Government Pressure on Greek Central Bank Said to Rile ECB

The European Central Bank is increasingly concerned by a deteriorating relationship between the Greek government and the country's central bank, ...

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Brothers Antetokounmpo return to Greek hometown to hoop

Sepolia is a neighborhood within the Greek capital of Athens. Giannis and Thanasis wowed the crowd at the Triton grounds with high-flying dunks ...

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Greek President welcomes Japanese atomic bomb survivors – PHOTOS

Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos welcomed on Wednesday atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki who are travelling on the Peace Boat, a Japan-based international NGO which aims at informing the world about the consequences of nuclear weapons.

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Greece will not claim Parthenon Marbles through courts, Greek official says

Greece does not intend to make a legal claim for the return of the Parthenon Marbles held at the British Museum through the courts, Greek Alternate Culture Minister Nikos Xydakis announced on Wednesday. "The route for claiming the return ...

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Olive oil standardization could boost exports

The Greek economy could enjoy additional revenues of 250 million euros per year from olive oil exports if the commodity were utilized appropriately (i.e. not exported in bulk) and standardized in Greece with its own distinctive identity, according to a report by the National Bank of Greece.

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New migration plan foresees more funds for Frontex, use of military

In a move designed to ease pressure on Greece and other Mediterranean countries, the European Union on Wednesday presented a plan aimed at a more fair distribution of immigrants among its member states.

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ANEL calls amendment for mosque ‘unacceptable and provocative’ [Update]

In the first sign of friction between coalition partners SYRIZA and Independent Greeks (ANEL), MPs of the populist right-wing party late Tuesday voted against an amendment regarding the construction of an mosque in the western Athens neighborhood of Votanikos.

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Greece receives 395 Blue Flags for its pristine beaches

Greek beaches have been awarded 395 Blue Flags for top-quality waters this year, placing Greece in third place out of 50 countries, according to the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature.

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Marbles’ return lies in ‘dialogue, not litigation’, says minister

Diplomacy rather than litigation will help Greece win its claim for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum, Alternate Minister for Culture Nikos Xydakis said in an interview on Wednesday.

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Amal Clooney advises Greece to take British Museum to court over Elgin Marbles

Amal Clooney has told Greece it's 'now or never' to win back the Elgin Marbles and has advised it to take the British Museum to the International Court ...

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Antetokounmpo Brothers Back At Their Old Greek Neighborhood

Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo returned to their old neighborhood in Sepolia, Athens, spurring the interest of hundreds of their fans, who hastened to visit the Triton open-air basketball court to watch the NBA brothers participating in a basketball event at the place they first played as children. Minutes after the completion of the game, Milwaukee Bucks player Giannis Antetokounmpo told the media: “I would like to thank everyone separately who came to see us. We will try to repeat it every year in order to have fun with our friends and remember the old times. I will always miss my neighborhood. Just two days after the playoffs and I am back here. That says everything.” Subsequently, current player for the Westchester Knicks of the NBA Development League Thanasis Antetokounmpo added: “We want to thank everybody. We love our old neighborhood. We have grown up here and people still love us. We tried to have fun. We didn’t expect so many people to show up. We believed that just our close friends would be on the court. We will try to do this every summer.”

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4 Injured During Student Election in Thessaloniki, Greece

Student elections took place today, May 13, in all public universities and technical institutions across Greece. Thousands of students have voted, however, the small turnout shows once again that the student elections have decayed, since the parties are not able to unite behind a common cause. Violent incidents occurred at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in northern Greece, while the election for the new student council was still underway. People wearing hoods entered the campus, holding batons and helmets, causing damage to the building and clashing with the students. According to students from the New Democracy youth DAP-NDFK, four of the party’s members were injured during the incident and had to be transferred to local hospitals. Meanwhile, Greek police officers have arrived at the University in order to help keep the peace. New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras commented on the incident, harshly attacking the Greek government. “Through the reinstatement of the asylum institution that helps illegality, the Greek government is letting the masked men enter Greek universities and destroy them,” he said. “There is violence and blood in a place where students should be free to express their ideas and feel secure. They are bothered by the fact that DAP-NDFK has been a leading force in Greek universities for the last 29 years,” he added. “The state is obliged to protect the lives and ensure the safety of the university community members,” Samaras concluded.

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PAOK FC Owner Repays Club’s €10.8 Mln Debt to Greek State

PAOK FC owner Ivan Savvidis made an interbank transaction to repay the team’s debt to the Greek state, putting an end to the nightmare that tormented the club for the last years. Meanwhile the relevant payment documents have already been presented to the Greek tax office. Savvidis, a major PAOK FC shareholder, arrived at the tax office in a symbolic action to mark the occasion and make a statement to the press representatives regarding the issue and the club’s future development plans. PAOK FC released an official statement on the matter: “PAOK is free. A historic day dawned for PAOK FC. As of today, the nightmare of debts is in the past because the club’s major shareholder, Ivan Savvidis, has successfully repaid the debts. During a 2012 interview, Savvidis stated that ‘PAOK’s debts are now my own. I leave no debts unpaid and soon PAOK will not have any debts either.'” Furthermore, the statement noted that after repaying its debt, which amounted to 10.8 million euros, PAOK FC is now freed from the burden of its past, adding that this is the first time that the club chose to repay its debts in full.

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Jean Paul Gaultier Creates Exclusive Pieces Inspired by Melina Mercouri

French Haute Couture and Prêt-à-Porter fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier gladly accepted the Melina Mercouri Foundation challenge to design two collectible garments inspired by Greek actress, singer and politician Melina Mercouri. Incited by the magnificence that is still being exhaled by some of Mercouri’s photos taken by legendary photographers Douglas Kirkland and Bill Yoscary, the internationally renowned designer curated the creation of a marinière (striped blouse) and a t-shirt, all revenues of which will be available exclusively to the Melina Mercouri Foundation. The marinière, a classic symbol of style and a characteristic garment in Melina’s wardrobe, becomes again the absolute statement and standout piece for fashionistas worldwide. The designer clothes are produced in limited pieces in Greece by the Melina Mercouri Foundation strictly following the quality standards of Gaultier.

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Greece Ranks 3rd Worldwide in ‘Blue Flag’ Beaches

395 Greek beaches and nine marinas won the international quality Blue Flag award this year, putting Greece in third place worldwide among 50 countries, according to the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF). The announcement was made during a EEPF press conference in Katerini. EEPF is the national operator of the International Blue Flags program in Greece, in cooperation with the Pieria Hoteliers Association. According to EEPF, the Blue Flag is the most recognizable and popular international symbol of quality in the world. Since 1987 the award has been given to beaches and marinas that meet the strict award criteria. The beaches not only need to have excellent quality bathing waters. They also need to meet 32 criteria, which refer to cleanliness, organization, information, swimmer and visitor safety, protection of the natural wealth of the beach and coastal area, as well as environmental awareness. The founder and international coordinator of the program is the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), with 63 member-countries from all continents. In Greece, FEE is represented by EEPF, the oldest environmental organization in the country, founded in 1951, which organizes active environmental interventions, actions and nature conservation projects. Here is a list of Greece’s Blue Flag beaches: EVROS[2] Municip. Alexandroupolis Alexandroupolis Municipal Beach, Kyani Akti RODOPI [3] Municipality Komotinis Arogi, Fanari/Ioulia, Mesi XANTHI [4] Municipality Topirou Mangana, Municipality Avdiron, Avdira/Porto Molo, Myrodato, Mandra KAVALA [14] Municipality Thassou Makryammos, Chryssi Ammoudia 2, Pefkari 2 Prinos/Dasylio 2 Municipality Nestou Ammoglossa/Keramoti 1 Municipality Kavalas Batis, Toska, Kalamitsa, Perigialli Municipality Pangeou Ammolofoi, Nea Iraklitsa, Nea Peramos, Sarakina, Ofrynio/Touzla SERRES [1] Municipality Amfipolis Kyani Akti THESSALONIKI [12] Municipality Volvis Serraiki Akti, Asprovalta, Paralia Vrasnon, Nea Vrasna, Porto Fino, Stavros Kentriki, Stavros Anatoliki, Stavros Dytiki Municipality Thermaikou Agia Triada/PIKPA, Nei Epivates, Perea, Potamos CHALKIDIKI [39] Municipality Aristotelis Ierissos/Dimotiki 1, Ierissos/Dimotiki 2, Ierissos/Dimotiki 3, Kampoudi 1, Kampoudi 2, Kampoudi 3, Ouranoupoli 1, Ouranoupoli 2, Ouranoupoli 3, Agios Pavlos, Porto Agio, Nea Roda 2, Stratoni, Kampos Municipality Sithonias Sarti 1, Sykia, Toroni, Nikiti 2, Platanitsi, Porto Carras 1, Porto Carras 