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Friday, 22 November 2024 | ||
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Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-02-24Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Deputy FinMIn Doukas cites cost overrun of Olympic Games projectsThe final cost of projects for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games substantially overshot the initial budgets, according to figures presented Wednesday by deputy finance minister Petros Doukas.Doukas, speaking at an event organised in Athens on Wednesday night by the Centre of Modern Policy at the hall of the Athens Jounalists Union on the theme "Development and competitiveness in the post-Olymics period," referred to the cost overrun of the Olympic Games projects. Indicitavely, Doukas said the cost of the Olympic Stadium, from 8.8 million euros which was initially foreseen, the final cost came to 399 million euros. The Olympic Baseball, Softball - Elliniko Centre, from 32.3 million euros to, the final cost reached 200.4 million euros. The Olympic Sailing Centre - Aghios Kosmas from 44 million euros cost 118.5 million euros. Furthermore, the final cost of the Olympic Equestrian - Tatoi Centre reached 110.4 million euros from 22.6 million euros. [02] Minister of Aegean in Brussels talks on EU island subsidy policyBRUSSELS (ANA - V. Demiris) -- Greek minister for the Aegean and Island Policy,Aristotelis Pavlidis, had a series of meetings in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss the impact that the operating rules of EU structural funds for 2007-2013 will have on islands.Pavlidis had meetings with officials from Finland, Cyprus, Malta and Ireland in order to form a common front for the recognition of particularities of islands with respect to subsidies by the EU. In statements to reporters, Pavlidis said his aim was to ensure action on the special problems faced by island regions, such as lack of harbour infrastructure, the high cost of maritime transport and problems with electricity and water supply. He said the government was attempting to secure rights to higher government aid to island regions than that allowed for other regions in EU member-states, as well as the implementation of special programmes for island infrastructure problems. [03] Athens Chamber welcomes development lawThe Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday welcomed the government's new development law as a bold step that could contribute to attracting investors from abroad.At the same time, the chamber said that needed in conjunction with the bill were adequate state funds each year in the form of grants for new investments; a public adminstration that worked swiftly and with transparency; and integrated town planning that would facilitate, not block, investment. The chamber was commenting on the imminent release of ministerial decisions that will allow implementation of the new law. [04] S. African president Mbeki arrives in Athens on state visitSouth African president Thabo Mbeki arrived in Athens on Thursday on a state visit, at the invitation of his Greek counterpart Costis Stephanpoulos.Mbeki and Stephanopoulos rewieded the Greek Presidential Guard (evzones) at the formal welcoming ceremony in central Athens. The South African president is on a three-day visit to Greece, during which he will hold talks with Stephanopoulos and government officials. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |