Passengers angry after flight to Greece diverted to Romania

THESSALONIKI, Greece — For about 200 passengers, the flight from London to Thessaloniki in northern Greece took almost 24 hours. Foggy conditions in Thessaloniki airport led Ryanair to divert ...

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Nikos Mouyiaris, Businessman and Philanthropist, Passes Away

NEW YORK – Noted businessman and philanthropist Nikos Mouyiaris, founder of MANA cosmetic products and one of the most distinguished members of the Greek-American community, […] The post Nikos Mouyiaris, Businessman and Philanthropist, Passes Away appeared first on The National Herald.

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SPORTS BRIEFS

GREEK referee strike ends. GREEK Super League referees on Friday said that they are ending their strike protesting an attack on one of their colleagues ...

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Evangeline Regas Catsos

Evangeline was preceded in death by her parents, Sofia Pappas and George Regas, who came to America as GREEK immigrants in 1920, and also her ...

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Rick Pitino reportedly in play for UCLA job, but is it worth the risk?

Pitino, now coaching in GREECE for the EuroLeague's Panathinaikos OPAP, initially scoffed at the scenario. “Not going to happen,” he said via text ...

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DEREK SHERINIAN Says SONS OF APOLLO Won't Perform DREAM THEATER Material Moving ...

SONS OF APOLLO keyboardist Derek Sherinian (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, ex-DREAM THEATER) recently spoke with GREECE'S Rockpages ...

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GREECE snow and storms: 1 dead, 2 missing

An elderly woman died and two men went missing on Saturday as cold front “Sophia” continued sweeping across GREECE, national news agency ...

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Israel-Cyprus-Greece 5th Trilateral Summit Declaration (Beersheba December 20th, 2018)

We, Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Nicos Anastasiades, President of the Republic of Cyprus and Alexis Tsipras, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, having met today, December 20th, 2018, in Beersheba, the capital of the Negev desert and a developing center for excellence in cyber security and innovation, express our commitment to continue strengthening the cooperation between our countries in the framework of a trilateral partnership encompassing an ever-increasing number of areas of common interest and, in the process, contribute to the promotion of peace, stability, security and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider region. As has been underlined on previous occasions, this partnership is not exclusive in design or nature, and our three countries remain committed to welcoming other like-minded parties in our efforts to create and advance synergies and collaboration, to the benefit of our countries and peoples, as well as to our region, which today is facing multiple challenges. Since our fourth trilateral Summit, which took place in Nicosia on May 8th, 2018, and based on the guidelines established in the four previous respective joint declarations, significant and praiseworthy progress has been achieved in various spheres of cooperation. Nevertheless, much potential remains untapped and we wish to maximise on it for the benefit of our countries. Taking into consideration the extent and volume of our growing cooperation, we agreed that it is imperative to form a trilateral mechanism that would allow us to consult, coordinate and follow up in a systematic manner on decisions and initiatives decided in our various tripartite meetings, whether at the summit level or other forums of our partnership. Following the proposal of the Republic of Cyprus, we have agreed to establish a Permanent Secretariat to be based in Nicosia. In our continuous efforts to render our trilateral cooperation ever more pertinent and beneficial to our respective societies, we have decided to focus this 5th trilateral Summit on increasing the cooperation in the fields of Innovation and Cyber Security as tools for development, and for improving the wellbeing of our societies. We note with satisfaction our meeting and visit today at the operational installation of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, in addition to the earlier visits and meetings, between the DG of the INCD and the Foreign Ministers of Cyprus and Greece during their visit in Israel last September 19th meetings aiming to enhance our cooperation in cyber security. Recognizing the increasing dependency of our economies in the cyber domain and the Internet, noting the exponential growth of cyber threats, and the possible harm to our societies and economies, we affirm the importance of a National Cyber Security Strategy and Structure, for the robustness and the resilience of our nations. We pledge to cooperate on these issues, and to share information, knowledge, and best practices relevant to cyber security.  We desire to promote open, free, secure and peaceful use of cyberspace, which drives economic growth, protects national security and promotes international stability. In this context, we note with satisfaction the signing of the trilateral MOU on Cyber Security Cooperation between our respective national agencies as well as the designation of points of contact, which will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of this MOU. Recognizing the importance of mutual benefits deriving from our cooperation in all sectors of economic activity, we continue our common efforts to promote, facilitate, improve and strengthen our economic growth interconnection. We reiterate the importance we attach to promoting investment, innovation, and research between our nations. Today, we were pleased to meet the participants of the first trilateral seminar held by MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, titled "Innovation Road Map: How to Scale Up Your Start Up". At the same time, we are pleased to initiate a trilateral internship program for young entrepreneurs from both Cyprus and Greece, who will complete internships in Israeli Hi-Tech companies. We have instructed our respective Innovation authorities to promote and implement a common working plan that will enhance our cooperation in this important field. We highly appreciate the event of the 1st Trilateral Business Forum that took place yesterday in Tel Aviv with the presence of 250 businessmen and women. The forum, that was initiated by the Israeli, Greek Cypriot Chambers of Commerce, was a result of the Chambers trilateral MOU signed in the Nicosia summit in May 2018. Correspondingly, we welcome the continuation of today’s productive meeting between the Presidents of the respective Chambers and encourage the chambers role to bridge our countries business communities in all sectors.  In the domain of Industry, we acknowledge the importance of mutual benefits deriving from our cooperation in promoting sectors such as pharmaceuticals and reiterate our willingness to further promote the exchange of information, know – how and best practices among the respective competent bodies, in order to enhance business innovation and improve competitiveness.  In this respect, taking into account the significant impact of pharmaceuticals’ sector for the economy and job creation, we encourage the promotion of trilateral cooperation including through joint research and business innovation programs. In the field of Energy, we reconfirm our support and commitment for the implementation of the East-Med Pipeline Project, a project that represents a viable and strategic option of common interest, both to our countries and to the European Union. We are pleased to note the sides have reached an agreement on the text of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) that would facilitate the promotion and implementation of the Project. The text will now be forwarded to the fourth partner Italy and thereafter to the European Commission for necessary review. We look forward to the signing of the Agreement as soon as possible. We also confirm our interest in the EuroAsia Interconnector Project. In this regard, we encourage the conclusion of the remaining studies. We support collaboration in the areas of renewable energy, fuel alternatives and electric vehicles, and in particular encouraging innovation and joint pilot projects.We reiterate our full support and solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus in exercising its sovereign rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone. We express strong opposition to any attempt to violate these rights in a manner that will endanger the stability of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea, violate international law, or contradict good neighborly relations. We welcome the meeting of our Energy Ministers held today in the margins of the 5th trilateral summit. The parties acknowledge the fact that ICT is permeating all aspects of social and economic life of citizens and business in their respective countries and agree to support cooperation and the expansion of collaboration in the field of Communications and Information technologies. We agree to approach the reduction of the roaming tariffs and the Mobile Termination Rates (MTR) as a high priority matter and express our desire to arrange for a joint professional TAIEX workshop on international roaming regulations, within the framework of the European Union, with the aim of drafting a plan for regional