2, Elia 2, Makria Lagada, Lagomandra, Marmaras C, Livrochio 1, Marmaras B, Armenistis Municipality Kassandras Kryopigi 2, Kryopigi 4, Fourka, Polichrono 3, Chanioti 1, Chanioti 3, Sani 2, Sani 3 Municipality Polygyrou Metamorfosi Municip. Neas Propontidas Eleonas, Nea Potidea PIERIA [5] Municipality Katerinis Olympiaki Akti, Paralia, Kallithea, Kallithea/Mediterranean Vilage, Korinos LARISA [5] Municip. Tempon Nea Mesaggala 1, Nea Mesaggala 2, Nea Mesaggala 3 Municipality Agias Agiokampos/Chrissi Akti, Stomio MAGNISIA [16] Municip. Notiou Piliou Koropi/Boufa, Kala Nera, Kala Nera/Ther. Axiomatikon, Ambovos, Kalifteri Municipality Volou Agria/Barba Thomas, Anavros, Alykes, Amarylida, Amfanon, Chryssi Panagia, Platanidia, Nea Agchialos 2 Municipality Skiathou Koukounaries, Maratha Municipality Skopelou Andrina FTHIOTIDA [7] Municipality Stylidas Glyfa Municip. Molou – Agiou Konstantinou Kamena Vourla/Galini Municipality Lokron Skala Atalantis, Livanates 1/Kiani Akti, Livanates 2/Schinias, Souvala Arkitsas, Livrichio Arkitsas FOKIDA [8] Municip. Doridos Eratini, Chiliadou, Sergoula, Monastiraki Municip. Delfon Maiami, Trokandero / Agali, Agioi Pantes, Kalafatis VIOTIA [2] Municipality Distomou – Arachovas – Antikyras Agios Isidoros Municip. Tanagras Plaka Dilessiou EVIA [4] Municipality Chalkideon Alykes Drosias, Lefkandi, Asteria Chalkidas Municipality Eretrias Eretria 3 ATTIKI [13] Municipality Marathona Schinias/Karavi, Brexiza Municip. Markopoulou Mesogeas Avlaki Municipality Saronikou Mavro Lithari/Eden Beach, Lagonissi 1 / Grand Beach, Lagonissi 2 / Mediterraneo, Lagonissi 3 / Kochylia Municipality Varis – Voulas – Vouliagmenis Varkiza, Asteras Vouliagmenis, Vouliagmeni, Voula A Municipality Aiginas Agia Marina Municipality Kythiron Kakia Lagada KORINTHIA [11] Municip. Loutrakiou – Agion Theodoron Loutraki 1, Loutraki 2, Loutraki/Boutsi, Pefkakia Municipality Velou – Vochas Kokkoni, Vrahati Municipality Sikyonion Pefkias Municipality Xylokastrou – Evrostinis Xylokastro/Pefkias, Melissi, Sykia, Derveni ARGOLIDA [3] Municipality Ermionidas Porto Cheli/Chinitsa Municipality Nafplieon Karathona, Tolo LAKONIA [12] Municipality Monemvasias Neapoli, Archangelos, Plytra/Pachiammos, Tigania, Monemvasia, Pori, Megali Ammos Municip. Anatolikis Manis Skoutari, Mavrovouni 1, Mavrovouni 2, Vathi, Gytheio 2/Selinitsa MESSINIA [5] Municipality Kalamatas Mikri Mandinia, Anatol. Kalamata 1 /Anastasi Municipality Messinis Bouka Municipality Trifilias Ai Lagoudis, Kalo Nero ILIA [8] Municipality Pyrgou Skafidia Municipality Ilidas Kourouta Municip. Piniou Arkoudi, Vartholomio, Glyfa Municipality Andravidas – Kyllinis Kastro/Chryssi Akti 2, Loutra Kyllinis 1, Loutra Kyllinis 2 ACHAIA [5] Municip. Dytikis Achaias Kalogria, Lakkopetra Municip. Egialias Alyki, Digeliotika, Pounda ETOLOAKARNANIA [1] Municipality Nafpaktou Psani PREVEZA [5] Municipality Prevezas Kyani, Monolithi, Tsoukes Municipality Pargas Loutsa, Valtos THESPROTIA [2] Municip. Igoumenitsas Drepano, Mega Ammos CORFU/KERKYRA [7] Municipality Kerkyras Kommeno, Kontokali, Alykes Potamou, Dasia, Almyros, Canal d’Amour, Dafnila LEFKADA [7] Municipality Lefkadas Agios Giannis, Lefkada/Gyra, Agios Nikitas-Pefkoulia, Kathisma 1, Porto Katsiki, Nidri, Mikros Gialos / Poros KEFALONIA [12] Municipality Kefalonias Petani, Platys Gialos, Makrys Gialos, Avythos, Lourdas, Ammes, Skala, Aragia Porou, Myrtos, Xi, Agia Varvara / Katelios, Antisamos ZAKYNTHOS [7] Municipality Zakynthou Alykanas 1, Alykes 1, Amboula Psarou, Tsilivi, Bouka, Amboula Tragaki, Katragaki CHANIA [29] Municip. Kandanou Selinou Voulismeni, Grammeno, Pachia