Photos of an elderly couple sitting near, and standing next to, a Presidential Guard soldier (Evzone) outside the GREEK parliament building have gone ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com |
How the world sees Greece
Thursday, January 3, 2019
Proud Grandparents Accompany Evzone Grandson on Duty
Tsitsipas and Sakkari win mixed doubles against Switzerland
GREEK tennis duo, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari have defeated Switzerland 2-1, represented by Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic at the ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greekcitytimes.com |
Tourist arrivals in GREEK airports soar by 29% in November
Tourist arrivals in GREEK airports rose 29 pct in November 2018, InSETE, a non-profit organisation founded in early 2013, on the initiative of the GREEK ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.tornosnews.gr |
A New Year's probe into the GREEK society
For the average citizen, it was a period when his income and living standards collapsed. But it was also a period when most GREEKS learnt how to use ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.hurriyetdailynews.com |
The 125th Anniversary of Greek Immigrants’ Arrival in Pittsburgh Comes to an End (Vid & Pics)
PITTSBURGH – With the conclusion of the events and the exhibition next week, the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the arrival of the first […] The post The 125th Anniversary of Greek Immigrants’ Arrival in Pittsburgh Comes to an End (Vid & Pics) appeared first on The National Herald.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.thenationalherald.com |
The Future Of Frats Is Female
Greek life has never been more popular, or troubled, than it is today. Could admitting women change the nature of fraternities for the better?
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.topic.com |
Commander Jeremy Nash, submarine commander involved in hazardous wartime actions around the Greek islands and in the South China Seas – obituary
Commander Jeremy Nash, who has died aged 98, was the oldest surviving submarine commander of the Second World War. Between May 1941 and October 1942, he was armaments officer and then first lieutenant ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.telegraph.co.uk |
The Guardian view on Channel crossings: a failure of humanity, not controls
The increase in arrivals to the UK by small boats is alarming given the risks to the travellers. It does not constitute a ‘migration crisis’ That adults and children are risking their lives to cross the Channel’s shipping lanes in small and flimsy vessels is frightening. That they seek a new home in Britain is not. The overreaction to the uptick in arrivals via this route has been extraordinary. The home secretary, Sajid Javid, cut short a holiday, declared a “major incident”, redirected two Border Force cutters from the Mediterranean and requested the Royal Navy’s help. Meanwhile, the rightwing press talk of a “migration crisis”, evoking the surge in migration to Europe in 2015. That year, 10,000 migrants landed in Greece in a single day. By contrast, 539 people, almost all thought to be seeking asylum, attempted to cross the Channel in small boats in the whole of 2018. (More than 40% were intercepted by French authorities.) The vast majority did so in the last three months of the year. The increase is notable. But it should not be overstated and, as the home secretary has observed, its roots are complex. Continue reading...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.theguardian.com |
Oregano: The Quintessential Ancient Greek Herb
Ancient Greeks knew a thing or two when it came to herbs. One that they simply could not do without is oregano. They cherished the ancient herb for its vast range of medicinal, superstitious and ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com |
The NYT puts lamb in their pastitisio recipe and Greek Americans are up in arms
When the New York Times posted a recipe for pastitsio — a traditional Greek dish — to social media this week, everybody and their yia yia came out of the woodwork to voice an opinion. It was not prett...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.sfgate.com |
Greece Raising Dozens of 'Harmful' Shipwrecks
(Newser) – The hulking remains of a cargo ship rise up through the water, listing to one side with a rusting hull exposed, its glory days of sailing the world's seas and oceans long gone. This is just ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.newser.com |
Migrants in Greece Publish Their Own Newspaper
A new newspaper called Migratory Birds is giving migrants around the world a voice, thanks to fifteen Afghan girls living in Greece. It was created by refugees for refugees, and it tells their own ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com |
Inside Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece's dreamy Bahamas vacation
'Tis the season for vacations! Many of our favorite celebrities spent the holidays overseas. Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello spent a sandy Christmas down in their beachside vacation home (# ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT us.hola.com |