roaming agreement. We agree to further develop collaboration in the field of Smart and Sustainable Cities (SSCs) and Smart Homes and note with satisfaction that our respective Ministers signed today a MoU on the matter for the purpose of enhancing cooperation and conducting study visits with the participation of national experts.We agree to establish a joint steering committee, headed by our respective ministers, for exchanging views in the field of communications and information technologies, and with the aim of discussing solutions and increasing the capacity to address the main challenges facing each country. We confirm our intention to discuss the possibility of establishing a hub for mail packages in an agreed location, following consultation with postal operators and the regulatory authorities of the three countries. The Parties shall cooperate in the areas of water resource management, protection and usage of ground water, exploration, technologies relating to water production and use, water recycling, wastewater treatment, quality requirements and Desalination. In the field of Environmental Protection, we acknowledge the intensive cooperation between our ministries of the environment at ministerial and professional levels in particular in the areas of climate change, water and wastewater management, and protection of the marine environment in the Mediterranean. We recognize that this collaboration, which includes, inter-alia, the exchange of information, know-how, and best practices, is of mutual benefits and could promote and strengthen the sustainable development and economic growth of our countries. We recall signing of the Implementation Agreement on the Sub-regional Marine Oil Pollution Contingency Plan in May 2018 and look forward to its early entry into force. The Implementation Agreement, prepared with the support of the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean, reflects our willingness to further enhance our cooperation and tackle potential sources of pollution in a proactive manner. In this context, we note with satisfaction the first preparatory meeting of the National Operational Experts responsible for the implementation of the sub-regional marine oil pollution contingency plan that was held on December 6 in Larnaca. We also commend the trilateral workshop on compensation for oil pollution damage that was organized back to back with the mentioned meeting by Cyprus and the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean (REMPEC) under the Barcelona Convention with the support of the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC), the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF) and the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs (IGP I). We note the willingness of the Israeli Ministry of the Environment to present its "Cyber Security Methodology" for industrial processes, including hazardous materials use, detailing a cyber-risk assessment file for organizations and factories, and evaluating the potential hazards to human life or health as a basis for sharing methodologies and policies for the benefit of our three countries. We wish to promote and strengthen cooperation in the field of Agriculture and we note with satisfaction the discussion that took place and focused on options for cooperation on basic and applied research within EU strategic research priorities. We welcome the decision to hold in Israel during the very coming months, at the Volcani Center, the Agricultural Research Organization of the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, a three days joint workshop, aimed to design the specific and detailed areas for the trilateral cooperation.  Common areas of interest were discussed, such as promotion of agricultural products of high quality and safety; food safety issues; preservation and technology on agricultural products of plant and animal origin; livestock production; sustainable management of water; marginal water usage in agriculture; desalinated, saline and treated wastewater; inland and coastal fishery, off shore fish farming; use of biological pest control agents in agriculture; and Precision Agriculture as an essential tool for a sustainable agricultural production. We also welcome the decision to enhance cooperation in research and in sharing of know-how in the field of Agricultural Meteorology, including tailor made high-resolution forecasts for farmers; supplying them consultation and  guidance services; warning them from severe climate conditions; advising on crop suitability to local conditions, irrigation regimes according to evaporation, climate change and its effect on different agricultural activities and developing online data base processing mechanisms. In the field of Meteorology, We recognize the vital importance of early warnings and accurate forecasts for the preparedness to regional severe weather events, and the importance in establishing national climate-change adaptation plans based on sound scientific research, and the new possibilities offered by recent technological developments. We also note with satisfaction today's meeting between our three directors of national meteorological services which laid the foundation for trilateral cooperation in this evolving field. Recognizing the vital importance of our cooperation in the area of Health, we welcome the decision to hold in Israel, in 2019, a trilateral Ministerial meeting in order to promote mutual programs in nutrition, digital health, electronic health records, and emergency preparedness models. We also note the intention to further promote cooperation on healthy lifestyle, particularly healthy nutrition and improvement of dietary habits. We recognize the sizeable significance of Tourism to our respective economies and the great potential for cooperation on joint projects and synergies. We reiterate our commitment to strengthen the collaboration of our competent authorities, in conjunction with the private sector and other stakeholders, in an effort to increase the influx of tourists from third countries to our region, through, inter alia, encouraging the development of joint thematic tourism products addressed to long haul markets. Furthermore, we welcome the decision of our respective Ministries to promote Digital Initiatives in Tourism and other Travel-Tech initiatives, and further actions to motivate and accelerate innovation and start-ups in the field of Travel – Tech. We consider that the use of Space technologies and applications is a catalyst for a wide range of activities and offers multiple possibilities for exploitation. The countries will cooperate in the Space sector according to the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Nicosia (May 2018). We agree to mobilize the appropriate entities, in order to, further develop the collaboration in the field of sustainable environment through remote sensing and earth observation space applications. We welcome the exploration of possibilities of strengthening cooperation in the field of Education and Higher Education, between the higher education and research institutions in our respective countries, in different areas of expertise and know-how.  