Ammos, Chalikia, Sougia Municipality Kissamou Falasarna / Pachia Ammos 1, Falasarna / Pachia Ammos 2, Kasteli / Mavros Molos-Plaka Municipality Platania Platanias, Platanias /Limanaki, Kolymvari, Rapaniana Municipality Chanion Stalos, Ag. Apostoli 1, Ag. Apostoli 2, Chrissi Akti, Agia Marina, Kalamaki, Nea Chora, Marathi, Stavros, Agios Onoufrios, Kalathas Municipality Apokoronou Maistrali, Kalyves Xyda, Almyrida, Kyani, Kavros, Perastikos RETHYMNO [16] Municipality Rethymnis Rethymno 1, Rethymno 2, Rethymno 3, Rethymno 4 / Myssiria, Platanias Β/Rethymno 6, Adelianos Kampos A, Pigianos Kampos, Skaleta Municip. Mylopotamou Panormo/Limni, Lianos Kavos Lavris, Bali Varkotopos, Bali Livadi Municip. Agiou Vassiliou Damnoni, Plakias, Rodakino, Agia Galini/Ystero Varkotopi IRAKLIO [17] Municipality Maleviziou Ellinoperamata, Fodele, Ammoudara 1, Ammoudara 4, Ammoudara 5 Municipality Chersonissou Limenas Chersonissou 5, Agios Georgios 1, Agios Georgios 3, Anissaras, Agios Georgios 2/Panagia Rizi, Drapanos, Potamos, Potamos A, Kokkini Chani, Agia Pelagia / Menopetra, Kastri / Creta Maris Municipality Festou Matala LASITHI [44] Municip. Agiou Nikolaou Spiliada, Poros 1, Poros 2, Elounda, Pigaidakia Eloundas, Schisma, Elounda 1, Driros, Chiona, Plaka, Chavania 2, Agios Nikolaos 1, Agios Nikolaos 2, Agios Nikolaos 3, Ammoudi, Kitroplateia, Ammos/Marina, Almyros, Ammos/Dimotiki, Pilos, Ammoudara, Voulisma, Agios Panteleimonas, Karavostasi, Chavania 1, Mirabello Municipality Sitias Sitia 1/Galliko, Sitia 2/Petra, Vai/Finikodasos, Kouremenos, Chiona, Kato Zakros, Vourlia, Limanaki, Analipsi, Makrygialos Langoufa Municipality Ierapetras Ierapetra 1 / Dimotiki, Ierapetra 2 / Dimotiki, Agia Fotia, Myrtos, Koutsounari/Agios Ioannis, Koutsounari 2, Katharades 1, Achlia Schinokapsalon RODOS [23] Municipality Rodou Kiotari 3, Lardos 1, Lardos 3, Afantou 2, Kolymbia, Kolymbia A – Limanaki, Ammoudes/Faliraki, Kavourakia, Kallithea, Mandomata, Faliraki/Kastraki, Faliraki 1, Faliraki 2, Faliraki 3, Faliraki 4, Faliraki 5, Reni 1, Trianta B, Vagies / Ladiko, Faliraki /Kathara, Anatolika Enydriou, Galouni / Kokkinogia, Kremasti-Trianta KOS [6] Municipality Ko Gourniatis, Troulos, Akro Chelonas, Pefkokefali/Agios Fokas, Lambi, Marmari THIRA [3] Municipality Thiras Perissa, Kamari 1, Kamari 2 IOS [3] Municipality Iiton Ormos, Mylopotamos, Manganari MILOS [1] Municipality Milou Provatas SIFNOS [2] Municipality Sifnou Kamares, Platis Gialos PAROS [5] Municipality Parou Logaras, Tserdakia, Pounta, Marpissa / Chrysi Akti, Livadia NAXOS [3] Municipality Naxou Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios, Agios Georgios SYROS [1] Municip. Syrou-Ermoupolis Galissas MYKONOS [1] Municipality Mykonou Kalafatis TINOS [1] Municipality Tinou Agios Fokas ANDROS [1] Municipality Androu Delavogia KEA [1] Municipality Keas Koundouros SAMOS [2] Municipality Samou Potokaki 1, Glykoriza CHIOS [4] Municipality Chiou Agia Fotini, Karfas, Dimotiki Plaz Chiou, Agia Paraskevi LESVOS [8] Municipality Lesvos Tsamakia, Eftalou/Ag. Anargyri, Kagia, Anaxos, Agios Isidoros, Molyvos, Vatera, Kanoni Thermis LIMNOS [4] Municipality Limnou Evgatis / Zematas, Agios Ioannis, Thanos, Platy MARINAS CHALKIDIKI [2] Municipality Sithonias Marina Porto Carras, Municipality Kassandras, Marina Sani ATTIKI [2] Municipality Lavreotikis Οlympic Μarine, Municip. Paleou Falirou, Marina Flisvou LEFKADA [1] Municipality Lefkadas Marina Lefkadas CORFU/KERKYRA [1] Municipality Kerkyras Marina Gouvion LASITHI [1] Municipality Agiou Nikolaou Marina Agiou Nikolaou KOS [1] Municipality Ko Marina Ko LEROS [1] Municipality Lerou Marina Lerou

