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Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Another win for Belgium, Greece heads for World Cup playoffs

Eden Hazard fired Belgium to its fifth straight World Cup qualifying victory, scoring twice for a 4-0 win in Cyprus on Tuesday, while Greece also beat Gibraltar 4-0 to edge Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place in the playoffs. Hazard raised Belgium's goal ...


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Meet Dr. Phiambolis, honoree of the 30th Anniversary of the Hellenic News of America, whose great-grandfather was a Greek Orthodox Bishop who founded the Greek Church in St. Louis

Dr. Phiambolis was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri.  His great-grandfather was Panagiotis Phiambolis who was a Greek Orthodox Bishop who founded the Greek Church in St. Louis, St. Nicholas’ Church.  Panagiotis had eight children, one the grandfather to Dr. Phiambolis. In 1963, Dr. Phiambolis and family moved to Philadelphia where he completed high […] The post Meet Dr. Phiambolis, honoree of the 30th Anniversary of the Hellenic News of America, whose great-grandfather was a Greek Orthodox Bishop who founded the Greek Church in St. Louis appeared first on Hellenic News of America.


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2nd Annual Golf Outing Sponsored by Colonial Marble and Granite Raised Funds to Benefit St. Demetrios GOC in Upper Darby, PA

West Chester, PA- The 2nd annual golf outing in honor of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, was organized and sponsored by Colonial Marble and Granite at Penn Oaks Country Club on Tuesday, October 10, 2017.  Over 130 golfers turned up for the event and over 200 spectators.  Nick Papadopoulos, president of Colonial […] The post 2nd Annual Golf Outing Sponsored by Colonial Marble and Granite Raised Funds to Benefit St. Demetrios GOC in Upper Darby, PA appeared first on Hellenic News of America.


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Joint Communique

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E Ioannis Kasoulides, the Minister of Foreign Αffairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E Sameh Shoukry and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, H.E Nikos Kotzias held a trilateral meeting today on the margins of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in New York.This trilateral consultations mechanism, which was launched in New York five years ago, reaffirms the mutual commitment of the three states to cooperate and work towards promoting security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region and facilitates cooperation in this respect.The Ministers reviewed the progress on the implementation of projects in priority areas agreed during previous trilateral Summits. They welcomed ongoing cooperation in the fields of energy, agriculture, maritime transport, ICT, tourism, trade, and investment. Cooperation between diasporas is an additional promising field. The Ministers expressed commitment to intensify cooperation in these fields, also in view of the upcoming trilateral Summit of the Heads of State / Government to be held in Nicosia on the 21 November 2017.The Ministers welcomed the holding of the 7th EU-Egypt Association Council on the 25 July 2017 and the adoption of the jointly negotiated EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities that pave the way for a reinforced, mutually beneficial bilateral partnership leading towards a stronger strategic engagement in areas of common interest.The Ministers expressed satisfaction for the outstanding cooperation on regional and international affairs, including in the framework of the UN, where currently Egypt is a non-permanent member of the UNSC, and the EU. The Ministers also reiterated satisfaction with the results of the 2nd Rhodes Conference for Security and Stability that took place in May 2017.The Ministers welcomed the upcoming 2nd Athens Conference on Religions and Cultural Pluralism and Peaceful Coexistence in the Middle East, to take place on 29-31 October 2017, as a forum of enhancing tolerance and better protection of cultural and religious communities in the region. The Ministers engaged in a wide-ranging discussion on a number of regional issues of mutual concern, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as well as other developments in the Middle East (Syria, Libya, the fight against terrorism) and their impact on our common region. The important, constructive role of Egypt in the resolution of these conflicts was particularly highlighted.The Ministers agreed to intensify efforts to tackle regional challenges, to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, increase information sharing and promote regional security, long-term stability and prosperity. The Foreign Ministers of Cyprus and Greece expressed solidarity to the people and the Government of Egypt who are suffering from acts of terrorism which seek to destabilize the country.The Ministers reiterated that deliberate destruction and looting of cultural heritage in Syria and Iraq is an act of barbarity substantially contributing to the financing of terrorist groups. They also expressed support on the need to further address the aspect of trafficking of archaeological objects obtained through looting or illegal excavations into the agenda of countering terrorism financing.  Regarding the ongoing refugee and migratory crisis, the Ministers agreed that effective management is the responsibility not only of neighbouring States and of Europe but also of the international community as a whole. To this end, initiatives should be taken to address the root causes of this complex phenomenon (including wars, conflicts and lack of stability in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere), through cooperation with countries of origin and transit. The Ministers also expressed appreciation for Egypt’s efforts to address migration challenges, by accommodating refugees and migrants and working to prevent illegal migration flows as well as smuggling and trafficking of human beings. The Ministers reaffirmed unwavering support to the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem that will reunify Cyprus in a viable, functional state in line with UNSC resolutions and international law, without outdated security arrangements which allow for the right of foreign military intervention and without foreign troops. They stressed that the United Nations remains the forum through which a settlement can be achieved and that UNFICYP’s presence is indispensable, as long as Cyprus remains under illegal Turkish military occupation.The Ministers expressed resolve to strengthen cooperation with a view to promoting good neighbourly relations, regional stability, peace and prosperity. They also reiterated that this cooperation is founded upon well-established principles of international law. They emphasized the universal character of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and stressed their commitment to proceed expeditiously with the negotiations on the delimitations of maritime zones where appropriate.  The Ministers emphasized and re-affirmed their commitment to mobilize all their capabilities to effectively promote common values and work towards unleashing the full potential of our neighbourhood  to the benefit of the peoples of our countries and of the wider region.


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Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs G. Katrougalos attends meeting of EU General Affairs Council (Brussels, 25 September 2017)

Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs G. Katrougalos today participated in the EU General Affairs Council meeting on the European Union’s upcoming legislative work. In his intervention, Mr. Katrougalos stressed that “the key priority should be to strengthen the EU’s social and democratic dimension, so that we can respond to our societies’ justifiable fears that our children are at risk of having worse lives than ours.”In this context, he welcomed the Commission proposal for proclaiming the new Pillar of European Social Rights at the November Summit Meeting, though he underscored that it needs to become more specific and, in particular, legally binding. As an example of the vital ambitious changes Europe needs, he referred to Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ proposal for establishing the post of Minister of Social Cohesion of the Eurozone, who would head a Eurogroup of Labour and Social Employment Ministers tasked with confronting the volatile inequalities within and between the Eurozone states. Mr. Katrougalos also participated in the meeting of European Affairs Ministers from the Party of European Socialists and met with Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete.