The sides will examine the possibility of a meeting between the Ministers of Education in order to discuss these and other pertinent issues. We note with satisfaction that the sided reached an agreed MOU on cooperation in the field of Education for 2019-2022, that will be signed in the near future. Acknowledging the importance of new modes of communication offered to us by digital technology, we remain committed to realizing the positive potential of the tools of digital diplomacy in our trilateral foreign policy cooperation. We have decided to enhance our collaboration in the practice of diplomacy in the digital era and to promote a safe, vibrant and open internet. The competent ministries will coordinate common projects, as well as training in the sphere of digital communications. We have also agreed to extend our cooperation in the field of Youth through the exchange of good practices, the elimination of stereotypes, the realization of common activities in youth sector. The relevant national authorities are encouraged to agree and sign a Memorandum of Understanding on trilateral cooperation in Youth. Underlining our commitment to cooperate for the protection of cultural heritage, including underwater cultural heritage in the three countries. We call for further steps, regionally and globally, to prevent and prohibit the illicit trade in cultural properties and promote cooperation in restoring illicitly trafficked cultural properties. Furthermore, we encourage joint scientific research on archaeology, conservation and cultural heritage, jointly conducted by governmental and academic research institutions of the three states, according to their national legislation. Recognizing and appreciating the value added by the Parliamentary dimension of the trilateral cooperation, which reinforces the democratic legitimacy provides for the direct representation of our respective peoples in of this cooperation, we welcome the continued meetings by the Presidents and Committees of the Parliaments of Cyprus, Greece and Israel. These meetings further advance our parliamentary cooperation, including in matters pertaining to water resources and entrepreneurship, foreign affairs and defense, research, innovation and education, through parliamentary organs and the use of parliamentary tools. We are committed to providing our support to this cooperation and to fully utilizing its results, while encouraging future trilateral meetings in the parliamentary forum.In this context, we note with satisfaction the results of the third meeting of the Committees in charge of Foreign Affairs in our respective Parliaments that took place in Athens on November 22, 2018. We convey our support for the further engagement between our respective diaspora communities and welcome the fourth trilateral meeting of our respective Authorities in Nicosia on December 12, 2018. We welcome the initiative to convene a mission of young leadership of the three Diasporas, to jointly visit the three homeland countries on July 2019. This initiative will be realized in cooperation between the governments and the diaspora organisations. We also welcome the planned meeting of diaspora leaders at the Jewish Agency Board of Governors meeting in February 2019 in Israel. We reflect with satisfaction on our strengthening trilateral defence cooperation, which includes strategic dialogue, military cooperation and defence-industrial cooperation. We are pleased with the outcome of the inaugural trilateral defence industries conference which took place on June 2018 and which serves as a precedent for many additional initiatives for enhancing our defence cooperation. We continue to express our concern for the dangers posed to our wider region by terrorism, violent radicalism, and extremism. We gave special attention to the security developments in the Middle East and North Africa, especially the conflicts in Syria, Libya, Iraq and Yemen.  These have considerable implications on the security situation of the international community as a whole, including Europe and the Middle East. We reiterate our strong and unequivocal condemnation to all manifestations of terrorism, and we highlight the importance we attach to international cooperation to address this threat. In that respect, we note with satisfaction the convening of the trilateral counterterrorism-working group on prevention of Terrorist Financing, in Athens on November 29th. Our experts discussed current threats, focusing on legal aspects and regulatory frameworks to deal with terrorist financing.  They also agreed to convene the next working group in Nicosia through 2019. We reiterate our condemnation of all manifestations of religious intolerance, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, incitement, harassment or violence against persons or communities based on ethnic origin or religious belief, wherever they occur.Israel and Europe share common values of democracy and the rule of law, as well as deep historical and cultural bonds. We reiterate our steadfast commitment to the enhancement of the EU-Israel bilateral relations in areas of common interest, including cooperation on economic, political, strategic, security, innovation, and regional challenges. We underline the need to promote cooperation in the framework of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, fully operationalizing it, including the conclusion of Partnership Priorities within the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy, and convening the EU-Israel Association Council. Acknowledging the significance and relevance of our ongoing collaboration within the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean institutions, such as the Union for the Mediterranean and the Anna Lindh Foundation, we agree to further enhance this cooperation with the aim of contributing to the promotion of peace, security, stability, and prosperity in our wider region. We express our hope that the resumption of meaningfulnegotiations of the MEPP will result in a just and viable solution, which will also take into account the legitimate security concerns of the State of Israel. In this regard, we reaffirm our support for the right of Israel to live in security and peaceful co-existence with all its neighbours, including the Palestiniansand stress our opposition to any attempt to challenge or undermine Israel's legitimacy. We highlight the special significance of Jerusalem for the three monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and recall the inherent and deep historical bonds of the Jewish people to its historical homeland. We express our full support to the ongoing efforts for the resumption of the negotiation process, under the Good Office Mission of the UN Secretary General, for a just, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem, in line with International and EU Law, the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, and the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. We commend the efforts of the President and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to reach a solution that will reunify the island and safeguard Cyprus’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, without guarantees from third countries or the presence of foreign troops in Cyprus. We underline that a comprehensive settlement would not only benefit the people of Cyprus, but also significantly contribute to the peace and stability of the region. We reject any denial of Israel’s right to exist and express serious concern regarding the threats of terrorism, extremism, and weapons proliferation to Israel’s security. The Ministries of Foreign Affairs, in their capacity as coordinators of the various issues examined today, will continue their consultations on a regular basis in order to monitor and guide the progress achieved in the various fields, as well as to determine new avenues of cooperation. We agree that the next trilateral Summit will be held in Greece in 2019.

