Unfavorable climate in the EU

Government officials are very pleased because they no longer feel the tight grip of the fiscal straitjacket imposed on them by GREECE'S creditors.

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.ekathimerini.com

Blowing up the Parthenon: the power of a symbol

It has been used as a barricade and an arsenal, or storage place for gunpowder, by GREECE'S enemies. In 1687 an Ottoman ammunition pile was ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT theconversation.com

Qatar eager to grow business ties with GREECE

Qatar is planning an economic and diplomatic overture to GREECE as part of its new extrovert policy following its economic isolation by other states in ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.ekathimerini.com

Foreign firms niche in on Greek property

Over 6,000 properties in GREECE have already been advertised on the ferimmo.de platform, even though it was only set up in October. The startup's ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.ekathimerini.com

GREEK Orthodox centennial and bake sale draws a crowd

Bake sale customers sought out GREEK and Middle Eastern favorites ranging from cheese bread, spinach pie, hummus, olives and feta cheese to ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.newstrib.com

Amber L: Court seeks response from GREEK embassy

The court has issued a notice to the GREEK embassy asking whether they can guarantee the sailors' return to India for trial,” said advocate Sujesh ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Most Greeks still struggle to make ends meet, want snap polls: survey

Even though GREECE exited the bailout programs era this summer, after eight years, 52 percent of respondents in the poll conducted by polling firm ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.china.org.cn

Meet Greek pilot Kosmas Chalaris, NATO’s “Best Warrior”

He was voted during NATO's 18-3 Tactical Leadership Program (TLP)

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT en.protothema.gr

Stock Focus: QI Valuation Update on GREEK Organization of Football Prognostics SA (ATSE:OPAP ...

GREEK Organization of Football Prognostics S.A. (ATSE:OPAP) has a current ERP5 Rank of 2812. The ERP5 Rank may aid investors with spotting ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT cantoncaller.com

“The Skier” crowned best at GREECE Olympia festival

TEHRAN – Iranian director Fereidun Najafi's “The Skier” won the best film award at the Olympia International Film Festival for Children and Young ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.tehrantimes.com

Thessaloniki University Students Plead for Help as Campus is Marred by Drug Dealing and ...

Your children, the younger generation that everyone says they are the future of GREECE, is becoming day by day accustomed to a new “normality”: that ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com

Greeks Rank as the 4th Most Religious People in Europe According to Survey

File photo. GREECE ranks fourth among 34 European countries in having the most religious citizens, according to a survey conducted by the Pew ...

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GREEK doctors and hospital staff on work stoppage between 11:00-15:00 on Monday

The National Federation of Unions of GREEK Doctors (OENGEG) and the Hellenic Federation of Public Hospital Workers (POEDIN) decided on Friday a ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.tornosnews.gr

Poll: 62% of GREEKS Want Early Elections, 52% Hardly Get By

One in two GREEKS (52 percent) claim they hardly get by, while 62 percent say they want early elections, a new opinion poll says. In the survey ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com

The First Sex Robot Was Conceived in Ancient Greece

In an excerpt from her new book, Gods & Robots, a deep and lively look at how GREEK and other early mythologies conceived of artificial intelligence ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT gizmodo.com

Migrants tell of stories of ill treatment by Greek officials

Migrants who have been pushed back into Turkey by Greek authorities tell the details of abuse they have been subjected to by the European country. All the migrants are believed to have frozen to death ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.hurriyetdailynews.com

Greeks Trust Their Army, Schools, But Not Politicians

ATHENS – With Greeks having essentially given up on politicians, they still trust some institutions, with the Army at the top of the list, according […] The post Greeks Trust Their Army, Schools, But Not Politicians appeared first on The National Herald.

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Alt. Minister of Foreign Affairs G. Katrougalos’ interview on “Russia Today” with journalist S. Shevardnadze (Moscow, 7 December 2018)

