Athens News Agency: News in English, 03-04-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM and U.S. ambassador discuss Iraq, Greek-U.S. relations

[02] ATHOC unveils 2004 Olympic ticketing programmes

[03] Greek EU presidency - a flurry of meetings scheduled in May

[04] Weather Forecast: Cloud, rain on Tuesday

[05] Athens 2004 ticket orders next month

[01] FM and U.S. ambassador discuss Iraq, Greek-U.S. relations

Foreign Minister George Papandreou and U.S. Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller on Monday discussed developments in the war in Iraq and the course of relations between Greece and the United States.

Speaking to reporters later on the future of Iraq, Miller said what is most important now is satisfying the needs of the people of Iraq, who will determine their future after a transitional period during which peace and stability will have been secured.

On the question of whether chemical weapons were found on Iraqi territory, Miller said it is still early for such a thing to become known.

The U.S. ambassador also referred to the turmoil being created by destruction and looting in Baghdad, saying those responsible should be brought to justice.

[02] ATHOC unveils 2004 Olympic ticketing programmes

Athens 2004 organisers (ATHOC) announced on Monday that ticket orders for next years Summer Olympics would be held between May 12, 2004 until June 12, 2004, during a presentation of the ?Olympic Games Ticketing Programme? in the Greek capital.

ATHOC officials, including Executive Director Marton Simitsek, said the public would be able to purchase tickets in all price categories and for all sessions of all Olympic sports. The primary goal of the ticketing programme, officials said, is to maximise sales and public participation throughout the duration of the Games.

A total of 5.3 million tickets will be available for sale. Of those, at least three million will be made available to the general public directly from ATHOC. All European Union and European Economic Area (EEA) residents have equal access in the ticketing process, while ticket sales will begin simultaneously and with the same conditions in all EU and EEA countries.

Ticket prices for the 2004 Olympic Games include free transportation with the greater Athens areas public transportation system, both to and from all competition venues.

An official ticket sales guide including prices, competition schedule and an application form, will be distributed free of charge through all Greece-based Alpha Bank branches from May 2, 2003 as well as in newspapers on May 4, 10 and 11, 2003.

Anyone interested in ordering tickets must complete their form and submit it June 12, 2003 at any of the 420 Alpha Bank branches across the country.

[03] Greek EU presidency - a flurry of meetings scheduled in May

The Greek EU presidency has a very busy schedule planned out for the month of May. In addition to the Ministers Councils and the informal ministers meetings, work groups and committees will also hold tens of meetings in the same month.

The Foreign Ministers Council that will be held from 2 to 4 May on the Greek Aegean island of Kastelorizo will be followed by the Education and Culture Ministers Council on 5 and 6 May in Brussels, and the Justice and Internal Affairs Ministers Council on 8 May also in Brussels.

The Competitiveness Council will be held on 12 and 13 May in Brussels, while the informal Agriculture Ministers Council will be held on the same dates on the Greek island of Corfu in the Ionian Sea. Two informal ministerial meetings have been scheduled for 16 and 17 May, one for regional policy in the northern Greek peninsula of Halkidiki and a second on Shipping to be held ''at sea'' between the Greek Aegean islands of Santorini and Patmos.

The second Competitiveness Ministers Council will be held in Brussels on 19 May, while an informal Culture Ministers Council will assemble in the northern Greek capital of Thessaloniki on 24 May.

The EU's Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers will assemble in Brussels on 26 and 27 May, while the EU-Russia summit will take place in St. Petersburg on 31 May.

[04] Weather Forecast: Cloud, rain on Tuesday

Cloud and rain are forecast in all parts of the country, especially in the south. Winds variable, light to strong. In the north, temperatures will range from 6C to 17C; in the centre from 7C to 21C; and in the south from 11C to 21C. Temperatures in Athens between 11C and 20C; and in Thessaloniki from 9C to 17C.

[05] Athens 2004 ticket orders next month

Athens 2004 organisers (ATHOC) announced on Monday that ticket orders for next years Summer Olympics will be begin on May 12, 2004 and continue until June 12, 2004. (more)

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