Greece’s Private Sector Bank Deposits Drop for Second Month
Greece’s private sector bank deposits dropped for two consecutive months, in October and November of 2018, according to data released by the central bank of Greece on Thursday. The decrease ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com |
Photo of Car Blocking Disabled Greek Teen Goes Viral
A Facebook post by a father of a 17-year-old disabled Athens boy went viral when his son’s wheelchair got stuck on a sidewalk in the city center due to an unlawfully parked car which blocked ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com |
Greece gripped by cold front, snowfall, winds disrupt travel
ATHENS, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The new year started with a cold front sweeping through Greece which blanketed in snow many parts of the country on Thursday, causing travel disruptions, Greek national news ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.china.org.cn |
GREEK President offers 3 Migrant Fishermen Citizenship
3 Migrant Fishermen have been awarded GREEK Citizenship for rescuing dozens of people from a wildfire in Athens, The GREEK President Prokopis ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT plustvafrica.com |
Storm ”Sophia” Causes Severe Disruptions Across Greece
The weather system “Sophia” made itself felt throughout Greece on Thursday as several areas experienced heavy snowfall, with disruptions being reported across the country throughout the day.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com |
Month by Month, the Top Stories of 2018 (Photos)
NEW YORK – The year 2018 was marked with striking events, important issues, and the departures of extraordinary members of the Greek community. The National […] The post Month by Month, the Top Stories of 2018 (Photos) appeared first on The National Herald.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.thenationalherald.com |
The prosecution of the until recently protected witness in the Novartis case causes political upheaval
A new situation both judicial and political is created in the Novartis case which is investigated by both the Greek authorities and by the FBI by the decision to press charge
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT balkaneu.com |
Minimum wage increase in Greece imminent
The math in wages and benefits changes completely for hundreds of thousands of wage earners as soon as the second half of January with the signing of the increase in the minimum
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT balkaneu.com |
GREECE: New silver collector coin dedicated to the centenary anniversary of the Hellenic ...
The Bank of GREECE has announced that they have issued, on the 20th December, their last silver Proof collector coin for 2018 and will be in ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT news.coinupdate.com |
GREECE – ATHENS – WILDFIRE – 3 MIGRANT FISHERMEN – CITIZENSHIP – GRANT #Gallery
ATHENS, Jan. 3, 2019 (Xinhua) — Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos (1st R) meets and congratulates the three fishermen and their families at the ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.socialnews.xyz |
Here is where Airbnb travellers are staying 2019
Whether it be completely unplugging in a shepherd's hut in the English countryside, or eloping to a seaside, design-centric cycladic house in GREECE, ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.iol.co.za |
Serena Williams wins 3rd singles match at Hopman Cup
The 37-year-old Williams' hopes for a record third Hopman Cup title ended when the United States were eliminated after losses to GREECE and Roger ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.business-standard.com |
Travelport to offer travel insurance in GREECE and Cyprus with local provider Lloyds Insurance
ATHENS, GREECE - Travelport, a leading travel commerce platform, has announced that travel insurance is now available in GREECE and Cyprus via ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.traveldailynews.com |
Federer edges out Tsitsipas to guide Swiss into Hopman Cup final
GREECE needed to beat Switzerland 3-0 to reach the final, and their hopes looked promising when the 20-year-old world No.15 Tsitsipas led 4-1 in the ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.smh.com.au |
Featured obituary: Constantine ‘Charlie’ Kapothanasis, 89, born in Greece, founder of Prompto
Constantine “Charlie” Kapothanasis, a founder of Prompto, the 10-minute oil change shops located across Maine and New Hampshire, died Monday after a brief illness. He was 89. Mr. Kapothanasis opened h...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.pressherald.com |
Transport Discounts Now Applicable on All GREEK Islands
All GREEK island residents can – starting this year – claim transportation discounts as part of the government's “transport equivalent” measure, the ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT news.gtp.gr |
GREEK Boats Used in 'High Sea' Navigation VAT Exempt
