The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-02-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece Earned Important Extension

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

The Greek Finance Minister managed to have the deadline for the completion of the regional programmes worth 2.4 million euros extended for a year. It was Danuta H&#252;bner, Commissioner for Regional Policy, who broke the news while attending a ceremony held in Thessaloniki to mark the launch of Greeces programming for Cohesion Policy 2007-2013. It was also announced that about 90 million euros are to be earmarked for the fire-stricken from the EU Solidarity Fund. On the whole, as much as 31,400,000,000 euros will be channelled into regional programmes between 2007 and 2013, claimed Greeces Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis from Thessaloniki.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Cyrpiot Pre-election Campaign Ends

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA

Campaigning to gain the Cypriot Presidency, the two hopefuls, Ioannis Kasoulides and Demetris Christofias are playing Friday evening their last cards at the televised debate, set to put an end to the pre-election campaign for Sundays runoff vote. Both candidates have been rather aggressive in a bid to get the support of the rest of the political parties and attract the floating votes.

It was the Cyprus issue that urged the Democratic Party (DIKO) to offer its backing to Christofias, commented son for DIKOs founding father and EU Commissioner for Health Markos Kyprianou.

In his interview with Fileleftheros paper, Kyprianou said that DIKOs decision had nothing to do with power-sharing. Asked whether he would be named Cyprus new Foreign Minister in case Christofias won, Kyprianou said, "Being a politician, I am at my countrys disposal and if it is a matter of serving the interests of Cyprus and of my party, then I will respond to DIKOs mandate."

In the meantime, MEP Marios Matsakis permitted those who voted for him in the first round a free vote of conscience. As for himself, he argued he has not decided who he is to vote for in the runoff ballot.

Cypriot Health Minister Kostas Kadis offered his backing to Ioannis Kasoulides. Kadis said his decision was based upon each candidates ideological and political philosophy, his views with regard to the EU and his prestige within the international community.

Translated by Areti Christou

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