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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Terens Quick meets with the President of the World Hellenic Inter- Parliamentary Association (Athens, 20 December 2018)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Terens Quick met yesterday with Peter Katsambanis, Australian MP and Chairman of the Board of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (WHIA). The Deputy Minister briefed Mr Katsambanis on Greek foreign policy issues, including developments regarding the Prespa Agreement. Also discussed was the legislative framework for the Word Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) that will be soon put to public consultation and will then be brought before Parliament. On the issue of the Greek Diaspora’s right to vote, Mr Katsambanis expressed his satisfaction on the update provided to the WHIA Board by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior, Kostas Poulakis, as the competent committee will complete its legislative proposal within the first month of 2019. Finally, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs informed the President of WHIA that a plan is being drafted for the establishment of an association similar to WHIA to bring together elected officials of Greek Diaspora serving in local government around the world. This initiative will enjoy the support of the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad, the General Director of which, Michalis Kokkinos, was present at the meeting; a similar proposal does exist today, but it is limited to Europe.

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Wise custodian

In ancient times, every GREEK town had a god or goddess to look after it. Apollo was in charge of Delphi and Delos; Poseidon looked after Corinth; ...

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Suspended trooper from GREECE hit with more forcible touching charges

Sears, of GREECE, pleaded not guilty in November after being charged for the first time with forcible touching. He's accused of groping a receptionist at ...

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Winter Tourism: Pretty snow turns GREECE into a white wonderland

Many roads remain closed across regions in GREECE, with villages blocked due to dense snowfall, while problems in the power grid have been ...

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Wax tablet with intricate ancient lettering that was once used by Egyptian child to go on display

The ancient tablet, which contains remarkable examples of Greek handwriting, spelling exercises and times tables, has been in storage for the past 40 years.

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Georgia writer's novel 'Casting Stones' focuses on intrigue of 1985 GREEK election

Along the way, Beck's alter ego, Mark Young, squeezes in time for a rescue mission for an irreplaceable GREEK sculpture and deals with his romantic ...

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Greek 1.800-year-old homework “tablet” to be presented at the British Library

The wax tablet displays a child's Greek homework from 1,800 years ago

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Netizens furious over Greek TV program for making derogatory comments about BTS, EXO, & Wanna One

A Greek TV program has received heavy criticism for their disrespectful comments towards members of BTS, EXO, and Wanna One. After watching the segments, netizens and fans worldwide called out the hos...

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One dead, two missing after blizzards hit GREECE

ATHENS (Reuters) - An elderly woman was found dead and two men were missing after blizzards hit parts of GREECE, police officials said on Saturday.

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Macedonia's NATO accession protocol to be drafted after Prespa Agreement ratification: minister

Macedonia is also the name of a northern province in GREECE. Athens is worried that the use of the same name by the neighboring state could lead to ...

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Statements of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexis Tsipras, following the proceedings of the 5th Greece-Cyprus-Israel Trilateral Summit Meeting (Beersheba, 20 December 2018)