Recreational boat owners operating in “high seas” will be exempt from VAT, according to amendments made to a ministerial decision by GREEK ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT news.gtp.gr |
Statement by Alt. Minister of Foreign Affairs, G. Katrougalos, following the conclusion of the Trilateral Ministerial Meeting between Greece-Cyprus-Jordan (Nicosia, 19 December 2018)
“Thank you Nikos, Together with Ayman (Safadi), I would like first of all to express my gratitude for your warm hospitality and for your insight, and also for the possibility we had to discuss, also with President Anastasiadis, all the important problems of our area.All three of our countries are committed to Peace. We are not just pillars of Stability; we want to export Stability in the area. And we share the same values, respect for International Law, the resolutions of United Nations and through this angle, we discussed the Cyprus issue, the Palestinian conflict and all the other very important conflicts in our region, Syria above all. As you know, Greece and Cyprus are promoting many trilateral schemes of cooperation in the area. We in Greece have also tried to establish a regional system of stability and cooperation, the Rhodes Conference. But we especially value Jordan’s role in this endeavour, exactly for its role not just in promoting peace and security in the area, but also by accepting in a very humane way the burden of hundreds of thousands of refugees, both historically and during the present conflicts. Finally, it’s not just about stability and security. We have a common interest in promoting prosperity, and we have discussed how to be more productive and more concrete in this effort to promote the joint efforts of our economies. We have agreed to build tripartite committees in the areas of Energy, Tourism, Trade and Commerce, not to limit ourselves to Government-to-Government discussions, but to schedule also a private sector Forum because we fully recognize the fact that private sector is producing wealth. And above all we have decided to have a more concrete and a more structured follow-up. We have agreed and we have accepted the proposal of Nikos (Christodoulidis) to have a Permanent Secretariat here in Nicosia. So, I think that we have taken a progressive step forward and we have prepared the road of our leaders to meet in the first semester of next year and to take another step forward to this mutually beneficial for all three parties endeavour.Thank you.” Joint Statement of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Hellenic Republic at the Trilateral Ministerial Meeting (Nicosia, 19 December 2018)
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.mfa.gr |
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill On Track For Steady Growth in 2019
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - January 03, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ - Award-winning restaurant, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, finished the year strong with more than 36 franchise locations in various sta...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.franchising.com |
Merkel to Meet Greek Leaders in Athens for First Time Since 2014
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will meet Greek leaders in Athens next week for the first time since 2014 ahead of a national election due by October, opposition leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis said. The N...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.bloomberg.com |
School bus crashes into classroom wall in Greece; 2 taken for evaluation
Greece, N.Y. (WHAM) - No one was seriously hurt Thursday morning when a school bus in Greece crashed into an elementary school. The driver of the Greece School District bus accidentally hit the ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT 13wham.com |
Switzerland progress to final of Hopman Cup despite losing to Greece
Roger Federer's victory in the men's singles match against Stefanos Tsitsipas was enough to send Switzerland through to the final of the Hopman Cup despite losing to Greece overall. With Switzerland a...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.insidethegames.biz |
Once a witness in Novartis scandal, former Greece adviser now charged with taking drugmaker's bribes
Once a protected witness in the alleged bribery case involving Novartis and former Greek officials, Nikos Maniadakis is now a suspect under a travel ban and is accused of taking €120,000 in bribes fro...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.fiercepharma.com |
Simply GREEK review: You feel like you're in Mamma Mia and the food is a real winner
While its name might well suggest that Simply GREEK could have a rather basic menu, the reality is anything but. It took both of us a while to decide ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.chroniclelive.co.uk |
Rapid growth points to a bumper year for Greek exports in 2019, exporters say
Exports for the year may exceed 33-34 billion Euros
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT en.protothema.gr |
Turkey to Begin Seismic Research Over Greek Continental Shelf