JOURNALIST: George Katrougalos, thank you for being with us today on our programme. It’s a pleasure. Welcome to Moscow. G. KATROUGALOS: The pleasure is mine. JOURNALIST: Lots to talk about. Prime Minister Tsipras and President Putin are set to discuss the TurkStream natural gas pipeline project, which has a possible extension to Greece. I understand, Moscow is yet to decide whether this will go through Bulgaria or Greece. How do you think your Prime Minister will convince Putin that it’s more profitable for Russia to tilt towards Greece rather than Bulgaria? G. KATROUGALOS: Well, it will not be the only issue, or maybe not even the most important issue that the leaders are going to discuss. This is not the first time that they meet. Look, we have in mind an economic model, in which Greece is becoming a hub, not just for logistics and transport, but also for energy. So, we are quite open to the possibility of having a lot of pipelines going through our soil. And I think, it’s also to the interest of the Russian Federation. We have common interests. There are some legal objections from Brussels, regarding the feasibility of that… JOURNALIST: We’ll get to Brussels, but why, do you think, Russia should go for Greece rather than Bulgaria? G. KATROUGALOS: There are many technical reasons regarding the feasibility aspects of the project. We have better infrastructure than our neighbours. But ok, this is up to the Russian Federation to decide. JOURNALIST: Ok, let’s talk about Brussels. Your prime minister has also been talking to Brussels about Greece getting a TurkStream pipeline. Do you think he can push it through? Do you think, Brussels will agree and support this? G. KATROUGALOS: There are many similarities between the legal conditions regarding North Stream and TurkStream. So, and as we always say, whatever happens with the first should apply to the other. So it’s not a difficult situation for us. What we say to the European Commission is that we must have the same standards. JOURNALIST: Then there’s Hungary, which is also hoping to benefit from the project and is demanding from Brussels to ‘stop putting spokes in its wheel’. Do you think this is what Brussels is doing - putting spokes in the wheel? G. KATROUGALOS: You should ask the Hungarians about that. JOURNALIST: Yes, but you’re an observer. G. KATROUGALOS: We’re not an observer. The European Union is our home. But what we’re also trying to do is to build bridges between European Union and Russia, which has traditional ties of friendship with us. What we’re trying to do is mutually beneficial not just for us and the Russian Federation, but for the European Union as well. JOURNALIST: I wouldn’t expect any other answer from a foreign minister. For us it’s interesting to observe how different members of the European Union, within this big EU family, are maneuvering or reacting to this or that project, especially the gas pipelines when it comes to Russia. Because you know that historically the gas pipelines that go from Russia to Europe have met opposition and resistance, like, for instance, the South Stream pipeline, another gas project, went down due to the EU Commission opposition… G. KATROUGALOS: Look, we have some fundamentals in our foreign policy: to respect international law, European law and law in general. But besides that, we believe that the only way to settle disputes is through political dialogue and also by building economic ties. Therefore, we regard economic diplomacy as a natural complement of 'normal', political diplomacy. We do not believe that the 'Russophobia' that exists in some minds today, is the right way to treat the differences between the European Union and Russia. JOURNALIST: Then, there’s the German approach, for instance. When Brussels and Washington were scolding Germany for building the North Stream 2, the Germans argued “you know what, we’ll take care of this on our own, thank you”, they were very firm about it. Do you think Greece can have a same sort of position if it is pressured from Brussels? G. KATROUGALOS: Brussels is not pressing - Brussels has legal opinions. And you know that if you have two lawyers sometimes you have three opinions. But this case it’s not so much about the judicial aspect, it’s more about interests. The European Union, like Russia has interests. We’re very much aligned with Germany on this. And we’re very much aligned with the position that, whatever happens with the North Stream there’s no reason for it not to happen with the TurkStream and any other pipeline in the same legal position. JOURNALIST: TurkStream right now is a hot topic for Russia, that’s why I’m talking about it so much. Ok, you’re saying that there’s no pressure from Brussels. Just legal points of view. But there are certainly a lot of opinions coming from America. For instance, America is saying that the TurkStream is threatening Europe’s energy security. But the pipeline will be able to supply 31.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Europe. When America tells Europe not to have that, does it have an understanding of Europe’s energy needs? G. KATROUGALOS: Well, the United States have their own opinion. But if you compare the amount of gas that's going through North Stream and the amount of gas that is going to pass through TurkStream, you’ll realise that a very small percentage corresponds to the latter. So, if we are to take into account the American concerns, what is important is the North Stream, not the TurkStream. If there are political concerns of others, the decision's up to us Europeans to see to our interests and through our own legal framework. JOURNALIST: But you started this interview saying that you think Greece should be like a hub, that there should be multiple pipelines going through Greece. And the U.S. is saying that the TurkStream project won’t increase energy diversification. Meanwhile, the United States is offering natural gas, which is more expensive than what Greece is currently getting. Do you think Greece is willing to pay the price gap for diversification? G. KATROUGALOS: This is exactly my point. I said that our home is the European Union, but we are trying to follow a multidimensional economic and political diplomacy. When I’m saying is that we want to be a energy hub of many pipelines. I have in mind pipelines coming from the Caspian, pipelines coming from the Middle East… JOURNALIST: East Med? G. KATROUGALOS: EastMed. I also have in mind the possibilities of receiving energy from the United States. This is the position we have. We want to be a kind of a natural bridge between Asia, Africa, Europe, and this is to the benefit of everybody and not against the interests of anybody else. JOURNALIST: I want to talk a little