Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-01-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Early election speculation mounts

[02] Focus shifts from bilateral to Euro-Turkey relations, Tsohatzopoulos says

[03] Papandreou to brief party on foreign policy next week

[04] Greek defense minister to address 'Heading Towards EU' conference

[05] Outgoing Russian envoy presents book entitled 'Russia-Cyprus, our common way'

[06] Farmers warn of coming protests

[07] Greek MPs call for Elian's return to Cuba

[08] Ethnic leader outlines problems faced by Greek minority in Albania

[09] Turkish farm minister starts three-day visit to Greece on Friday

[10] OTE, KPN to revise bid for Bulgarian telecom

[11] Greek stocks find support on institutional buying

[12] Seminar focuses on prospects for Greek-Chinese trade, cooperation

[13] Greece announces criteria for Corinth Canal tender

[14] Thessaloniki hosts Asia Forum event

[15] Italian article focuses on Greece's EMU course

[16] Investment companies show 536% jump in market value

[17] Earthquakes jolt Crete, Alexandroupolis

[18] Group claims car bomb attack

[19] Athina, a taste of Athens: A culinary tour of the Greek capital

[20] Demirel support for Greek-Turkish hosting of Euro Cup 2008

[21] IOC's Rogge confident problems in 2004 Games' preparations will be overcome

[01] Early election speculation mounts

Athens, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

"Election talk is of no benefit to the country and I would advise all those contributing to it to avoid temptation," acting government spokesman Yiannis Nikolaou said during the regular daily press briefing.

He also avoided commenting on a press report claiming that April 9 was a possible date for elections.

Later in the day the main opposition New Democracy party decided to speed up its preparatory congress procedures to enable the party to hold its congress a fortnight earlier than March 31, as initially scheduled, if the government proclaims an early poll.

The decision was taken following a meeting between ND leader Costas Karamanlis and the party's congress president Vassilis Meimarakis after persistent reports of an April election.

The preparatory congress in Thessaloniki, initially scheduled for March 19-21, will be held on March 4-6. The party will be able to hold its congress on March 20 and ND has already booked premises in Athens on the above dates in the event elections are called on April 9 or 16.

Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos tabled a question in Parliament, querying Prime Minister Costas Simitis on the issue of if, and when, general elections would take place this year.

Constantopoulos also requested to know what national issue of extraordinary significance would be cited in necessitating elections.

Unbridled election-mongering damages the political scene even more and hurts the country, thats why the government has the exclusive responsibility to clear-up the political climate, Constantopoulos said, adding:

Institutional tolerances cannot be used as desired for the governments petty party interests.

Finally, the Synaspismos leader asked what national issue of extraordinary significance, and different from the one cited in the 1996 elections, will be used, as the Constitution dictates.

[02] Focus shifts from bilateral to Euro-Turkey relations, Tsohatzopoulos says

NICOSIA, 28/01/2000(ANA)

In comments on arriving in Cyprus in a private capacity, Tsohatzopoulos said that recent developments - most notably, the EU Helsinki summit decision to accept Turkey as a candidate country - would have an effect on bilateral relations which "would now come under the shadow and in the framework of the new Euro-Turkish relationship."

"The issue of Greek-Turkish relations is no longer clearly and simply bilateral, but is affected to a large degree by the framework of relations between Turkey and the EU," he said.

"Greece, as an equal member of the EU, will work systematically to support this course, so that Turkey's EU entry prospects are not meaningless, but of the essence, substantive."

Turkey's acceptance as an EU candidate country has created a binding framework for many of that country's policies to fall into line with EU standards, he said, citing democracy, respect for international law and economic reforms.

This, he said, would necessarily "affect relations with neighboring countries, and particularly with Greece."

"The improvement in Greek-Turkish relations goes hand in hand with the course of Turkey's adjustment to EU standards," he said. This framework, he added, provided the ability for the discussion of various issues related to the economy and security.

Tsohatzopoulos said there was no question of any solution other than that of a federal state on the island.

"There is no chance of another solution on Cyprus apart from that of a federal solution," he said. "There is no change in policy."

