Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras heads to Ankara Tuesday in the latest effort to improve relations with regional rival Turkey. "The conditions must be created in Greek-Turkish relations for histori...
Welcome, 77 artists, 40 different points of Attica welcomes you by singing Erotokritos an epic romance written at 1713 by Vitsentzos Kornaros
Monday, February 4, 2019
GREECE teen facing charges for kidnapping near FLCC
An 18-year-old GREECE man is facing charges for a kidnapping in the area of Finger Lakes Community College. Joshua Lyon, of Rochester, is charged ...
Macedonia's leader hopes EU membership talks start in June
Zoran Zaev negotiated a deal with his Greek counterpart last year that called for Macedonia to be renamed North Macedonia in return for GREECE lifting ...
Stinks so good: Follow your nose to Garlic Fest, Greek Festival and Rum Congress this weekend
Between you, me and the garlic shrimp scampi, there probably aren’t enough Tic Tacs in the country to tame the stink raised at the South Florida Garlic Fest. We mean “stink” in the best possible way: ...
Greece's January economic sentiment declines amid pre-election uncertainty: survey
ATHENS, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Greece's economic sentiment index declined in January to 99.6 points from 101.6 points in the previous month amidst uncertainty as the country holds general elections later ...
Greece man accused of kidnapping individual near FLCC
Hopewell, N.Y./Greece, N.Y. – A Greece man has been arrested on a kidnapping charge. Joshua Lyon, 18, is accused of kidnapping someone Friday in the area of Finger Lakes Community College.
Greece is “open for investments” in the cannabis sector
Greece is hoping to tap into its nascent cannabis economy following the legalisation of cannabis for medical purposes in 2017 and the lifting of the prohibition into the growing of the plant in 2018.
Great Britain in the Fed Cup: Schedule, results & standings
Slovenia, GREECE and Hungary join Great Britain in group A, while Serbia, Croatia, Turkey and Georgia are in group B. Johanna Konta, Heather ...
James Bond 25: MORE filming locations REVEALED for Daniel Craig's final 007 outing?
Specifically, the SNFCC (Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre) which has new facilities including the National Library of GREECE and the ...
Companies eye upcoming surge in Attica casino profits, turnover
The sense that the crisis in GREECE will be overcome at some point, and that the casino market will revert at least to the levels last seen in 2010, is the ...
Cambridge launches research program funded by prominent GREEK businesswoman
The Program for Science, Technology and Innovation will be supported by a donation from GREEK busineswoman, parliamentarian and President of ...
Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s ‘Metamorphoses’ is a vivid reimagining of Greek mythology
Flaunting a backdrop of glowing pastel clouds, an ornate chandelier and a diamond shaped pool of reflective water, the set of “Metamorphoses” left the audience in awe on its public opening night Jan. ...
Greek Government close to solving the Gordian knot of the issue with "red" loans
Within the week the government is expected to send to the institutions a breakdown of the quantified criteria it intends to apply to the successor scheme of the Katseli law which
SYRIZA acquires a majority of 151 MPs in the Greek Parliament
Their support to the government have communicated by letters to the President of the House six independent MPs in order to ensure the parliamentary majority of the government
This is not the time to stir the GREECE-Turkey pot
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras meets again with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday. Such meetings are always ...
Patience of creditors seems to be wearing thin
European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici demonstrated on Monday that the post-program patience of GREECE'S ...
Territorial disputes to top agenda of Greece-Turkey talks
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is due to land in Turkey on Tuesday for a two-day visit as tensions between the two neighbours remain high. Territorial disputes and their tussle over oil and gas r...
Two Greek Cypriot Missing identified with DNA testing
Two Greek Cypriots missing from the 1974 Turkish invasion have been identified using DNA testing since the beginning of the year, the Committee of Missing Persons said on Monday. However ...
Pyrros Dimas and Gus Bilirakis to Head Panepirotic Federation Convention
NEW YORK – Pyrros Dimas, the most decorated Greek athlete in the modern Olympics with three gold medals and one bronze, and Rep. Gus Bilirakis, the […] The post Pyrros Dimas and Gus Bilirakis to Head Panepirotic Federation Convention appeared first on The National Herald.
Greek Producers Report Poor Harvest for Quantity, Quality
After a bad harvest, olive farmers and oil producers may not be able to receive compensation. However, small producers have a chance to shine in a depleted field of competitors. With the harvesting se...
Data from Vinnik's phone, notebook may have been tampered with, says lawyer
These devices were returned to GREECE and are now in the hands of a special ... Vinnik was detained in GREECE on July 25, 2017, at America's request, ...
GREECE'S Tsipras Secures Parliamentary Majority in Future Votes
Four independent Greek lawmakers, and two from the Independent Greeks party, informed the Speaker in a letter that they will support Prime Minister ...
GREECE to bolster presumption of innocence; decriminalize defamation
Greek Justice Minister Michalis Kalogirou on Monday submitted legislation in Parliament that, among other measures, will adopt European Union ...