bit about East Med, and I want to understand the logic a little more. This East Med is also supposed to run through Greece from Israel, but the TurkStream 2 will deliver gas sooner and cheaper. Does it make sense to build another pipeline just for diversification, when the needs of gas supply are met? G. KATROUGALOS: We’re speaking about economic diplomacy and not just about gains and losses, exactly because in issues like the energy security -what the national economies are going to win, strategic interests, legal framework, European law- all that is intertwined and cannot be dealt with in as isolated. And one of the reasons we want to have this multidimensional economic diplomacy is exactly because we want to have, at the political level, a multidimensional diplomacy, in order also to to protect our national interests. I think we’re quite serious and not in contradiction with ourselves when we’re following these goals. JOURNALIST: In May The European Commission and Gazprom reached an agreement, which obliges Gazprom to provide as much gas as needed, at competitive prices to Europe. With this agreement reached, with the European supply now cheap and secure, is the diversification still an issue? G. KATROUGALOS: Yes, diversification is always an issue. It’s like if you’re an investor -you do not want to put all your money in one project, even if it is a blue chip. You must have the possibility to enjoy a diversity of energy resources, so that any political turmoil wont potentially have a serious impact on your national interests. JOURNALIST: You know, sanctions are sour point for us, Russians. The European countries are united on the question of anti-Russian sanctions, whether they be friendly towards Russia or not, they all are for anti-Russia sanctions. But when it comes to gas, they don’t mind having a piece of the Gazprom pie. Does it make a little bit harder to argue for sanctions when you’re at the same time getting…? G. KATROUGALOS: I will not agree with, first of all, saying that all European countries have, let’s say, the same standing on this issue. Once the decision is taken, all of us must respect it because, as I said, the European Union is our common home, and the rule-based diplomacy must apply for everybody. Respecting decisions is part of the rules. But every time Greece discusses, in the organs of the European Union, the issue of sanctions, we always argue that sanctions are not productive and that the only productive way to re-incorporate Russia in the European system of security- which is our common ultimate goal- is through political dialogue. We’re, therefore, trying to be very constructive with this, be the real bridge between the European Union and Russia. But, I repeat, once a decision is taken, it should be respected. JOURNALIST: I want to talk about Cyprus a little bit, because it also could become another gas producer in the region and has already announced drilling plans. But Turkey obviously has a problem with that. It says, actually, to stay away from Cypriot gas until a political solution is found for the divided island. But, do you think, maybe, the economic benefits from drilling can help find a political solution quicker? G. KATROUGALOS: There is only one thing that takes precedence over the national interests of states, and this is International Law. Because it’s only through respect of international law that we can have an organized international community. Hence, what the Cypriot Republic is exactly doing is exercising its rights, its sovereign rights, which are in conformity with International Law and especially the Law of the Sea. And the reaction of Turkey's is not something understandable. Explained by reasons of different conflicting interests, it’s something that everybody should reject, exactly because it’s in violation of International Law. So, on issues like these, it's not if something is profitable or not, it is about if it is legal or not. JOURNALIST: So you have said, I am quoting your right now, that Ankara’s reaction to this issue is “erratic”, and it’s a demonstration of weakness. Does Athens have a stronger position on this issue, and can it push Ankara? G. KATROUGALOS: I am really flattered that I am quoted by you, but… JOURNALIST: I prepared well for the interview, did you not see that? G. KATROUGALOS: It’s obvious. What I said is that when you’re provocative, when it is clear that you are trying to, let’s say, project power, this is really an implicit proof that you are not strong, that you’re weak. And the weakness is exactly in this activity that goes against International Law. And it is not just us that say that. In March this year, the European Council, the Council of the leaders of the European Union, characterized as illegal, as contrary to International Law, such practices of Turkey. And when I am talking about a weakness on the part of our neighbours -with whom we want to have a peaceful relation- is exactly a weakness stemming from the fact that they’re acting against International Law. And they’re isolated because of this practice. JOURNALIST: So another issue in the relations between Athens and Ankara is Greek territorial waters. Greece wants to expand their maritime borders, according to the UN convention that would, actually, give it the right to do so - but Ankara is saying: “Well, we haven’t signed this Convention”, so they’re not having any of that. How far is Greece willing to push with this? I mean, this could create a pretty nervous situation, no? G. KATROUGALOS: You said that this stems from the international treaty, that is has been signed now by practically all countries of the world, besides Turkey… JOURNALIST: But Turkey! G. KATROUGALOS: But Turkey, exactly. And, you know that International Law, as it is said, is the sum of a general acceptance of rules that becomes law not just by treaty, but also by custom, customary law. So we consider that Turkey has a duty to respect our sovereign right to expand our territorial waters. But there is something more than that, and this is a demonstration of my claim that Turkey is not acting within international law. Turkey, not recently, to be exact, by decision of its National Assembly that dates back some decades, said that they regard as casus belli the exercise of our inalienable right to extend our territorial waters. This threat of use of violence is against something even more fundamental than the Law of the Sea: the Charter of the United Nations. If we want to have a peaceful cooperation, then the absolute necessity, the condition, is not to consider war as a possibility of advancing politics by other means. And every nation that threatens a neighbor with war, with use of violence, by this act, it’s putting itself