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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs T. Quick to visit Egypt (2-3 October 2017)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Terens Quick will visit Egypt on 2 and 3 October, together with the Cypriot Commissioner to the Presidency for Humanitarian Affairs and Overseas Affairs, Photis Photiou, following the invitation of the Egyptian Minister of Immigration and Expatriate Affairs, Nabila Makram. Mrs. Makram, Mr. Quick and Mr. Photiou will discuss plans for cooperation on Expatriate Issues on a trilateral level, as agreed at the recent meeting – on the margins of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly, in New York – between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the three countries. In the context of this visit, Mr. Quick will also meet with His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, as well as with the boards of the Greek Communities of Cairo and Alexandria.


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Minister of Foreign Affairs, N. Kotzias’, interview on ERT 1’s “Morning Zone,” (28.09.2017)

JOURNALIST: I think it’s time for us to go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to speak with Minster of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Kotzias, who is doing us the honour of joining us here on ERT-1 to answer our questions. Hello, Mr. Kotzias JOURNALIST: Good morning. N. KOTZIAS: Good morning, Ms. Kasimati. Good morning, Mr. Siafakas. JOURNALIST: Minister, we don’t know where to begin. With the trip to the U.S. or from what’s coming in Turkey? Let’s start with your trip to the U.S., where you said, following your talks with the UN Secretary-General, that these meetings pointed up the major upgrading of Greece and Greek foreign policy. How did these meetings show this, Minister? We‘ve always had meetings. What is the result? N. KOTZIAS: First of all, let me thank you for remembering my words precisely, because it is rare today, in Greece, for people to quote accurately what I have said. Second, there is a big difference: Up until two years ago, when Greece went to the UN it asked for a large number of appointments and meetings. This year, we did not request any meetings, because we had three times the number of requests we could satisfy from other states. This alone shows the difference and how the country is upgrading. In other words, it is one thing to seek interlocutors and another not to be able to meet all the requests for meetings. Third, I would say that it was very interesting that we had a number of meetings that were not bilateral, but multilateral; trilateral and quadrilateral. For example, we had a meeting in a new configuration, Croatia-Romania-Bulgaria-Greece, which is a cooperation configuration of the EU member states of Southeast Europe. A configuration that did not exist in the past, and whose decisions are very, very interesting. We have decided, for example, that the four of us will go together, headed by me, to visit Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and we will continue this throughout the Balkans. These are new forms of cooperation. And I am not referring to the trilateral configurations, which have gone from one, in the past, to five. We also had the second meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs in the Ancient Civilizations Forum, which includes countries from China to Peru and Bolivia. A Forum, a Conference, that gives us a global role, and, as you know, it is one of the 15 international organizations we developed during the two and a half years I have been at the Ministry. Moreover, I think that, in terms of international recognition, one can also take into account the awards I received from global organizations. That is, the World Jewish Congress and the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations. All of these constitute a self-evident upgrading of our country’s presence. JOURNALIST: Mr. Kotzias, our country is undertaking -this may already by under way, that’s why I’m asking- a role as bridge between East and West, North and South. We see the alliance of the South. We see the trilateral cooperations you mentioned, we see the communication with China. Does Greece have such a role, and can it play this role with success? N. KOTZIAS: Greece has a multidimensional role. And the multidimensional role means that, as a state of the European Union, it is at the same time the bridge, as you rightly said, and the mediator with the emerging economies and new powers of the 21st century. Moreover, through our multilateral initiatives, the quadrilateral and trilateral configurations we have developed -five trilateral configurations and three quadrilateral configurations-  we have managed to create platforms for geopolitical, geostrategic equilibrium in our region, and to develop, to the benefit of our people, economic relations with all of these countries. I think that Greece’s role is that of a state with a long history, and there’s recognition of this long history. For example, it is no coincidence that the Chinese see us as their only brotherly people. The see themselves as the centre of Asian culture, and us as the centre of the the culture of the western world. And we are using all of our country’s qualities in this multidimensional foreign policy of ours. Rather than a foreign policy making worse the crisis-related pressures on our country, it constitutes a mainspring for upgrading the country, its geopolitical and geostrategic role, and for strengthening the country in all the other sectors. JOURNALIST: Let’s go to Greek-Turkish relations. I would like to ask you, Minister, what stage and level are Greek-Turkish relations at as we speak? We know about the meeting with Mr. Cavusoglu on 24 October, but in the recent past we have seen Turkey intensely disputing things, even to the point of disputing the Treaty of Lausanne. At what level are the Greek-Turkish relations? N. KOTZIAS: Greek-Turkish relations are good, but they aren’t as good as we would like them to be. We want a European Turkey, because a European Turkey would mean great gains for Greece. A democratic, europeanized Turkey. We know the road is long. I have explained to my Turkish colleagues that Turkey’s European perspective does not depend so much on Greece as on the Turks themselves. Do they want to democratize their country? Do they want to Europeanize it? These are questions for them to answer. Our economic relations are excellent. The development of tourism, with the problems that arose this week with the islands presented ... JOURNALIST: The ban as of 12 October. N. KOTZIAS: Yes, due to the fines imposed, even if the fines are provided for by European law. Apart from this, the economic development of our relations is progressing well. What’s not progressing so well is the use of the channels of communication concerning the negotiations on the confidence-building measures, especially in the military sector, on confidence-building measures in the economic sector, on the exploratory talks for the implementation of international law throughout the Aegean, and so on. We are having difficulties on this. And I think that these difficulties have to do with the fact that, in Turkey, there is -I say this as a professor, and not as minister-  revisionism, an inclination not to accept international law in its entirety. But they cannot escape this net. It isn’t easy. JOURNALIST: Minister, Mr. Erdogan has already started celebrating the result of the German elections. He says a government will not be formed. We are seeing an escalation in German-Turkish relations. You are preparing for your trip... N. KOTZIAS: Escalation of tensions in their relations. JOURNALIST: Exactly. You are preparing for your trip to Turkey on 24 October. N. KOTZIAS: Certainly. JOURNALIST: Do you think that, as Greece, we need to seek, to proceed with  another way of communicating with Turkey? N. KOTZIAS: First of all, let me say that when two neighbouring countries don’t develop their diplomatic relations, the potential for tensions increases. It isn’t ruled out. Rather than being ruled out, potential for tensions increases. And the analysis we have carried out at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is that Turkey is a restless power. In other words, a power rife with contradictions, with its personnel between arrogance, sometimes, and the restlessness of fear and insecurity as regards the developments. JOURNALIST: Could this revisionism and restlessness lead to an Imia-type incident in the Aegean? N. KOTZIAS: If we don’t develop our diplomatic relations and make the channels of communication better than they were in the past, there is always the possibility of an accident or mistake. I want stress that the large majority of Turkish pilots are either pilots coming out of their schools without experience, or older pilots returning to service. These people lack recent experience and can also react restlessly. It isn’t just the state that is restless. This is why we are telling the Turks that they have to stop these provocations, not just because they violate international law, but also because those who are violating international law are relatively inexperienced, or, if they have experience, this experience is from long ago, and they can easily end up making a mistake or causing an accident. And we have to be serious. JOURNALIST: Are we prepared -and serious enough, as you said- to deal with these provocations? On the level