Venezuela should not face outside interference: GREECE
Any external interference should be avoided," said Georgios Katrougalos, GREECE'S alternate foreign minister, stressing the importance of a peaceful ...
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: “The visit of the GREEK Prime Minister to Halki has a special ...
The Ecumenical Patriarch spoke of the special symbolism of the visit of GREEK Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to the Holy Theological School of Halki, ...
Greece 1954-1955: Robert McCabe Photo Exhibition in Athens
American photographer Robert McCabe loved Greece from the first time he visited it in the summer of 1954. The people, the monuments and the landscape drew his attention and fascinated the then 20-year-old student from Princeton University, who took advantage of every means of transport available to reach the most remote areas of Greece, which … The post Greece 1954-1955: Robert McCabe Photo Exhibition in Athens appeared first on Keep Talking Greece.
Leros Management of GREECE prepares to offload fleet
Leros Management of GREECE is seeking a sale of all four bulkers in its fleet. The vessels were ordered at the peak of the market in 2008, and the ...
Galveston Restaurant Week: It's All GREEK to Me!
That's just how long the GREEKS have been perfecting their delectable recipes, and it's precisely that experience that makes Olympia Grill in a class all ...
Foodies Take Note – Waterville Has A GREEK Restaurant
Open since January 3rd, they serve traditional GREEK and Mediterranean fare like souvlaki, moussaka, and pastitsio. They also have a menu of original ...
Halki seminary: GREEK PM Tsipras' visit to Turkey's closed religious school 'hugely symbolic'
Halki seminary: GREEK PM Tsipras' visit to Turkey's closed religious school 'hugely symbolic'. Comments. By Michael-Ross Fiorentino • last updated: ...
Charges Expected Against Greek Politicians in Novartis Case
ATHENS – Despite having no evidence beyond the word of three secret whistleblowers, Greek prosecutors are reportedly set to charge 10 rival politicians of the […] The post Charges Expected Against Greek Politicians in Novartis Case appeared first on The National Herald.
Despite Deal, FYROM Companies Can Keep Macedonian Labels on Goods
Greek companies who use the name of the ancient province Macedonia to identity their products, especially foods, will find themselves in continuing competition with what […] The post Despite Deal, FYROM Companies Can Keep Macedonian Labels on Goods appeared first on The National Herald.
Turkey’s Speaker Wants De-escalation of Tensions with Greece
As Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras prepared for a two-day visit to Turkey beginning Feb. 5, Binali Yildirim, Speaker of Turkey’s Grand National Assembly said his […] The post Turkey’s Speaker Wants De-escalation of Tensions with Greece appeared first on The National Herald.
New Democracy Promises Greeks 2,000 Euro Baby Bonus
With Greece’s population rapidly declining as many families have decided against having children during a more than 8 ½-year-long economic crisis, the major rival New […] The post New Democracy Promises Greeks 2,000 Euro Baby Bonus appeared first on The National Herald.
Europe – Euro area and EU28 unemployment rates fall in December
The highest unemployment rates were observed in GREECE (18.6% in ... The most significant decreases were registered in GREECE (from 21.0% to ...
Turkey 'looking forward' to Tsipras's visit, says ambassador
Asked whether Turkish parliament should finally drop its “casus belli” threat adopted in 1995 to prevent GREECE from extending its territorial waters to ...
Jobs in GREECE provide a ray of light for migrants in difficult times
Finding work for refugees and migrants can be difficult at the best of times, but in GREECE, hit hard by the economic crisis, that challenge can be even ...
Six rescued by GREEK coast guard off Corfu
The GREEK coast guard rescued six foreign nationals after a distress signal was sent from their dinghy off the western coast of the Ionian island of Corfu ...
New Cars in Greece
New Cars in Greece industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary information including: market share, market size (value and volume 2013-17, and forecast to 2022). The profil...
Greek systemic banks eye Bank of Greece plan to reduce NPLs
The managers of Greek banks believe that a Bank of Greece plan can resolve the looming problem of non-performing loans (NPLs) without requiring yet another bank recapitalisation and the concomitant th...
Businesses With Macedonian Names and Brands Concerned About Prespa
According to GREECE'S Kathimerini newspaper, 182 total businesses in GREECE have brand names connected to Macedonia and thirty-nine of them are ...
FM holds bilateral meetings with five counterparts
During the meeting with Acting Foreign Minister of GREECE George Katrougalos, Shokry hailed the great growth of ties with GREECE in different sectors, ...
UNESCO-Greece calls for nominations for Cultural Landscapes international Prize
The UNESCO – Greece has called for nominations for the Melina Mercouri International Prize for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes. Nominations are open, with the deadline for submission 30 April 2019. The Prize rewards outstanding action to safeguard and enhance the world’s major cultural landscapes, which can contribute significantly to sustainable development and … The post UNESCO-Greece calls for nominations for Cultural Landscapes international Prize appeared first on Keep Talking Greece.
GREEK Startup Scene Growing, More Investments Pouring In
According to research carried out by Marathon Venture Capital, investors have extended 2.4 billion euros in funding to GREEK startups over the last ...