out of the international legal order. JOURNALIST: So, according to some recent reports, Greece is also seeking to invoke the mutual assistance clause of the Lisbon Treaty, to stress that its maritime borders are also those of the EU. How willing do you think Brussels will be to back you on that? G. KATROUGALOS: This is an idea of President Macron that we are backing. He’s speaking about European sovereignty, that has as basis the Article of the EU Treaty -Article 42 paragraph 7- which similar to the Article 5 of NATO, that says practically that every European country which comes under attack, has the right to ask the assistance of its allies, of the members of the European Union. We consider it a self-evident obligation of the European Union to protect its borders, because the borders of the European Union are the borders of all country-members. And this is one of the reasons that we are supporting European defence capacity. Recently, President Macron and Chancellor Merkel spoke about a European army. Maybe it’s early to speak about that, but this vision of a Europe which protects its member states and its citizens, is a vision of Europe that we share with France. JOURNALIST: But from whom? You have NATO. What do you need your army for? G. KATROUGALOS: NATO did not protect us up untill now from threats like these, exactly because Turkey is also a member of NATO. JOURNALIST: So do you think a European army would be an alternative to NATO?G. KATROUGALOS: No. European defence is going to be complementary to NATO. We remain members of NATO and one of the few members that comply with the obligation to pay 2% of their budget for defence. But as I said, we do not want to have an alliance against Turkey, this is not our rationale. What we want is to be friends with Turkey. But that presupposes respect, mutual respect of law. We cannot be friends if we do not have agreement on the rules that we’re going to follow. JOURNALIST: You know what I always wondered, I mean, you, Greece and Turkey, are both members of NATO. Do you think that’s what, essentially, keeps you away from a military confrontation with each other? G. KATROUGALOS: I don’t think that Turkey has in mind a military confrontation, that would be suicidal. And in any case, what we want is to engage them in a dialogue which has, as final goal, to resolve our issues exactly by peaceful means through political dialogue. And we hope that we can achieve such a goal. JOURNALIST: I want to talk a bit about the migrant crisis, and Greece has been hit very hard by the influx of migrants into Europe. But then the EU-Turkey refugee deal, sort of, eased the burden for Greece. Could antagonising Turkey actually lead to the failure of this agreement, return of the crisis, maybe? G. KATROUGALOS: No, no. This agreement between the European Union and Turkey is, exactly, a useful example of how cooperation between European Union and Turkey, between us and Turkey, can be mutually beneficial. Of course, migration cannot be treated as a national issue, it is a global issue. And especially within the confines of the European Union, it should be treated as a European one. This aspect of our way of thinking -a collective way of engaging everybody- is something that we think will finally be beneficial, again, for everybody. JOURNALIST: Looking westwards now, the Greek economy is yet to fully recover from all the bailout trauma it went through, and a lot of banks are still in heavy debts. Are you confident in the country, do you think it is steering through and staying afloat? G. KATROUGALOS: Yes. Now we have fully recovered, we have 6 consecutive quarters of growth, last quarter we had a growth of 2.2%. Projections for next year are for a growth of 2.5%. Of course, we still have in the Greek society the accumulation of 8 years of misery, but we’re starting to leave all that behind us. And not just economically. Getting out of the programs of readjustment is also a return to full democratic control of the fate of our nation. So, both at the levels of democracy and economy, we have really turned a page after August. JOURNALIST: SYRIZA has been brought to power in Greece by disillusioned voters fed up with regular faces in politics. Do you think all of this... you are part of a common pan-European trend of shaking up the conventional establishment? G. KATROUGALOS: It is not just the Greek voters, the Greek citizens, that are feeling disenchanted by what’s happening in Europe. Even the European Commission… JOURNALIST: That’s what I’m saying, it’s a huge pan-European movement. G. KATROUGALOS: I am re-confirming that, and I am saying that even the European Commission in its recent White Book on the future of Europe, argues that we are the first generation of Europeans who fear that our children are going to have a worse life than we do. And we see this feeling in the recent situation in France, in the -let’s say- reversal of the political system in countries that we considered to be very politically-stable. So, what is for sure is that this dismantlement of the welfare state, this explosion of inequalities cannot continue like that. The real question is whether these challenges will be met by a progressive response -as the one that we are trying to build in European alliance with other powers, of Ecology, of Social Democracy- or whether these dark forces that aspire to return Europe in a golden nationalistic past that never existed, are going to prevail again. Therefore, we are speaking about two Europes that are going to face each other in the next European elections. And we believe that the Europe of progress, of openness, of human rights and freedoms is going to prevail. JOURNALIST: So… Why do you think that in Greece, the popular discontent movement actually resulted in a left government, and then everywhere else in Europe in the right, Trump-style? G. KATROUGALOS: Well, it is not universal, what we are saying… Look at what’s happening in the UK, or even at the United States. This feeling of the working class that their demands are not met, it -as I said- can be faced either by the left of by the right. I was reading in the Wall Street Journal a poll saying that for the first time socialism is not a bad word for the Americans. This is something new. If you look at the program of Corbyn, or Sanders, you’re going to see their political positions some years ago would have been considered suicidal for those who state them. So, I trust that we can have in all counties, especially in those Meccas of international capitalism, real responses for the big majority, for the working class and the middle class. JOURNALIST: George Katrougalos, thank you for this interview, and good luck with everything. G. KATROUGALOS: Thank you.

