The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-01-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Turkey willing to let U.N. complete Cyprus plan

Turkey took a further step towards a possible Cyprus peace settlement today by expressing willingness to let U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan bridge any final gaps in a blueprint for reuniting the island. In what could be a major advance in the lingering dispute, Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said after talks with Annan that Ankara could consent to the U.N. chief "filling in the blanks" on unresolved issues in the endgame of negotiations.

[02] Two new polls

A new poll published in todays Ependitis newspaper showed New Democracy leading the Pasok party 3,3% in voter intent. The poll was conducted via questionnaire among two thousand people nationwide. In the meantime, Giorgos Papandreou is most popular among women, the young, the wage earners and those with a higher education compared to NDs Kostas Karamanlis, who is most popular among the pensioners and the farmers, according to an opinion poll by conducted by Metron Analysis on behalf of newspaper TA NEA during the period of January 10-14. In the opinion poll, held nationwide was participated by a total of 1,416 people over the age of 18.

Specifically, (50.6%) of women believe that Mr. Papandreou is most fit for the post of the Prime Minister compared to Kostas Karamanlis (39%).

[03] New poll shows 3,3% ND lead-G. Papandreou most popular with women, young and wage earners

A new poll published in todays Ependitis newspaper showed New Democracy leading the Pasok party 3,3% in voter intent. The poll was conducted via questionnaire among two thousand people nationwide. In the meantime, Giorgos Papandreou is most popular among women, the young, the wage earners and those with a higher education compared to NDs Kostas Karamanlis, who is most popular among the pensioners and the farmers, according to an opinion poll by conducted by Metron Analysis on behalf of newspaper TA NEA during the period of January 10-14. In the opinion poll, held nationwide was participated by a total of 1,416 people over the age of 18.

Specifically, (50.6%) of women believe that Mr. Papandreou is most fit for the post of the Prime Minister compared to Kostas Karamanlis (39%).

[04] ND leader campaigns in Crete

New Democracy leader, Kostas Karamanlis is conducting a two-day campaign visit to Crete accompanied the Konstantinos Mitsotakis. Mr. Karamanlis met with the mayor of Heraklion, Giannis Kourakis this afternoon to whom he committed to assist in facing the citys problems and generating support for the areas development. At this time, Mr. Karamanlis is scheduled to address an open gathering of party supporters in Mires.

[05] Prosecutor to intervene in resignation and forgery issue

State prosecutor, Dimitris Papangelopoulos has asked to receive the relevant television material to be briefed on the Porto Carras scandal particularly with respect to the issue of the forged signatures. Once Mr. Papangelopoulos is completely briefed over the issue he is expected to determine whether legal proceedings will be carried out.

[06] Political party reactions

The Greek Communist Party accused Mr. Papandreou of exploiting the Pachtas case to erase his own participation in the anti-popular work of the government. Communist Party General Secretary Aleka Papariga stated that everyone in the ruling party is responsible for the Chalkidiki scandal while the leader of the Coalition party, Nikos Konstantopoulos expressed the view that the resignation of the Deputy Finance Minister and the removal of the nine parliament deputies, linked with the scandalous rider in the bill on the residential exploitation of a forest area in Chalkidiki, will not liberate PASOK from its responsibilities on the case. Finally, Democratic Social Movement leader Dimitris Tsovolas spoke of an enormous political and moral issue with criminal dimentsions.

[07] ND comments on Pahtas resignation

Right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy spokesman Theodoris Rousopoulos stated that corruption has many faces commenting on the occasion of the resignation of Deputy Finance Minister Christos Pachtas and the removal of other nine governing Socialist Party of PASOK parliament deputies from the party ticket.

Responding to Mr. Pachtas, who had accused New Democracy over the issue of Porto Carras Hotel the ND spokesperson stressed that his party did its duty when it revealed a political crime and unveiled the extent of corrosion in the country.

[08] Rapid poltical developments

Rapid political developments are taking place in the governing Socialist Party of PASOK as Deputy Finance Minister Christos Pachtas resigned yesterday evening after controversy caused by a rider added to a bill for the expansion of Porto Carras Hotel in Chalkidiki, northern Greece.

From Aiteolokarnania prefecture where he was touring today, Foreign Minister and PASOK presidential candidate Giorgos Papandreou stated that it was a hard decision, referring to yesterdays resignation of Deputy Finance Minister Christos Pachtas and the removal of nine PASOK Parliament deputies from the partys ticket.

Speaking in Antirio, southern Greece, today Mr. Papandreou stated that he honors the work and contribution of his colleagues underlining that the Greek people do not desire gray shadows in the countrys political life.

Mr. Papandreou stated that there is a need to have a Parliament that will check and be checked, adding that there is also a need for a government that will permit citizens participation.

In his speech, Mr. Papandreou made special reference to farmers and specified that the agricultural sector could strongly support the countrys economy, while he also announced a series of measures to support new farmers.

[09] Weather Forecast

Cloudy with showers and snow-storms in many parts of the country with winds out of the north strong to very strong and gale force in the southern Aegean. Temperatures in Athens will range between 1 to 3 C and in Thessaloniki from 4 to 2 C.

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