Athens News Agency: News in English, 02-04-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] IOC's Oswald: 'Now it's time for Athens to shine'

[02] Weather Forecast: Showers on Friday

[03] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

[01] IOC's Oswald: 'Now it's time for Athens to shine'

With the phrase now its time for Athens to shine, IOC vice-president Denis Oswald dashed recent concerns that preparations for the upcoming 2004 Olympics were running into dead-ends, before again warning that absolutely no delays are possible if the Athens Games are to succeed.

I am very happy to report that the situation has improved dramatically since our last visit I am confident things will be delivered on time, Oswald, the International Olympic Committees point-man in monitoring Greek organisers progress, told reporters during a press conference.

The Swiss IOC executive returned to the Greek capital for the Lausanne-based organisations eight inspection in Athens, with smiling 2004 organising committee (ATHOC) members at his side at the end of the three-day inspection.

Concerns over delays and obstacles in a handful of venue projects, transports and related traffic management, as well as accommodations had fuelled speculation over the past two months that the IOC would publicly air its criticism before a Greek audience, something that failed to materialize here on Friday.

Oswald, who replaced Jacques Rogge as the head of the IOC commission assigned to the Athens Games after the latter assumed the organisations helm, nevertheless, emphasized that venues must be ready even before August 2004 for test events, while again warning that new roads are essential.

Both Oswald and high-profile ATHOC president Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki agreed that preparations have now moved from the planning stage to the implementation phase.

Additionally, while a rooms gap to accommodate the extended Olympic Family has apparently narrowed, the issue of where to host tens of thousands of expected spectators for the Games moved into the forefront.

Oswald merely noted that organizers briefed the IOC over plans to upgrade lower-class hotels not participating in the 2004 hospitality programme in the greater Athens area; employing regional hotels in resorts outside Athens and even allowing private individuals to lease their homes and apartments during the Games.

Angelopoulos-Daskalaki mentioned the use of cruise ships at nearby ports and holiday packages combining accommodation, travel, transports and tickets for would-be Olympic aficionados.

There is still no reserve for unexpected situation, but more comfortable than a few months ago, Oswald said, before praising the IOCs cooperation with ATHOC and the Greek government.

The issue of security was also touched on.

[02] Weather Forecast: Showers on Friday

Showers are forecast in most parts of the country, with storms also likely. Winds variable, moderate to strong, turning very strong in the Ionian. In the north, temperatures will range from 8C to 15C; in the Ionian and on the rest of the mainland from 10C to 17C; and in the Aegean islands from 12C to 19C. Showers and probably a storm in Athens with temperatures between 11C and 17C. Showers and storms in Thessaloniki, with temperatures from 10C to 15C.

[03] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

Indicative tourist buying rates per euro

U.S. dollar 0.888

Pound sterling 0.618

Danish kroner 7.493

Swedish kroner 9.147

Japanese yen 117.6

Swiss franc 1.473

Norwegian kroner 7.706

Cyprus pound 0.580

Canadian dollar 1.414

Australian dollar 1.670

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