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Akinci increasingly isolated over federal fixation

In a recent interview with the GREEK Cypriot daily Politis, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu laid bare his disagreement with Akinci.

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT cyprus-mail.com

Geopolitical Stakes Are Huge On This Tiny Island

The specter of a rumored U.S. military buildup in Cyprus that would draw a major Russian response now adds to the ongoing GREEK Cypriot-Turkish ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT oilprice.com

Hanukkah's Lessons for Today

Amidst political infighting among different Jewish groups, the GREEK-Syrians took control, defiling the Holy Temple and erecting in it statues of GREEK ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.bozemandailychronicle.com

GREEK Side Re-Enter Boyata Race – Reports

According to the SundayPost, GREEK side Olympiacos are renewing their interest in Celtic Star Dedryck Boyata. Celtic are likely to be tested in January ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT celtsarehere.com

Pope Theodore II opens seat of GREEK Orthodox Patriarchate at Monastery of Saint Saba

Pope of the GREEK Orthodox Patriarchate for Alexandria and Africa Theodore II on Friday opened the old seat of the GREEK Orthodox Patriarchate at the ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT ww.egyptindependent.com

Lawlessness on the rise at GREEK universities

In the latest incident in a GREEK university campus, unknown persons caused extensive damage at the Athens University campus at the eastern suburb ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.ekathimerini.com

GREEK academics call for revision of Article 16

Leading academics from local and foreign institutions have signed an open letter urging Greece's leftist-led government to green-light the review of the ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.ekathimerini.com

Unmarked police car strikes, kills pedestrian in upstate NY

GREECE, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a pedestrian was struck and killed by an unmarked police car in upstate New York. The Monroe County sheriff's ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT wbng.com

Parma woman, 52, struck, killed by GREECE police officer

Parma, N.Y. — A 52-year-old Parma woman was struck and killed by a GREECE Police officer Saturday night along West Ridge Road. Deputies from ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT news4sanantonio.com

Deputies: GREECE PD investigator's vehicle strikes and kills pedestrian

Monroe County Deputies say that an on-duty GREECE Police investigator struck and killed a pedestrian near Spencerport on Saturday night.

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.wxxinews.org

Time too short to agree terms of reference by year’s end, Greek minister says

There is not enough time for laying down the terms of reference for new Cyprus talks by the end of December, Greece’s Alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Katrougalos has said. The UN chief has ...

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After FYROM Feud, Tspiras, Putin Kiss and Make Up

At the same time he’s reaching out to the United States, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has mended fences with Russia after expelling two diplomats […] The post After FYROM Feud, Tspiras, Putin Kiss and Make Up appeared first on The National Herald.

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FYROM Will Remove “Macedonians Abroad” Tag from Greece Name Deal

ATHENS – Trying to smooth over a row with Greece, lawmakers in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) will make another change to their […] The post FYROM Will Remove “Macedonians Abroad” Tag from Greece Name Deal appeared first on The National Herald.

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Mitsotakis Will Unveil His Economic Plan for “All Greeks”

ATHENS – With an election year looming and his party holding a big lead in surveys, major opposition New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he […] The post Mitsotakis Will Unveil His Economic Plan for “All Greeks” appeared first on The National Herald.

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Judaism, Haredi Intolerance, and Greek Culture

Judaism has engaged and locked horns with Greek culture for thousands of years. Alexander the Great permitted the Judeans to worship freely. But then the rival successor dynasties of the Ptolemies in ...

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Parma woman pedestrian fatally struck by vehicle driven by Greece Police Investigator

A 52-year-old Parma woman was struck and killed on West Ridge Rd. around 9 p.m. Saturday night by an unmarked police vehicle driven by an on-duty Greece Police Investigator, according to the Monroe Co...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.democratandchronicle.com

The first step has been taken in Moscow

While the ice might not have melted in the relations between Greece and Russia in the frozen Moscow during the visit of the Greek Prime Minister it was a first step in the right d

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Alexis Tsipras in Marrakesh for the Conference on the UN Global Compact for Migration

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will be in Marrakech Morocco on 1011 December 2018 to attend the Intergovernmental Conference on the UN Global Compact for Safe Orderly and

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT balkaneu.com

Celtic stopper Dedryck Boyata ‘wanted’ by Olympiacos as Greek giants weigh-up second bid in January window

OLYMPIACOS are set to renew their interest in Dedryck Boyata. The Celtic defender was the subject of a failed £7million bid by the Greek giants in the summer and now they are weighing up an improved o...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.thescottishsun.co.uk

Greece's hopes for Brexit

What would you do if you lost something that you really, really wanted back, and then fate handed you a way to get it? As Europe faces Brexit, that's the question facing Greece. More than 200 ...