"I would also like to thank warmly the Israeli Prime Minister for his hospitality and the opportunity we had today to visit the city of Beersheba. As the Israeli Prime Minister explained to us, it is a city with an important history. Indeed, its history goes back to World War I and to a battle which took place here. Yet, I was impressed because I saw a city which despite its location in the middle of the desert, has developed in recent years into a centre for knowledge, education, new technologies and particularly into a centre for technology and cyber security. That is, a centre in the Israeli government's attempt to broaden the concept of security and include it in the debate about the future. Because nowadays, the threats we face are different from the old ones we knew. I was impressed as much by the level of technology, as by the depth of the research being carried out here. This has been an important opportunity for us, I believe, to derive rich experience about what direction we should give to our own intelligence services, but also to our national defence in the face of threats, which I repeat, in certain cases at least, do not come in the same conventional form. I would therefore like to begin my speech by saying that the mere fact that we meet for the fifth time on a tripartite level signals that we have established an institution based on substantive partnership of a strategic nature, I would say. Many wonder, therefore, what the purpose of this partnership is. The answer is clear: The purpose of this partnership is to consolidate our territory as a region of peace, prosperity, cooperation and co-development, and to confront challenges, dangers, and threats jointly. The goal is not to turn against third countries, but instead to reaffirm and proclaim our wish to transform this conflict-riven and long-suffering region of the Eastern Mediterranean into a region of cooperation and co-development. To that effect, we emphasized, once again, dialogue on regional questions. Yet we also foregrounded and took the necessary steps towards concrete partnerships in the fields of energy, research, and innovation which, I repeat, constitute the future, in cyber-security and digital policy, but also in agricultural cooperation. Starting from the field of energy, for some time now, we have been discussing a project which, I am convinced, will breathe into the region a new stability. I am referring to the pipeline transporting natural gas, the EastMed. The EastMed is not merely an energy project. It is a project of particular geopolitical value and importance. Our goal is to ensure the flow or the transport of energy resources from the South East Mediterranean to Europe. And to that effect, our objective is, within this partnership, to also include other countries in the future. And other countries of the region with energy resources. We do not want to exclude anyone. That said, we declare our determination to move on to a partnership which - I repeat - has as much economic and commercial value as geopolitical value. Because those among us who will work together to build this energy route, will also be paving the way for stability and peace in our region. Our friend Benjamin said that our next meeting will take place in Knossos, near Knossos, in Crete. Knossos, for those who do not know it, is a very important city of the ancient Minoan civilization. It is an important cultural landmark and heritage, a foundational moment for the world as it were, because it is in our Mediterranean region that civilization was born and thrived, before it spread to other parts of the world. It will indeed be very interesting to meet in Crete, next time, in the beginning of 2019, not only because Nikos and Benjamin will get a chance to visit Knossos, but in order to designate this island, which lies in the heart of the Mediterranean, as an island of cooperation and co-development, since the EastMed pipeline will be traversing it on its route from the South East Mediterranean to Europe. I want to underscore that this pipeline will become a bridge for our region. We want energy to become a bridge between peoples rather than an object of conflict. Of course, since we were here at Beersheba, we could only talk about technology and innovation. We have, therefore, signed a memorandum of cooperation on innovation, research and transfer of know-how from Israel. Israel has succeeded in becoming a pioneer in these fields and we, of course, wish - and I want to thank personally Prime Minister Netanyahu for giving us this opportunity - this know-how to be disseminated to both Greece and Cyprus. We also had extensive discussions during which we agreed to intensify the cooperation of our countries in digital policy in order to fortify our arsenal against cyber threats. With regard to communications and information technology, we have agreed to set up a steering committee, with the participation of competent ministers, to address the common challenges. And I must not forget to mention Thessaloniki, since our previous meeting in Greece took place there. For Thessaloniki is a city whose past was characterised by a harmonious commingling between our peoples since a large part of its population was of Jewish origin. And from what I am told, the Israeli Minister of Communication also comes from Thessaloniki. The history of this city is linked to a significant degree with the fate of its Jewish community, and it is the European city with the largest number, in proportion to its population, of victims of the Second World War. We want, therefore, to strengthen this great heritage of ours that binds us by investing in the future. We want to build a bridge between the past and the future. That is why we intend, with the help of Israel, to set up a technological park of innovation in Thessaloniki, which will open up new opportunities for synergies between Israeli startups and Greek startups, as well as, of course, with companies located in the other Balkan countries, because our own vision is for Thessaloniki to become the economic, technological and commercial capital of the Balkans. We also signed an agreement with Israel on the exploration and exploitation of space for peaceful purposes, which, of course, presents strategic prospects for cooperation. And I would like to end my speech by also mentioning the other crucial questions of geopolitical and geostrategic importance regarding developments in our region, which were discussed at length, both yesterday evening at the dinner that the Israeli Prime Minister gave us and today. We talked about developments in Syria. I do not hide the fact that we are concerned by developments in Syria, which are related to both the recent US decision and the future role of third countries in the region, like Turkey and Iran. We have agreed to strengthen our cooperation in the field of security and exchange of intelligence information, not only regarding these developments but also in general. The Israeli Prime Minister informed us of the tunnels found in northern Israel. And, of course, in this context, we have unequivocally condemned every form of terrorism, underlined the need for international cooperation to combat it, and welcomed the convening, in Athens, on 29 November 2018, of a tripartite group whose aim is to study means to prevent the funding of terrorism. As far as the Middle East issue is concerned, for my part, I reiterated Greece’s commitment to the achievement of a viable two-state solution, as did President Anastasiades a little earlier. The achievement, therefore, of a viable two-state solution that will guarantee peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. And of course, I have stressed Greece's support for the resumption of a peace process, as soon as possible, on the basis of substantive negotiations. We also talked about the Cyprus problem. For the need of a fair and lasting solution in the interests of the Cypriot people as a whole, which for us entails, of course, the elimination of guarantees and the withdrawal of occupation troops from Cyprus. I underlined the need to respect International Law in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean, which, of course, also means respect for Cyprus's right to exercise its sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone. We also discussed the promotion of the EU-Israel partnership and its important prospects, naturally on the basis of international law. In general terms, therefore, I would like to draw the conclusion that we are building steadily a relationship of meaningful cooperation, based on mutual understanding and which, I repeat, is premised on our common purpose. Our partnership is not an alliance against third parties, just three countries joined together in order to reaffirm their desire for peace, cooperation, prosperity, and co-development in our region. This, evidently, manifests itself through concrete steps, steps which will bring about the development of trade, joint cultural initiatives, the strengthening of the research and innovation sectors, as well as the strengthening of cooperation in the energy sector which is of great strategic importance. With these thoughts, I would like to thank Benjamin Netanyahu for his hospitality. I would also like to say to my dear friend President Nikos Anastasiades that it is not so positive to be a prime minister and to have responsibility for another ministerial portfolio at the same time. Do not think that this is a situation that makes us feel particularly comfortable. For my part, at least, I do not feel this way. I imagine that Benjamin is also doing it for reasons of necessity. On the other hand, one cannot deny its strange peculiarity because when we sat all three around the table, we were simultaneously two Prime Ministers, one President and three Ministers, even though we were only three individuals. With these thoughts, I want to thank you warmly, and announce that our next meeting will be in Crete, in February 2019. Possibly also in the presence of an American official, since the USA show particular interest in our regional cooperation and especially in our energy cooperation. This means that we are proceeding with steady steps and succeeding slowly but surely in our goal to create positive news and a positive precedent for the benefit of our peoples, for the benefit of our countries, and - I would add - for the benefit of the peoples of the wider region. Since stability, security and peace are for the benefit of all peoples. Thank you very much."

