The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-05-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Obama Insists on Gitmo Plan

US President Barack Obama insisted on his decision to have the Guantanamo prison shutter by January 2009, underlining that it delivers a blow to the security of the USA. The above public statement by the US President came a day after the Senate's refusal to fund the closure of the Guantanamo detention centre. Both the Republicans and the Democrats expressed their concern over the likelihood of having the Gitmo inmates transferred to the USA. Barack Obama played down the Senate's fears and opposed the setting up of an independent committee regarding the controversial anti-terrorism practices of his predecessor George W. Bush.

The problem of what to do with the Guantánamo detainees "was not caused by my decision to close the facility," Mr. Obama said. "The problem exists because of the decision to open Guantánamo in the first place."He said that "faced with an uncertain threat" and "a sincere desire to protect the American people," the government - aided by Democrats and Republicans, politicians journalists and citizens - "went off course."

Only minutes after Mr. Obama finished speaking, former Vice President Dick Cheney offered a far different perspective, defending the anti-terrorism policies of the Bush administration, asserting that the country had never lost "its moral bearings" and criticizing some of President Obama's approaches. Taken together, the speeches of President Obama and the former vice president outlined a fundamental debate over the proper balance between personal liberties and national security in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorism attacks.

Only minutes after Mr. Obama finished speaking, former Vice President Dick Cheney offered a far different perspective, defending the anti-terrorism policies of the Bush administration, asserting that the country had never lost "its moral bearings" and criticizing some of President Obama's approaches. Taken together, the speeches of President Obama and the former vice president outlined a fundamental debate over the proper balance between personal liberties and national security in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorism attacks.

In the meantime, four men were arrested for plotting terrorist hits against military targets and a Jewish synagogue in the New York City, authorities said. Born in the USA, the four arrestees have also been charged with plotting to hit military aircrafts at the base of the New York National Guard.

Source: The New York Times

News item: 22641

[02] âWe Express Greece's EU Orientationâ

Delivering a speech at an event held Thursday evening to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Greece's accession to the EU, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis stressed that Greece champions European integration through the establishment of the constitutional treaty. He also blasted those who vow to have the Stability Pact abolished. On Thursday morning, the Greek Premier visited the offices of the Greek Manpower Employment Organization (O.A.E.D.) in Alimos district, where he was briefed on the job-creation programmes. Commenting on the government's employment policy, he lambasted the Socialist party (PASOK) for irresponsible promises and empty word

The Stability Pact will not be abolished and this is nonnegotiable, stressed Kostas Karamanlis while addressing an event held to mark the 30th anniversary of Greece's accession to the EU.

The present emergency situation is being addressed by the flexibility principle, argued Karamanlis, while replying to PASOK's call for a change in the Stability Pact, he noted that no one can promise what is beyond reality and the shared EU path.

Reducing Unemployment Is Key Priority

"OAED will spend 1.6 billion euros in dozens of initiatives for the working people and the unemployed, small and very small enterprises and freelancers," noted Karamanlis, stressing that the first 120,000 jobs of the 200,000 to be created this years have already opened, while more than ten job-creation programmes are underway.

"Investing in knowledge, new technologies and the new generation is the best answer to the global challenges," added Kostas Karamanlis.

He then went on to lash out at PASOK's (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) stance towards the financial crisis.

Karamanlis underlined, "some have chosen to invest in empty words and irresponsible promises. The government has chosen the path of responsibility. We are investing in the truth of our work, which is yielding tangible results and cementing a better future for everyone."

"Our concern is not only the present, but also the future. We are shaping today the conditions that will allow us to run the race that will commence as soon as the crisis comes to an end," continued Karamanlis, further adding: "We are investing in vocational training, placing emphasis on new professions that will be on demand tomorrow."

News item: 22644

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