Turkey issued an announcement on Thursday declaring it will conduct “seismic research” in a large area of the Eastern Mediterranean which includes parts of the Greek continental shelf and the ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com |
Greek judges accuse government of interference ahead of poll
Top Greek judges are accusing the government of attempting to interfere in a major investigation ahead of elections this year in which corruption scandals are likely to emerge as a campaign issue.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT abcnews.go.com |
SNF Opens Scholarship Call for Applications at Columbia Journalism School
Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) is providing a scholarship opportunity available to 18 entry-level and mid-career mass media professionals from Greece, to attend three specialized training […] The post SNF Opens Scholarship Call for Applications at Columbia Journalism School appeared first on The National Herald.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.thenationalherald.com |
School bus crashes into Greece elementary school
A school bus driver who accidentally stepped on the gas pedal drove a bus into a Greece elementary school Thursday morning. While lining up to drop off students at Holmes Road Elementary, the driver o...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.democratandchronicle.com |
Dream House of the Week: 1848 Greek Revival mansion
Located in the heart of Savannah's Historic Landmark District, this renovated, historic home is a unique combination of Southern charm and luxury atmosphere. Dream House of the Week: 'House of Sparkle ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.wdsu.com |
Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs G. Katrougalos’ Interview on Alpha Radio, with journalists S. Lamprou and D. Verykios
S. LABROU: Today is a special day and with us we have Mr Giorgos Katrougalos, the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs. Good morning Mr Katrougalos. Today takes place a meeting of the National Council on Foreign Policy and Turkish provocation has crossed the line.G. KATROUGALOS: Good morning to you and your viewers. Yes, indeed. We have scheduled a meeting of the National Council on Foreign Policy for today. Though it is not an extraordinary one. It has been in the works. As you say, we are witnessing lately a relative resurgence of Turkish activities, but this is just part of the overall policy of the neighbouring country. In fact, 2018 is overall not different from previous years. Their air and sea movements remain more or less similar.S. LABROU: In terms of quantity, you mean?G. KATROUGALOS: Yes, exactly, in terms of quantity. I believe, though, that if we take a bird's-eye look at our geopolitical relationship with Turkey, and even at the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, we will not notice any strengthening of Turkey’s position. On the contrary, I would say. That is precisely why in my previous statements I have interpreted these actions as a manifestation of nervousness, triggered by the fact that the neighbouring country feels powerless to frustrate Cyprus’ attempts to exploit, as she has every right to do under international law, its abundant natural resources. And I think that its actions towards us should also be understood in the same way, as a nervous reaction to the strengthening of our own geostrategic importance in the region, which is confirmed by many things, most recently by the successful opening of a Strategic Dialogue with the USA.D. VERYKIOS: Let's dwell on this a little longer, because if I am to trust my many years’ experience, I think that this Strategic Dialogue which has begun in Washington between you and Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis on the one hand, and the American side on the other, triggered many reactions by the representatives of the status quo in Ankara.G. KATROUGALOS: The opening of US-Greece Strategic Dialogue is not aimed against Turkey or against any other country.D. VERYKIOS: No, but they began putting anew on their agenda the Aegean. It is no coincidence, in my opinion.G. KATROUGALOS: I would like to insist on this: what truly matters in the US-Greek Strategic Dialogue is the confirmation that Greece plays a special role as a stabilizing power in the region. I would like to draw your attention to the recent interview with the US Assistant Secretary of State, Mr W. Mitchell, who said two quite remarkable things, of which one must have obviously annoyed the neighbouring country. He said, and this reflects the American position, that the only country capable of having a stabilizing effect in the region between Israel and Poland is Greece. He also made another important observation on how Turkey’s positions are approached with regard to the continental shelf and the more general maritime affairs; namely that when it comes to these matters, Turkey is a minority of one. This, therefore, exemplifies the fundamental weakness of Turkish policy. To put it differently, it has absolutely no footing in International Law. And when a country follows such a revisionist policy, entirely divorced from international legality, it inevitably compromises its chances of ever