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How the world sees Greece
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Mitroglou makes Greece’s preliminary squad
ATHENS — Striker Kostas Mitroglou has been named in Greece’s preliminary World Cup squad despite his troubled move to relegated Premier League side Fulham, while injured-plagued defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos was not included. Greece’s football ...
Panathinaikos wins Champions League spot
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Panathinaikos sealed its place in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League on Wednesday after the Athens club held on for a 1-1 draw against Atromitos to win the Greek league playoffs.
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Greek Festival features Sugar Ray, Locash Cowboys
KALAMAZOO—Pop rock band Sugar Ray and country band Locash Cowboys will be featured alongside traditional Greek fare at the 38th annual Dionysos Greek Festival Thursday through Saturday, June 5-7, at Arcadia Creek Festival Place. Gates open at 11 a.m ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.wmich.edu |
The Unimaginable NBG and Greek Bank Upgrade by S&P
The Unimaginable NBG and Greek Bank Upgrade by S&P24/7 Wall St.Can you imagine that the Greek banking sector is being raised by a credit ratings agency? It sounds impossible to imagine if you have been following the story as long as we have. Still, apparently even bad things can come to an end. Standard & Poor's ...S&P Lifts Ratings on Four Greek Banks (NBG)StreetInsider.com (subscription)Fitch affirms four Greek Banks at 'B-', Outlook StableFinancial MirrorFitch Ratings affirms B- rating with stable outlook for Greek systemic banksCapital.gr (press release)all 4 news articles »
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Out of form Mitroglou in Greece squad
Out of form Mitroglou in Greece squadSBSHowever, Greece head coach Fernando Santos has still found room in his squad for Mitroglou, who will be hoping to make the final 23-man list of players which has to be submitted by 2 June . Mitroglou's Fulham team-mate Giorgos Karagounis , Greece ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT theworldgame.sbs.com.au |
Greek Cypriots in Turkey-held north 'visitors in own village'
Theodoros was one of only hundreds of Greek Cypriots who stayed put as the \"enclaved\" in their villages when Turkey seized northern Cyprus in 1974 and have faced isolation ever since. \"We live like visitors in our own village,\" sighed Theodoros, a resident of Rizokarpaso -- known as Dipkarpaz in Turkish -- in the Karpas peninsula on the island's \"panhandle\" eastern tip. The rundown church ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT za.news.yahoo.com |
Israel, Greek, Cypriot environment ministries to cooperate on Mediterranean ...
Famagusta GazetteIsrael, Greek, Cypriot environment ministries to cooperate on Mediterranean ...Jerusalem PostEnvironmental Protection Minister Amir Peretz and his Greek and Cypriot counterparts declared their intent on Tuesday to sign a tripartite agreement toward protecting the Mediterranean Sea, the ministry announced on Wednesday. Peretz and his colleagues ...Greece, Cyprus, Israel Agreement on the Protection of MediterraneanGreek Reporterall 8 news articles »
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National Bank of Greece to Sell Stake in Turkey's Finansbank (3)
Business RecorderNational Bank of Greece to Sell Stake in Turkey's Finansbank (3)BusinessweekNational Bank of Greece SA (ETE), the country's biggest lender, plans to sell a stake in Istanbul-based Finansbank AS as demand for Turkish bank assets increases. The bank expects to submit a restructuring plan later this year which includes the sale ...Greece's National Bank Plans Stake Sale in Turkey's FinansbankBloombergGreece's National Bank says will commit to Turkish unit stake saleReutersGreece NBG says will commit to Turkish unit stake saleBusiness RecorderMarkets Emerging -Watch List News (press release) -eFinance Huball 19 news articles »
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Soccer-Greek championship champions league play-off results and standings
May 14 (Infostrada Sports) - Results and standings from the Greek championship play-offs matches on Wednesday Wednesday, May 14Asteras Tripolis 1 PAOK Salonika 0 Panathinaikos 1 Atromitos Athinon 1 Standings P W D L F A Pts 1 Panathinaikos 5 2 3 0 7 4 11 -------------------------2 PAOK Salonika 5 2 2 1 7 4 10 3 Asteras Tripolis 5 2 1 2 4 5 7 4 Atromitos Athinon 5 0 2 3 3 8 4 1: Champions League ...
