The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 01-10-02

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

CONTENTS

2/10/2001 3:17:00 μμ

Weather forecast Developments on attacks on US Greek Foreign Minister visits Moscow, Berlin and Washington Next year' s budget approved by the cabinet Lebanese President on an official visit to Greece

[01] Weather forecast

[02] Developments on attacks on US

However, questions were raised following the NATO Secretary general statement that there was still no official evidence establishing that the September 11 attacks on NY and Washington came from abroad.

In the meantime, an article in a Pakistani newspaper today says that the most wanted man, Saudi-born Osama bin Landen is hidden in an inaccessible region of the mountain range Pamir, on the borders with Tatzikistan, China and Pakistan.

In prosecuting what is repeatedly described as a new kind of war on terrorism, the US administration has been moving on multiple fronts since the devastating attacks that left nearly 6000 dead or missing, and some results are now apparent . Military action is anticipated, perhaps even soon. But senior officials believe in the long-run, effective intelligence-gathering is an even more important tool against the shadowy Islamic militants the U.S blames for the worst assault on US soil.

In an interview with Kambul radio station, the leader of the ruling Taliban, Mohammad Omar stressed that the U.S would have to think it over before it launched an attack on Afganistan -which he assessed would fail as it happened with the 10-year long Russian military mission which ended in failure in 1989.

In a statement, the President of Pakistan, general Musharaf said that the days of the ruling Taliban could be numberedEmboldened by the growing pressure on the Taliban, Afgan opposition groups sought to gain support for a Loya Jirga, or grand council of elders and spiritual leaders , to prepare for a post -Taliban future.

In the meantime thousands of Afgans staged a demonstration in the center of the city Kantahar, headquarters of the Taliban leader against the former king of Afganistan Zaher Sah.

In Washington, the top Republican and Democrat on the US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee struck a tentative deal yesterday on a scaled-back version of President George Bush anti-terrorist package. They agreed to give law enforcement a number of expanded powers including ones to wiretap phones, track internet communications and prosecute anyone who knowingly harbors a suspected terrorist.

In a relative development some $ 6 million in bank accounts linked to terrorist activity has been frozen, including 30 accounts in the US and 20 accounts overseas tied to the al Queda ntwork headed by wealthy Saudi exile bin Landen.

At the opening of the meeting of the UN General Assembly in NY, UN Secr Gen Kofi Annan appealed for enforcement of international cooperation to combat terrorism but also warned about the danger from the use of mass destruction weapons.

[03] Greek Foreign Minister visits Moscow, Berlin and Washington

Both Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov reiterated that the fight against international terrorism is aimed only at the terrorists, and most definitely not against Islam or Muslim countries, a statement repeated by most of the Wests leaders over the past week.

Mr. Papandreou also met with his German counterpart Gioska Fisher yesterday while he is scheduled to meet with American counterpart Collin Powell in Washington today. Mr.Papandreou stated that security measures do not limit individual rights but on the contrary guarantee them.

[04] Next year' s budget approved by the cabinet

The National Economy Minister called for self-restraint from all sides and gave assurances that the slashes would not affect a long-awaited welfare package and the incomes policy.

[05] Lebanese President on an official visit to Greece

During their one-hour meeting, delegations from the two countries signed a bilateral agreement on educational issues and a cooperation protocol for the Greek and Lebanese foreign ministries.

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