making the necessary international alliances which in fact could confirm, not only its diplomatic prestige but its geopolitical power too. When we set out to approach the USA, therefore, our objective was neither to become the gendarme of the region nor to turn against any state. We did so because lately we are constantly emitting the signal that we are a pillar of stability, not only in the Balkans, as evidenced by the Prespa Agreement, but in the Eastern Mediterranean region too. And we have succeeded in doing so with a number of initiatives, such as the very regular trilateral cooperations Greece and Cyprus have developed.D. VERYKIOS: Here in Greece people have yet to appreciate how important these cooperations are.G. KATROUGALOS: Exactly.D. VERYKIOS: What happened yesterday, for example, in Israel is not a small thing.G. KATROUGALOS: That’s totally right. And the meeting with Cyprus and Israel is perhaps the most prominent example of these trilateral partnerships, although this week we had two more, at ministerial level. We also had one with Palestine, Jordan, and another one yet with Egypt and other countries in the region ...D. VERYKIOS: According to European plans and the global system at large, Egypt has become an emerging economy.G. KATROUGALOS: Necessary for the stabilization of the African continent, and as far as we are concerned, also important, as you correctly pointed out, for the economic sector in view of the future creation of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between our countries. So to sum up my own estimation of the situation, we do obviously need to approach Turkey’s actions with great vigilance, and yet with the sobriety deriving from the fact that Greece’s strategic position has been reinforced thanks precisely to these important, successful and well-coordinated diplomatic initiatives.S. LABROU: Why does Turkey reach these heights of provocation at this particular time? The reason I am asking this is because it is perhaps the first time we hear Mr Apostolakis using such harsh language, or sending a message to the Turks, saying two things: The first about the rocky islet and the second on a matter I would like you to comment and expound upon..D. VERYKIOS: In other words, to clarify Spyros’ intention, Minister, we are trying to suss out what pushed Mr Apostolakis to make such declaration.G. KATROUGALOS: But, listen, diplomacy alone does not always suffice. The dissuasive power of the Armed Forces is also needed, and the statement of Mr Apostolakis is meant to make clear that the Armed Forces shall always be present and ready to repel any action that constitutes a frontal challenge to our sovereignty. We do not threaten anyone.S. LABROU: Do you fear such action on the part of Turkey? Either by accident or calculation?G. KATROUGALOS: We are not afraid of anything. Yet we must be prepared. And we take the indispensable preparatory steps by growing our Armed Forces, and by remembering that their protocols foresee any scenario. To be sure, we must always remind the other party that we are a pacifist power which does not stake any claim, and nor does it make any threat. But of course, if necessary, we are obviously ready to repel any challenge to our sovereignty.S. LABROU: We have mentioned our alliances and our trilateral cooperations, but Mr Apostolakis said that in the event we have to fight, we will fight on our own.D. VERYKIOS: That's how it is. Do you expect the others to fight for us?S. LABROU: If they are our allies...G. KATROUGALOS: Indeed, we need to know what the balance of power is and to always try to make the necessary alliances. But if a heated incident happens there we will be alone and that’s why we must prepared to fend off any aggression. On the other hand, however, we try to strengthen, as I have already said, our diplomatic alliances. Not only with the US, but with Europe too.There is a serious debate, which is not widely known to the Greek public, about how to grow a more autonomous European defence. It is present in the Treaty of Lisbon after it was amended. Of course, I’m referring to the Treaty governing the European Union. There is a provision in Article 42, paragraph 7, which states that in the event a country of the European Union is under attack it has the right to demand and expect the solidarity and support of its allies.The French President, Mr Macron, wants to turn this mere rhetorical phrase into a reality. So we are also moving towards this direction. Needless to say, our purpose is not to go to war with our allies, but to preserve peace.D. VERYKIOS: I believe that Mr Apostolakis’ statement was designed to send this message. The festive season is upon us. Let us, we the two countries, rejoice in it with quiet and harmony. Because if you try any dangerous Tarzan-like action, be sure that we will retaliate with an immediate blitz-like response. And this has already been decided. Both the government and the Armed Forces in Athens are ready.G. KATROUGALOS: That’s precisely what Mr Apostolakis’ statement meant. There is nothing new. We have the same firm policy: sobriety and vigilance. Obviously, the Chief of Staff felt compelled