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American Injured by Fireworks in Greece Discharged From Hospital
American Vicky Presmyk and her husband Chris, were injured by Easter fireworks during their holidays on the Greek island of Santorini. The woman suffered severe injuries and was flown to a hospital in Chania, Crete, for treatment. Mrs. Presmyk underwent abdominal surgery which went well and was released from hospital on Tuesday, May 13. Her doctor stated she is out of danger, but she will still need plastic surgery, some skin grafts and outpatient treatment to fully recover from her injuries. The couple said they didn’t realize that some of the fireworks were homemade until someone in front of them told them so. As soon as they were informed of this they tried to move away, but unfortunately some fireworks went off in their direction before they had the chance to get to safety. Despite her shocking experience, the woman said that the love and support of the Greek people made her stronger and she expressed positive views about her recovery.
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11,000 Public Sector Job Cuts Still Due 2014, 45,000 At Risk
With the Troika due to return to Greece immediately after the European elections, the Ministry of Administrative Reform in Athens is trying to catch up with the 11,000 public sector dismissals slated for 2014, lest bailout funds be withheld. Hundreds of contracts expire within months, but thousands more can expect dismissal this year. Accordingly, all civil servants not contracted directly by ASEP, Greece’s ultimate arbiter on hiring public sector personnel, will be under review. 45,000 public workers with contracts of indefinite duration are most likely to be first in the crosshairs. First of those in line are the 32,000 whose contracts were extended to indefinite duration by the so-called Pavlopoulos decree, and those whose with false qualifications. The state payroll will also be reduced by abolitions or mergers of various state agencies. To speed up the validation of state employees’ qualifications, Administrative Reform Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has already met with the directors of 14 companies and organizations including the aviation industry, drug squad (OKANA) and the Hellenic Railways Organization. State auditors and Mitsotakis’ mandarins will assess the credentials of all public workers in a mandatory system, results of which will be monitored electronically.
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Piraeus Bank to Acquire 16% of Marfin Investment Group
A major business deal between Piraeus Bank and Marfin Investment Group (MIG) is expected to be announced at the end of the stock market session taking place Wednesday, May 14. Greek MIG will issue a 400 million euro convertible bond and Piraeus Bank will cover 250 million euros of it, acquiring 16% of MIG’s shares. This major business deal is part of the ongoing mergers and partnerships taking place in the Greek market, with the goal being to enhance liquidity among Greek businesses. This particular agreement will improve the shipping and food sector as it aims to rehabilitate MIG’s companies such as ANEK Lines and to expand companies such as MEVGAL S.A. Moreover, according to unconfirmed information, acquisitions of smaller food companies are also expected in the future. Piraeus Bank is the second-largest lender by assets in Greece while MIG has holdings in the food, shipping, healthcare and tourism sector.
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Greece Signs Hydrocarbon Exploration Deal, Eyeing EUR4.4bn
After a hiatus of 15 years, Greece’s hydrocarbon industry started to swing back into action Wednesday. Three energy consortia signed concessions for the exploitation of hydrocarbon deposits in western and northern Greece that it is hoped could yield the country some six billion US dollars (4.38 billion euros). The prospectors will invest 700 million euros to extract an estimated six billion cubic metres of gas in Ioannina, with around 250-305 million barrels of oil under the Gulf of Patrikaos and off the Katakolo coast. Wednesday’s signing ceremony was hosted by Yiannis Maniatis at his Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and attended by British Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Edward Davey and Canada’s Ambassador to Greece Robert Peck, who witnessed Greece’s Deputy Prime Minister Evangelos Venizelos sign concessions to Energean Oil and Petra Petroleum for Ioannina, to Hellenic Petroleum, Edison and Petroceltic for the Patraikos Gulf, and to Energean Oil and Trajan Oil & Gas for Katakolo. During his speech, Venizelos stressed that Greece’s priority is to delineate certain zones with all neighboring countries according to marine law, noting that the investment will benefit economic development, social solidarity and the exercise of sovereignty over national rights.
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Activists petition Greece over coastline
Environmental groups are fighting a rearguard action to stop the destruction of one of Europe's most pristine coastlines after the Greek government signalled it would rethink draft legislation to develop the shoreline but not scrap it altogether.