of composure and on the level of immediate reaction. N. KOTZIAS: As you have observed, there is no provocation from Turkey -and I mean on a military, mainly air force and navy, level- that does not receive its appropriate response. What we are doing as diplomats is being diplomats; that is, showing composure and patience. Because I, too, on a personal level, am often provoked by the Turkish side through various statements. Perhaps there are people who would like to see us swear at each other every day, but, you know, state relations states require that one of the two sides be more serious than the other. I have taken on this role. JOURNALIST: Minister, at the beginning of this interview you talked about the upgrading of Greek foreign policy. Nevertheless, the UN’s response on the Cyprus issue is “reflection”. There also continue to be pending matters on the Skopje issue. N. KOTZIAS: The upgrading of foreign policy doesn’t mean that the UN cannot go through a phase of reflection. But, regarding the Cyprus issue, I would say that it is a major success of Greek foreign policy that the issue of security and guarantees is, at long last, on the table, where it belongs. We stopped discussing the Cyprus problem solely as a problem of the views of the Turkish Cypriot community, and we framed it in its essence. What is the essence of the Cyprus problem? The occupation. The illegal occupation. It is of great interest that the UN has accepted that there cannot be a settlement of the Cyprus problem that includes guarantees and rights of intervention. Personally, I am very pleased and satisfied that the UN Secretary-General accepted my wording and my proposals, even the wording that Cyprus must become a “normal state”. What surprises me is that those who are attacking Greek foreign policy are invoking the positions of the UN Secretary-General, as if these positions fell from the sky after 50 years of not existing. These positive positions of the UN are the result of Greek foreign policy and Greece’s upgraded negotiating power. Regarding your questions on Skopje, we will wait for the elections on 15 October. If there is a second round, then on 22 October. JOURNALIST: The local elections. N. KOTZIAS: Yes. The government itself will have to assess whether it is strengthened or weakened, and depending on the result, the government in Skopje will have to demonstrate whether it wants and can carry out substantial negotiations on the name issue. Let me say this: Hiding within the name issue is the problem of irredentism. I hope and believe that they will take measures to limit irredentism. For example, we agreed in New York -with the very interesting Minister of Foreign Affairs of our neighbouring country, Nikola Dimitrov- to have a joint Committee starting on November, for four months -I hope it functions and completes its task- which will peruse the school books so as to root out irredentism and the maps that exist therein. This is an important step we’ve already taken. And we are negotiating many other steps. JOURNALIST: As you raised a number of issues, and Ms. Kasimati raised them as well, I would like to ask whether the Cyprus process is alive. Whether we can say that. N. KOTZIAS: On the Cyprus problem, I stated from the outset, in a letter addressed to Mr. Eide and to Secretary-General Guterres, that it has to be an “open-ended” process. This is why the process didn’t shut down after Geneva. And this is why, in spite of everything the Turks and Turkish Cypriots said following Switzerland, the UN considers the process open. But right now there needs to be, let’s say in the third phase, much better preparation, especially with regard to the Turkish positions. JOURNALIST: Mr. Anastasiades said this. N. KOTZIAS: I asked for this, as you will remember, in November 2016 and ahead of the two previous conferences. And I believe this is a success for us: that everyone now accepts that we can’t go unprepared. JOURNALIST: So you are saying that the process is open. Regarding the Skopje issue, I would like to ask whether the Bucharest decision from 2008 is still in effect: that if they don’t resolve the name issue, they don’t join the European Union, they don’t join NATO. N. KOTZIAS: Our friendly neighbouring country -as I say, since our peoples have very friendly relations- cannot join international organizations of this type, like NATO or the European Union, without the name issue’s having first been resolved, as dictated by the agreements of the 1990s, the Interim Accord. The weakness of the Interim Accord was that it assumed the name issue would be resolved quickly, and that is why it provided for our neighbouring country’s joining international organizations and did not provide for -and this is one of its weaknesses-  the measures to be taken if our neighbouring country does not negotiate in substance. Because over these decades it hasn’t negotiated. JOURNALIST: We read in the press that “Vardar Macedonia” might be a proposal from Athens. Is such a proposal on the table? N. KOTZIAS: From our part, we haven’t put proposals on the table, in a manner that would make them the subject of articles in the press. Whatever anyone writes, they write it in their journalistic assessment. JOURNALIST: I also want to ask about Albania, where we have seen, and are seeing still, the violation of the human rights of the minority. I’m referring to northern Epirus region and the property of the people there. N. KOTZIAS: The Greek National Minority is under the great protection of the Hellenic Republic, and right now it is also under the protection of the European Union and even of the U.S. As you will know, Albania is a candidate for membership in the European Union. Unfortunately, as with our northern neighbour, Skopje, these candidacies were granted unconditionally by previous governments. But in order for the negotiations to open, certain conditions have to be met. In Albania, the European Commission set the reform of the judicial system as a prerequisite. The European Commission came to the Council of Ministers, and this view was defeated, because we added another four prerequisites. These four key priorities include the combating of organized crime, which concerns southern Albania and all the drug money circulating in Albania. And we have said that the protection of minority rights is also required. And I made this clear again at the UN, and it was immediately understood by all sides, that this Hoxha “reform” -that you are part of the minority only if you are in one of two regions, but if you leave your village and go to Tirana, you are not part of the minority- is against European law. The minority must be recognized throughout Albania, wherever members of the minority are. We also introduced as a criterion for Albania’s accession to the European Union the protection of the property of people who have small and medium-sized property holdings. And this combination means protection of the minority’s property. Let me explain what the problem is there: In the 1940s, these properties were nationalized. When the Hoxha regime fell and they were again privatized, deeds of ownership were not granted. Greece is fighting for the granting of deeds of ownership, for securing the right of those who want to sell, or for property to be expropriated due to real, and not ostensible, needs, so that the owners can receive payment. Because what we have isn’t just that they are taking the property of the Himariots; they take this property without paying for it, without financial recompense. Consequently, we have taken measures and we have the support of international players, and, as you have seen, these demolitions have stopped. We also took certain strict measures. For example, politicians who do not respect the rights of the Greek National Minority cannot hold Greek citizenship. Oddly enough -I don’t know what previous governments did- various people whom you wouldn’t expect to hold Greek citizenship do in fact have Greek citizenship, including the Mayor of Himarë, who is promoting these plans. As you know, we stripped him of his citizenship. Because, you cannot be a Greek national, an Albanian national and violate the rights of the Greek minority. These are unprecedented situations I found, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, in my area of responsibility. JOURNALIST: Will you tell us about the Prime Minister’s trip to the U.S., whether preparations are under way? N. KOTZIAS: We are in the process of discussion with the Americans, and by the end of next week we will know the precise date for the Prime Minister’s trip. I will be making a second trip to the U.S., as I have been invited to give the annual lecture at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University. JOURNALIST: When is that? N. KOTZIAS: On 17 October. On 16 October I will give a speech at Harvard, and then I have a meeting at the National Security Council in Washington. If the dates happen to coincide, the Prime Minister’s visit takes precedence. JOURNALIST: There are efforts to meet with Mr. Trump as well? N. KOTZIAS: The Prime Minister will travel to the U.S. only to meet with Mr. Trump. I mean, he will meet with other people, but only if he is going to see Mr. Trump. JOURNALIST: That is the main thing. JOURNALIST: That’s what’s most important. N. KOTZIAS: We’ll see the dates. JOURNALIST: Do you think it will take place in October? N. KOTZIAS: We are exploring dates. JOURNALIST: Thank you very much. N. KOTZIAS: Have a good and patriotic day.