Athens, earlier in the month, had to reiterate its positions on a resolution of the Cyprus issue - a bizonal, bicommunal federal state - after an article written by a close aide of the prime minister appeared to throw doubt on this.

The defense minister rejected Turkish hopes of a confederation of two equal but separate states as not permissible even as a topic of discussion.

"It is inconceivable that there will be a change in comprehensive policy on a framework agreed on by the international community for the past 25 years, so that the insistence of some - in this case Turkey's that the occupied territory (of Cyprus) be recognized as a separate state entity - be overcome," he said.

"In no case can there be a prospect of such a formation, if one is concerned with inclusion in international security systems, if they want to accept the decisions of the UN, and if they are interested in opening up their path to the EU," he said.

The Greek defense minister, who is on the island to take part in a conference on Cyprus' prospects for joining the European Union, underlined the importance of the EU Helsinki summit which dissociated Cypriot membership of the Union from the search for a settlement of the island's political problem.

"This has paved new roads in the development of the Cyprus issue," he said. "It is a drastic step in the unhindered, definitive inclusion of Cyprus in the EU, regardless of the resolution or not of the Cyprus problem."

[03] Papandreou to brief party on foreign policy next week

Athens, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

Foreign Minister George Papandreou is expected to brief senior party officials on the results of his recent groundbreaking trip to Turkey.

The meeting is considered to be particularly significant in the wake of an article in an Athens daily by former foreign minister Theodoros Pangalos, in which he called for the party to be informed of the foreign policy directions being taken by Papandreou.

On Monday, the government defended Papandreou's exercise of foreign policy against Pangalos' charges and said that the current improvement in Greek-Turkish relations was based on "solid ground".

Pangalos said in his article, published in Monday's edition of Athens daily 'Apoyevmatini', that he would immediately demand ruling party PASOK bodies hold a discussion on the course of Greek-Turkish relations if "we have chosen to placate the Turks and to be subject to their plans".

If this is the case, he writes, "we have committed a colossal historical mistake".

He said that Papandreou's lack of comment when Cem reiterated standing Turkish positions on issues of sovereignty in the Aegean could be construed as consent and called Turkey's proposal for some form of military cooperation in the Aegean "very dangerous", saying it could lead to "joint administration of air space".

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Costas Simitis will chair a meeting of senior foreign ministry officials to discuss issues ahead of the visit to Athens by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem later next week.

Papandreou is also scheduled to brief President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on foreign policy issues at 10 a.m. on the same day.

[04] Greek defense minister to address 'Heading Towards EU' conference

NICOSIA, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE) the islands largest employers union and Cyprus biggest-selling newspaper «Philelefheros» support the Conference.

Sponsored by the Bank of Cyprus, the Central Bank of Cyprus, IBM Cyprus and Cyprus Airways, the conference is being held with the contribution of the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority.

Addressing the Conference, Finance Minister Takis Klerides said that regarding the harmonization with the acquis communautaire "Cyprus has a good record, having closed the largest number of chapters among the group of the six candidate countries".

Klerides expressed confidence that "Cyprus will complete the difficult task of adopting and effectively implementing the acquis and will be in a position to join the EU by January 2003".

Referring to the Cyprus political question, Klerides pointed out that "the Government envisages the accession of the whole territory of the island to the EU and it undertakes all efforts for a just and viable solution to the problem within the framework of the UN resolutions on Cyprus".

"Further", he added, "the President of Cyprus has invited the Turkish Cypriots to participate in the accession negotiations", noting that "the invitation however has not as yet been taken up by the Turkish Cypriot leadership".

On his part Central Bank of Cyprus Governor Afxentis Afxentiou said the island aims to join the eurozone as soon as possible after its accession to the EU, adding that the introduction of the euro "offers more opportunities not only to the eurozone member-countries but also to the Cyprus economy".

He stressed however that "the introduction of the euro is not a panacea" and pointed out that despite its significant steps towards harmonization, Cyprus must step up its harmonization campaign.

"Phileleftheros" Editorial Director Anthos Lykavgis said Cyprus must be "attached to the EU and its institutions and visions as soon as possible".