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Most Greek prisons overcrowded, says minister
KathimeriniMost Greek prisons overcrowded, says ministerKathimeriniTwenty-six of Greece's 36 prisons and other holding facilities are woefully overcrowded, Justice Minister Haralambos Athanasiou responded to a question from two Democratic Left MPs in Parliament on Wednesday. At Korydallos, the capital's main prison ...
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Inside Europe’s Plan Z
Every working day since the crisis struck, George Provopoulos, the silver-haired governor of Greece’s central bank, summoned a small “emergency team” of aides to his offices at 6pm to review the health of the nation’s banks. What he was told on ...
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Hey, Smith Students: It’s Hard To Hear With Your Fingers in Your Ears
An online petition persuaded IMF chief Christine Lagarde to back out of Smith's commencement speech. That's not just bad sense—it's bad activism.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT time.com |
Make Music, Keep Socrates’ Dream Alive
Last month the Annunciation Cathedral of Boston celebrated their Metropolitan’s 30th anniversary as a Bishop with a musical concert featuring the participation of dozens of young people.
The post Make Music, Keep Socrates’ Dream Alive appeared first on The National Herald.
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Sneak Preview from TNH’s Travel Guide: Rhodes – the World’s Most Accessible City
For those who have never been to Rhodes, the most applicable illustration might be to compare it to is to describe New York State in its splendiferous entirety, and then to emphasize that at its one tip sits New York City, the center of the world and a complete antithesis to the rest of the […]
The post Sneak Preview from TNH’s Travel Guide: Rhodes – the World’s Most Accessible City appeared first on The National Herald.
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Pedophile Teacher Molested Hundreds
The number of possible victims of a teacher suspected of drugging and molesting boys during a four-decade career at nearly a dozen schools around the world has risen sharply.
The post Pedophile Teacher Molested Hundreds appeared first on The National Herald.
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Arkansas Weekend: Greece is the word
Arkansas Weekend: Greece is the wordArkansas Online (subscription)The Greek Food Festival is celebrating its 30th year — with baklava as the birthday cake. Jennifer Nixon writes in Thursday's Arkansas Weekend about the huge event that covers the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church's parking lot, grounds and ballroom ...
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Energean Leads Greek Energy Drive
Gas and oil producer Energean signed an agreement to tap Greece's largest potential source of hydrocarbons amid a renewed push by the country to develop its underground resources.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT online.wsj.com |
Energean signs Licence Agreements with Greek Government for Ioannina and Katakolon blocks
Energean is pleased to announce that the Greek Government today signed Licence Agreements for the Ioannina and Katakolon blocks with the consortia of Energean and Petra Petroleum for Ioannina, and with Energean and Trajan Oil for Katakolon.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT finance.yahoo.com |
Greece's Energean Signs Agreement to Develop Source of Hydrocarbons
Energean, Greece's only gas and oil operator, signed an agreement Wednesday to tap the country's largest potential source of hydrocarbons amid a renewed push by the crisis-hit nation to develop its underground resources. The concession agreement will allow ...
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'Ukraine may become the new Greece'
RT (blog)'Ukraine may become the new Greece'RT (blog)What we see is a very real possibility that Ukraine can become the new Greece. It is going to be caught in a debt trap where it will be lent money which it has to repay, but it can't repay the money effectively because it has to impose austerity ...and more »
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The Meal: Go Greek with a classic cookbook
The Meal: Go Greek with a classic cookbookStarNewsOnline.com (blog)Printed in the requisite blue and white with that goofy font that evokes a sense of antiquity, “Popular Greek Recipes” is probably the one cookbook dedicated to that country's cuisine most of us have crossed paths with at one point or another. The ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT foodies.blogs.starnewsonline.com |
NC County Tries to Reinstate Previous Prayer Policy Following Supreme Court's ...
