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Thursday, 18 April 2024
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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 99-04-26The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <ert.ntua.gr/>CONTENTS[01] Last bridge over Danube destroyed in NATO bombing</strong>NATO bombing of a number of Serbian targets is continuing, until Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic is prepared to concede defeat. Early this morning, the last bridge over the Danube in Novi Sad, 70 kms north of Belgrade, was completely destroyed.In a related development, another 6 bodies were found yesterday by rescue teams in the bombed Serbian TV building in Belgrade, while a 6-year-old girl was killed and 3 more ethnic Albanian children were injured when NATO planes bombed a farmhouse in the village of Velika Dobrania. Last night, an industrial zone near the town of Nis and a chemical plant in central Serbia were bombed by NATO, while Serbian state TV has interrupted its transmission after its auxiliary transmitters were hit by missiles. Belgrade announced yesterday that it will apply to the international court of justice at The Hague for recourse against the countries participating in the military operations against Yugoslavia. Meanwhile, American deputy secretary of state Strobe Talbot plans to go to Moscow today within the framework of a joint endeavour between NATO and Russia on the Kosovo crisis. [02] NATO leaders confirm bombings will be intensifiedIn Washington, at the conclusion of NATO's 50th anniversary summit yesterday, the alliance's leaders confirmed once again that air raids on Yugoslavia would be intensified. They agreed on a new outward-looking strategy for the 21st century, stressing the primary responsibility of the UN for world peace without tying the West's military hands. NATO also decided to impose an oil embargo on Yugoslavia.At the close of the session, American president Bill Clinton said it was a moral imperative for NATO to win the military confrontation with Yugoslavia. [03] Greece's role praised at NATO summitGreek prime minister Kostas Simitis reiterated Athens' standing position regarding the necessity of finding a political solution to the crisis.The implementation of international law and unanimous decisions by NATO should be a prerequisite for the alliance's initiatives, he stressed, also noting that during the Washington summit Greece's role in the Balkans was duly recognised. Mr Simitis placed special emphasis on the fact that there was a general agreement at the NATO summit not to change borders in the region. [04] Concern over Kosovo crisis is mountingHowever, concern and fears about political instability in the Balkans were expressed yesterday by the NATO member states and the countries bordering on Yugoslavia.Greek national defence minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday met with his American counterpart William Cohen to discuss the Kosovo crisis, stressing the necessity of working towards a political solution. Mr Cohen reportedly expressed understanding about Greece's special position as both a NATO member and Balkan country, and noted the significant role it could play in ensuring the provision of humanitarian aid and assistance for refugees. Opposition New Democracy party leader Kostas Karamanlis, who is touring Eubea, yesterday reiterated the request for the establishment of a Greek foreign policy council. This afternoon, an anti-war rally and concert in support of the people of war-torn Yugoslavia is scheduled to take place in central Athens. Dozens of prominent musicians and performers will participate in the event. At the same time, similar concerts will take place in Belgrade and Rome. [05] Greek prime minister and FYROM president meet in WashingtonDuring a meeting in Washington yesterday, on the sidelines of the NATO summit, Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis had talks with FYROM president Kiro Gligorov. The two men agreed their countries should cooperate--on a political and economic level--to deal with the repercussions of the Kosovo crisis.They also said that bilateral talks concerning a mutually acceptable name for the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia will continue in New York under UN auspices. [06] National economy minister says Greek economy will not sufferIn the meantime, national economy minister Yannos Papantoniou said yesterday that the repercussions on the Greek economy from the Kosovo crisis will be minor ones and will not disrupt the country's course towards European Economic and Monetary Union.However, he added that the issue will be examined at a meeting to be held on May 3rd, with the participation of economic officials. [07] Greek relief aid reaches PristinaA road convoy transporting 100 tons of humanitarian aid from Greece arrived in Pristina yesterday. It was the first consignment of aid from a foreign country for displaced persons inside Kosovo borders.The 6-vehicle convoy, which set out from Thessaloniki, was accompanied from the border of the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia to the Kosovo capital by the Greek ambassador in Belgrade, Panayotis Vlasopoulos. [08] Greek Orthodox Archbishop welcomed in SyriaOrthodox Christians in Syria have given a warm welcome to Greek Orthodox Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, demonstrating the close ties that exist between Syria and Greece.Archbishop Christodoulos, who is continuing his visit to the Patriarchate of Antioch, yesterday officiated at a special memorial service for the Serb journalists who were killed during Saturday's bombing of the Serbian TV building in Belgrade by NATO planes. Later this afternoon, the Greek archbishop will meet with Syrian president Hafez al Assad. [09] American president pledges Cyprus initiativeAmerican president Bill Clinton is to take up an initiative on the Cyprus dispute, according to White House official John Potesta, following a meeting with Greek press minister Dimitris Reppas in Washington yesterday.[10] Commemoration of late PASOK ministerThe 5th anniversary of the death of PASOK minister Yorgos Yennimatas was commemorated yesterday at a special event which was held at the old parliament building in Athens. Greek president Konstantinos Stefanopoulos attended the event.[11] Armenian genocide commemorative events end in AthensThree-day events to commemorate the 84th anniversary of the Armenian genocide by the Turkish state wound up in Athens yesterday. Attending yesterday's events were speaker of the Greek parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis and leader of the Cypriot Socialist party Vassos Lyssaridis.<font FACE="Arial" SIZE="2">The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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