He pointed out that the future of Cyprus is linked "to the island's European perspective politically, economically and culturally" as this is the only safe way to political stability and economic development.

KEVE President Vassilis Rologis said the island's accession course should be "every Cypriot's first priority" and referred to the benefits of the harmonization process to the island.

The conference will be concluded on Friday. It is expected to be addressed by Greek National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos who arrived in Cyprus on Thursday.

[05] Outgoing Russian envoy presents book entitled 'Russia-Cyprus, our common way'

NICOSIA, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

The 200-page book, in Greek and English, deals with Moscow's views on Cyprus, developments in the Balkans and other issues of common interest.

The outgoing Russian Ambassador said proceeds from the sales will go towards the construction of the first Russian Orthodox Church in Cyprus and said the church will be "a jewel of this beautiful island." In his message incorporated in the book, President Glafcos Clerides refers to the "excellent relations" between Cyprus and Russia, which reflect "sincere friendship, and identity or proximity of views on a variety of issues, more importantly the Cyprus issue."

[06] Farmers warn of coming protests

Athens, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

According to reports, rallies planned in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki next week will be a litmus test of the strength of farmers' will to proceed with more radical action.

On Thursday, farmers' groups affiliated with the Confederation of Farmers' Unions (SYDASE), which in turn is affiliated to conservative opposition New Democracy, said their time had come.

SYDASE is preparing for protest action, president Yiannis Pittas said at a news conference on Thursday on the sidelines of trade fair 'Agrotica'.

"We want the government to implement its promises to the farming community," Pittas said, claiming that farmers' had seen their incomes decline by 9.84 percent over the past four years.

He said sore points were the falling competitiveness of farm products, cutbacks in Community subsidies for Greek farmers and the absence of any investment programs.

SYDASE had earlier rejected an invitation from Agriculture Minister George Anomeritis to solve problems with dialogue.

"Farmers are tired of extracting only delays," Pittas said.

In the past, farmers angry at perceived government inaction on farming issues have blocked national roads.

Protests in 1997 caused unprecedented chaos in Greece, hampering road and rail transport between the north and south, blocking lorries from delivering vital supplies and on occasion forcing factories to shut down due to shortages of fuel and raw materials.

Farmers' union demands farmers registry: PASEGES, Greek farmers' umbrella group, on Thursday urged the government and other political parties in Parliament to urgently implement a Farmers' and Farming Register disregarding any political costs.

PASEGES, chairman, Nikos Liolios, speaking during a press conference at the AGROTICA international fair in Thessaloniki, said that the government and political parties should disregard political costs and to introduce a farmers' register in order to implement announced measures.

Liolios said that according to PASEGES figures, presented to Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas in November 1997, the real number of farms totalled 560,000 of which 345,000 or 40 percent of the total, belonged to individuals with another profession (civil servants, lawyers, doctors etc).

He attributed the fact to a different implementation of heritage right legislation, compared with other EU states where agricultural property is transferred only to those stating farming as their main profession.

Liolios said EU's policies were "hostile" for Mediterranean products and they were aimed against raisin, olive oil and tobacco. He urged for the acceptance of PASEGES proposal on cotton cultivation by Greek farmers.

Farm incomes would rise following the country's participation in EMU, due to a change in the drachma's parity against the euro, and a resulting increase in subsidies, he said.

Liolios said farm income fell an average annual 2-2.5 percent in the previous three years, based on data by Greece's statistics service and Eurostat.

He urged the government to implement measures aimed to cutting production costs in the agricultural sector through a drastic fall in loan rates, higher VAT return factor and cheaper fuel to real farmers.

The government's new measures for settlement of penalty rate debts on overdue loans were solving only part of the problem, Liolios said.

[07] Greek MPs call for Elian's return to Cuba

Athens, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

The MPs, members of the parliament's standing committee on defense and foreign affairs and representing the ruling party PASOK, the Communist Party of Greece, the Left Coalition and the Democratic Social Movement, say that the issue should be dealt with within the context of humanitarian laws.

The committee's decision was reached on the basis of the consideration of the child's "obvious need to return to his natural family environment which, in the wake of the death of his mother, will ensure the requisite emotional support," a letter addressed to Annan from the committee says.

