Athens News Agency: News in English, 03-08-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece proposes joint exhibition of the Parthenon Marbles

[02] New 2004 Olympic rowing centre unveiled

[03] August ''full moon'' cultural events and concerts at archaeological

[04] Gov't confirms re-entry of returing immigrants into Greece

[05] Weather Forecast: Hot and sunny on Tuesday

[06] Foreign Exchange Rates - Ôuesday

[07] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise, led by smaller cap paper

[01] Greece proposes joint exhibition of the Parthenon Marbles

Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos speaking to reporters on Monday said that the Greek position regarding the return of the Parthenon Marbles, currently housed in London's British Museum, to Greece was very simple and consistant.

''Within the framework of common cultural traditions and close cultural ties between the two countries, we propose the establishment of a joint exhibition of the Parthenon Marbles'', the minister said, adding ''The Marbles can in that way be in Athens for the 2004 Olympic Games through cooperation between the British Museum and the New Acropolis Museum.''

''A positive British response to the Greek proposal would be both a cultural and a political initiative of ecumenical dimensions'', the minister concluded.

[02] New 2004 Olympic rowing centre unveiled

The countdown to the 2004 Athens Games continued on Monday at a distant venue that has epitomised the challenges and obstacles faced by Athens organisers (ATHOC) the Schinias Olympic Rowing Centre.

The nearly completed Schinias facility, northeast of Athens proper, opened its doors with a high-profile ceremony 48 hours before the World Rowing Junior Championships (FISA 2003) begin, as Schinias will host the first Olympic 'test event' of 2003.

The rowing ''test event'' begins on Wednesday and lasts until Friday, with a total of 46 countries and more than 550 athletes participating.

[03] August ''full moon'' cultural events and concerts at archaeological sites

The culture ministry for the fifth consecutive year will organise cultural events and concerts at some 62 archaeological sites around the country to celebrate regal Augusts full moon, scheduled for the evening of Aug. 12, with sites remaining open to the public from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Acropolis in Athens, the Temple of Aphaia on the Saronic island of Aegina, the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, ancient Olympia and the prehistoric settlement of Poliohni on the eastern Aegean island of Lemnos will also remain open to the public, although no events are planned.

Admission is free to all ''full moon'' events and concerts.

[04] Gov't confirms re-entry of returing immigrants into Greece

Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos on Monday said all returning immigrants who have already submitted appropriate documentation along with their request for a permanent residence permit will be allowed to re-enter Greece, with the exception of Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) citizens for whom a special order is pending.

Loverdos, in a written reply to a question tabled in Parliament by Synaspismos deputy Maria Damanaki, said all immigrants will be allowed ''to cross the border into Greece upon displaying their passports and proper certification that they have submitted their documents for the issuance of a residence permit in Greece.''

[05] Weather Forecast: Hot and sunny on Tuesday

Hot, sunny weather is forecast all parts of the country. Winds north-northeasterly, light to strong, turning very strong in the Aegean. On the mainland, temperatures will range from 18C to 34C; and in the islands from 22C to 32C. Temperatures in Athens between 24C and 33C; and in Thessaloniki from 22C to 32C.

[06] Foreign Exchange Rates - Ôuesday

Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank

U.S. dollar 1.139

Pound sterling 0.707

Danish kroner 7.491

Swedish kroner 9.333

Japanese yen 137.3

Swiss franc 1.549

Norwegian kroner 8.236

Cyprus pound 0.591

Canadian dollar 1.594

Australian dollar 1.751

[07] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise, led by smaller cap paper

The Athens bourse finished higher on Monday, fuelled by buyers in small and medium capitalisation shares, traders said.

The general share index gained 0.72 percent to end at 2,190.90 points. Turnover was 204.2 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.53 percent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalisation paper 1.96 percent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities finished with gains of 2.49 percent.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 238 to 91 with 44 issues remaining unchanged.

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