NC County Tries to Reinstate Previous Prayer Policy Following Supreme Court's ...Christian PostThe request comes after the U.S. Supreme Court sided with the town of Greece, N.Y., saying it did not violate the U.S. Constitution when it allowed Christian prayer at the start of its town meetings. Commissioners of Forsyth County, N.C., voted ...Supreme Court wrong in prayer rulingDesMoinesRegister.comall 20 news articles »
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Lack of Equal Opportunity and Gender Pay Gap for Women of EU
According to Liana Gouta, member of the Board of the Greek Management Association (EEDE) Macedonia Section, and Chairman of the Women’s Organization for Managers and Entrepreneurs (TOGME), women in the European Union work 60 hours per week, 26 hours of which are unpaid. Liana Gouta, speaking to the 6th Women on Leadership Conference organized by TOGME, claimed that despite the immense changes in women’s role in contemporary society and their participation in economy, there is still a gender pay gap and women don’t have equal opportunities to men in leadership or high responsibility positions. According to a survey that was conducted recently by the International Hellenic University, on behalf of TOGME, the vast majority (97.6%) of chief executive positions in large companies of EU member countries, are being held by men, while women only hold 8.9% of membership on Boards of Directors. However, data presented in 2012 by members of the British Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, showed companies with a higher representation of women board of directors attained significantly higher financial performance. Research conducted by the consulting firm McKinsey, showed that companies with mixed gender executive committees generate 41% greater return on equity and 56% higher average EBIT margin than the male dominated committees.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com |
Geithner’s Book Reveals Plan for Greek Euro Exit
According to the new book written by former U.S. Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, a plan for Greece’s exit from the Eurozone had been presented in late July 2012, by the German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble. The book entitled “Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises,” published on Monday, reveals that during a meeting of Geithner with the German Finance Minister on the North Sea island of Sylt in July 2012, Schaeuble claimed that several Eurozone countries were in favor of Greece leaving the single currency. This way, Germany and other EU countries could create a firewall around the remaining members. The former Treasury Secretary described this argument as “frightening,” adding that he had informed the US President Barack Obama upon his return to Washington, who was “also deeply worried.” According to Geithner, Schaueble’s plan was based on the assumption that with Greece out of the Eurozone, Germany would be able to provide financial assistance to the rest of the Eurozone countries as the German people would be less reluctant about this than they were about saving the Greeks. After the meeting with the German Finance Minister, Geithner met in Frankfurt with European Central Bank President, Mario Draghi, who assured him that a Greek eurozone exit was not being planned.
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Survey finds one in seven Greeks are antisemitic
Greece found to have highest antisemetic rating outside the Middle East and North Africa. Average...
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Archdiocesan Council Spring Meeting
WASHINGTON, DC – The Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America convened for its regular spring meeting May 1-2 in Washington, DC, under the chairmanship of Archbishop Demetrios of America. Attending were Metropolitans Methodios of Boston and Savas of Pittsburgh, and Bishops Andonios of Phasiane and Sevastianos of Zela. The other members of […]
The post Archdiocesan Council Spring Meeting appeared first on The National Herald.
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ADL Survey: Greeks Most Anti-Semitic in Europe
NEW YORK (AP) — Anti-Semitism remains prevalent around the world with one in four adults surveyed in a new international study expressing anti-Jewish sentiment, according to a new study released Tuesday by the Anti-Defamation League. The ADL Global 100 Index found someone to be anti-Semitic if they answered “probably” or “definitely” true to six or […]
The post ADL Survey: Greeks Most Anti-Semitic in Europe appeared first on The National Herald.
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Greek Festival is May 23-25 in New Orleans
To say the lamb is tender and the pastries delicious at the Greek Festival on May 23-25 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd., New Orleans, would be like saying Hurricane Katrina was a weather event. Neither description comes ...
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Kostas Mitroglou in Greece squad for Brazil 2014
Fulham striker Kostas Mitroglou has been included in Greece's provisional 29-man World Cup squad despite his faltering form with the Cottagers this season. The 26-year-old was brought to Craven Cottage from Olympiacos for £11million in January, but he ...
