Athens News Agency: News in English, 03-12-28

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Stephanopoulos message stresses solution to Cyprus problem

[02] OA flight attendants on strike this week

[03] Greece sends rescue unit, aid to SE Iran

[01] Stephanopoulos message stresses solution to Cyprus problem

Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos over the weekend stressed that Cyprus membership in the European Union creates viable hopes that the entire population of the island will benefit from this development, in a holiday message sent to Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos.

He also conveyed his wish for a comprehensive, just and viable solution to the long-standing Cyprus problem based on UN resolutions, the Unions acquis communautaire and complete respect of human rights.

[02] OA flight attendants on strike this week

The flight stewards union of state-run Olympic Airways on Sunday announced another two 48-hour strikes for this week, part of continuing industrial actions by employees opposed to government plans to separate the national air carriers operations.

The latest strike will last until Tuesday, when the unions leadership convenes again.

The flight attendants are the only remaining employee sector of the debt-ridden carrier not to accept the companys latest reorganisation, namely, separation into a new independent subsidiary, Olympic Airlines, and the early retirement of 260 stewards.

Scheduled OA flights affected by the strike will reportedly be covered by the new Olympic Airlines branch, Olympic Aviation which covers domestic routes as well as by Macedonian, OAs charter subsidiary.

[03] Greece sends rescue unit, aid to SE Iran

Two Hellenic Air Force transport planes were due to depart for Kerman airport in southeastern Iran on Saturday afternoon carrying 20 rescue unit personnel, two specially trained dogs as well as pharmaceuticals and other aid for the quake-ravaged residents of Bam.

According to latest wire service reports on Saturday, Iranian officials said the death toll in Bam, an ancient city some 200 kilometres from Kerman, could reach 40,000.

Meanwhile, the Cypriot government announced that it will donate $100,000 to the Iranian government as aid to the beleaguered residents of Bam.

Additionally, Nicosia also has offered to send emergency crews to SE Iran as well as rescue equipment.

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