to respond in kind to the bellicose and blustering rhetoric of the other side.D. VERYKIOS: Will Mr Apostolakis be present at the meeting of the Council?G. KATROUGALOS: No, habitually the National Council on Foreign Policy (NCFP) does not invite the Chief of Staff.D. VERYKIOS: What if he is needed at some point?G. KATROUGALOS: If he is needed, he will be invited. Just as I said before, although we have noted a relative resurgence in Turkey's movements, it has not taken a new form to justify the invocation of a crisis situation and to require the presence of the Chief of Staff.D. VERYKIOS: This is what I was also telling them. What we witnessed in the Aegean yesterday, with the intense presence there, has been happening for the last 45 years. It is not something new.G. KATROUGALOS: That's how it is.S. LABROU: Who will represent New Democracy today?G. KATROUGALOS: I think Mr Koumoutsakos. I have not heard anything different.S. LABROU: Let me ask you something else: How do you see the resignation of the US Defence Minister? Does it play a role? What does the removal of American troops from Syria mean? And whether this is really a removal, or perhaps simply a partial withdrawal?G. KATROUGALOS: 2,000 US troops are due to leave from Syria. It was further announced that half of the US troops stationed in Afghanistan will also leave. As you know President Trump justified this decision by saying that Islamic terrorism had been defeated. Hence, the USA had no reason to retain there any military presence. As for the resignation of the US Defence Minister, it clearly states an opposition to this view.S. LABROU: Not only. Personally I notice that the British, Germans, and French are not only disagreeing. They are shouting against it.G. KATROUGALOS: All this, I think, highlights the need for a more coordinated European foreign policy. When a vacuum is created in the region, it must be filled. Nature dislikes emptiness, even in the realm of diplomacy. And I think that European foreign policy should become more active, more coordinated and above all more present.As for us, as I said earlier, we do everything we can, and not only within the limits of our trilateral contacts. There is the multilateral and combined effort of the Rhodes Conference, which is already attended by 24 European and Arab States, and whose goal is to transform the Conference into a regional system for security. And naturally we are also trying to do something similar in the European Union.In February, a Euro-Arab Summit will be held during which many important problems will be discussed. Among them, Palestine is undoubtedly one of the most pivotal questions if peace is to emerge in the region.Greece, therefore, and I believe this is the most salient characteristic of recent years, is not just seeking stability in the region to cope with its bilateral problems there. Rather it seeks to become a veritable yardstick for peace. And this is precisely why its diplomatic prestige has been so upgraded.D. VERYKIOS: Minister, the Prespa Agreement is in the home stretch. The Constitutional Affairs Commission of the Parliament in Skopje has signed the amendments on citizenship, ethnicity and borders. Therefore, it seems that on 15 January, the hot Prespa potato will fall into the hands of the Greek side. It will come before the Greek Parliament for ratification, here in Athens. Tell us, please, how you plan to proceed?G. KATROUGALOS: That’s right. We will proceed as we have agreed, precisely because we believe that the Prespa Agreement is mutually beneficial to both countries, and good for the greatest purpose we have and which I mentioned earlier, that is, the stabilization of the wider region. Indeed, now that the discussion has come to an end, it is fully being proved that all the accusations levelled against the Agreement, especially with regard to its alleged recognition of a "Macedonian nation", were unfounded.After all, it could not be otherwise, for as it turned out most of the amendments which were tabled, were done so by Albanian parties. The Prespa Agreement could not recognize anything other than citizenship ...D. VERYKIOS: Nonetheless, the official Opposition here in Greece, but also the other parties, do not perceive this as a substantive matter, and persist in their view that the Prespa Agreement is detrimental to national interests.G. KATROUGALOS: Maybe, but their argument is weak. Until recently, their argument was that the Agreement conceded the existence of a ‘Macedonian nation’. From the beginning, we have been explaining that one cannot determine the right to self-determination because its underpinnings stem from International Law. The agreement had to clarify the legal relations between the two states, and that’s why, what it determined, was the citizenship. What is citizenship? It is the legal relationship between the citizen and the state. It is not related to ethnic perceptions and self-determination. And this is what the recent Constitutional Revision solemnly stated, when it confirmed that the notion of citizenship, as recognized in the Prespa Agreement, does not in any way prejudge or define ethnicity.D. VERYKIOS: The former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Kotzias, denounced the death threats he has again received. First of all, could you clarify if these threats have also reached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Have been subject to similar threats? What do you make of these incidents, knowing that the Prime Minister felt personally obliged to intervene on them yesterday?G. KATROUGALOS: The Prime Minister had to intervene, even in order to state the obvious; and that is that Nikos Kotzias was absolutely instrumental in shaping the entire foreign policy we have been assessing, all these trilateral and multilateral endeavours and the Prespa Agreement.And needless to say, a threat on the life of a politician is an assault on the very idea of democracy. I have also received anonymous phone calls. Bullies can be found everywhere, you know. Nevertheless I want to repeat this: our democracy is safe. These threats will be dealt with, and Nikos Kotzias’ important and indubitable contribution cannot be challenged by anyone.D. VERYKIOS: Are you confident that the Prespa Agreement will be approved by the present government?G. KATROUGALOS: I do not have the slightest doubt about this. Besides, the number of MPs who have already voiced their favourable position on the Agreement is greater than what is necessary in order to get a majority of 151. I have explained on other occasions that on the basis of constitutional requirements it could, theoretically, pass even with a smaller majority. However, this major political proposition cannot fail to secure more than an absolute majority. And I repeat, I harbour no doubt that the necessary limit will be exceeded.D. VERYKIOS: of 151.G. KATROUGALOS: Exactly.S. LABROU: You’re confident then that you will also secure the votes of ANEL?G. KATROUGALOS: This is a matter of conscience.S. LABROU: Is your hypothetical majority of 151 minus ANEL’s support?G. KATROUGALOS: I repeat once more that I trust that deputies will not be divided on this Agreement because it is, I believe, a question that supersedes mere party discipline. It is a matter of individual conscience. Precisely because on major national issues, as well as on other major issues, pertaining to Constitutional Revision, party discipline considerations must take a back seat and each deputy must be free to act according to what he feels is right for the nation.D. VERYKIOS: I wish you every success today.G. KATROUGALOS: Thank you very much. Thank you.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.mfa.gr |
Egyptian Fishermen Given Greek Citizenship for Brave Fire Rescue
Following the deadly wild fires in the summer of 2018, two Egyptian citizens have been granted Greek citizenship as a reward for their heroic act of saving citizens near Athens. The fishermen, includi...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT egyptianstreets.com |
Spain Sees New Record in Migrant Arrivals in 2018
According to the International Organization for Migration (OIM), 57,250 people managed to complete the journey to Spain across the Mediterranean between the beginning of the year and December 26. That is an average of nearly 160 arrivals a day, EL PAIS reported. Spain has become main gateway into Europe for irregular immigration from Africa, far surpassing Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Malta This number does not include the 300 migrants who arrived in Algeciras on December 28 aboard the Open Arms humanitarian ship. This year, the Open Arms and another rescue vessel named the Aquarius brought 452 and 630 migrants to Spain, respectively. The total for 2018 is much higher than the 39,180 arrivals registered in 2006, when there was a spike in the number of boats landing on Spanish coasts, most notably in the Canary Islands. At the time, the wave of arrivals was dubbed “the cayuco crisis,” after the makeshift vessels used by the migrants.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.novinite.com |
Turkey Violates Greek Airspace Over Eastern Aegean Sea
Two Turkish F-16 fighter jets flew over two small Greek islands in the Eastern Aegean Sea on Thursday afternoon, according to an announcement made by the Greek National Defense General Staff.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com |
Secret Greece: Leros (photos)
A secret waiting to be discovered
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT en.protothema.gr |
Greek Student Invents Online Braille Transcription System
A brilliant young Greek postgraduate student Apostolos Garoufos, and his professor, Telemachus Goudas, have created a new, revolutionary software for the blind. Named “MinaDot”, the ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com |
Diana Petrakis, Wife of Harry Mark Petrakis, Was 96
CHICAGO – Diana Petrakis, wife of well-known Greek-American author and The National Herald contributor Harry Mark Petrakis, passed away on Christmas day at home in […] The post Diana Petrakis, Wife of Harry Mark Petrakis, Was 96 appeared first on The National Herald.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.thenationalherald.com |
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