The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 03-04-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Weather forecast

Winds northeasterly, strong turning gale force in the Aegean. In the north, temperatures will range from 6C to 14C; in the west from 8C to 18C; and in the rest of the country from 10C to 17C. Temperatures in Athens will range between 11C and 15C and in Thessaloniki from 8C to 13C.

A ban on sailings from the ports of Pireus and Rafina has been issued due to bad weather conditions.

(18/4/2003 1:06:00 ��)

[02] Prime-minister Simitis visits Cyprus first stop of EU member states tour

The Cyprus political problem was the focus of talks in Athens between the Greek Prime-minister and the UN General Secretary, Kofi Annan. The resolution of the Cyprus issue is an international problem which should be resolved within the U.N framework said Mr. Simitis , underlining the need for continuation of negotiations on the U.N Secr. Gen peace plan.

On his part, Koffi Annan said that a big opportunity was lost, stressing though that efforts should continue. He also hinted at the possibility of a new initiative, providing indication of willingness by both involved parties.

In a press interview at the Turkish embassy in Athens, Turkey s Foreign Minister, Abdullah Giul said that negotiations could be based on the U.N peace plan provided that it ensured a permanent solution. On his part, Turkish Prime-minister, Tayip Erdogan called yesterday for new talks on the abandoned U.N peace plan to unite the 2 communities in Cyprus &#8211; apparently putting him at odds with Turkish-Cypriot leader, Raulf Dektash , who rejected the plan.

In the meantime, a triumph for all the Cypriot people was Cypriot President, Tassos Papadopoulos comment on the signing by Nicosia of the EU accession treaty, that within 10 days , measures would be announced to assist the Turkish-Cypriots in the northern occupied sector of the island.

(18/4/2003 1:07:00 ��)

[03] E.U summit wound up in Athens- Europe to function as an entity in future

Prime-minister Simitis said that an important step for the future of Europe was taken, so that it could function as an entity and cooperate with the international community for peace.

E.U Commission President, Romano Prodi also expressed his satisfaction about the outcome of the summit.

Meanwhile, in a carefully worded statement, the EU said yesterday that the U.N must play a central role in rebuilding Iraq, but also stressed that the US led forces in the country had the responsibility to restore stability, including the provision of humanitarian aid and the protection of Iraq s cultural heritage. The statement called on neighboring countries to support a secure environment in Iraq and confirmed the EU s commitment to play a major role The need to resolve the Palestinian problem was also underlined.

Commenting the Greek Communist party, the Coalition of the Left and the Democratic Movement parties said that the E.U statement legalises the US &#8211; British invasion of Iraq.

(18/4/2003 1:09:00 ��)

[04] Drop in the rate of inflation

In the meantime he said that a 30% drop in tourist reservations for the summer period is the bigger problem of the Greek economy but expressed certainty that the situation could be easily reversed if the market returns to normal function in summer.

(18/4/2003 1:10:00 ��)

[05] Ship tycoon, Yiannis Latsis died

A few years ago, Latsis handed over his assets &#8211; estimated at 6 billion dollars &#8211; to his son, Spiros now ranked by forbes at 101 on the list of the world s richest people. Latsis also leaves behind his wife. Erieta and 2 daughters, Marianna and Margarita.

(18/4/2003 1:11:00 ��)

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