Athens News Agency: News in English, 03-03-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou discusses economic cooperation with Latin American

[02] Development minister inaugurates ''Tourism Panorama 2003' exhibition in

[03] Action plan for humanitarian aid to Iraq in place, minister says

[04] Municipality of Athens coordinates humanitarian aid effort for Iraq

[05] Foreign Exchange Rates - Monday

[06] Weather Forecast: Sunny on Saturday

[07] ASE ends week 3.34 percent lower

[01] Papandreou discusses economic cooperation with Latin American ministers

Foreign Minister and current EU Council of Ministers president in-office George Papandreou on Friday stressed the common values shared between Europe and Latin America, after a meeting of the Rio-EU Group held in Athens.

Speaking during a press conference Papandreou said that issues discussed included the two regions economic cooperation and the role they could both play in the international scene, as they shared common principles.

?Even on major issues, such as Iraq and the Middle East, there is a great identity of mentalities and views, especially when it comes to the role of the United Nations in the settlement of problems globally,? Papandreou remarked, adding that the role of the UN was underlined by both European and Latin American ministers attending the meeting.

Papandreou noted the optimistic outcome of the meeting, as Greeces initiative regarding the Olympic Truce was singed by all nations' ministers attending the meeting, at a time when global peace is at a crucial crossroads.

In reply to a question as whether EU enlargement would harm Latin American markets, the Greek foreign minister said that enlargement could play a very significant role in development of EU-third countries ties, as many nations, especially the poorest ones, would benefit from access to the European single market.

[02] Development minister inaugurates ''Tourism Panorama 2003' exhibition in Piraeus

The ''Tourism Panorama 2003'' exhibition opened at the Piraeus Port Authority on Friday, with this year's theme region being the Ionian Islands.

Inaugurating the exhibition, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said that there is optimism that 2003 will be a good year for tourism.

Referring to the repercussions of the war in Iraq on Greek tourism, the minister noted that there was a reduction in bookings in February and March and possibly the same would be the case in April.

However, taking into account the messages by major tour operators and international exhibitions in which the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) participates in, Tsohatzopoulos expressed the conviction that there would be an increase in bookings from May onwards, a fact which would offset the losses of the first months of the year.

At a press conference held earlier by the prefects of the Ionian Islands, it was underlined that the Ionian Islands with their wide variety of natural and cultural wealth and the continuous improvement of tourism infrastructures, can meet the needs of the most demanding tourist.

The Tourism Panorama, organised by the Kalofolia group, will be open to the public until March 31.

[03] Action plan for humanitarian aid to Iraq in place, minister says

The Greek foreign ministry had long ago prepared an action plan for dealing with the humanitarian aspects of the conflict in Iraq, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos said on Friday.

The measures envisioned by the government targeted both the needs of potential waves of refugees leaving Iraq and of civilians that remained within the country, especially children, he said.

He also clarified that humanitarian aid from Greece would be handled by the United Nations and its organisations, while bilateral aid would be sent through Greek Embassies and non-governmental organisations.

Loverdos said that NGOs had submitted action plans that were now being assessed by the ministry.

The minister also noted that no refugee issue had arisen as yet and that no refugees had turned up at the Iraq-Jordan border, contrary to media reports. Aid being collected in Greece was being placed in storage and would be sent when the time was judged to be right, he added.

''For this reason, it is preferable if the public contribute in cash or foodstuffs with a long shelf-life,'' Loverdos said.

[04] Municipality of Athens coordinates humanitarian aid effort for Iraq

The Municipality of Athens will begin on Monday an effort to collect humanitarian aid for the children of Iraq, as the Mayor of Athens Dora Bakoyianni and non-governmental organizations called on Athens' citizens to contribute to the effort.

The Municipality of Athens will coordinate the effort of UNICEF, the Red Cross, the Doctors Without Frontiers, the United Nations High Commission on Refugees, the Action Aid, the Pharmacists Without Frontiers and the Greek Council for Refugees.

[05] Foreign Exchange Rates - Monday

Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank

U.S. dollar 1.081

Pound sterling 0.691

Danish kroner 7.486

Swedish kroner 9.300

Japanese yen 129.9

Swiss franc 1.488

Norwegian kroner 7.919

Cyprus pound 0.588

Canadian dollar 1.586

Australian dollar 1.799

[06] Weather Forecast: Sunny on Saturday

Sunshine is forecast in all parts of the country. Early morning mist is expected on the mainland. Winds variable, light to moderate. On the mainland, temperatures will range from 3C to 21C; and in the islands from 7C to 19C. Temperatures in Athens between 6C and 20C; and in Thessaloniki from 4C to 19C.

[07] ASE ends week 3.34 percent lower

Greek stocks fell sharply in the Athens Stock Exchange on Friday hit by international fears over a prolonged war in Iraq.

The general index fell 1.39 percent to end at 1,517.94 points, with turnover a low 87.6 million euros. The general index ended the week with a net loss of 3.34 percent.

The Textile sector was the only one to score gains (0.30 percent), the Investment index was unchanged from Thursday's closing, while the Publication, IT Solution, Holding and Cement sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (3.50 percent, 2.34 percent, 1.94 percent and 1.74 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 1.69 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.82 percent lower, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index dropped 0.90 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 1.46 percent down.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 232 to 50 with another 71 issues unchanged.

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