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Second Ministerial Meeting between Greece, Albania, Bulgaria and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (Thessaloniki, 4-5 October 2017)

The Second Ministerial Meeting between Greece, Albania, Bulgaria and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will take place in Thessaloniki on Wednesday and Thursday, 4 and 5 October, with the participation of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Interior of the four states, as well as officials from the countries’ Energy Ministries.The meeting is part of a broader strategy of Greek diplomacy for strengthening regional stability and cross-border cooperation with the bordering states of the southern Balkans, and it is a follow-up to the quadrilateral Ministerial Meeting of 2016.The meeting will focus on the geopolitical developments and challenges in the wider Balkan region and the further promotion of regional cooperation.Security, fire-fighting and energy issues will also be discussed.The Greek side will be represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs N. Kotzias, who will chair the proceedings, Alternate Civil Protection Minister N. Toskas, and, from the Environment and Energy Ministry, Secretary General M. Verriopoulos.Following the proceedings, at about 17:00 on Thursday, 5 October, Minister of Foreign Affairs N. Kotzias will hold a press conference.


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Inaugural speech of the Special Secretary for Religious and Cultural Diplomacy, Dr. E. Lianos Liantis, at the international conference on “The Holocaust: Diachronic and Interdisciplinary Approaches” (Athens, 4 October 2017)

It is highly significant that the Faculty of Social Theology chose to contribute to the celebration of the 180th anniversary of the founding of the National and Kapodistrian University through a conference examining aspects of the Holocaust. Greek society and the Greek scientific community were late in realising the magnitude of the tragedy of the Holocaust, mainly because of the intensity of developments following the Liberation of 1944 and, in particular, because of the Civil War, which dominated the intellectual and political life of Greece until the founding of the Third Hellenic Republic. Moreover, that time, the early 1980s, saw the writing of the most important literary text about the extermination of the Greek Jews, the short story “In those days ...”, by Giorgos Ioannou. In 1955, the Jewish German philosopher Theodor Adorno gave us one of the most frequently cited dictums regarding intellectual output and the Holocaust: “To write poetry after Auschwitz is barbaric.” He thus called into question the use of the intellectual materials of modern Western Civilization, precisely because – as he argued – the Holocaust was not a momentary lapse, but the outcome of a political and cultural process. Some thirty years later, Emil Fackenheim wrote that we cannot comprehend the Holocaust – we can only comprehend its incomprehensibility. This observation sums up the approach to dealing with the Holocaust through a new Via Negativa. Apophatism, or negation, as a theological method of approaching the incomprehensibility of the divine re-emerged in the second half of the 20th century as a philosophical method for examining the identity of the Holocaust. However, in parallel with the philosophical analysis, we also saw the development – among Jews and Christians – of the Theology of the Holocaust. Prominent theologians, clerics and scholars responded to the question of “How could God allow the Holocaust?” and the concomitant question of “How can any faith exist after the Holocaust?”. And herein lies the need for Greek theological schools to study the Shoah and give expression to theological responses based on the eastern tradition. I believe that this conference contributes to this end. In recent years, Greece has carried out considerable actions concerning remembrance of the Holocaust, a crime, as the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs recently noted, “unique in history, that concerns the genocide of a people whose only ‘crime’ was their being different from other nations – nations that appeared much later in history.” Of particular importance is our country’s participation, as a full member, in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, the largest global organization bringing together government agencies and experts with the aim of formulating and promoting Holocaust education, remembrance and research; of discussing Holocaust-related issues, including anti-Semitism; and of supporting the commitments of the Stockholm Declaration of 2000. The IHRA was launched in 1998 – as the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance, and Research – by former Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson. Persson decided to found an international organization that would promote Holocaust education throughout the world, and he asked U.S. President Bill Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair to support this effort. Persson also developed the idea of an international forum for governments interested in discussing Holocaust-related educational actions, and this forum was held in Stockholm from 27 to 29 January 2000. Representatives of 46 governments, including 23 heads of state and 14 deputy prime minsters or ministers, attended this forum. The Declaration of the Stockholm International Forum on the Holocaust resulted from the discussions at the Forum and is the founding document of the IHRA. The IHRA currently has 31 member countries, 11 observer countries and seven permanent international partners, including the UN and UNESCO. The members commit to the Stockholm Declaration and to the implementation of national policies and programmes supporting Holocaust education, remembrance and research. The government of every member country appoints a delegation to IHRA meetings, made up of government officials and national experts, achieving a productive relationship between the two levels. It is important to remember that the Holocaust did not begin with executions. It began with rhetoric and moved on to the violation of fundamental rights, culminating in genocide. This is why the IHRA feels such a strong need to combat all forms of hate speech, including anti-Semitism. The Holocaust shows us the potential consequences of policies that deprive people of their fundamental rights and impinge on human dignity. The Holocaust and Holocaust-related research can teach us a great deal about the role of remembrance, which is so vital today.


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Address by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Amanatidis, at the event marking 25 years of diplomatic relations between Greece and Kazakhstan (Athens, 4 October 2017)

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Greece and Kazakhstan, I would like to express my heartfelt wishes for progress, prosperity and peace for Kazakhstan and its people. I also want to congratulate the Head and the personnel of the embassy, who are worthy representatives of our traditional friend, Kazakhstan. Greece supports Kazakhstan’s efforts towards the promotion of international peace and its initiatives for nuclear disarmament and interfaith dialogue. We salute the mediating role your country is playing by hosting of the meetings of the ‘Astana process’, which contribute to the maintenance of the ceasefire in Syria. We believe that Kazakhstan’s international role will grow even further in strength via its participation in the UN Security Council, as a non-permanent member, in 2017-2018. Kazakhstan is an important regional power. As a country where various ethnic and religious groups reside, it contributes to the consolidation of stability and security in Central Asia. Recognising the constructive role Kazakhstan plays in this region, and appreciating the friendship between our countries, we have set our working hard to further develop and expand our cooperation as a priority. The strong ties between Greece and Kazakhstan derive from the long presence of some 10,000 Greeks in Kazakhstan and 80,000 citizens of Kazakhstan in Greece, with the Diaspora contributing, as a bridge of communication and understanding, to the enhancement of the relations between the two countries. I am certain that Greece and Kazakhstan, on the basis of common principles and ideals, will continue to strengthen their bilateral relations in the direction of ever-closer cooperation, to the mutual benefit of the Greek and Kazakh peoples.