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President Van Rompuy speaks at the Europe House in Georgia
by
ER/EUROPA
President Van Rompuy spoke today at the Europe House during his visit to Tbilisi, Georgia. As he said in his speech:
I am pleased to be here in Europe House in Tbilisi, to share a few thoughts with you on relations between the European Union and Georgia.This morning I had a good discussion with the Prime-minister, and I will be meeting your President later today. I should like to thank them both for their invitation and their kind hospitality on behalf of the people of Georgia. It is good to be here in your capital city a few days only after the celebration of Europe Day – the 9th of May. That day, back in 1950, the foreign minister of France, Robert Schuman, invited the countries of Europe and in particular Germany to share a new beginning, to put an end to decades, centuries even!, of European wars. It was the founding act of the European Community, the first seeds of today's Union. So “Europe Day” is not about war, not about victory and defeat, not about frustration and revenge. No, it celebrates the successful building of an area of peace, stability and unsurpassed prosperity on our continent – a continent, which is and remains immensely diverse, where different cultures, traditions, languages, religions, histories meet. Here in Georgia, I should like to underline that the generous idea of Europe is not an invention of some Western European statesmen in the 1950s. It is an ancient, venerable idea, going back centuries. Many poets, thinkers, writers have expressed the inspiring notion that the peoples and nations on this continent have something in common. There are many differences among them, we know that, but also something ungraspable that unites them. A notion of civilisation, identity, culture. The word “Europa” – describing this continent west of Asia, north of Africa – goes back all the way to ancient Greece. Perhaps even to the days when, according to mythology, not only the god Zeus seduced the princess Europa, but also when Jason, leader of the Argonauts, on his quest for the Golden Fleece, crossed the Black Sea and landed in the Kingdom of Colchis, in today's Georgia... I will not say that the marriage between Jason and Medea that ensued was the happiest of all..., but their encounter was certainly impressive...! And it gave rise to one of these tragic love stories that are the pride of European literature ! There were more strong-willed women from these lands that captured the public imagination – not least your famous Queen Tamar! The European Union of today is in a way a political expression of this long history of our continent of unity and diversity – nothing more, nothing less.Among our countries, no nostalgia for a ‘glorious’ past that will never return, no border conflicts that seek strength at the expense of one’s neighbour, no cycles of d efeat and revenge – all have turned the page and look with confidence to the future. Cooperation and democracy, our values, do not only guide the European Union's own policies at home, but also our external action, our approach in the wider world. Nowhere is this more important, and nowhere are the people in partner societies more engaged, than in the countries closest to us, especially those on the European continent. Your country's ties with this adventure will soon become even stronger, with the signature at the end of June of the Association Agreement we have jointly developed to pursue these goals. Your country decided to follow a democratic path, as a guarantee of freedom, prosperity and national unity. The Agreement is just a means to that goal. Signing it does not just mean strengthening relations between Tbilisi and 'Brussels'; but between your country and all the member states of the European Union. That is why this document will be signed by the Presidents or Prime-Ministers of these 28 countries, when they will all gather in Brussels in June for the European Council summit I have convened. And on their behalf, as European Council president, I can say we are all fully behind this and I want to congratulate you on this step. I have just come from Moldova, which will sign at the same moment as Georgia; and two days ago I was in Ukraine – I will say a bit more on the situation there in a moment. I am very pleased that in Georgia there is broad consensus on the country's European trajectory. Your country has set the pace in the Eastern Partnership for a number of years and under successive governments. Georgia has now enjoyed two democratic transitions in two years. The will and the message of the voters have to be respected. Of course, another election is taking place already in June, the municipal ones. The Association Agreement will open a new chapter in EU-Georgia relations. The implementation will be challenging, not least that of the DCFTA. It is not the time to let efforts go. But your country has a track record of reform; and a strong political commitment. These efforts are worth it, for their own sake, for the citizens of Georgia. They will bring great benefits both in the short and the long term. There will be clear economic benefits within a reasonably short space of time. Other benefits, perhaps less tangible but just as real, will impr ove the quality of life for all Georgians. They are not about immediate financial gains, but about values and wellbeing.The Association Agreement will serve as a compass for reforms to achieve better environmental standards, or better health and safety standards; a predictable business environment, which is good for investors, employers, consumers. And also, good governance structures, reliable state institutions. In the end, such deep changes can have a profound economic impact too. So the Agreement will not magically fix the economy overnight and make everyone prosperous – but will