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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 02-10-23The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>CONTENTS[01] Weather forecastA sunny day with high for the season temperatures is forecast for today . Scattered cloud is forecast in the west, centre north and eastern Aegean islands, with light rain mainly in the northwest. Winds south-westerly, light to moderate. Temperatures in Athens will range between 13C to 26C and in Thessaloniki between 11C to 21C.(23/10/2002 1:16:00 μμ) [02] Debate on 2003 state budget draft billA draft bill on next year s state budget was submitted to the parliament yesterday . A high tone confrontation between the government and the opposition N.D party prevailed during the first day of its debate.Finance Minister, Nikos Hristodoulakis said that the government s main target was to maintain high pace of development in 2003 despite global uncertainty due to the possibility of military action against Iraq. Mr. Hristodoulakis underlined that funds provided to financing public investments could guarantee a 3,1% pace of development. Commenting , the N.D party spoke of a virtual reality draft bill , the Greek Communist party of an upper income class oriented draft bill while the Coalition of the Left and Progress described it as fragile. Following his meeting with Finance Minister, the President of the Civil Servants Union, Spiros Papaspirou expressed his argument over next year s income policy which provides 2,5% rise in incomes and did not rule out industrial mobilizations. In the meantime , positive for the Greek economy is the autumn report of the organization for economic cooperation and development OOSA which predicts a 3,6% pace of development for this year and 4% for next year. (23/10/2002 1:17:00 μμ) [03] Abolition of fine on early paid off loansIn a letter to banks , car factory representatives and businesses , the Development Ministry calls for the abolition of the fine on loan contracts when consumers decide on an early pay off of their debts.(23/10/2002 1:18:00 μμ) [04] Evaluation of election results still the focus of political interestSunday s local government elections are still the focus of political interest as political parties continue evaluating results and examining their next moves .Following his meeting with Prime-minister Simitis , Interior Minister, Kostas Skandalidis said that the strongest political force are the progressive citizens while government spokesman, Hristos Protopappas called for the creation of a center- left alliance. On his part, the N.D party leader, Kostas Karamanlis said that voters of all political persuasions had responded positively to the N.D party s [policies while N.D spokesman Thodoros Roussopoulos said that the government persisted in ignoring the voter s message. (23/10/2002 1:19:00 μμ) [05] Inner cabinet meets to discuss Prime-minister Simitis tour of European capitalsThe inner cabinet meets today to discuss issues related with Greece s E.U presidency in view of Prime-minister Simitis tour of European capitals to promote Greece s positions on Cyprus-E.U admission and the euro-army issue.After his meeting with the U.N special envoy on Cyprus Alvaro de Sotto, Foreign Minister , George Papandreou expressed conviction that Cyprus –E.U admission course will conclude at the Copenhagen summit meeting in December. Mr. De Sotto shared the same view , underlining , however, that efforts should be centered on the U.N target , that is to find a solution before the Copenhagen summit. In reference to the Turkish Cypriot representative , Raulf Dektas poor health, Mr. De Sotto wished soon recovery in order to return to negotiations table soon . (23/10/2002 1:33:00 μμ) [06] State hospitals –pilot program for drug addictsHealth Minister, Kostas Stefanis yesterday announced that state run hospitals would begin a program providing substitute medication for drug addicts under specific conditions . Under the programme which will be implemented in collaboration with the OKANA rehabilitation center , addicts will be able to apply for regular doses of the substance -vouprenorfine -. Within the next few days , a pilot program will be introduced in Athens and will gradually be extended throughout the country.A methadone program will continue to be applied exclusively by OKANA. (23/10/2002 1:34:00 μμ) [07] New charges against November 17 alleged membersNew charges were filed yesterday against alleged November 17 members, Dimitris Koufontinas, Constantinos Karatsolis and Iraklis Kostaris . The 3 men are among 17 suspected terrorists currently detained in prison , pending trial.Today 28 year old Vasilis Xiros is expected to submit his testimony in relation to fresh charges against him , including a 1996 attack on the American embassy in Athens with an anti-tank missile. Meanwhile , Public Order Minister, Mihalis Hrisohoidis , who is on a 3-day visit to Washington has scheduled a series of meetings with U.S officials , focusing on investigations in domestic terrorism , Greece s role in the U.S campaign against international terrorism and security for the 2004 Olympic games in Athens . (23/10/2002 1:36:00 μμ) The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |