Athens News Agency: News in English, 00-08-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece - Turkey - Foreign Minister - Soccer

[02] Foreign Exchange Rates-Friday

[03] Weather Forecast-Friday

[04] Stock Market-Close

[01] Greece - Turkey - Foreign Minister - Soccer

One year ago to the day since a destructive earthquake initiated a thaw in Greek and Turkish relations, Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Thursday gave the process a further boost by consenting to exploratory contacts for a joint bid by the two countries for hosting the European soccer championship in 2008.

The development, announced by Greek Soccer Federation (EPO) president Costas Alexandridis, opens the way for contacts with the Turkish counterpart federation, with a view to submitting a joint application to the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

Two weeks ago, EPO responded favourably to a renewed proposal by the Turkish side. The contacts are expected to start in September.

[02] Foreign Exchange Rates-Friday

Following are rates released by the central bank for the next working day.

Fridays rates (buying)

Euro 334.502

U.S. dollar 366.157

German mark 171.029

[03] Weather Forecast-Friday

Sunny weather is forecast throughout the country on Friday with light cloud in the north from late afternoon. Winds will be northerly, light to strong, turning gale force in parts of the Aegean Sea.

[04] Stock Market-Close

Stocks fell on the Athens Stock Exchange on Thursday for the second straight session with turnover hitting a two-year low in moribund trade, analysts said.

Investors kept out of the market in the wake of short-term profit taking in the previous session.

The general index dropped 0.61 percent to finish at 3,728.14 points. Turnover was 40.07 billion drachmas.

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