in time lead to a higher standard of living for all. This Association Agreement is about more than the economy. If I think of the demonstrators on the Maidan – they were ready to die, not for a trade agreement with the European Union, but to break a corrupt political culture, to live in a country with rules made for the benefit of all, not for the few. Georgia has already come a long way on this path, and with this next step it will go further. The European Union acknowledges the European aspirations and European choice of Georgia as well as that of other countries of the Eastern Partnership. As I said at my press conference just now: the Association Agreement is not the final goal in our cooperation. But first things first. There are other challenges related to the Association Agreement. Recent events in the region have shown that there is a clear external challenge. Georgia has faced it in the past. I stress that choosing the path of political association and market integration with the European Union should not be seen as a rejection of close relationships with other partners. It should not be seen as a zero-sum game. Russia is a neighbour. But good neighbours respect each other's borders. Respect of territorial integrity is a precondition for stability, here and elsewhere in Europe. Of course, balanced trade ties can help to foster relations. The Association Agreement, with its free trade aspect, is fully compatible with improved trade across the Caucasus; it will make Georgia a more attractive business destination for all its partners. Nevertheless there are security challenges faced by Georgia. There is always a risk that these could be played on to scare you – but your country knows how to resist such pressure. You are the ones who are best placed not to let such risk happen. Don't let yourselves be abused by appearances: violence is not strength. Don't let yourselves fall victim of those who want to 'divide and rule'. Your way of life as a free society is your greatest strength. And the European Union continues to stand by Georgia. We also have a real commitment to the peaceful solution of territorial conflicts. Think of the on-going presence of the EU Monitoring Mission, our co-chairmanship of the Geneva International Talks, and our firm policy of respect for Georgia's territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders. At the same time, we know that only engagement and reconciliation can achieve a lasting solution. Here I welcome the pragmatic approach of the Georgian government. Above all, we hope that the Association Agreement will help to establish Georgia as an attractive place that all Georgians will wish to call home. After all, nothing is more attractive than an open, democratic and prosperous country. You can build such a fatherland! On this path, the European Union is and will remain by Georgia's side. We will help your country in many ways – we offer financial and technical assistance to help preparing and implementing the Agreement. We offer visible political support. However, the challenge which Georgia faces is not only external – it is also from within. As I said, the Association is about much more than a trade agreement – it is about values. The countries of the European Union look to Georgia to uphold these values and to reflect the spirit of the Association Agreement in the way in which political life is conducted and the institutions are functioning. This relates to the independence of the courts, the respect of the presumption of innocence, pluralism, and the fight against abuses. This also relates to a normal interaction between opposition and majority, away from polarisation. All this gives content to the notion of a mature and healthy democracy. Today I expressed my strong appreciation for the efforts the President and the Prime- Minister have made to implement an ambitious reform agenda. The recent adoption of anti-discrimination is part of these reforms. Modern societies defend human rights and the dignity of all human beings, irrespective of their skin, colour, religion, gender or sexual orientation. This is not about “traditional values” or “European values”. It’s about universal human values. By adopting the anti-discrimination law, Georgia has demonstrated that it shares those values and is prepared to defend them to the benefit of all Georgians. Before concluding, let me say a few words on the situation in Ukraine. Two days ago I was in Kiev and met with Prime Minister Yatsenyuk and President Turchynov. In Kiev I reiterated the European Union’s firm commitment to Ukraine’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. After the illegal annexation of Crimea, the European Union has introduced sanctions against a number of individuals and entities. In case of further destabilisation, the European Union remains committed to further increase the cost for Russia should it take more steps to destabilise the situation. For now the immediate goal is to ensure free and fair presidential elections on the 25th of May. The European Union will continue to insist on and work for dialogue and negotiations as this is the only way forward to come to a stable, democratic, inclusive and modern Ukraine. And we will continue our support for the necessary political, economic and security reforms in Ukraine.To sum up: 2014 is a big year for Georgia. You will be marking huge progress on the path to political association and economic integration with the European Union. Georgia faces many challenges, and we will stand by you. The potential gains of our deeper ties are enormous, but no-one can take success for granted. I know that Georgia is committed to this path and have confidence that it can succeed for the benefit of its citizens and future generations. Didi madloba! Thank you.
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Delos: The Greek Island Archaeology Buffs Will Love!
