ATHENS – Independent Greeks leader Panos Kammenos supplementary testimony to prosecutor Panos Panagiotopoulos on MP Pavlos Chaikalis’ attempted bribery case was concluded. According to Kammenos, the prosecutors asked for specific explanations in connection with accused by Chaikalis Giorgos Apostolopoulos testimony on Saturday. The post Kammenos Testimony Concluded appeared first on The National Herald.
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Sunday, December 21, 2014
Is Turkey a Liability or an Asset?
On October 31, a Turkish coastguard vessel demanded that a Greek fishing vessel to stop for inspection. On board were two Greek and four Egyptian ...
SYRIZA, ANEL, DIMAR Reject Greek PM Proposals
In an announcement released on Sunday evening, main opposition SYRIZA rejected Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’ public call for consensus and his proposal to broaden the government’s composition until the next national elections, to take place by the end of 2015. “Mr. Samaras, having realized that he will not be able to secure the 180 votes needed to elect a President for the Republic, decided to reiterate his already known suggestions, interspersed with plenty of attacks against SYRIZA,” said the main opposition’s announcement. According to SYRIZA, Greece ‘s Prime Minister is afraid of people’s judgment, which he finally won’t be able to avoid. Independent Greeks (ANEL) leader Panos Kammenos rejected PM Samaras’ public proposal as well. “Following his failure to attract MPs through invitations, threats and bribery attempts, Mr. Samaras auctions ministerial positions,” said Kammenos, to add that “he must realize he [the MP] belongs to the past, as long as the country is concerned. It’s time for him to return to his political wilderness.” Democratic Left (DIMAR) announced that it also rejects Samaras’ proposal while independent MP Vassilis Kapernaros stated to Athens-Macedonian News Agency that he does not intend to vote in favor of coalition government Presidential candidate Stavros Dimas on Tuesday.
Greek Premier Offers Early Elections in Return for Support for Candidate
Prime Minister Antonis Samaras offered to call elections toward the end of next year in a bid to rally lawmakers behind the government’s candidate for president.
Samaras scrambles to avert snap election
Greek PM offers concessions as second-round of presidential vote nears
Samaras in last-ditch bid to avert snap election amid bribe claims
Greece's beleaguered prime minister Antonis Samaras has offered last-minute concessions to persuade opposition lawmakers to back his party's ...
Campaign to Promote Greek Language in Australia
australia708_0 A campaign entitled “Speak Greek in March” will be launched in early 2015 in Australia with the participation of Diaspora organizations ...
Tomas Rosicky to Olympiakos? Reports in Greece link Arsenal midfielder with club
Olympiakos are yet again interested in signing Arsenal attacking midfielder Tomas Rosicky, according to Greek media. The Greek champions have ...
Campaign to Promote Greek Language in Australia
australia708_0 A campaign entitled “Speak Greek in March” will be launched in early 2015 in Australia with the participation of Diaspora organizations ...
EUR: All Eyes On Greek Elections Into Year-End
The main event of the final two weeks of 2014 may prove to be Greece's presidential election, notes RBS. "The coalition's candidate, Stavros Dimas, ...
Greeks learning to speak Ottoman
ATHENS — Turkey is in the grips of a public debate over the wisdom of teaching the Ottoman alphabet to students. However, Turkey's neighbor across ...
Greek Shipowners on Lloyd’s ‘100 Most Influential People’ List
Thirteen Greek shipowners are featured in LLoyd’s list of the “100 Most Influential People in Shipping” for 2014. Greek shipping is on top again as the Greek-owned fleet is the largest in the world in gross tonnage, ahead of China and Japan.
Euroleague Basketball: The Top-16 Groups of Olympiacos and Panathinaikos
As the 2014-15 Turkish Airlines Euroleague preliminary group stages came to an end, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos prepare for the next chapter where they will be paired up with the tournament’s top-16 clubs in Europe. Group D’s top finisher Olympiacos will cross paths with Russian sides CSSKA Moscow of Dimitrios Itoudis and the only undefeated team so far, as well as rookie Nizhny Novgorod. Turkish clubs Fernarbahce/Ulker of Zeliko Obradovic and Anatolu Efes of former Red coach Dusan Ivkovic, Laboral Kutxa and Malaga from Spain and Italian side Milano. Greek Champions Panathinaikos will face Spanish giants and favorites to win the trophy, Real Madrid and Barcelona, 2014 Euroleague Champions Maccabi Tel Aviv, Zalgiris Kaunas lead by former Green player Sarunas Jasikevicius, Galatasaray from Turkey, Alba of Berlin and Red Star of Belgrade. At first glance, Spanish basketball is dominating with four representatives but also the tremendous results of the Turkish Basketball Association now sending three teams to the top-16. Greece and Russia still hold strong with two teams while Italy, Lithuania, Serbia, Germany and Israel send one. The next stage begins the upcoming week with teams aiming to finish within the first four spots that will take them to the final-8. Four groups of two teams will then be formed, with the first one to reach three wins, qualifying to the Euroleague Final Four in Madrid.
Bribery Case Decision Tomorrow, Greek MP Threatens to Counter-Sue Prime Minister
The prosecution will decide tomorrow whether Giorgos Apostopoulos attempted to bribe Independent Greeks (ANEL) MP Pavlos Chaikalis to vote in favor of the nominee in the Presidential election. According to iefimerida.gr, prosecutors Panagiotis Panagiotopoulos and Isidoros Doghiakos have already reached a decision and they will not continue the investigation, such as searching into the Apostolopoulos-Chaikalis phone calls, like Chaikalis has asked. Chaikalis gave a third deposition today and claimed he didn’t know Apostolopoulos was taping their conversations and that he intentionally hinted about money in order to record Apostolopoulos himself. ANEL President Panos Kammenos also appeared at the prosecutor’s office today to give his deposition. When Kammenos was asked about his business relations with Apostolopoulos or about his character, Kammenos declined to comment. However, he told reporters that authorities are trying to cover up the bribery attempt. Chaikalis’ lawyer Elena Tzouli – who is also Kammenos’ wife – said that Apostolopoulos’ phone records should be investigated to determine the person who offered the money. Otherwise, she said, that would be an obstruction of justice. She said she will take civil action for moral damage on the felony of attempted extortion committed by Apostolopoulos. The prosecution also refuted the allegation that Chaikalis was urged by the prosecutor’s office to withhold the name of Apostolopoulos when he filed his complaint on December 12. Coming out of the prosecutor’s office, Chaikalis told reporters that “if necessary, I will file a lawsuit against the Prime Minister for false accusations.”
The Lasting Contributions of Greeks on the World of Confections in America
With all the current advertising fervor centering on “Greek yogurt,” I believe we must step back and look at the overall impact of Greeks on American food habits over the last 130 years. The first area of American food in which Greeks had a direct and enduring impact was in confections, e.g. ice creams, candies […] The post The Lasting Contributions of Greeks on the World of Confections in America appeared first on The National Herald.
Amphipolis Tomb Tops NBC 2014 Scientific Mysteries List
The Amphipolis tomb riddle tops the NBC list of scientific mysteries for 2014. The tomb’s discovery in Casta Hill, northern Greece, generated one of the biggest scientific questions for 2014: Who is buried in the grave that dates to the era of Alexander the Great, around 300 B.C.? Will the discovered skeleton reveal its identity through DNA testing? The answer will probably be on the list of great scientific answers for 2015. The NBC report referred to the important archaeological discoveries as well, including the statues of the sphinxes, the caryatids and the impressive mosaic of Persephone carried to Hades. On the list of scientific mysteries are also included the riddle of the extreme meteorological phenomena, the Ebola virus outbreak and the efforts made for new vaccines and treatments, the control of fusion power and certain questions over the use of DNA to study bird evolution.
Klaus Regling: Higher Uncertainty in Greece
“Higher uncertainty seems to exist in Greece in comparison with Spain, Portugal and Ireland, where governments have changed but the adjustment program continued with small changes. Governments supported the overall direction and therefore the markets were appeased,” stated the head of ESM/EFSF, Klaus Regling, to Greek newspaper “Kathimerini.” He also noted that the markets are monitoring the political condition in every country and it is “reasonable for them to worry more when the main opposition has radically different views.” Regling said that Greece is the Eurozone’s champion of reforms and stated that the “differences with the Troika are not only on fiscal issues but also on the progress of the restructuring reforms,” adding that the decision for the settlement of tax payment in 100 installments took the Troika by surprise. (source: ana-mpa)
Greek Footballer Kostas Katsouranis’ Goal Voted Best of the Year
Kostas Katsouranis’ amazing effort from 40 yards out got the ‘Goal of the League Award’ in India’s inaugural Football League. FC Pune City’s Greek midfielder bagged the prize for his wonder strike in the stunning 3-1 win over eventual champions Atletico de Kolkata.
SYRIZA Leader Tsipras Sternly Attacks Greek PM Samaras
SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras on Sunday sternly attacked Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and Bank of Greece (BoG) governor Yannis Stournaras at his address to his party’s meeting in Alexandroupolis, northern Greece. Tsipras called Samaras “Prime Minister of the cafe,” mentioning that at the parliament’s cafe, Samaras referred to bank deposits that will be sent abroad, and spoke of a “behind the scenes irregularity” by an “extreme-right environment” in the government headquarters, charging the coalition government that “it burns everything and makes favors to the big interests because it knows that it is leaving.” Referring to Stournaras’ statement of the danger for an “irreversible damage,” Tsipras said that his duty is to protect the economy. “In Greece exists only a center of propaganda that attempts to keep a corrupted political system alive,” said Tsipras, adding “Remember what we said about the triangle of sin. Of a system that, with state money, produces information for its interest, information that attempts to impose policies for its own benefit and works in order for more money to be made for the privileged few. That’s collusion and the triangle of sin that bankrupt the country. On one side is the bankrupt system of New Democracy and PASOK, on the other the bankrupt banks that were rescued with the people’s money and afterwards were given back to those that bankrupted them, and on the third side the over-indebted, totally unreliable, media. That’s the center that governed for forty years and took 70 billion euros from the European Funds for itself. It’s the center that made the state its client and burdened the public debt on the Greek people’s households. That’s the center that today terrifies, blackmails and misinforms, sets parties, dissolves parties and divides parties, and conducts auctions of conscience. That’s the center that has recently left every pretext aside and insults the truth, the democracy and even the economy.” All these will end, underlined Tsipras, “Whatever you do, you can’t blackmail or play with us.” He also said that when SYRIZA comes to power, will seek not only the political but also the criminal responsibilities from those who are responsible for the country’s disaster. On the alleged attempted bribery of Independent Greeks (ANEL) MP Pavlos Chaikalis, Tsipras noted that “we have a bankrupt political system that attempts to cover the stench.” The main opposition leader said that the country is already in an elections campaign and charged the coalition government for wanting to hold the elections in a climate of terror and scaremongering, adding that SYRIZA will not follow on this slippery path and that it will stay calm in order to unite and not to divide the Greek people.
Spain crosses its fingers for El Gordo lottery’s €2.24bn prize money
‘Worlds unluckies man’ to release documentary about small Spanish village of Sodeto where all but one shared in jackpotCostis Mitsotakis was dubbed the world’s unluckiest man when he became the only resident of the tiny Spanish village of Sodeto not to win a share of the €740m (£579m) top prize from the annual El Gordo – the “Fat One” – Christmas lottery in 2011. But even as Spain collectively crosses its fingers Monday for the announcement of this year’s winners of the €2.24bn (£1.75bn) total prize money, the Greek-born filmmaker insists that not winning was perhaps the best thing that ever happened to him.“It was like a gift from heaven, as if someone had given me the perfect script,” he said. Continue reading...
For Greece, It’s Elections (and or) Bust
Prime Minister Samaras should have avoided the political stalemate he put Greece in. That is what the circumstances warranted. The post For Greece, It’s Elections (and or) Bust appeared first on The National Herald.
British Aid For Greek Cops
The British government has donated a 25-million euro communication system to the Greek police, expected to go into operation soon. The post British Aid For Greek Cops appeared first on The National Herald.
Greek PM offers compromise solution ahead of second round of presidential vote
ATHENS, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras offered a compromise solution on Sunday ahead of the second round of the ...
Greek Premier Offers Early General Elections to Break Deadlock
ATHENS—Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras reached out to lawmakers on Sunday, offering a series of compromises to resolve an impasse over Greece’s future head of state and avoid snap general elections early next year. Speaking in an unscheduled ...
Corfu To Get Hydroplane Strip
Trying to expand its record tourism base, Greece will allow a hydroplane landing strip for the first time, this one off the coast of the famed Ionian island Corfu. Merchant Marine Minister Miltiades Varvitsiotis and Deputy Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michalis Papadopoulos signed the decision paving the way for the landing area. Greece had not […] The post Corfu To Get Hydroplane Strip appeared first on The National Herald.
Tarpon Springs Police Officer Shot to Death
TARPON SPRINGS, FL – The killing and injuring of police officers in the Ferguson, MO and Staten Island aftermath apparently has touched they tranquil, idyllic community of Tarpon Springs, FL – which has the highest percentage of Greeks per capita in the United States. At 3AM on the morning of December 21, a police officer […] The post Tarpon Springs Police Officer Shot to Death appeared first on The National Herald.
Samaras Offers Elections End of 2015, Blasts SYRIZA Hard Line
Caught in a crisis over election of a Greek President, Prime Minister and New Democracy Conservative leader Antonis Samaras said if a resolution is found he would agree to national elections the end of 2015, conceding his rocky coalition won't finish out its term to 2016. The post Samaras Offers Elections End of 2015, Blasts SYRIZA Hard Line appeared first on The National Herald.
Greek Prime Minister Open to 2015 Early Elections
Greek prime minister open to 2015 early elections if president can be elected
'Crisis of confidence will come back again and again,' says Thomas Piketty
I think that if Greece, France and Italy were to make such a proposal, then Germany would probably be afraid to be in a minority in such a chamber, but ...
Who lost Greece
If Greece collapses much will be said about where the fault lies. Sure, we all know the failings of Greek politicians. That said, much of the blame lies ...
Rising olive oil prices are a pressing matter
The economic crisis in 2008 hit olive oil demand in Spain, Italy and Greece, and appetite has been waning as shoppers have turned to cheaper ...
Greek PM offers elections in 2015 for presidency vote deal
Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on Sunday offered to hold early elections in late 2015 to clinch a crucial presidential vote next week that could affect the country's economic future.
Greek PM Says Early General Elections Could Be Called by End of 2015
ATHENS—Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras said early general elections could be called by the end of 2015 if the current parliament elects a president and after negotiations with the country’s international inspectors are concluded. “Once we are ...
Greek PM offers 2015 election once bailout talks complete
ATHENS (Reuters) - Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras urged lawmakers on Sunday to elect a new president and offered the prospect of general elections by the end of next year once negotiations with international creditors are complete. Speaking in an unscheduled television address on Sunday, he said Greece had a duty to finish negotiations with the European Union and International Monetary ...
Greeks Are Taking To Recycling
Greeks are coming around finally to recycling their waste instead of putting it in garbage cans with most saying they now do the practice. The post Greeks Are Taking To Recycling appeared first on The National Herald.
What's A West African-Greek-British Christmas In London Like?
We always start Christmas lunch with a Greek salad with pita bread — feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumber and kalamata olives chosen by my husband.
Samaras Yanks Development Bill
Greece's government has shelved plans to allow development in protected areas and Athens's key tourist area, Plaka. The post Samaras Yanks Development Bill appeared first on The National Herald.
Greece election: opposition party's main enemy will be time
Unlike Britain, Greece now runs balanced books year on year and is set to run a surplus – though there is an argument with its lenders about how real ...
Venizelos Proposes Agreement of ‘National Prudence’
Government Vice President and PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos in his article in Real News Sunday newspaper, proposes an agreement of national prudence if the national consensus is impossible” and re-tabled his proposal for election of Greece ‘s President of Republic and establishment of a national negotiation team with the participation of all the forces of the democratic arc. The aim is, he says “to secure within the deadlines the country’s major interests” and underlines that “of course in democracy there are no impasses, but always looms the possibility to democratically choose the impasse even from inertia. This is something the Greek citizens should not allow to happen.” Finally, Venizelos set four questions on whether the country wants to turn page with the precautionary credit line, to remain safe and automatic the relation between the Greek banks and ECB, to transform IMF’s program that ends in 2016 into a program of precautionary character and to develop our partners’ commitment for further reduction of the debt or otherwise adventures with dangerous results. (source: ana-mpa)
Personal Journey: History old and new
When I traveled to Greece this year, my original itinerary focused on ancient history sites: the Parthenon, the National Archaeological Museum, and the ...
How 039greeks039 civilize the campus
Greek organizations have a reputation for drunkenness and debauchery, which might in part be deserved. But sororities and fraternities have ...
Greek solidarity protest against Spanish gag law
This content has not been independently verified. Protesters from the Greek I don't pay movement, an anti-austerity group, protested outside the Spanish Embassy in Athens in support of the Spanish people against the new gag law (Called ley mordaza).
Greek islands are increasingly up for grabs
From Luxury Listings NYC: Traditionally, the islands of Greece have been passed down from one generation to the next. But Greece’s private-island property market is taking off thanks to growing interest from foreign investors, a drop in prices and ...
The Thanasis Report: The Greek Freak runs amok in Maine
So the kid did what any self-respecting Greek Freak would do: He just started running past and jumping over everyone on his way to the rim. Thanasis ...
Jim Hofford: From Amerks captain to Greece mall captain
And the object of their affection — the general manager of the Mall at Greece Ridge — willingly obliges. To them, Jim Hofford isn't a mall star. He's an ...
George Hatza: Michael Constantine prepares for 'Greek' sequel
Reading-born actor Michael Constantine never again will have to buy a bottle of Windex. His character in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" used Windex to ...
Business briefs: Dec. 21, 2014
The trip will finish with sightseeing of Myceanae and a Greek Taverna Farewell Dinner followed by a memorable Athens By Night tour and one last ...
Saturday's high school hoops results
Anthony Lamb had 20 points and 12 rebounds as Greece Athena remained unbeaten with a 72-46 victory over Greece Arcadia in a Monroe County ...
GREECE 2014: THE SOCIETY OF SOUP KITCHENS…
Greek people stand in queues, to have a lunch. Malnourished students faint in schools. The churches reach out a helping hand, and in most cases the state has a spectator role. These images are reminiscent of another era. By Maria Giachnaki "Many times I ...