[08] Ethnic leader outlines problems faced by Greek minority in Albania

TIRANA, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

Vangelis Doules, 32, President of the ethnic Greek minority organization "Omonia" and former deputy of the Human Rights Party, told a press conference it was time for Tirana to revise its policy towards the Greek community, also on the basis of the country's new constitution.

Commenting on the issue of education, Doules said this policy continued to cover exclusively what the previous regime had arbitrarily termed a "minority zone", depriving the right of education from Greeks living in other parts of the country.

Doules also referred to repeated calls by inhabitants in Himare for the operation of Greek schools there and also reminded of the claim for Greek history to be included in Greek schools' educational programs.

The ethnic Greek leader also denounced pressures exerted lately, particularly last year, for an alteration in the ownership status covering the area in which the Greek minority lived. He said the pressures were aimed at depriving Greek communities of land in Dropolis and Vourko with falsified ownership documents and illegal court decisions.

[09] Turkish farm minister starts three-day visit to Greece on Friday

ANKARA, 29/01/2000 (ANA)

Gokalp will have talks with Anomeritis and attend a meeting of Balkan Agriculture Ministers.

The Turkish minister is also expected to visit the "Agrotica 2000" exhibition in Thessaloniki where he will attend a seminar entitled "Agricultural Development and Balkan Cooperation," the agency said.

[10] OTE, KPN to revise bid for Bulgarian telecom

Athens, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

The bidding consortium is currently preparing its response to a list of 37 amendments drafted by the Bulgarian government to existing agreements for the sale of the controlling stake in BTC telecom, OTE said in a statement.

"KPN and OTE feel that this reply will form a significant improvement on the original bid filed in July 1999, and should lead to a positive development in the negotiations," the statement said.

A preliminary agreement reached with the government in July set the sale price at 510 million US dollars, which covered a 51 percent stake in BTC and a license for the use of GSM mobile phone technology, the second of its kind to be awarded in Bulgaria. The sale of BTC, which is Bulgaria's largest privatization attempt, has been delayed for a year.

KPN is one of the largest telecoms operators in Europe. It recently acquired E-plus, a major German GSM provider, for 9.1 billion euros in cash.

[11] Greek stocks find support on institutional buying

Athens, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

The general index erased an initial 1.70 percent drop to end 0.10 percent higher at 4,941.60 points. Turnover was a low 158 billion drachmas.

Dealers said private investors remained sidelined squeezing liquidity in the market and leaving day transactions to professionals.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 2,595.63 points, up 0.14 percent, while the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 0.16 percent to end at 898.82 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 9,060.38 +0.23% Leasing: 1,294.47 -0.11% Insurance: 3,383.78 +2.40% Investment: 2,521.36 +0.66% Construction: 3,169.37 -0.02% Industrials: 2,994.05

-0.69% Miscellaneous: 6,329.10 +0.42% Holding: 6,062.58 +0.53%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks fell 1.34 percent to 1,450.82 points.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 167 to 135 with another 26 issues unchanged.

Petzetakis (c) and (p), ETMA (p), Lanakam (c) and (p), Attica Publications, European Credit (c) and (p) and Macedonian Plastics ended at the day's 8.0 percent limit up.

Macedonian Spinn Mills, ETANA, Barba Stathis (p), Tzirakian, Giannousis and Diekat suffered the heaviest losses.

Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): National Bank: 21,600 Alpha Credit: 23,000 Commercial Bank: 22,650 Eurobank: 13,610 Hellenic Petroleum: 7,545 Panafon: 4,340 Hellenic Petroleum: 4,105 Titan Cement (c): 16,990 Minoan Lines: 8,100 Intracom: 13,940

[12] Seminar focuses on prospects for Greek-Chinese trade, cooperation

Athens, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

Speakers, including the Chinese embassy in Athens' trade attache, Sui Hui, and the general secretary of the Hellenic-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Costas Masmounidis, painted a mixed picture in the bilateral trade sector -- with Chinese exports to Greece totalling approximately 400 million US dollars on a yearly basis, as opposed to Greek exports to the world's most populous country averaging around US$ 65 million a year.

Hui described the Chinese market as a "rose with thorns...everything has a price, nothing in the world is perfect. If you're not scared of the rose's thorns, then do business in China," she said.

On his part, Masmounidis told a packed hall in downtown Athens that only 0.5 percent of Greek exports head to a unified Chinese nation of 1.2 billion or more people, a fact he called "disappointing". Specifically, he said Greek fertilizers make up two-thirds of the country's exports to China. Cement and fertilizers together make up four-fifths of Greek exports.

Conversely, he said a wide variety of Chinese exports arrive in Greece, led by toys - at around $60 million - without, however, any name brand Chinese import dominating the market, "such as Toyota, Sanyo or Daewoo." "They are based purely on price," he noted.

Both Hui and Masmounidis cited the example of the blossoming Greek marbles sector in China as a distinct success story, along with five Petzetakis plants in the Far East country producing pipes for agricultural use, along with a Silver & Baryte unit jointly mining and marketing perlite deposits in the Hunan province.

Again, though, an increase in bilateral trade cooperation was cited as paramount, with Masmounidis saying that only 12 ongoing projects by Greek firms in the vast country are recorded, as opposed to some 22 for comparable EU partner Ireland.

On her part, Hui -- serving in Athens now for some 2 1/2 months before being posted in Beijing's foreign trade ministry -- said her primary goal while in the EU's 10th member-state is to boost Greek exports towards China, which she said did, in fact, increase last year by 13.4 percent to around $65 million. Hui listed marbles, olive oil, maritime transports and shipbuilding as the areas where the two countries should concentrate in the short-term to boost Greek exports.

The Asia 2000 program, which organized the seminar, is focused on meeting the ever-widening "information gap" related to the dynamic markets of Asia, as well as to support the development of Asian studies in Greece. Upcoming seminars will focus on the Japan, South Korea, India and the SE Asia states.

The Greek Association of Societe Anonyme and Ltd. firms in 1993 founded the Institute.

[13] Greece announces criteria for Corinth Canal tender

Athens, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

The criteria refer to: the financial health and credibility of the candidate; know-how potential; a business plan; a pledge regarding the workforce and the creation of new jobs, and finally, investments.

Finance Undersecretary Nikos Christodoulakis told reporters that tendering procedures were sound and transparent, as all other privatizations promoted by the government.

He noted that the Corinth Canal "maintained its legal status and ensured the jobs of its workforce".

[14] Thessaloniki hosts Asia Forum event

Athens, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

As a follow-up to this initial meeting, a business forum and exhibition of industrial products, tourism and stock exchange services will be held May 23-28.

Asia Forum president, Professor Marios Nikolinakos, told a news conference on Thursday that the aim of the forum was to further boost trade and economic relations between participating countries and to see the creation of joint ventures.

This will also provide Thessaloniki - which will host both events - with the opportunity to demonstrate its leading role as a financial center for the development of business activity in the wider region of the Balkans and Eastern Europe, he said.

Nikolinakos said the Asia Forum was the first major attempt in Greece to link up with the business potential of the 90 countries, which have a total population of 4.5 billion people.

[15] Italian article focuses on Greece's EMU course

ROME, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

Among others, the paper notes that Greece is a country that over the past few years was able to pool its efforts for a "leap forward", allowing it to meet Maastricht Treaty criteria.

"The revaluation of the drachma (against the euro) which occurred on Jan. 15 helped contained prices, despite the sudden drop in the cost of lending, which after yesterday's decrease in interest rates, cannot but continue," the paper writes.

National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou was also praised in the piece.

[16] Investment companies show 536% jump in market value

Athens, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

The net asset value of the 17 companies rose to 1.44 trillion drachmas on December 31, 1999 from 335.5 billion drachmas on the same day of 1998, showing a sharp 330 percent increase, the union said.

[17] Earthquakes jolt Crete, Alexandroupolis

Athens, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

According to the Athens Observatory's Geodynamic Institute, a strong quake measuring 5 on the Richter scale was recorded at 8:51 a.m. at a distance of 350 kilometers south of Athens, with its epicenter in the sea area west-southwest of Crete. The tremor was felt mainly in Hania prefecture.