The island of Delos, in the Aegean Sea, Greece, located within a stone’s throw of the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos, is an imposing place devoid of vegetation but extremely beautiful. It was considered the sacred island of ancient Greece as it was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. What makes Delos one of the most important archaeological places in Greece is that it is the only place where ancient residences have been found in a great situation. Archaeological researches have revealed churches, theaters, stadiums, gyms and other monumental buildings in many places. Moreover, in some areas, such as Pella and Eretria, archaeologists have found foundations of houses and mosaic floors, but unfortunately the houses themselves are not preserved. In Delos, on the contrary, they are perfectly maintained giving us a clear picture of the architecture, the interior design, the materials used, the decoration of the walls, the sewerage system etc. All houses in Delos date back to the 2nd and early 1st century BC, when the Romans gave the Greek island to the Athenians. Researches showed that the homes of plebeians and patricians were next to each other. Although there didn’t appear to exist a single type of private home, most homes, especially the larger and more affluent, followed a basic design, with several variations. According to mythology, Delos was created with a thrust of Poseidon’s trident. Zeus tied the island to the seabed with a diamond chain so that Leto could refuge there and give birth to Artemis and Apollo.
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Giorgos Karagounis and Kostas Mitroglou in Greece squad as Fulham pair join Celtic striker Georgios Samaras
Fulham pair Giorgos Karagounis and Kostas Mitroglou are in Greece's preliminary squad for the World Cup. Karagounis will captain his country and add to his 132 caps despite teh 37-year-old playing just 14 times for the Cottagers this season. Mitroglou is ...
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Zeus + Dione, Rising from the Ashes of the Greek Crisis
The Business of FashionZeus + Dione, Rising from the Ashes of the Greek CrisisThe Business of FashionFor Mareva Grabowski and Dimitra Kolotoura of Zeus + Dione, the Greek economic crisis provided the perfect launchpad for a fashion brand that unites Hellenic heritage, traditional craftmanship and contemporary design elements. Zeus + Dione | Source: ...
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‘Cirque du Soleil’ Returns to Greece With New Production in September
The Cirque du Soleil is returning to Greece with a new production in September, following the “Alegria” and “Dralion” performances here, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary from the founding of the famous spectacle. Called “Quidam,” the ...
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Geithner describes alarm at Schaeuble plan for Greek euro exit in new book
Geithner describes alarm at Schaeuble plan for Greek euro exit in new bookKathimeriniA Greek eurozone exit was in the cards in 2012 according to former US Treasury Timothy F. Geithner. In a new book, “Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises,” published on Monday, the former US Treasury chief recalls a meeting with German Finance ...
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Before it's too late
The issue of the continuous influx into Greece of undocumented immigrants seeking a way to enter the European Union has taken on large-scale if not uncontrollable dimensions.
The tragic stories which are reported by local and international media on a dail... ...
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Mitroglou selected in Greece squad
Greece name Fulham striker Konstantinos Mitroglou in their provisional 30-man World Cup squad despite his injury problems.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.bbc.co.uk |
Europe Loves Alcohol, But Not As Much As Russia
Greece and its European neighbors rank among the countries with the highest alcohol consumption rates, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data. The map revealed that the Russians and their neighbors, the Belarusians and the Ukrainians, are the world’s heaviest boozers, although given the temperature and political climate in that region, this might be understandable. Portugal, Grenada and Andorra are also partial to a tipple (or 20), downing more than 12.5 liters per person per year over the age of 15 in 2010. Greece and her European cousins (except Italy and Scandanavia) also like to raise their glasses, with alcohol consumption varying from 10 to 12.4 liters per person in 2010. Canadians drink more compared to their American neighbors, ranking in the same category with most European countries. Few will be surprised to hear that Australia also has elevated alcohol consumption rates, with Aussies on average knocking back 12.2 liters a year. Alcohol consumption in northern Africa is considerably lower, however, although consumption rates in South Africa and Namibia are on a par with their antipodean friends across the Indian Ocean. According to the WHO report, 48% of people abstain completely from drinking alcohol, so per capita alcohol consumption would be even higher for those who do like a tipple. Russia’s extreme rates are a major cause for concern as, according to a recent study, many of its early deaths could be attributed to alcohol-related problems such as liver cirrhosis, alcohol poisoning and fatal car accidents.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com |
E-Geiokratis: Innovative Medical Idea by Highschool Students