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Greek FinMin Varoufakis: Negotiations at their Most Difficult, Precarious Point

Negotiations between Greece and its creditors are now at “the most difficult…precarious point,” Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said on Wednesday. The Minister was talking to tax office employees that had gathered outside the Finance Ministry to make wage-related demands. Referring to pressures being exerted by Greece’s creditors in the context of the negotiations on a new agreement, Varoufakis said they have reached the point of saying that the government “should take all existing wages above 700 euros and bring them below 700.” The Greek government is fighting this ruthless policy and stance on a daily basis, the Minister added. He asked tax office employees to help so that the negotiations can be concluded, promising that their demands will be discussed once the negotiation is over. Concerning his earlier comment while talking to fired cleaners, in which he appeared to suggest that the government might not be in power next January, Varoufakis said that his remark had been taken out of context and given greater importance than it deserved. (source: ana-mpa)

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Holy Relics Cannot Help a Government in Confusion

The forthcoming transfer of the holy relics of Saint Barbara to the Saint Savvas Oncology Hospital and the reception of the reliquary with the ceremonial honors reserved for heads of state has created a new controversy within the leftist ruling party in Greece. At the same time it gave the opposition a splendid choice to deliver more jabs to the SYRIZA-ANEL coalition that it is fighting to gain approval from the populace and within itself. Parliamentary representative Nikos Filis sarcastically complained that during the SYRIZA administration two heads of state visited Athens and those were the Holy Light from Jerusalem and the relics of Saint Barbara. But Filis was more angered because the reliquary will be transferred to the hospital and Health Minister Panagiotis Kouroublis will be there in the welcoming ceremony. The SYRIZA MP said that this act sends the wrong message that faith can replace medicine and gives false hope to cancer patients. This is indeed the first time the transfer and reception of a holy relic is taking place in the presence of a Minister, who will stand next to the reliquary in institutional capacity. But Mr. Kouroublis has every right to worship the relic himself as a Christian. On the other hand, isn’t it ironic that the first time it happened is during the first leftist administration in Greek history? Then Filis accused junior coalition ANEL leader Panos Kammenos for giving the reliquary the honors of head of state, thereby returning to policies of previous governments. He also attacked him for refusing to vote in favor of the construction of a mosque in Athens and accused him of being against religious freedom. Kammenos replied through Twitter: “Better worship the relics of Saint Barbara, Mr. Filis, than the relics of the NH90,” he wrote, referring to the helicopters purchased in the past that are investigated for kickbacks. Filis received fire from his party as well, as MP Yiannis Michelogiannakis, who is also a doctor, said on television that worshipping holy relics has had therapeutic results in patients. He called the Filis statement an impropriety. Meanwhile, thousands of Greeks of all ages rushed to worship the holy relics of Saint Barbara that are now on display inside the church of the Athens neighborhood bearing the same name. Many youngsters were amongst them, praying for a better future, others were asking for strength to endure recession, while others were praying for their health. The relics are kept in Burano, Italy, for 1,000 years and it is the first time they are taken to a Greek Orthodox country. The Saint’s relics were given to Venice by the Byzantine Empire in the 11th century and they are of great importance to the Christian faithful. Several people have described the arrival of the reliquary in Athens as a historical event. What Mr. Filis did was a political faux pas. Loyal to the “more leftist than thou” dogma that many SYRIZA members espouse, he chose to downplay and ridicule the religious sentiment of most Greeks. It is typical of several SYRIZA Ministers and MPs to continue their brave declarations of leftism in situations where the only thing needed is good judgement. Filis’ attack is also hypocritical because on one hand he talks about the religious freedom of Muslims, regarding the building of the mosque, and on the other he indirectly scoffs his fellow partisan Kouroublis for receiving the holy relics at the oncology hospital. At the same time, he shows great disrespect to patients and relatives who expect to venerate the relic, find hope and relief in its presence, ask for strength in their suffering, as their faith dictates. The stance of the SYRIZA parliamentary representative is indicative of a government that is more concerned for its leftist agenda and ideology than for the people. Unless of course the thousands who stood in line for hours to worship the relic are not people but something else. It is also indicative of a government that is confused over who to please: The minority of dogmatic leftist voters or the majority of Greeks who are suffering after five years of recession. May the holy relics of Saint Barbara enlighten them.

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Greece Will not Be Claiming the Parthenon Marbles via Courts

Greek Alternate Culture Minister Nikos Xydakis announced that the Greek government is not planning on requesting the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum through a court procedure. “The route to requesting the return of the Parthenon Marbles is diplomatic and political,” noted Xydakis during an interview on Greek TV, noting that Amal Clooney of the Doughty Street Chambers legal firm, will be providing legal advice on the matter. “On one hand, we cannot go to court for every matter, and on the other, the outcome at the international courts is uncertain, things are never so easy,” he said, however he underlined that “the climate is slowly changing.” Amal Clooney supports the idea that Greece has a greater chance if it decides to claim the marbles via the courts, since she believes that time is running against Athens, fearing that the opportunity may not arise in the future. Furthermore, Xydakis revealed that the National Museum of Contemporary Art will open for the public by the end of the year.

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7-Billion-Euro Deposits Outflow from Greek Banks

Deposits outflow from Greek banks continued in April, reaching a total of 7 billion euros, according to Bloomberg. However, the European Central ...

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Recession’s Return Undercuts SYRIZA

After emerging from a six-year-long recession, Greece's economy has plunged back in as the government failed to make progress in talks with creditors. The post Recession’s Return Undercuts SYRIZA appeared first on The National Herald.

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Festival time: Greek, art and strawberries

Texas Children's Art Festival. Families can participate in art-making activities and interactive games at this admission-free event hosted by Bayou ...

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Growing pains: how eurozone economies are faring

The latest figures show a mixed bag for European trading partners as France leads the way in growth and Greece plunges back into recessionEurozone growth leapt ahead of the UK and US during the first three months of the year after cheap oil, a weak currency and a huge injection of funds by the European Central Bank pushed economic growth to 0.4%.With only four countries slipping backwards, the 19-member eurozone’s recovery outstripped the 0.3% growth rate recorded by the UK and 0.2% by the US in the same period. Related: Greece back in recession; Bank of England cuts growth forecast - live updates Continue reading...

