Athens News Agency: News in English, 03-11-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Weather Forecast: Showers on Thursday

[02] Foreign Exchange Rates: Thursday

[03] DM cites intention to cut defence spending, continued Turkish demands

[04] FM condemns killing of Italian soldiers in Nassiriya

[05] Government launches ''Culture Card'' discount programme

[06] Goal of 20.3 mln tourists by 2010 is feasible, trade group says

[01] Weather Forecast: Showers on Thursday

Showers are forecast in all parts of the country along with a slight rise in temperature. Storms are expected in the south. Winds easterly, moderate to strong. Temperatures in Athens between 9C and 15C; and in Thessaloniki 7C and 11C.Snow may fall on Mount Parnes outside the capital.

[02] Foreign Exchange Rates: Thursday

Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank

U.S. dollar 1.169

Pound sterling 0.698

Danish kroner 7.495

Swedish kroner 9.049

Japanese yen 127.4

Swiss franc 1.579

Norwegian kroner 8.266

Cyprus pound 0.587

Canadian dollar 1.528

Australian dollar 1.634

[03] DM cites intention to cut defence spending, continued Turkish demands

Greek Defence Minister Yiannos Papantoniou on Wednesday reiterated that the governments goal is to trim annual defence spending to 3 percent of the budget over the next four years, mainly through drastic cuts in operational expenses.

Speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Foreign Press Association (FPA) of Greece, Papantoniou cited Athens long-standing position of being forced to continue high defence spending unique amongst all EU members -- in the face of Turkish intransigence.

?This need arises from the fact that, despite an improvement in the climate between Greece and Turkey, substantive problems have not been addressed. Greece has favoured Turkeys European course as long as there is a solution to the Cyprus problem based on the Annan peace plan, and as long as Turkey lifts its unilateral demands over our sovereign rights in the Aegean. Such a development would mark a crucial milestone for Greek-Turkish relations,? he said.

[04] FM condemns killing of Italian soldiers in Nassiriya

Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Wednesday condemned ''in the most categorical way the terrorist act in Nassiriya'', Iraq, which resulted in the death of 14 Italian soldiers.

Papandreou extended on behalf of the Greek government ''solidarity, sympathy and condolences to the government, the Italian people and the families of the victims''.

[05] Government launches ''Culture Card'' discount programme

Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos on Wednesday presented the ministry's new ''Culture Card'' discount programme, which aims to provide equal access to culture, arts and entertainment, even in the private sector, to all social groups.

The new programme is taking place within the framework of the government's 'Convergence Charter' and will provide discounts or free entry into cinemas, theatres, dance performances, exhibitions and concerts organised by organisations having contracts with the culture ministry.

It will be valid from Monday to Friday and will also give free entry to Sunday matinees at the Athens and Thessaloniki Concert Halls, discounts on the purchase of books and free entry into events organised by the culture ministry and affiliated organisations.

[06] Goal of 20.3 mln tourists by 2010 is feasible, trade group says

A goal of 20.3 million tourist arrivals by 2010 and 15 billion US dollars in revenue is feasible but requires effort, according to a report by the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises released on Wednesday.

At the same time, meeting the targets would depend on the provision of auxilliary tourism infrastructure to favour special tourism and attract tourists outside the traditional summer holiday season, the report said.

The numerical targets have been set by the development ministry, which handles tourism.

By 2010, Greece could aim to have 46 golf clubs, 15 conference and trade fair centres, 24 spa centres, and 42 marinas, the association said.

''The targets are ambitious but not unattainable,'' it added.

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