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Event on “Achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

On Tuesday, 3 October, an event was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on “Achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - Exchange of Experiences and Best Practices,” ahead of Greece’s participation, with a Voluntary National Review (VNR), in the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) at the United Nations (New York, July 2018).The event was organized by the YDAS-3 Geographical Policy and Strategic Planning Directorate and was aimed at an exchange of experiences of EU member states and Mediterranean countries that carried out VNRs in the context of the HLPFs in 2016 and 2017. Over 100 representatives participated in the event, including delegations from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus and the Czech Republic, foreign Diplomatic Delegations (Albania, Australia, Belgium France, Denmark, Estonia, Jordan, Spain, Latvia, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Hungary, Holland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Finland), and representatives of Greek Ministries and Independent Authorities (ELSTAT, the Energy Regulatory Authority, the Economic and Social Committee, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Network Hellas, the Sustainable Development Council/SEV, and others).The Event was opened by the head of the YDAS-3 Directorate, Eleni Nikolaidou, who underscored the importance Greece attaches to achieving SDG 16 for Peace, Justice and Institutions, and highlighted the Foreign Ministry’s hosting of the Rhodes Ministerial Meetings for peace, security and stability (2016 and 2017), and the International Conference on Religious and Cultural Pluralism and Peaceful Coexistence in the Middle East (2015).During the presentations that followed, important references were made to:(a) interministerial coordination through the designation of ‘focal points’ at the various Ministries for the formulation of national priorities (General Secretariat of the Greek Government, Cyprus, Holland and Portugal),(b) focusing on environmental governance and promotion of sustainable production and consumption standards (Environment and Energy Ministries of Denmark, Estonia, Morocco and Turkey),(c) the adoption of a participatory approach to preparation of the VNR (General Secretariat of the Greek Government, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Jordan, Holland),(d) the VNR’s focusing on the ‘weak points’ – in addition to the achievements – of the country under review (Cyprus, Estonia and the Czech Republic), and(e) securing available data for carrying out the VNR and formulating the relevant indicators (Cyprus, Jordan, Morocco and Holland).It was demonstrated that the practical parameters for carrying out a successful VNR include compliance with the relevant UN Guidelines (Cyprus); communication/promotion of the SDGs, e.g. through appointment of prominent figures as ‘SDG Ambassadors’ (Czech Republic); and the holding of relevant workshops (Portugal).


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Press Conference of Minister of Foreign Affairs, N. Kotzias, upon completion of the 2nd Ministerial Meeting between Greece, Albania, Bulgaria and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (Thessaloniki, 05.10.2017)

