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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Foreign Exchange Rates: Wednesday

[02] Weather Forecast: Rainy on Wednesday

[03] US envoy for Cyprus and Greek FM holds talks in Athens

[01] Foreign Exchange Rates: Wednesday

Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank

U.S. dollar 1.250

Pound sterling 0.672

Danish kroner 7.512

Swedish kroner 9.322

Japanese yen 137.0

Swiss franc 1.596

Norwegian kroner 8.754

Cyprus pound 0.590

Canadian dollar 1.675

Australian dollar 1.620

[02] Weather Forecast: Rainy on Wednesday

Overcast weather and showers are forecast in all parts of the country, with light snowfall on high ground in the north and probably storms in the southwest. Winds variable, strong to gale force. Temperatures in Athens 09C to 16C and in Thessaloniki from 06C to 11C.

[03] US envoy for Cyprus and Greek FM holds talks in Athens

Greek Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis on Tuesday said he now saw real hope that a solution to the Cyprus problem might be achieved, after talks in Athens with US State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston.

He also stressed, however, that the sides involved still faced a ''difficult puzzle''.

Both Yiannitsis and Weston avoided referring to actual content of the talks currently underway in Nicosia, saying that United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan had asked all sides to avoid comments during this delicate stage, when negotiations were still in progress.

On his part, Yiannitsis stressed the need for a solution that was compatible with the European Community's rules and laws, which would allow Cyprus to operate effectively within the European Union.

He also stressed that the Greek side wanted the referendum regarding the proposed solution, scheduled to take place on April 21, to be more than just a formality but a solution ''embraced'' and subsequently respected by the entire Cypriot people.

The minister announced that Greece and Turkey will soon be sitting down to talks regarding security issues and guarantees for the island, while other issues that remained outstanding would have to be dealt with after March 21. He expressed hope that none of the major issues would remain to be settled at that time.

On his part, Weston said that he had left Cyprus on Tuesday morning feeling encouraged by the way the sides involved were adhering to the process.

Cyprus becomes a full member of the EU on May 1.

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