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If the US economy is signalling an iceberg, bad news: we're out of lifeboats

The eurozone economy is tentatively happy – with the exception of Greece – but the US sales figures may be about to wipe the smile off its faceAs the economic news from the eurozone improves by a notch (although not in Greece, inevitably), US consumers are sending the opposite signal.Sluggish retail sales in the first quarter of the year were, we were told, caused by a cold snap. There would be a spring bounce, investors assumed, as supposedly confident Americans spent their windfalls from the lower oil price. Well, it didn’t happen in April: yesterday’s figures were flat, and the weather-related explanation is wearing thin. This could be the start of a worrying trend. Continue reading...

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Greek central govt surplus exceeds target after spending cuts

ATHENS May 13 Greece's central government recorded a primary budget surplus of 2.16 billion euros in the first four months of the year, versus a ...

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WVU Making Changes To Greek Life After Alcohol-related Death

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) - West Virginia University's new vice president for student affairs is trying to change the school's Greek life culture.

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Changes in works for WVU's Greek system

While WVU's spring semester has come to a close, several Greek policy changes will be implemented before the start of the fall semester in August.

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Eight Greek firms nominated for European Business Awards 2015

Eight Greek companies have made it through to the final event of the European Business Awards 2015, sponsored by RSM, scheduled to take place on May 26 in London.

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ELA funding to Greek banks up 8.6 pct in April

The use of so-called emergency liquidity assistance (ELA) by Greek banks rose by 8.6 percent in April from the previous month as deposit outflows continued, Bank of Greece data showed on Wednesday.

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How Greece Fell into the Eurozone Trap

His language school in Corfu was bustling with students eager to learn English or French or German before Greece joined the European Union.

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Parthenon marbles are miracles of sculpture symbolic of Greek nationhood

They have become symbolic of Greek nationhood, identity and history, a freighting so heavy that it sometimes seems to threaten to crush the delicate ...

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Wine Pairing: A Greek feast full of surprises

While wine has been part of Greek culture for many thousands of years, most of the 20th century was focused on mass producing relatively cheap ...

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History a casualty in Yemen's war as bombs smash ancient sites

By Noah Browning and Mohammed Ghobari DUBAI/CAIRO (Reuters) - Folklore calls Yemen the cradle of the Arabs but its ancient heritage is being destroyed as the Arab world's most powerful states bomb Houthi rebels in the impoverished country. Air strikes this week on the Shi'ite Muslim militia's northern stronghold of Saada by a Saudi-led Sunni Muslim alliance partly razed the city's 1,200-year old Hadi Mosque, the oldest seat of Shi'ite learning in the Arabian Peninsula. Ancient stucco buildings in the medieval coffee-trading port of Zabid on the Red Sea lie in ruins, while pro-Saudi tribesmen and the Iran-allied Houthis clash in central Yemen beside a shrine said to have been built by the Biblical Queen of Sheba. The pre-Islamic walled city of Barakish in Yemen's north, capital of a trade empire which sent Arabian incense to perfume the temples of ancient Greece and Rome, has also been bombed as the alliance tries in vain to reverse Houthi gains.

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Greek Banks Well Equipped for Crisis Says ECB’s Nouy

FRANKFURT—Europe’s top banking supervisor said Greek lenders have never been better equipped to deal with the country’s financial crisis, in a show of confidence in the debt-laden state’s banks, which have been stressed by fleeing deposits and ...

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Eleni Antoniadou Wants To Change Medicine Forever -- And She's Only 27

