The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-06-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Refers to National Issues in Omogeneia MM Interview

Greek Prime-minister G. Papandreou, in his interview with omogeneia mass media during his visit to US, referred to foreign policy issues. He spoke about Greek-Turkish relations, FYROM name dispute, Cyprus and Greece's role in the Balkans.

The basic points of the Prime-minister's interview were:

FYROM Name Dispute

"Our firm stand is a compound name including a geographical term for all uses. We have taken initiatives to cooperate for the building of a better climate so talks under the UN auspices have a positive result".

Greek-Turkish Relations

"We have made swift moves with Turkey. We have recently signed 22 new agreements. I will meet Mr. Erdogan again, and visit Konstantinopolis on Tuesday. Certainly, I will meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomew to discuss issues of his concern which are also close to our priorities as well as European prioritiesI would say such as opening of Halki Theological School and respect to religious minorities and their properties".

Cyprus

"In the Cyprus issue we support the Cyprus President Dimitris Hristofias who is making sincere and tough efforts during negotiations. It is certainly necessary to exercise pressure to the Turkish side so it can cooperate for substantial promotion of a solution within the framework of UN resolutions and the European status. We always remind that the Cyprus question is primarily an occupation issue".

Balkans

'Finally, we have promoted the idea that 2014 will be the landmark-year for the admission of West Balkans into the EU, a development that will significantly contribute not only to the improvement of the economy but also to peace in the region, hoping that this will be a procedure to contribute to the solution of big problems such as FYROM name dispute and Kosovo.

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA News item: 37867

[02] Kyrgyzstan: Fearing Spread of Crisis into Central Asia

Humanitarian crisis has intensified in Kyrgyzstan but also spread into neighbouring Uzbekistan where tens of thousands of refugees have fled. Kyrgyzstan authorities speak of slow stabilization of the situation but death toll has reached 170 people and 1.800 injured in fighting between ethnic Uzbeks and Kyrgyz in Osh. UN believes that deadly fighting started with coordinated attacks. The country's interim government blames the son of ousted president Bakiyev for financing the violent attacks. The UN Security Council has condemned violence in the region underlining the need to set up a humanitarian corridor for distribution of aid. Several countries have recalled their citizens while the international community fears possible spreading of the crisis in Central Asia.

News item: 37678

[03] Provopoulos: Greek Banks Have Adequate Capital

In an interview published in the Wall Street Journal, Greek Central Bank chief, G. Provopoulos said Greek banks had sufficient capital to see it through recent upheavals and ruled out possibility of Greece's bankruptcy. This is the reason why ECB continues buying state bonds, Mr. Provopoulos added

He , however, expected bad loans to rise over the next two years, potentially putting pressure on smaller Greek banks.

Russian Divergence of Views

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov takes distance from Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, who spoke of possible restructuring of Greek debt. In his statement Sergei Lavrov stressed that Russia and its President Dmitri Mentviendef position is to support EU measures to rescue Greece's economy and its financial system. Specifically, his statement reads:

"I haven't heard that statement but in any case Russia can not support a position which is not in the sphere of its competence. Resolution of financial problems is primarily Greece's responsibility but as I understand the EU is having active involvement in the case of Greece".

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA News item: 37881

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