Earlier, a weak tremor measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale was recorded at 2:00 a.m. with its epicenter 20 kilometers southwest of Alexandroupolis, in the sea area between the city and Samothrace island.

[18] Group claims car bomb attack

Athens, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

A Fire Brigade official said a home-made bomb comprising two small liquid gas canisters exploded at about 3:30 a.m. beneath the car, causing damages estimated at four million dr.

An unidentified caller claimed responsibility for the car bomb on behalf of the group, the official said.

In an apparently unrelated incident at about the same time, also in the Vyronas suburb, a second homemade bomb comprising four small liquid gas canisters exploded under a school bus belonging to the private Yannakopoulou school.

The fire caused by the explosion was quickly extinguished by firefighters, and the damage to the bus was limited, the official said.

[19] Athina, a taste of Athens: A culinary tour of the Greek capital

Athens, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

The book, presented to the public Wednesday at the Stoa tou Vivliou (Book Arcade) in central Athens, is a palate-tempting book of traditional Greek recipes, illustrated by water-color paintings and drawings by the author and interspersed with anecdotes from her numerous walks about town.

Bauerle, who has lived and worked in Greece for several years, takes readers on a culinary and artistic tour the Greek capital, sharing her experiences of "her Athens".

The book, published in German and English by the Heideke publishing firm, "captures the essence of Athens", according to Hans-Werner Bussman, cultural attache at the German embassy in Athens.

"In the past, we sought Greece exclusively with our soul. Today, we measure the relationship with accounts," he said.

"More than two million Germans visit Greece each year. They know the Greek islands better than they do Athens, have tasted the Greek delicacies both here and in Germany, where there are many Greek tavernas. This is proof of how much the Germans have grown to love Greek cuisine, and it is this cuisine that Heidi Bauerle describes," he added.

[20] Demirel support for Greek-Turkish hosting of Euro Cup 2008

ANKARA, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

The Turkish president made the statement during an International Olympics Committee (IOC) awards ceremony in Ankara, where he stressed that "events jointly organized with Greece are very significant for Greek-Turkish relations". He also added that rapprochement between the two countries will be promoted even more through cooperation in the sports sector.

This year's European Cup tournament will be jointly held in the Netherlands and Belgium, whereas in 2004 Portugal hosts the event.

Cooperation in the sports sector has been one of the issues discussed in "low-impact" talks between the foreign ministries of Greece and Turkey over the past few months.

[21] IOC's Rogge confident problems in 2004 Games' preparations will be overcome

Athens, 28/01/2000 (ANA)

"There has been significant progress in Athens' preparations. Outstanding work is being done by the inter-ministerial (committee) and the organizing committee," Jacques Rogge told a press conference in Athens' Zappeion Hall, a stone's throw from the Greek Parliament.

"I believe that whatever problems exist will be overcome. It's imperative, however, for there to be greater flexibility in the moves being taken, as well as for more rapid decisions by the organizing committee. You must overcome the problem of bureaucracy," he noted, adding that certain changes in related legislation were also necessary.

Additionally, Rogge called for unity, while in terms of delays in preparations, he said the IOC agreed on the need for extended deadlines to be given in certain areas.

"The list of delays isn't long...New deadlines were given for housing all (visitors) who will arrive in your country for the Games. Sydney faces the same problem. The memorandum that's been signed with hotelliers must become a final agreement, quickly. Additionally, an extended deadline was given for the creation of an organization for television broadcasts, in June, as well as for other facilities.

"However, not only are we not concerned, but we are also certain that you will organize successful Games. Other countries were able to overcome even greater problems," Rogge added.

Regarding other issues, he referred to a government decision giving the public works ministry supervision of ongoing and projected Olympic facilities as "wise", while citing "significant progress" in terms of efforts to build the all-important Olympic Village.

Finally, Rogge said the Greek government assured him that it would cover any deficit emanating from the scrapping of the controversial "video-lotto" game of chance.

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