Eleni Antoniadou, 27, is an extraordinary young scientist who hopes to change the face of medicine. Named one of Forbes magazine's 30 Under 30 in health care this year, Antoniadou is the co-founder of the startup Transplants Without Donors, which aims to jumpstart the use of lab-generated organs in clinical transplants. In 2011, she directly contributed to research that enabled the world’s first successful completely artificial organ transplant, helping to craft an artificial trachea for a 36-year-old late-stage cancer patient. Her burgeoning research career has seen remarkable success at every stage: While continuing her graduate work in regenerative medicine at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, she was selected to participate in courses at the NASA Academy, where she remains a visiting researcher. In 2013, Antoniadou was named Woman of the Year at the 2013 British FDM Everywoman in Technology Awards, and in 2014 was a laureate of the Cartier Women’s Initiative Award for her work in bioengineering. Despite the well-earned honors she has received -- and her role at NASA -- Antoniadou expresses a remarkably earthbound and focused vision for the future. HuffPost Greece sat down with the pioneering scientist to talk about her work, her passion and her vision for the next decade. What is it you most hope to personally achieve in the next 10 years? In the next 10 years, I hope to contribute to the development of artificial organs as an alternative therapy for transplants. At the same time, I hope to contribute to the sensitizing of society to the acceptance of innovative technologies in clinical practice, and the eradication of stereotypes that stem from a lack of knowledge. And personally, the possibility of having or adopting a child would be a daring and exciting undertaking! What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in the past year? My experiences on humanitarian missions in developing countries, where I met victims of the organ black market in their ruthless battle for survival, have made me completely re-evaluate what a challenge is, on a personal level. However, it is also extremely difficult for me to be a passive observer to the hardships of my dear friends in Greece, which is going through a humanitarian crisis. Who has been the biggest role model in your adult life? I avoid making people out to be role models in life because that perspective may garner unrealistic expectations. However, I am always inspired by people who live with kindness, generosity and humility, who honestly recognize their weaknesses but have the courage to envision the world with a potential of infinite choices for all. I think the creation of role models is an endless battle, one which we alone are exclusively called on to fight. What is a story you wish the media would do a better job of covering? I believe we need examples of inventiveness, helping others and inspiring others. Because coverage of scientific discoveries in the media are so limited, innovations in science and space exploration become conflated with grand, abstract theories and space-time quandaries. We need to enrich this perception by publicizing the practical applications of scientific discoveries in daily life. For example, how many people know that artificial limbs, devices for ventricular assistance for heart transplants, light transmitting diodes for the therapy of cancer, enriched baby food and water filters are all technologies that were developed as part of space program experimentation? Which living person do you most admire? I especially admire the strength and soul of people who have, with courage and determination, overcome important difficulties without altering their character. Some distinctive cases for me are Katie Piper, who was attacked with acid in 2008, and, more recently, the parents of a newborn infant who was unfortunately born brain-dead in Hammersmith Hospital in London and who found the wherewithal to donate their child's organs, saving two child patients (the first infant organ donation, in January 2015). What advice would you give a young person trying to decide what to do with their life? To armor themselves with knowledge, to have faith in themselves and adaptability, and to pursue being in an environment that pushes them to evolve. What are you most thankful for? I am extremely grateful for my health and the love which I have received from my family, but mostly to people unknown to me, whose generosity has galvanized my faith in a better future. Where do you get your news from? Apart from The Huffington Post (I am part of their microcosm of bloggers, after all!), I try to filter the barrage of information that comes from sources and social media. I suffer from information overload! What is the cause or issue that you are most interested in seeing solved over the next 10 years? I would be happy if, through technological innovations, we could ensure access to pharmaceutical and medical care and knowledge to all people around the Earth. What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? I open the window, take a deep breath and look at the sky. What do you do to de-stress, recharge and stay balanced? Depending on the circumstances, I walk by the sea, I fall in the arms of the people I love, I listen to beautiful melodies and I read beloved books. Finish this sentence: In the year 2025, we will… ? …have equal rights and obligations among all people without stereotypes and prejudices; we will have managed to fix genetic anomalies in infants through stem cell transplants before they are even born; we will have founded clinical centers to transplant artificial organs of partial complexity and we will have sent a manned space mission further than the International Space Station. What current trend do you think we'll look back on in ten years in disbelief? I believe 2025 will mark a transitional period for the complete or partial adoption of innovative technologies where it will be considered absurd for driving to be allowed in overpopulated city centers. The weight of domestic work will be placed on robotic assistants which will execute them with exactitude and swiftness, improving quality of life. It will be unthinkable to not have a medical file for every citizen that comes with preventative checks for possible predisposition factors. The adoption of the applications of regenerative medicine, bio-nanotechnology and the capability to store stem cells in statutory bio-banks will mark the realization of individualized therapies designed specifically for each patient, thus negating the need for generalized clinical practices that are only partially effective. How many hours of sleep do you get each night? How important has sleep been in your life? Of course sleep is especially important; it is the source of our energy and food for our imagination! Because I have studied the circadian rhythm and its effect on our health and the cycle of sleep-wake of astronauts, I try to adhere to scientific directives! I usually go to sleep at 1 a.m. and wake up and 7 a.m. What do you value the most? What I value the most is the kindness that stems from those who have a great supply of love for, and the will to help, others; for those who sacrifice their self-interest to help a stranger, and can embrace any version of man. This piece was originally published on HuffPost Greece and was translated into English. It was adapted for an American audience. -- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

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Poor European close, Greece running out of time

CNBC CNBC's Simon Hobbs reports on all the market moving events in Europe today, including the bond market selloff moving into equities.

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Greece drops option of legal action in British Museum Parthenon marbles row

Cultural minister makes revelation despite dossier from human rights lawyers exhorting the Greek government to pursue legal channels immediatelyGreece has ruled out taking legal action in its battle to reclaim the Parthenon marbles from Britain. The unexpected move abruptly ends the legal battle in one of the world’s most bitter cultural disputes. Related: Parthenon marbles are miracles of sculpture symbolic of Greek nationhood Continue reading...

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Eurozone Economy Improves, but Finland and Greece Lag

Greece, crushed by the budget austerity demanded by its European partners in order to obtain bailout funds, had barely started to recover from five ...

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White House: Debt crisis is 'ultimately' Greece's 'responsibility'

White House press secretary Josh Earnest said that US Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew is in touch with European leaders "with some regularity" on the Greek debt crisis. Replying to a question by news organisation Newsmax, he said that "ultimately, it ...

