Athens News Agency: News in English, 03-07-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM presents plan for 2004-2008 term in 'Ethnos' interview

[02] Socialist International youth festival focuses on democracy

[03] ATHOC delegation outlines Athens Olympic Games preparations

[04] Weather Forecast: Sunny on Monday, some cloud in the north

[05] Weather Forecast: Sunny on Sunday, with some cloud in the north

[06] Foreign Exchange Rates - Monday

[01] PM presents plan for 2004-2008 term in 'Ethnos' interview

In an interview appearing in this week's issue of 'Sunday Ethnos', Prime Minister Costas Simitis outlined PASOK's plans for its next term in government if it wins the 2004 elections.

Among his primary objectives until 2008, Simitis listed improving Greece's position in the modern world, achieving real convergence and a resolution of major foreign policy issues, such as the Cyprus problem, the dispute over the Aegean continental shelf and negotiations with the European Union.

A key point in the interview, meanwhile, was his pledge for a redistribution of incomes fuelled by continued high growth rates.

The premier said that there would be commitments to specific initiatives to reduce inequalities, poverty and social exclusion in a ''Charter for Real Convergence'' that he intended to present during the annual economic speech given by Greek prime ministers at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

He stressed, however, that ''income distribution without growth is not an option'' and said that the government's top priority will be to maintain present high growth rates that will allow a redistribution of incomes in favour of the weaker social groups.

[02] Socialist International youth festival focuses on democracy

The rift between developed and third world countries, the migration of people and capital and other problems resulting from the opening of markets were examined on Saturday during the main event on democracy held at Kamena Vourla as part of the Socialist International's youth festival.

South African Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zouma referred to the dramatic situation continuing to characterise the third world, Africa in particular, and criticised ''trends for the building of fortresses'' being expressed.

''Africa must become the continent of hope. The youth of the world with its solidarity enabled us to be where we are today and I to be speaking to you in the capacity of minister,'' she said.

Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said objections by the third world on the competitiveness of its products are not groundless.

He added that the issue must be handled on a global basis by a strong United Nations Organisation with the strengthening of regional cooperation, a decrease in the subsidisation of products and an increase in economic backing in developing countries.

[03] ATHOC delegation outlines Athens Olympic Games preparations

A delegation of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games Organising Committee (ATHOC), headed by managing director Spyros Kapralos, gave an across-the-board press conference in Barcelona, Spain, over the weekend at which Kapralos outlined progress achieved in preparations for next year's Athens Olympic Games.

The 10th World Swimming Championships are taking place in this Spanish city and the press conference was attended by over 100 reporters who arrived in Barcelona for the event.

Kapralos referred at length to issues directly concerning the four Olympic Games events in this sector (swimming, water polo, synchronised swimming and diving), as well as to the tickets and games programmes.

Earlier, Kapralos and members of the delegation held meetings on the sidelines of the events with International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge, IOC Honourary President Juan Antonio Samaranch and IOC Press Committee President Kevin Gosper.

[04] Weather Forecast: Sunny on Monday, some cloud in the north

The weather will be sunny throughout Greece on Monday, with some cloud in northern parts of the mainland and Macedonia. Winds northerly, light to moderate in the west, moderate to strong in the east, turning to very strong in the Aegean and subsiding from the afternoon. Temperatures will range from 19 to 35 C in the west, 18-33 C in the rest of the mainland, and 23-31 C in the Aegean.

Sunny in Athens, with temperatures of 23-33 C. Same in Thessaloniki with temperatures of 21-31 C.

[05] Weather Forecast: Sunny on Sunday, with some cloud in the north

The weather will be sunny throughout most of Greece on Sunday, with some cloud in eastern Macedonia-Thrace, the northern Aegean and Thessaly turning to sporadic rain or storm but improving in the evening. Weak northerly winds, turning to strong locally in the Aegean, and temperatures ranging from 17 to 29 C in the north, 20-34 C in the west, 19-32 C in the rest of the mainland, and 22-30 C in the Aegean.

Sunny weather is expected in Athens, with some local cloud in the north of Attica prefecture, and temperatures of 22-32 C. Thessaloniki will be overcast, with the possibility of some rainfall, and temperatures of 9-29 C.

[06] Foreign Exchange Rates - Monday

Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank

U.S. dollar 1.156

Pound sterling 0.716

Danish kroner 7.491

Swedish kroner 9.266

Japanese yen 137.5

Swiss franc 1.560

Norwegian kroner 8.294

Cyprus pound 0.592

Canadian dollar 1.612

Australian dollar 1.744

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