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The heartbreaking image that spurred a Hamilton woman to help refugees

She chose GREECE as she'd read it had the highest population of refugees in Europe due to it being so close to Turkey, with Lesbos being one of the ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.nzherald.co.nz

BREAKING: One woman dead after being hit by police officer

Police say around 9 p.m. Saturday, a Rochester woman was walking along route 104 when she was struck by the car of an on-duty GREECE Police ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.rochesterfirst.com

War and peace: Pericles' fascinating journey from GREECE to the Bronx

What started as a graduate school dissertation turned into a very personal project for Perry Rizopoulos. Just a few years after graduating as Manhattan ...

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European Union preventing extension of Turkstream to GREECE: Tsipras

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras voiced his country's interest to be part of the TurkStream project, saying it will increase GREECE'S role in the ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.trtworld.com

Yorgos Lanthimos, ​director of The Lobster, on his wild, star-studded life of Queen Anne

He went to film school in GREECE, expecting a career making commercials. Now, he's made an award-winning period drama starring Olivia Colman, ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.theguardian.com

Greek top-500 companies generated impressive profits in 2017

GREECE'S 500 most profitable companies in 2017 generated impressive returns according to the figures stemming from their financial reports as ...

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Giorgos Katrougalos in New York and Washington

More specifically, discussions will focus on the wider Balkan region and the Mediterranean area, the prospects and the role of GREECE in the promotion ...

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EBRD: TAP pipeline a great opportunity to give up use of coal in GREECE

TAP, along with TANAP, is part of the Southern Gas Corridor project which will carry gas from the rich fields of Shah Deniz to GREECE and southern Italy ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.tornosnews.gr

Where is the CN: GREECE

Sheryl Epple of Defiance and Lynette Hitt of Oakwood are shown with a copy of The Crescent-News while visiting the Meteora in GREECE recently.

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Expat View: No regard for non-Orthodox residents

So, despite a supporter network of over 12,000 people, many of them GREEK Cypriots, the moral right of those of non-GREEK Orthodox faith to determine ...

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Statements by the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexis Tsipras, at the joint press conference with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin (Moscow, 7.12.2108)