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Greek Alt. Social Security Minister: SYRIZA Will not Come to an Agreement Cancelling the Program

“I believe that SYRIZA will not come to an agreement that will cancel basic aspects of the program,” Greek Alternate Minister for Social Security Dimitris Stratoulis said in statements to Real FM on Wednesday. “Manoeuvres are always done, certain ...

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Summer Greece Travelers: Try Nisyros

  When asking Greek-Americans in New York the oft-asked question “what part of Greece are you from,” the answer, a great deal of the time, is: Nisyros. One would think, then, that Nisyros is a big Greek city, like Athens or Thessaloniki. Or a large island, like Crete or Rhodes. Well, it’s an island, all […] The post Summer Greece Travelers: Try Nisyros appeared first on The National Herald.

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Why Greece is Different

The IMF seems ready to throw in the towel – not least because of the recent revelation that Greece could post a small primary budget deficit (which ...

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Greek Gov’t Vice President Discusses Liquidity with Heads of Banks

The liquidity of the banking sector, the contribution of banks in the fight against tax evasion, the improvement of public revenues collection and the more efficient use of development actions dominated a meeting between Government Vice-President Yiannis Dragasakis and the board of Hellenic Bank Association on Wednesday. During the meeting, the officials decided to set up a committee that in the next 30 days will draft a strategic plan for the development of digital transactions in Greece and the drastic limitation of cash. They also decided a further cooperation aiming at the best use of the opportunities arising from a series of development initiatives (“Juncker investment plan,” various European programs, etc.) Dragasakis was also briefed on the course of the implementation of the government plan to set up a National Development Bank. Finally, they discussed the government’s intention to explore the opportunities for Greece’s participation in the New Development Bank of BRICS after the relevant proposal submitted to our country. (source: ana-mpa)

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Greece’s Creditors Request 3-Billion-Euro Budget Cuts

There have been major developments in the negotiations between Greece and its creditors so that the two parties can reach an agreement as soon as possible, reported Bloomberg. According to the international agency, which cites information from a European official, the Greek government must take new austerity measures “to raise at least three billion euros through additional fiscal measures by the end of this year to meet the minimum budget targets acceptable by creditors.” However, Bloomberg poses an interesting question. How will the Greek government take additional fiscal measures when it is so committed against austerity? “The reductions would bring the primary budget surplus in 2015 to just over 1% of gross domestic product, a target Greek Interior Minister Nikos Voutsis said today is acceptable. Without any change in fiscal policy, Greece would end 2015 with a budget deficit of about 0.5 percent of GDP, the official said. The so-called primary budget balance doesn’t include interest payments,” noted the article. According to Bloomberg there are still may differences to be resolved. At the moment the two parties are disagreeing on “the retirement age, pension cuts, privatizations and the government’s intention to reinstate collective bargaining restrictions in the labor market.” Meanwhile, the Greek Finance Ministry representative declined to comment on the reports regarding the new austerity measures that the creditors are requesting.  

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Greek prime minister to hold key ministerial meeting as data confirm economy back in recession

Greece's prime minister will chair his second ministerial meeting in two days, as official data confirm the cash-strapped country's economy is back in recession amid concern over much-delayed bailout talks with international creditors.

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Greek banks tap more emergency funding in April

Emergency funding from the Greek central bank, which is more costly than borrowing from the European Central Bank, rose to 74.37 billion euros ...

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The Greek Bailout Crisis Didn't Have to Happen. Here's How to Avoid the Next One.

The Greek debt crisis is like the movie Groundhog Day, except it doesn't look very likely to end with an epiphany. It's not surprising that, once again, ...

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Greek Subways Show Nazi Occupation Film

NBC News Screens in subway stations across Athens are screening a government-backed film demanding World War II reparations from Germany.

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Ex PM Simitis had no idea about the Kickbacks-Party of his Defense Minister

Former Prime Minister Kostas Simitis appeared before the court handling the appeal of former Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos against his sentence for money laundering and bribery in the Greek Defense Ministry. Testifying in front of the five members of the Court of Appeal for Felonies, ex PM Simitis stated among […]

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Greek islands struggle with refugee influx

The Aegean Islands are a major landing point for refugees on their way to Europe. The islanders are scrambling to cope with the new arrivals in the midst of Greece's financial crisis. Joanna Kakissis reports from Leros.

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Eurozone returns to healthy growth after QE bounce – but what next?

Businesses let out a sigh of relief after Mario Draghi’s £1.1tn quantitative easing programme but questions remain over future sustainabilityThere’s a return to healthy growth in the eurozone. Surprised? It’s called the QE bounce.First the head of the central bank says he will inject £1.1tn into the 19-member economic bloc under a programme of quantitative easing (QE). Next, bank lending gets easier. More importantly, businesses breathe a sigh of relief, realising that after four years of austerity someone has put serious money behind the eurozone’s recovery. Related: Greece back in recession; Bank of England cuts growth forecast - live updates Related: Schäuble's subplot – a Grexit, it seems, no longer worries Germany Continue reading...

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