“E-Geiokratis,” an innovative product by highschool students, won first place in the Youth Entrepreneurship Association Contest. E-Geiokratis is a program that completely changes the way individual and family medical records were treated so far and assists the public awareness of preventative medical care. It consists of two parts: An application which secures the medical data of the user by saving them on a USB memory stick, which requires no internet access to run. A website (www.e-geiokratis.gr), which provides information to its visitors on health matters. Diabetics, pregnant women, athletes, elderly and people who travel a lot, can store their medical record on this USB and use it in case of an emergency to avoid any delays. The students have scheduled a meeting with the Greek Minister of Health, Adonis Geogiadis, so as to present their idea. E-geiokratis was entirely funded by the Entrepreneurship Association, which has been running for three consecutive years at the PIERCE American College Of Greece.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com |
Greece's National Bank Plans Stake Sale in Turkey's Finansbank
Business RecorderGreece's National Bank Plans Stake Sale in Turkey's FinansbankBloombergNational Bank of Greece plans to sell a minority stake in Istanbul-based Finansbank as part of plans to boost capital. The lender, based in Athens, will submit a restructuring plan later this year which includes the sale of a “significant” minority ...Greece's National Bank says will commit to Turkish unit stake saleReutersGreece NBG says will commit to Turkish unit stake saleBusiness RecorderNational Bank of Greece (ADR) Upgraded by BofA Merrill Lynch to Neutral (NBG)Watch List News (press release)eFinance Huball 17 news articles »
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.bloomberg.com |
Greece squad for World Cup
Greece squad for World CupFootball ItaliaThere are five Serie A based players in the preliminary Greece squad for the World Cup. Coach Fernando Santos named a list of 29 men to prepare for the tournament in Brazil, which will be cut to 23. There are several familiar names to followers of ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.football-italia.net |
CoR: Innovative power lies at the local or regional level
by
KG/EUROPA
Michel Lebrun, Member of Belgium's Walloon Parliament, represented the Committee of the Regions (CoR) at the Competitiveness Council/Industry informal session on 12 May in Athens and argued that, "Innovative power lies primarily at the local or regional level". Referring to the ongoing development of the 2014-2020 structural funds programmes, as well as to the mid-term Europe 2020 review, he further insisted that, "Concerted efforts are needed to close the innovation gap between EU regions and to boost industrial competitiveness".
The Committee of the Regions participated at the informal meeting of the Industry Council organised by the EU Greek Presidency on 12 May in Athens. The meeting offered an opportunity to review the key challenges for European Industry such as "Innovation and Key Enabling Technologies" and "Competitiveness of Energy Intensive Industries".
Mr Lebrun contributed to the panel on innovation focusing on how local and regional decision-makers should seize the opportunities that have been created by digitisation, "by promoting the reform of service processes, the dissemination of digital services in the public sector and the development of the digital agenda to all citizens". According to Mr Lebrun, "It is essential that governmental administrative systems open- up to allow more scope for promoting creativity on the part of decision-makers and that innovation is integrated not just in business activity, but also in the public sector".
Besides enforcing the innovation capacity of local administrations, Mr Lebrun called for new efforts to facilitate SMEs through new investments in start-ups, venture capital as well as through a simplified regulation.
The Committee is fully committed in boosting innovation at grassroots level, in particular by promoting a co-learning programme which involves several European regions to pool specific initiatives and networking 'smart cities'. The aim is to support pioneering cities, as well as effective partnership programmes to promote innovativeness, which will guarantee the development of all regions regardless of their current economic situation.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.neurope.eu |
Greece Reports EUR1bn Primary Surplus for Jan-April
Greece on Tuesday reported a primary budget surplus (ie before interest payments) of 1.048 billion euros for the first four months of 2014, surpassing a budget target for a surplus of 742 million euros. Presenting a report on budget execution, Deputy ...
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A guide to island hopping in Greece
Follow Yahoo New Zealand Travel on Twitter - @YahooNZTravel - or like us on Facebook Island hopping in Greece is on many people's bucket list. These tips from Lonely Planet will help make the most of your adventure. In Greece, getting there really is half ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT news.yahoo.com |
Greek Deities and Their Roman Counterparts
The mythology of ancient Greece shares many mythological deities with the mythology of ancient Rome, figures that pose common lineages, dominions and attributes, but not always names. With the exception of Apollo, the Greek and Roman god of music, arts and ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com |
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