AL. TSIPRAS: I would like to thank President Putin for his warm welcome and the hospitality extended to us, and of course for our extremely interesting talks on practically all matters relating to Greek-Russian relations, but also to broader regional and international security issues.As noted by President Putin, my visit coincides with the 190-year anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. These relations are based on very strong and historic ties; on religious, cultural and spiritual ties between our people.I believe that this solid background allows us to develop a lasting, stable, yet dynamic relationship.It is the second time I am visiting the Kremlin and the third time I am visiting the Russian Federation in my capacity as Prime Minister. I had also visited the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum during a very difficult time for Greece. At that time, the political will of my government – with the Russian government and Russian President agreeing – was to steadfastly rebuild constructive foundations for cooperation between the two countries, after a five-year period of inactivity in our relations. Ever since, what has become clear through the proactive, multidimensional foreign policy of Greece, but also from the solid relations of cooperation built with the Russian Federation, is that Greece may be a member state of the European Union and NATO, but at the same time, it is able to put forward a proactive, multidimensional foreign policy paradigm and capitalise on historical relations and partnerships.Today, 3.5 years later, I find myself here on a completely different occasion. Greece has at last left behind the bankruptcy scenarios and has returned to positive growth rates. The Greek people have pulled through, the Greek economy has pulled through and now we are able to look into the future with greater optimism. Therefore, a more favourable landscape is emerging, which will make our partnership even more productive.Certainly, the challenges we are facing have not become fewer. On the contrary, I would say that Greece is a country that constitutes a pillar of security and stability in a largely destabilised region. It is directly affected by the developments in this region, by the flow of refugees and migrants and by the security crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean. I think that during this time Russia has been even more dynamically present, on a diplomatic and economic level, in this interesting yet fragile region. So, as agreed with President Putin, under these conditions a Greek-Russian dialogue is becoming even more important. Of course, it is clear that such a dialogue is not always easy, as evidenced this past summer.However, our desire to keep the relations we have been painstakingly building since 2015 on a stable track has always helped us to overcome any difficulties and reinstate the necessary mutual trust and understanding. In this context, we discussed at length developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, the new energy map taking shape in the region, the role of Russia, and relations between our two countries and Turkey. I certainly voiced our concerns to President Putin regarding Turkey’s new armaments programme, to the extent that it continues to maintain the "casus belli" threat against Greece.We also talked about the new energy map taking shape in the Eastern Mediterranean in light of the construction of the new Nord Stream pipeline; we also discussed the possibility of extending the Turkish Stream pipeline from Turkey through to Greece and from there on to Italy and the rest of Europe.This is a project that -in combination with other pipelines under way- will upgrade the role of Greece to a regional energy hub.I voiced to President Putin my appreciation towards Russia for its unwavering stance with regard to the Cyprus issue; specifically, for its support for the Republic of Cyprus and the prospect of resolving the Cyprus issue based on UN resolutions. I also highlighted the crucial role that the UN Security Council will play in reaching a permanent solution for the Cyprus issue.We also discussed the prospects of peace and stability in Syria and in Libya, as well as the need to establish in the latter a National Unity Government and a united military that would include the powerful and significant military forces in the East of the country. Because what should be our primary concern is stability in Libya and also in the wider region.Naturally, we also talked about developments in the Western Balkans; a region whose stability and growth is of crucial importance for us. I availed myself of the opportunity to explain to President Putin the positions of Greece, especially on the sensitive issue of our northern neighbours’ name; and also explain why it is of utmost importance for Greece and the Greek people that the neighbouring country does not carry "Republic of Macedonia" as its constitutional name. Because for us, both the name and the history it transpires and carries, form a very significant part of our historical and cultural heritage.So that’s why I believe that the Prespa Agreement places this issue –which has remained unresolved for years– on a just basis. And I certainly also believe that we are confronted with an emergence of nationalist trends and potential future conflicts that could destabilise the region.Needless to say, we also talked at length about EU and NATO relations with Russia. Yet again, I had the opportunity to stress the importance of dialogue, especially when we disagree and even more so at this time, in relation with the invaluable framework in place for conventional and nuclear arms control. As was the case during the tough times of the Cold War, dialogue has always been a valuable tool to resolve differences and prevent dangerous escalation in the future. I stressed to the President that Greece is a member state of the EU and NATO and it steadily honours it commitments, yet it believes that any security architecture or initiative for resolving significant global challenges can but include Russia and, certainly, be based on honest dialogue with it. And this is a position I have been firmly voicing over these 3.5 years at all the international and European fora I have attended in my capacity as Prime Minister of Greece.In this context, we naturally also talked about developments in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. As you may know, we have an interest in this, as there are over 130,000 civilians of Greek origin in Mariupol.And of course I would like to thank President Putin for the detailed update he gave me. Let me also inform you that apart from the Agreements we signed, the 11th Joint Interministerial Committee met yesterday. We talked about a series of partnerships in various sectors, but also about Russian investments in the areas of infrastructure and energy. We further agreed on ways to promote Greek exports to Russia, especially in the agri-food sector.I also informed President Putin on the re-establishment of the honorary Russian consulate in Alexandroupoli, as well as the establishment of an honorary Russian consulate in Nafplion that, we believe, will contribute towards strengthening our relations.Lastly, as President Putin just noted, we agreed for 2019 to be the Year of Cultural Cooperation between Greece and Russia, the Year of Language and Literature, aiming to reinforce initiatives such as reciprocal translations of books, teaching of language and literature in our universities and other significant exchanges. Because I believe that this long-term friendship, mutual respect and mutual understanding between our peoples are primarily based on the appreciation for each other’s cultures.So, once more, let me extend my gratitude to President Putin and voice the conviction that this visit was extremely constructive and, I feel, comes at the right time. I believe it will greatly contribute towards continuing this valuable cooperation and substantive dialogue in the coming months, with even greater momentum.JOURNALIST: Good evening. Your previous official contacts on Russian soil had taken place when Greece was under the memorandum, often cast out in the corner, with all of Europe’s – and the world’s – eyes on it. Do you believe, now that the third programme has been concluded, that the role of Greece in the eastern Mediterranean is being upgraded further? The question is addressed to both of you, Mr President of the Russian Federation.AL. TSIPRAS: Yes, I think I have already given some clear indications of my views on this in my introductory statement. I believe that this negative conjuncture for Greece in these last eight years has been a dark and bleak parenthesis in its history. But it is something we believe we have overcome today. We are looking towards the future with greater optimism, and we have already regained a large part of the economic sovereignty we had surrendered to our creditors in the past. However, allow me to say that Greece is a country that due to its geographical position could never lose its geopolitical value and importance. More so in the last 3.5 years, by implementing a proactive multidimensional foreign policy, we have proven that we can be a member of the European Union and NATO, but at the same time maintain and strengthen historical relationships of cooperation and friendship. In this sense, we play a significant stabilising role in the region of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans.Therefore, I believe that Greece is now at a positive juncture, because it is exiting the economic crisis, so these historical relationships of cooperation and friendship may be developed even further, but also because in these times of volatility and destabilisation in the area, we can play a decisive role, based on the principles and values of cooperation, mutual growth and dialogue. We can become a country acting as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between the European Union, Russia and also the Arab world. At the same time, we can play a significant and stabilising role in addressing the major security challenges in the area, but also the challenges relating to energy security and safe transportation of energy resources towards the European continent.JOURNALIST: After the incidents, that dark page, the well-known story with the diplomats, are the two sides prepared to develop their cooperation, engage in common projects?AL. TSIPRAS: I believe the question was also addressed to me. I will agree with President Putin’s take on this, that we have to look forward. One rainy day during the summer season doesn’t mean it's not summer, just because the weather is bad at that specific moment. Nevertheless, what I need to stress publicly is that, for as long as I have been serving as Prime Minister, I am speaking of the post-2015 period, Greece, when it comes to crucial matters regarding Greek-Russian relations, has never acted surrendering under the pressure or the views of third countries. This is also proven by the fact that Greece was the only EU country at the European Council that did not identify with the then desire for a coordinated deportations policy on the Skripal case. On the other hand, when faced with some isolated incidents, because I believe these were isolated incidents, that concern us and bother us, we must send a message, but also look forward. I believe we are looking forward and this story is water under the bridge. What is important today is to develop the great potential we have to expand our partnership in a series of fields. Significant steps have been taken in the last three years, but there’s room for many more.JOURNALIST: A question for the Greek Prime Minister. Prime Minister, I would like you to comment on the message sent by Russia regarding the potential militarisation of Cyprus by third countries. And also tell me whether the strengthening of Greek-US relations would affect Greek-Russian relations.AL. TSIPRAS: As to the matter of Cyprus, the necessary contacts with the Republic of Cyprus have been made. If I’m not mistaken, the two Foreign Ministers talked on the phone yesterday and I think clarifications were offered. You know, given its crucial geostrategic location, Cyprus has always offered and must always offer facilities for humanitarian operations. It is clear that never was such an idea put on the table, that I know. And I should also tell you that I contacted President Anastasiades today. So, it is not just about what I do know, it is also the position of the Republic of Cyprus, there are no thoughts whatsoever concerning the prospect of the island’s militarisation, nor are we fighting to resolve the Cyprus issue with troops and third-party guarantees. It would be unthinkable to adopt a militarisation approach while fighting for a solution without troops and without third-party guarantees. This is beyond our logic and I have to make this absolutely clear. Otherwise this is also reflected in the fact that the Republic of Cyprus extends an extremely balanced port access policy to all its friendly partners, including Russia.Further to that, you asked about Greek-US relations and whether they are to the detriment of Greek-Russian relations. I think that in these 3.5 years, our actions have demonstrated that Greece can be a reliable ally in NATO and the EU while at the same time being a reliable partner of countries with which it maintains and strengthens historical relationships of cooperation and friendship. And I believe these relations have their own momentum, their own deep roots, and are not contradictory. Conversely, I believe that both sides -meaning our allies in NATO, mainly the US, but also the EU countries, and Russia- should capitalise on the value and the role of Greece. Greece would not have the same value and significance for Russia were it not able to be both a reliable ally in the EU and NATO and also a solid and honest partner of Russia at the same time. It would be like every other country of the EU. So, Greece can play a bridging role and aspires to play a bridging role. Certainly, to achieve this, its foreign policy must be based on a proactive and multidimensional foundation, and also on the lasting values we serve. And these lasting values are the respect of international law and striving for cooperation, growth for all, peace, security and stability. This is the path we have followed and this is the way we will keep walking. This is why I believe we are reliable partners and significant allies for Russia as well.JOURNALIST: Good morning... You stated that during talks you discussed energy cooperation and energy security. Is it possible for a branch of the Turkish pipeline to pass through the country? We are witnessing pressure from the US side. How would you deal with such pressure? And a personal question for the Prime Minister. You said that the Greek economy is growing, but I see you are not wearing a tie. When will you wear your tie?AL. TSIPRAS: Yes, Greece has been steadfastly supporting the principle of diversification of Europe's energy sources and energy routes to Europe. Indeed, the principle of diversification means increasing the number of potential sources and routes; definitely not excluding certain sources and routes. In this respect we are of the view that double standards apply within the EU when, in particular, we see North 2 being actively promoted, while Turkish Stream is constantly met with various impediments when it comes to extending it towards the European Union through Greece and Italy. On this, Greece and Italy are sharing a common solid position in the EU; we trust that in the future the European Commission will also be more open as there can be no double standards. In the meantime we have completed about 80% of TAP, a pipeline transporting Azeri gas towards Europe. In this respect, I also believe that an optimal solution in terms of technology and quality would be for TAP to include Russian natural gas. I believe this would benefit the European economy, but also cooperation and growth for all in the area. This is the position we have been steadfastly supporting during the last 3.5 years and will continue to defend at European fora, along with the support of other EU partners as I said earlier.JOURNALIST: And how about the tie?AL. TSIPRAS: You may have missed the news, I won the bet and I put on a tie. But the tie came off quickly, because the noose came off the neck of the Greek people. Therefore, I believe that this symbolism has a value of its own. Now, if President Putin offers me a gift, I may use it in the future, in a future meeting.

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Deputies: Greece Police officer struck and killed pedestrian in Parma

A woman died Saturday night after being struck by an on-duty Greece Police Officer. Deputies say the officer hit and killed a woman walking along Route 104 in the Town of Parma at around 9 p.m. The in...

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