the party.

As far as DAKE is concerned, Mr Meimarakis stated that it remains an independent organization, which submits its views.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Deliberations Over Main Shareholder

[02] UN Special Coordinator Warns Explosion in Beirut

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA- Reuters

A car packed with explosives blasted at midnight, in an eastern suburb of the capital of Lebanon, where Christians mostly reside, and injured six people. The first floor of an apartment building was destroyed and neighboring buildings windows broke by the explosion, while a large crater was created in the street. Cars that were parked near the scene were also destroyed. Up to this moment, no organization has taken responsibility of the attack. A few hours later, President of Lebanon, Emil Lahoud called on the anti-Syrian opposition and followers of the government to immediately commence discussions. Earlier, the UN Special Coordinator on the Lebanese issue stated that he is worried about the event of more top figures of the country being murdered, if calmness does not exist.

Fears Over New Murders

UN General Secretary spokesperson, Terje Roed-Larsen, in his contacts with Lebanese and Syrian officials, stated his concern over a possible political violence outbreak in Lebanon before Rafik Harriris murder and that he "continues" to worry.

Roed-Larsen proposed for the formation of an interim government, a continuation of the investigation of Harriris murder, and preparations for free and just election in coming May. He also stated that he is unsure of if and how international observers will arrive in Lebanon.

It is noted that Syria has committed to withdrawing all of its troops from Lebanon until May.

Lebanese officials evaluate that 4,000-6,000 Syrian soldiers have returned to their country, up to now, after the announcement of the withdrawal plan on March 5, which means that 8,000-10,000 soldiers remain in eastern Lebanon.

Roed-Larsen will arrive in Lebanon the first week of April to examine the course of the Syrian military withdrawal, before he submits to the Security Council a report for the conforming of Syria to the April 19 resolution.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Annan Expects Full Withdrawal

Syrian Secret Services Leave Lebanon

[03] Four Out of Ten Content ND Firmly on the Lead

By Despina Hristopoulou

Four out of ten Greek citizens say they are content with the Government, according to a new KAPA Research opinion poll, broadcast on Friday night on ANT1 television. New Democracy has the lead over PASOK by 4.5 points, a percentage which has dropped however since January, when the difference between the Government and the Opposition was at 6.4 points. Kostas Karamanlis is still considered as the most suitable for the seat of Prime Minister in relation to George Papandreou with a 7% difference. In the meantime, more than half of the people asked (54%) estimated that the Government will fulfill its promises. However, 80% give the Government a credit of three years before reaching a final conclusion, although 75% believe the next elections will be tough on ND.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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