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German Chancellor Merkel to make an official visit to Athens

According to the alternate government spokesman Martina Fietz, Merkel will meet with GREEK Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Thursday afternoon and ...

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Olympiacos rallied past Panathinaikos in the GREEK derby

A 25-11 run in the second quarter helped Olympiacos triumph over Panathinaikos in the GREEK “Clasico” (79-65). The “Reds” played very well on both ...

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Why didn't medieval artists sign their work?

Ancient GREEK ceramists, for instance, would sign their works with an interesting twist: they would have their clay vases “speak” about their authors.

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Public Invited to Annual Blessing of Ohio River

A Martins Ferry-based GREEK parish will help celebrate the blessing of the water to mark Epiphany at 1 p.m. Sunday at Heritage Port in Wheeling.

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New yogurt line will bring 20 new jobs to North Lawrence dairy plant

The expansion involves adding a new, low-sugar GREEK yogurt to the ... Inc. The plant produces regular and GREEK yogurt that's sold to customers ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.watertowndailytimes.com

Stop My Starvation: This cute dessert parlour in GREEK Park is a must visit this weekend

If you are asked to describe happiness in one word, what's it going to be? For us, it definitely is desserts! And we are pretty sure that holds true for most ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.knocksense.com

Breeching and breaking into data systems

The word probably existed before ancient GREEK, but the earliest written iterations of word were kharax, a noun meaning a pointed stake, and ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.newsminer.com

Religion Listings: Jan. 5, 2019

Annunciation GREEK Orthodox Church, 7 Harris St., Newburyport, led by the Rev. Costin Popescu, celebrates the Vespural Liturgy of Epiphany on ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.newburyportnews.com

Ukrainian Orthodox Church gets 'autocephaly' status

Ukraine's Petro Poroshenko received the Tomos of Autocephaly (autonomy) of Ukraine's church from the hands of Fener GREEK Orthodox Patriarch ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.aa.com.tr

EuroLeague Standings – Round 16: Olympiacos dominated Panathinaikos in the GREEK derby

Olympiacos rallied past Panathinaikos in the GREEK “Clasico” (79-65) and maintained a top four push in the EuroLeague. The “Reds” improved to 10-6, ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.talkbasket.net

A taste of Mykonos at London's new luxury restaurant and members' club Onima

The GREEK island of Mykonos - preferred holiday destination of the jet set, including Bella Hadid and Leonardo DiCaprio - is the inspiration for buzzy ...