MODERATOR: Good evening and welcome to the press conference following the Second Ministerial Meeting between Greece, Albania, Bulgaria and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nikos Kotzias, will be making a brief evaluation of the meeting and then you will have the opportunity to ask a limited -unfortunately due to time restrictions- number of questions.Minister, you have the floor.N. KOTZIAS: Thank you very much, Mr. Yennimatas. I think this is the first Press Conference we do together and I wish you every success. Thank you to the interpreters, the ladies who help us do our work. This is a difficult job indeed, which we do not acknowledge to the extent necessary. Thanks also to the staff of the Hyatt Hotel and also to the police authorities for their work and to all of you for joining us this afternoon. There is no international meeting without it being promoted through the mass media, so thank you all for joining us for this reason.This formalized collaboration between the four countries of Southeastern Europe, of the South, as I like to call them, is one of 15 international collaborations that Greek diplomacy has undertaken during the last three years, to be soon. This is a meeting which aims to contribute to the stability and development of the region. In our region it is one of the two collaborations of this kind. One comprises the four member-states of the EU: Greece, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria, and the second is the one we’ve had over the last two days.We discussed various issues with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of the Ministers of Interior, about problems affecting the region. How we can help develop the region’s role both in the European continent and internationally. And today, primarily, we spoke about issues relating to security, either as regards people or the environment, especially fire safety, as well as energy policy issues.Yesterday, we agreed that our next meeting’s main topic be upon issues concerning the cohesion funds, which are, of course, connected to the new EU budget, which, in turn, is related to Brexit. It is through this mechanism that redistribution of funds amongst member-states of the EU and candidate countries will happen. And it is our common interest not to see a limitation of funds for South Europe.We also agreed that the future of the European Union will be on the agenda, and how small or medium size countries, such as ours, envision this future.What we chiefly want to achieve through these meetings is to agree, to identify and to evaluate what brings us together and the future of the region. And mainly, what Greek Foreign Policy is today aiming for, that is, the resolution of our problems and the promotion of a positive agenda. Ways to develop our synergies further, both in the economic and cultural sector, but also in the fields of education and research and on energy and internal security. We have agreed on a range of measures during the plenary meetings, as well as in the bilateral meetings that were extremely productive.Bilaterally, we discussed on how to deepen our collaboration and adopt measures that will benefit our society.The Ministers of the Interior did the same. They agreed to arrange a meeting of the Heads of the Police Authorities of the four countries in Thessaloniki. Also, a meeting of the Heads of the four Fire Services in Ptolemaida, where, following Nikos Toskas’ great efforts, the School of Non Commissioned Officers of the Hellenic Fire Service was established. Situated quite close to our northern borders, it is an institution where firemen will be receiving training, since not all countries of the region have established mid or higher level Fire Service institutions. This emerged during this summer’s devastating fires.We also agreed to an exchange of operational information that can help combat organized crime, particularly drug trafficking, and other forms of organized crime and illegal activities. In addition, as regards citizen protection, it was agreed to hold a large scale exercise in Ptolemaida.There was also a very interesting debate on issues of collaboration on energy. As you are aware, the new energy pipelines, either for natural gas or electricity or oil, go through southeastern Europe. Greece provides for the connection of the Balkan countries to the LNG pipelines, and of other forms of energy that will be crossing Greece.At the meeting we also extensively discussed on the need to exploit renewable energy resources and other forms of energy, particularly wind power, solar power. On this field, our country, compared to the other three, holds a comparative advantage, particularly as regards the know-how of transforming these natural phenomena into energy. We also discussed the necessary reforms that have to be undertaken so as to transport this energy in the most effective and economic way.Overall, the discussions took place in a very positive atmosphere, demonstrating how the future of our country, as well as of the other three countries, is in Europe; a Europe where we will combine our European focus with regional collaboration. The meeting also showed that our people, our societies, despite all that’s been said, follow a path of mutual understanding and friendship. Let me remind you that millions of people from these countries holiday in Greece and millions of Greeks spend, particular the winter holidays, in our neighboring countries, primarily in the mountains of Bulgaria.We demonstrated the willingness to find solutions to all the problems stemming from the past, solutions based on the principle that history should be not our prison, but a school from which we draw conclusions and lessons for the future. I believe, therefore, that this meeting is yet another step towards cooperation, mutual trust and friendship between the countries of the South, of southeastern Europe.Thank you very much.MODERATOR: We will now give the floor to questions. I would ask you to introduce yourselves and the medium that you represent.JOURNALIST: The European Commission called for the European Council to decide on Bulgaria’s Schengen membership. Did you discuss this at the bilateral meetings with the Bulgarian delegation? What is the position of Greece on Bulgarian membership? Thank you.N. KOTZIAS: Greece holds a principled position on this issue for a while now. We support the accession of Bulgaria, and of Romania, to the Schengen area. We do this because we want to see the area unified, as this is in Europe’s favour. We do this because we stand in solidarity and are supportive to these countries, and also, because the expansion of the area of internal EU security will, at the same time, facilitate our own security.MODERATOR: Thank you. Next question please.JOURNALIST: Minister, it seems that discussions have gone very well on all these issues of low politics you just mentioned. But, the thorny issues of the past are still present. Is there anything positive underway you could inform us about?N. KOTZIAS: There are positive messages concerning pending issues from the past. For one, there is the general framework of our relationships, which takes positive steps every day. These issues are being discussed on a daily basis and I expect positive results, not only today, but also in the following months.MODERATOR: Thank you very much. Next question.JOURNALIST: I would like to stay on the subject of energy. You talked about cooperation with the countries of Southern Europe on energy. There is already the TAP pipeline project with Bulgaria and Romania. How do you see this cooperation extending to Albania and FYROM? Because, there is another project underway there.N. KOTZIAS: We have the TAP pipeline, the ‘vertical’ pipeline to Bulgaria, Romania and further, we also have a natural gas pipeline that we have agreed to construct together with our northern neighbor, in the framework of our confidence building measures, which will materialize in the construction of a pipeline from Thessaloniki to Skopje. There is discussion for the modification of an old oil pipeline as well. We have also held discussions with international players on the construction of an LNG station in Northern Greece, which is going to feed in the TAP pipeline and the countries you mentioned. But, as I said, we also discussed other forms of energy on which Greece possesses the knowhow, which will be extended and disseminated to our neighboring countries.MODERATOR: Thank you. Next question.JOURNALIST: I would like to ask you how you see and how your colleagues see the role of Thessaloniki in the broader region.N. KOTZIAS: I think that Thessaloniki is a natural hub for the entire region and this is clear to everyone. A large part of the neighboring countries’ population and the leadership of these countries love Thessaloniki. They visit the area very often; they have holidays in Khalkidhiki, for example, or go to Katerini. The ministers that were here these days love coming to Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is convenient geographically, because it is the closest large Greek city to Skopje and to Sofia, and although it is slightly more distant from Tirana, Albanians also love it very much. And we were very fortunate to have this lovely weather these days. We enjoyed a lovely hospitality as we always experience in Thessaloniki. Moreover, I believe that this justifies the Prime Minister’s, as well as our, decision to hold international meetings not only in Athens, but here in Thessaloniki and other greek cities. I remind you that we had one in Kavala recently, another on the island of Corfu, or in Rhodes, where we organized the conference on security and stability. I have welcomed a number of Foreign Ministers in Crete, most recently Mr. Cavusoglu, and I reserve a number of invitations for my counterparts to visit an array of greek cities.JOURNALIST: Allow me to stick to the more thorny issues. You met with representatives of three countries. Two of them, with which there are problems and issues that have not yet been resolved, wish to accede to the EU and to NATO. Did you discuss such issues today at the meeting and what preconditions need to be met, in order for Greece to support their claims?N.KOTZIAS: First of all, let me tell you that our foreign policy is one of friendship and development of relations. The aim of diplomacy is to resolve, not create, problems. So, allow me to say something exceeding your question, but in the same spirit. Often, when people deal with European issues, they cite the case of Germany and France, as a historic example of how two countries in perpetual conflict resolved their problems. But, this spans 150-200 years. Greece and Bulgaria have had issues for 1600 years. There was a time that one could only rise to the Byzantine throne, on the condition he had come to be known as a “Bulgar Slayer”. We, ourselves, experienced the triple occupation of northern Greece. Nevertheless, we see that history has left these issues behind. What I mean is that problems have solutions. Therefore, we should proceed with good compromises, and take pains to guarantee that these be constructive and mutually beneficial, not “rotten compromises”, as I like to call them. It is my belief that these compromises should be forged on the basis of international law, the European acquis, and the prerequisites that the EU sets for its new members.COORDINATOR: One final question, please.JOURNALIST: We have been following all these initiatives you mentioned. The day before yesterday we had the meeting in Varna, today we have this meeting. What is changing through these initiatives in our region? What next steps should we anticipate?N.KOTZIAS: I have made an analysis that I share with my colleagues. With the collapse of real socialism, there emerged a new will in the Balkans to develop inter-state relations. We witnessed foreign investments, bank synergies, and civil society relations. In the dawn of the 21st century, we’ve interests shifted towards a more european orientation. A new kind of antagonism emerged, relating to who would be the first to accede to the EU, first to satisfy the relevant criteria, what we have come to know as “conditionality”.Today, our policy rests upon the combination of lessons learned from those two eras, in order to carve the European orientation of the region through regional cooperation. The countries of our region are small, or medium sized, comparatively small on a global scale. When the west Balkan states succeed in joining the EU, combined with the accession of 2-3 more states from the East, then the EU will comprise 37 to 38 countries.Obviously, small countries with populations of one or two millions, but even those with 10-15 millions will not be in a position to play a central role in the EU, unless they collaborate. So, what we stand for is a combination of the experience of the 1990’s, that is establishment of networks and relations in the region, with a European orientation, which first arose from here, in Thessaloniki, in 2003.The second thing that is changing is that our country has stopped being underestimated. And everybody sees that, despite the crisis that we went through, this country still possesses the largest economy and has the largest potential to exercise soft or hard power in the region.Thirdly, what changed is that during the 90’s Greece demonstrated a degree of arrogance, as it saw other countries collapse, yet, nowadays Greek diplomacy has learned its lessons. That is, that it should respect others, as it demands the respect of others. And, furthermore, that what’s required for the development of relations, is the cultivation of trust upon which friendly relations will be established.In my opinion, relationships between our peoples, our societies, fare much better than how they appear in public discourse, in any country. And, as I say this, I am reminded of what my dear friend, the foreign Minister of Albania said, during a speech I delivered in the University of Tirana, where I had the honor of being invited. Namely, that there exists the paradox of the local population starting their day full of life with the sounds of Greek music and then they speak against us. Later on, they go out, have a Greek-style souvlaki and then we see them lashing out on us once more. The paradox lies in the fact that despite the criticism, despite the problems that exist, there is mutual understanding, mutual respect and love between our peoples. And this can be seen in the big tourist flows during recent years, when the Greek people welcome them with pleasure, while they themselves feel in Greece like at home. I think that these developments, the lessons learned both by them and us, as well as the ways we conduct the foreign policy of an upgraded Greece, coupled with a sense of prudence from our part, restore our role and acceptance in the region.COORDINATOR: Next question, please.JOURNALIST: Since Mr. Toskas is also here at the panel, I would like to ask whether you only spoke about internal security and organized crime, or the refugee issue was discussed as well. In the latter, have you adopted any measures?N. TOSKAS: There was a common understanding regarding the threats, the risks and the problems, regarding internal security in the region. Within the scope of this common consideration, of course we spoke about issues of terrorism and organized crime. We also talked about how the refugee issue is developing and what prospects, what possibilities arise over the next few years. And of course we also spoke about civil protection issues. We established common ground, as Mr. Kotzias told you, regarding this collaboration and, yes, the refugee issue was also discussed regarding the way in which it is evolving.COORDINATOR: One final question please.JOURNALIST:. Just following upon my colleague’s question. Is there a possibility that in case of future increase of the refugee numbers we may see again closed borders from FYROM, or Bulgaria? Did you talk and come to an understanding on this? And what about the possibility of extremist cells, affiliated to jihadists and omnipresent in various areas in the Balkans?N. TOSKAS: Right now the situation regarding the refugee crisis is the one you know very well. We all support the EU - Turkey Agreement and we hope that this agreement will be maintained for a long period. When it comes to terrorism, we agreed to intensify the exchange of information regarding related issues. There are no specific threats from jihadi groups posing as a serious problem in the Balkans. Nevertheless, we are intensifying surveillance in all domains.JOURNALIST: Mr. Kotzias, I would like to ask you the following. There were some negative comments regarding a geography book in the Albanian schools. Many Greek regions, such as Western Macedonia and a big chunk of Epirus are illustrated as part of Albania. What is your take on this?N. KOTZIAS: I showed these maps to my colleagues in the Foreign Affairs Council about a year ago. So, my take is that these maps are unthinkable for European standards. However, we have taken steps since then, and we are now discussing these issues with the Albanian colleagues. There is a joint group for this and we have marked significant progress, pending two schoolbooks to conclude the revision of the relevant bibliography by the end of next year.One last question. I can see this gentleman who has been asking to take the floor. I am sorry I am intervening.JOURNALIST: What I want to ask concerns what transpired after the meeting you had in New York with some Greek journalists. It was leaked that during this briefing you mentioned that apart from the name issue there exist a number of other issues that need be resolved: the issue of language, the issue of nationhood, etc. However, you yourself stated in the past that this does not concern identity, rather it regards the irredentism coming from the neigbouring country. So, could you explain, are we talking only about the name of the country or about these other issues? Thank you.N. KOTZIAS: I don’t believe that it would be wise on the part of a Minister to comment on journalists. Whatever I need to say, I say it in public. But since you ask me, I would like to answer: We haven’t started yet, but we are going to have, I hope, at some point, a very substantial discussion on the name issue and anything related to that. I have never mentioned wether this is related to nationhood or language. Never have I said such things. It would be best to ask the journalist him/herself what exactly he or she means and where his information came from. I can only take responsibility for what I say.Thank you very much.MODERATOR: Thank you. Have a good afternoon.


