February 21, 2006	Tuesday	Muharram 22, 1427

BRUSSELS, Feb 20: European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet forecast a gradual strengthening in eurozone growth on Monday but also voiced concerns that inflation may rise in the short term.

Trichet acknowledged that eurozone quarterly momentum was weak in the fourth quarter at only 0.3 per cent, attributing the poor showing down to seasonal volatility.

“Looking through the short-term volatility to medium-term trends, our assessment continues to reflect a progressive strengthening of consumption growth,” he told the European parliament’s economic and monetary affairs committee. “Looking ahead, the conditions remain in place for continued sustained economic expansion,” he said.—AFP