Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos met with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge in Florence on Friday on the sidelines of the European Union's informal Council of Culture and Sports Ministers taking place in the city as part of the EU's Italian presidency, a culture ministry press release said.

  Speaking afterwards, Rogge said talks focused on preparations for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, adding that the IOC is extremely happy in seeing the close cooperation existing between the government, the Organizing Committee and the IOC. 
  Rogge also said holding the Olympic Games is never easy and extended his respect to the Greeks for the exemplary way they are organizing the Games and expressed certainty that they will be excellent. 

  Venizelos said he had the opportunity of discussing with Rogge cooperation between the Greek government, the 2004 Organizing Committee and the IOC in light of the Athens Olympic Games.
  The minister stressed that Rogge reiterated his faith that the 2004 Games will be exemplary.
  He added that they also discussed the Cultural Olympiad and how the institution of the Cultural Olympiad will remain after 2004 in cooperation with the IOC, UNESCO and the Athens Organizing Committee.

Source: Athens News Agency

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