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Address by Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs, G. Katrougalos, at Economist’s Conference “Building Bridges from East to West”, (Athens, 9 October 2017)

Addressing Economist’s business conference on EU-Eurasian-Chinese relations, entitled “Building Bridges from East to West”, Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs, G. Katrougalos, stressed that now that the country is turning a new page and returning to growth, there is a need for a new production model. In place of the old state-fed model, the government, Mr. Katrougalos added, is planning a model based on the country’s comparative advantages, including its geostrategic position and political stability. Greece’s multifaceted economic diplomacy is also moving within this framework. Economic power is shifting from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and Greece, once on the periphery, now finds itself at the centre of the global economic map. Thus, our country’s very good relations with China and the countries of Eurasia are gaining great significance. “To make Greece’s cooperation with China and the countries of Eurasia more effective, the government has taken specific initiatives, like Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ visit to Beijing and Greece’s participation in “One Belt One Road”, the joint statement signed in June with the Eurasian Economic Union, the Greek-Chinese Joint Interministerial Committee meeting held in September in Athens, and the Greek-Russian Joint Interministerial Committee meeting scheduled for November, in Moscow”, the Alternate Minister underlined.


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Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs G. Katrougalos meets with Kazakhstani Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Vassilenko

Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs G. Katrougalos met today, in a working luncheon, with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Roman Vassilenko, with whom he is co-chairing the Greek-Kazakhstani Joint Inter-ministerial Committee.During the meeting, they discussed issues concerning bilateral relations, issues that will form the agenda of the Greek-Kazakhstani Joint Inter-ministerial Committee, which is to convene in Athens in the first half of 2018, as well as issues concerning the cooperation between the European Union and Kazakhstan.Issues bearing on the promotion of Greece’s economic cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union were also discussed.Mr. Vassilenko invited Mr. Katrougalos to officially visit Kazakhstan soon. The invitation was accepted and the visit will take place on 4 December 2017.


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GREEK Restaurant Approved By Falmouth Zoning Board

The Falmouth Zoning Board of Appeals last week unanimously approved a special permit for Estia, a new GREEK restaurant under construction on ...


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Abu-Ghazaleh Inaugurates Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Center at Saint George Greek Melkite Cathedral

… at Saint George Greek Melkite Cathedral for the Greek Catholic Scout Guides … by Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh for the Greek Catholic Scout Guides. Archim. Bassam …


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Greek Yogurt Market 2017 Global Key Players, Trend, Segmentation and Opportunities Forecast To 2022

… Points Global Greek Yogurt Sales Market Report 2017 1 Greek Yogurt Market … and Scope of Greek Yogurt 1.2 Classification of Greek Yogurt by … Volume) of Greek Yogurt (2012-2022) 1.5.1 Global Greek Yogurt Sales …


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Reuters: Sex identity change bill leads to cracks in Greek government

… political divisions and church opposition. Greece currently requires persons who wish … been condemned as “immoral” by Greece’s influential Orthodox Church and … . His ally, the right-wing Independent Greeks, said it would vote against …


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Greece to decide on transgender rights

… come to a head in Greece. Transgender people could soon be …


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Discover hidden gems in northeastern Greece

… Bulgaria and Turkey in northeastern Greece, is a region of outstanding … complexes in Greece. “The region of Western Thrace in Greece is a … religions. Here, you will see Greek Orthodox churches and mosques standing …


