Athens News Agency: News in English, 01-12-06

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Putin praises level of Greek-Russian relations (lead-all)

[02] Navy commemorates patron Saint Nicholas

[03] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

[04] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise, players shy off blue chips

[05] Weather Forecast: Showery on Friday

[01] Putin praises level of Greek-Russian relations (lead-all)

Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed here on Thursday that the end of ?ideological differences? has highlighted the geo-political foundations of Greek-Russian friendship, hours after he landed in Athens to begin a historic three-day official visit to the east Mediterranean country.

Putin emphasised that Moscow and Athens hold similar views on a variety of issues, including the Balkans, while citing robust bilateral trade figures during his meeting with Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos in downtown Athens.

In referring specifically to the often strife-riddled Balkans, Putin said, ?any peace is preferable to war?. He also clarified that the situation could be better if the international community was ?more decisive vis-a-vis groups attempting to solve political problems with the force of arms?.

In echoing most of Athens positions for its neighbouring region, Putin said all United Nations decisions must be observed, particularly Security Council Resolution 1244 for Kosovo, while ?no one should be allowed to change borders in this part of Europe under any pretext?

?We are ready for close cooperation with Greece on this issue,? he added.

In receiving Putin at the presidential mansion, Greek President Stephanopoulos cited the EU and NATO member-states desire for even closer relations with Moscow.

?Russia is a major military and political force, as well as a significant international factor,? he said.

The Greek president also emphasised that both Athens and Moscow are among the most vocal proponents of retaining current borders in the region, in tandem with the strict observance of human and minority rights.

Stephanopoulos stressed that although the situation in the Balkans is better today than in the past, dangers still persist.

[02] Navy commemorates patron Saint Nicholas

The Greek Navy on Thursday commemorated its patron Saint Nicholas at an event held at the Navy Cadets Academy in the presence of President Kostis Stephanopoulos.

The event was also attended by Defence Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Merchant Marine Minister George Anomeritis, the armed forces leadership, parliamentarians and local authorities.

Asked whether Wednesday's meeting between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash signals a solution to the Cyprus issue, Papantoniou said "we are very far from the end of this process. We should face the situation with great reservation and probe Turkey's real intentions to draw safe conclusions."

[03] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

Indicative tourist buying rates

U.S. dollar 380.258

German mark 172.829

French franc 051.531

Pound sterling 540.366

Irish punt 429.202

Belgian franc 008.379

Luxembourg franc 008.379

Dutch guilder 153.389

Italian lira (100) 017.457

Austrian schilling 024.565

Danish kroner 045.400

Swedish kroner 036.106

Finnish mark 056.852

Spanish peseta 002.032

Portuguese escudo 001.686

Japanese yen (100) 305.304

Swiss franc 229.306

Norwegian kroner 042.380

Cyprus pound 588.088

Canadian dollar 241.906

Australian dollar 196.794

[04] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise, players shy off blue chips

The Athens bourse finished higher on Thursday for a second straight session, with players staying clear of blue chips and buying mostly into smaller cap paper.

The general share index gained 0.92 percent to end at 2,727.98 points. Turnover was 173.67 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.68 percent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalisation paper 1.94 percent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities 2.22 percent up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 306 to 37 with 17 issues remaining unchanged.

[05] Weather Forecast: Showery on Friday

Showers are forecast in most parts of the country on Friday with snow on high ground and storms at sea. Winds variable, moderate to very strong, turning gale force in the Aegean. In the north, temperatures will range from -2C to 6C; in the west from 0C to 13C; and in the rest of the country from 2C to 12C. Showers in Athens with snow on Mount Parnes. Temperatures between 5C and 9C. Cloudy in Thessaloniki with temperatures from 2C to 5C.

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article