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

Man dies after falling from the Acropolis in suspected suicide

For confidential support on suicide matters in GREECE, call Suicide Help GREECE on 1018. For confidential suicide support in the US, call the National ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greekcitytimes.com

Status of Southern Gas Corridor projects for December 2018

After completing the test work, gas will be delivered to GREECE by late 2019. About 750 million cubic meters of natural gas has already been delivered ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT en.trend.az

Cod and cocaine

The cargo of 176 kilos (almost 390 pounds) of cocaine that was to arrive from Latin America via Malta never made it to GREECE: it had been impounded ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.ekathimerini.com

Police ID woman found dead at scene of GREECE townhouse fire

GREECE police have identified the woman found dead inside a burning townhouse on Friday morning. Jaime Jeanty, 35, was found inside the ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.democratandchronicle.com

Snow covers Greece, as “Sophia” eases off

Many roads in villages blocked due to frost and snowfall

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT en.protothema.gr

Roger Federer's Opponent Has Major Fangirl Moment, 'Steals' His Towel After Match

Playing in the Hopman Cup mixed double's match, Team GREECE which consisted of Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Team Switzerland, consisting ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.news18.com

Eight architect-designed holiday homes available to rent in Europe

A timber cabin in arctic Norway and an off-grid dwelling in rural GREECE are among some of the architect-designed vacation homes listed in the new ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.dezeen.com

Earthquake rattles Albania, five homes damaged, no injuries

The island of Ithaca in the Ionian Sea, GREECE. The Institute of GeoSciences, Energy, Water and Environment says the quake occurred at 1826 GMT ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.thestar.com

Cliff's Edge--Revelation, Rome, and Present Truth

It arose after ancient GREECE and is still here, and that is Rome, first pagan, then Papal Rome. (The Bible views Rome as one power.) And because in ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.adventistreview.org

91-9001340118 ~!~Love Marriage Specialist baba ji GREECE

91-9001340118 ~!~Love Marriage Specialist baba ji GREECE 91-9001340118 ~!~Love Marriage Specialist baba ji GREECE 91-9001340118 ~!~Love ...

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Exercise Alexander the Great 2019 begins in Volos, GREECE

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (January 5, 2019) – Approximately 300 U.S. Marines and 300 Greek military personnel have arrived in Volos, GREECE, ...

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Man who duped workers with fake jobs in custody

The ID had been issued in GREECE in June 2011. It later transpired that Giorgos Krasopoulos was a real person living in GREECE who had declared his ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT cyprus-mail.com

Whatever happened to ... Topps discount stores?

The second local Topps opened at 1250 West Ridge Road in GREECE in GREECE in 1967. The third edition opened the following year at 1100 Jefferson ...

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Winter Storm Causes Canceled and Redirected Flights at Macedonia Airport, Road Closures

He also commented that he was unaware as to why Timisoara and other alternative airports were chosen to redirect flights destined for GREECE.

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com

Allies ramp up pressure over FYROM name deal

And they will not hesitate to do the same with GREECE in order to bring this pointless (in the eyes of virtually all governments) dispute between GREECE ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.ekathimerini.com

Franco Never Left

Yet if Golden Dawn remains a powerful expression of neofascism in GREECE, in these latter two countries this expectation has been all but disproven.

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.jacobinmag.com

Woman identified in fatal townhouse fire in GREECE

January 05, 2019 11:45 AM. GREECE Police have identified the woman killed in the early morning blaze that destroyed her townhouse on Pond View ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.whec.com

Heavy snow in Germany, Austria, GREECE causes chaos for travellers

Separately, authorities in GREECE reported travel disruptions due to snowfall in the north of the country. As the record-breaking snowfalls engulfed ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.themercury.com.au

Greek National Opera Receives 20 Million Euro Grant from Niarchos Foundation

This week, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) has granted 20 million euros to the Greek National Opera (GNO), which recently moved into its new opera house at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com

Ryanair strands 201 passengers in Romania instead of Thessaloniki

Dozens of Ryanair passengers were shocked to find themselves in Romania instead of Greece on Friday night. The plane from London to Thessaloniki landed in Timisoara airport in west Romania on Friday evening, as the pilots could apparently not land in Macedonia airport in Northern Greece due to low cloudiness. But this was not the only … The post Ryanair strands 201 passengers in Romania instead of Thessaloniki appeared first on Keep Talking Greece.

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.keeptalkinggreece.com