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Police: Missing Woman Known To Frequent Greektown Casino

… Johnson is known to frequent Greektown Casino. She’s described as …


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Greek Cypriots say they are not selling aid goods

… daily ‘Havadis’ reporter visited the Greek Cypriots living in North Cyprus … Cypriots] and that the aged Greek Cypriot ‘enclaved’ persons have established … signed between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. Nonetheless, the Ministry has …


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Refugee health crumbles in Greece migrant camps

… unfolding in migrant camps on Greece's islands, fuelled by … living in five camps on Greek islands close to Turkey, government … the number of arrivals to Greece has slowed significantly since a …


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Bill Zacharkiw: Sauvignon blanc has a Greek cousin

… suggested she try Greece. My love affair with Greek wine started in … as how there are 40 Greek whites listed on SAQ.com …


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The Durrells in Corfu: Season 2

In Slider Premieres October 15 at 8PM on WJCT-TV Louisa Durrell and her four willful children return in the second season of this acclaimed series chronicling the Durrell family’s adventures on a sun-dappled Greek island. Preview


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Over 50% of TAP pipes in Greece placed in ground

… , TAP’s Country Manager for Greece, Katerina Papalexandri said at the … Greece). Additionally, more than 95 percent of the line-pipes for the Greek … the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea …


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Opinion: Wolfgang Schäuble leaves, and even Greece is wistful

… European finance ministers since 2015, Greek government representatives would give an … ? During a recent visit to Greece, Eurogroup head Jeroen Dijsselbloem was … interview with the Athens newspaper Kathimerini. "That's why …


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Greece HICP Inflation At 4-Month High

Greece's EU measure of …


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Twelve Pakistanis deported from Greece reach Islamabad

… Twelve Pakistanis deported from Greece arrived at the Benazir Bhutto …


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Greece 4-0 Gibraltar: Hosts secure play-off place

Greece secured their place in the …


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FREE TV@@!!!Greece vs Gibraltar UEFA World Cup Qualifiers – Watch Live Online, TV Schedule October 10, 2017

FREE TV@@!!!Greece vs Gibraltar UEFA World Cup …


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The story behind the Greek “New York’s Coffee Cup”

… cup gained popularity thanks to Greek owned diners & later became … mispronunciation of “amphora,” the two-handled Greek pitcher associated with the same … at Greek-American family restaurants, and the design’s homage to Greek culture …


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Greece gives go-ahead to transgender rights law change

The Greek parliament has voted into law …


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OPINION: Greek life changes will benefit freshmen

… social climate before participating in Greek-letter organizations.” Organizations including the Interfraternerity … have sought in joining the Greek community. Academically speaking, Carry’s …


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About 480,000 Greek children will be obese or overweight by 2025

… and Eating Disorders (EPAMEDI) warns Greek society to “Treat obesity today … with fatty liver disease, in Greece. In addition, these conditions will … obese. Respectively, the figures in Greece are alarming, as data shows …


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The reality of being a black student in a mostly white Greek system

I feel like I’m only allowed in because fraternities are legally obliged to open their doors to minorities This post originally appeared on Ivy Untold. Each day, I walk down a well-paved driveway to my fraternity’s mansion, which is enclosed by acres ...


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GREECE accused of pushing back migrants

Some 100 illegal migrants and refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Syria claimed they were beaten and pushed back into Turkey by Greek ...


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GREECE'S Titan Cement Is on Sale

Titan receives 53% of its sales in the U.S., 17% in GREECE and Western Europe, 14% in Southeastern Europe and 16% in the Eastern Mediterranean.


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GREECE Nears Agreement On F-16 Upgrades

The Hellenic Defense Ministry is expected to sign a letter of agreement by the end of this month to modernize its F-16 fleet—a deal that could be worth ...


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Turkish Minister of Transport visits GREECE tomorrow to discuss ban on tourist boats

Turkey's Transport Minister Ahmet Arslan will visit GREECE tomorrow (October 11th) to discuss with the competent Greek minister the issue that resulted ...


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Nottingham Forest striker Apostolos Vellios in with World Cup chance as GREECE make play-offs

Nottingham Forest striker Apostolos Vellios had a watching brief as GREECE secured their place in the play-offs for the 2018 World Cup. Vellios was an ...


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GREECE asks for European Union funds for quake-stricken Kos island

GREECE applied on Tuesday for funding from the European Union Solidarity Fund for repairs on the Dodecanese island of Kos, which was struck by a ...


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Schaeuble Says Eurozone OK’d Greek Eurozone Timeout

In a parting shot, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said he had the backing of most Eurozone ministes in 2015 over the idea of Greece […] The post Schaeuble Says Eurozone OK’d Greek Eurozone Timeout appeared first on The National Herald.


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Archdiocese Releases Information on Its Financial Situation

NEW YORK. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has issued a News Release about its financial crisis. The News release has a follows: “The Greek […] The post Archdiocese Releases Information on Its Financial Situation appeared first on The National Herald.


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Modern Greek Studies Association Celebrating 50th Anniversary

NEW YORK – On December 27, 1968, a newly formed Modern Greek Studies Association (MGSA) held its first major meeting at the New York Hilton. […] The post Modern Greek Studies Association Celebrating 50th Anniversary appeared first on The National Herald.


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Victim of Racist Attack in Greece: I was Targeted for my Involvement in Protest Rallies

Pakistani national, Safak Mahmud, described to journalists on Monday how he and fellow patriot, Vakas Hussein, were the victims of a vicious attack by five men at their work in Aspropyrgos on Saturday. With injuries on his face that were still raw, Mahmud said five people with knuckle-dusters came to the greenhouse where they worked […]


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Greek Parliament Approves Controversial Gender Identity Bill

The Greek Parliament approved a government bill allowing people from the age of 15 to change their gender identity without medical treatment. A total of 147 MP’s voted in favour out of the 285 who turned up to vote, while 15 lawmakers, mainly from centrist parties, were absent from the parliamentary session. The bill received […]


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Report: Greek gov’t to cut casino slots, gaming table taxes

International casino investors could take another look at Greece’s gaming market if the government follows through with rumored plans to slash gaming taxes. On Monday, Greek news agency Ekathimerini reported that sources in the country’s Economy ...


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GREEK LIFE FEATURE FIX

The sun set over Langdon as an energetic group of young men gathered in the front yard of Tau Kappa Epsilon. From afar, the dimming daylight reflecting on their matching blue shirts resembled a themed party. It was indeed a party, but not the kind with ...


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On Food: Savannah Greek Festival shares flavors of an ancient cuisine

For practically anyone in America, the words “Greek food” will at the very least conjure images of fat, briny black olives, tangy feta cheese, thick, creamy yogurt, and the pungent aromas of cinnamon, lemons and oregano. After all, Greek olives, yogurt ...


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