The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Russia-NATO Relations on New Basis

19 Áõã 2008 20:02:00 (Last updated: 19 Áõã 2008 23:11:04)

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA

Relations between Russia and NATO are entering a fresh phase, as the latter is accusing Moscow of having violated international law with its invasion of Georgia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov from his side accused NATO of being prejudiced, stressing that it is trying to support a criminal regime in Georgia. In parallel, the Russian Navy spokesman announced that cancellation of Russias participation in joint military exercises with NATO due to be held in the Baltic Sea. Earlier, the NATO Foreign Minister had issued a communiqu&#233;, as per which Russia cannot expect smooth relations with the Alliance for as long as it keeps its military forces in Georgia. In parallel, they decided to upgrade their relations with Tbilisi. Moreover, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer stressed that so far there is no indication from Russia on withdrawing its troops from Georgia. At the same time, OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) has decided to deploy international observers in South Ossetia. This will constitute the biggest dispatch of OSCE observers with Moscow and Tbilisis approval. Although the US and Britain wished to adopt a harder line with Moscow, finally Germany and Frances position to maintain contact with Moscow prevailed. Most European countries, including Greece agreed with Germany and France. Finally, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis proposed from Brussels the immediate return to situation prior to the crisis in Georgia, so that substantial negotiations commence and a final solution to the problem is reached.

Greek Positions

After the end of the NATO meeting, Ms Dora Bakoyannis stated that Greece believes that both countries should return to Status Quo Ante, as this is the first step necessary for a substantial dialogue for final solution. Within this framework, the six points agreed by Russia and Georgia for the withdrawal of the Russian troops is of utmost importance. Furthermore, Greece supports the continuation of the dialogue between NATO and Russia and denounces violence. Greece has agreed for the dispatch of OSCE international observers to the region. In the first phase 20 observers will visit the region, hoping their number rises to 100.

PASOK (Socialists) MP Andreas Loverdos said that it is evident that the UN should become stronger, punishing law violators and restricting unilateral actions, through which fail accompli are attempted.

Finally, in its statement, KKE (Communist Party of Greece) reports that the Greek people should stop Greeces military implication in Euro-NATO plans against other peoples.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

NATO Extraordinary Meeting

[02] Blood Bath in Algeria

By Anthi Ntaousani

Sources: ANA

43 persons have been killed and 38 injured in a suicide bomb attack against a police academy in eastern Algeria, reported the Algerian Interior Ministry. As per eyewitnesses, a suicide bomber drove his car carrying explosives to the central entrance of the school, where candidates were about to sit for entry examinations.

This attack has been described as the deadliest in several months in Algeria.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Turkish-Cypriots Inflexible on Territory Issue

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA

Following Turkish Prime Minister Tayeep Erdogans recent statement as per which Morfu will not be returned to the Greek-Cypriots, Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talats spokesman stated that following the Greek-Cypriots "demands", as he called them, for the return of Morfu, Karpasia and Varosia (Famagusta) no solution of the Cyprus issue can be reached.

He argued that the Turkish-Cypriots disappointment for the rejection of the Anan plan in 2004 should be taken under consideration.

Although the spokesman said efforts are being made so that the Greek-Cypriots will not pay the price for the rejection of the Anan plan, he added the Turkish-Cypriot community will not pay the new price. Regarding the Limnitis barricade, the spokesman said that when it opens Pyrgos residents will circulate easily, adding that the issue should be discussed in relation to the Pylas issue.

He also referred to the Caucasus issue, adding that developments there could affect the Cyprus issue, adding that the Turkish-Cypriot side is monitoring the issue.

"These developments prove why we are striving for a fast and just solution of the Cyprus issue. In order to be influenced least possible from such developments, it is important that we have a stable political structure that will depend on agreements," he said.

Bakoyannis Statements

Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis stated that Cyprus re-unification in a just, viable and operational way, on the basis of a bi-communal-bizonal federation constitutes an issue of utmost importance for Greeces foreign policy. The ministers message was conveyed to the PSEKA (International Coordinating Committee JUSTICE FOR CYPRUS) meeting.

Ms Bakoyannis also stated that the Greek government supports the Cypriot government and Presidents efforts for substantial bi-communal talks, which lead to a solution the basis of the Security Council resolutions.

Finally, she reported that all wish the two communities to benefit from the solution of the Cyprus issue and thus enjoy the benefits from Cyprus accession to the EU. A united federal Cyprus with one identity, dominion and international identity will secure its participation in the international scene and serve as factor of stability and peace.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] New Round of Talks

19 Áõã 2008 18:30:00

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ANA

UN mediator Matthew Nimetz is to visit Skopje Thursday and mete with FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) leadership. On Friday, he will visit Thessaloniki. Meanwhile, FYROM leadership coordinated its position on Mr Nimetzs ideas presented during the recent negotiations in New York on 13 August.

Tservenkofski-Gruevski Meeting

Present at the meeting between FYROM President Branko Tservenkofski and Prime Minister Nicola Gruevski were the Foreign minister and the negotiator on FYROM name-issue.

Meanwhile, Mr Gruevski reported that he had received UN Secretary General Ban ki Moons letter, in which the Secretary wishes the FYROM government to continue with its economic and institutional reforms and boost its cooperation in South-eastern Europe.

He also hopes that the resolution of the name-issue will pave the way for better relations between the two countries; settling additional issues that FYROM believes exist between them.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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