Theodoros Kolokotronis: Ultimate Symbol of the Greek Revolution
Theodoros Kolokotronis, who lived from April 3, 1770 to Feb. 4, 1843, is undoubtedly the ultimate symbol of the Greek War of Independence, which took place from 1821 to 1830. More than any other ...
Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Katrougalos’ interview for the newspaper Efimerida ton Syntakton with journalist N. Zirganos (02 February2019)
JOURNALIST: How will it be ensured that the Prespa Agreement will be implemented? Can another government in Athens or Skopje undermine it or implement it selectively? G. KATROUGALOS: All the legal provisions are in place so that the Agreement constitutes a permanent foundation in the new era of friendship and collaboration with North Macedonia, such as provisions for good offices and mediation by the UN Secretary-General. As for the name issue in particular, the constitutional revision is the biggest guarantee, as it ensures that the solution will stand the test of time and the rationale of rejecting irredentism will be integrated in the heart of the neighbouring country's institutional system. However, I believe that the foundation for the safe implementation of the Agreement lies elsewhere: once our peoples fully comprehend its content, i.e. a compromise that serves the core of national interests on both sides, the venom of suspicion, which fuels extreme nationalism both ways, shall cease. This shall constitute the greatest guarantee for a long-lasting Agreement. In any case, although I consider such an event unlikely, any violation of the terms of the Agreement shall constitute a gross violation of the good neighbourly obligations, as it would block any prospects of the neighbouring country’s accession to the European Union, which is its next significant target. JOURNALIST: The protocol for North Macedonia’s accession to NATO will soon be coming to the Parliament for ratification. Are you expecting a change in the stance of the forces that opposed the Prespa Agreement? G. KATROUGALOS: After Bucharest, the fixed stance of the country’s foreign policy has been that the neighbouring country’s accession to NATO – provided it so wished – would follow once our differences were resolved: solution first, accession later was what the New Democracy government officials were saying. Unfortunately, though, consistency is not a word that describes New Democracy today, as it remains deeply torn between its far-right and centre-right components. In the discussion about the Macedonian issue, they presented two fronts: the fixed national view of another country not monopolising the name, and the personal Samaras line that Macedonia is Greek. Mr Mitsotakis continues to be bound to the latter and to his Vice-President, a transfer from the LAOS party. I’m afraid that my forecast for KINAL is similar. I see it lining up with New Democracy again, trapped in the barren anti-SYRIZA policy of its leadership. And a word for the criticism we have been getting from the left, i.e. that we have become friends of the Atlantic alliance: North Macedonia’s accession to NATO was not our choice; it was a choice that had been made by their government. JOURNALIST: The SYRIZA-ANEL divorce was not a smooth one. Mr Kammenos describes the Prespa Agreement as traitorous and is talking about a government of defection, while he continues to accuse Nikos Kotzias of suspicious relations with Mr Soros. The government has not given a clear answer yet. G. KATROUGALOS: The developments are demonstrating just how far from reality this was, when we heard New Democracy – and not just them – saying that it was an orchestrated divorce. It is true that our collaboration with ANEL, for as long as it lasted, was an honest one; we were both focused on the exit from the memorandums and the fight against corruption. However, in the new post-memorandum era of normalcy, the political conflicts are lining up along the Left-Right axis again and this is completely normal. As for the way ANEL expressed some of their recent controversial views, it is obvious that we will not follow suit. A conflict always has to have substance. And as far as substance is concerned, we have always been clear. Nikos Kotzias was not implementing his own policy, but the government policy. And this government bears no relation to economic interest hubs. Soros-fighting and shadow-fighting do not assist in political dialogue. JOURNALIST: The Prespa Agreement rearranged the political stage and SYRIZA has already made a new opening towards the centre-left. Do you believe that a coalition of wider forces, with SYRIZA at the core, is possible? And what form would it take? G. KATROUGALOS: You’re right. The political stage has been rearranged tectonically after the Prespa, but this way it essentially aligned accordingly with the European state of affairs. In the upcoming European elections, two complete opposite views for Europe will clash: one of them expresses a paradoxical marriage between neo-liberalism and the far-right, and the other the social Europe, the open societies, the freedoms and the rights. So the stakes, but also the political fronts in Greece, are being shaped in a respective, bipolar way. SYRIZA is the democratic and progressive side, expressing the largest part of the Left and the Centre-Left. We are also striving for including or forging an organic collaboration with any related forces or personalities that share our strategic choices, but also for starting a platform collaboration with parties from neighbouring political arenas. Naturally, this presupposes platform convergences, as well as clear answers and choices. Specifically, KINAL must answer loud and clear before the elections whether they are in favour of collaborations for a progressive administration or whether they will attempt anew an unnatural partnership with New Democracy. JOURNALIST: What is the government expecting from the PM’s upcoming trip to Turkey? G. KATROUGALOS: We are aspiring to re-establish the communication channels at the highest level, with the short-term goal being to diffuse the tension in the Aegean Sea. We are also aspiring to commence essential dialogue on the serious issues that separate us. For this reason, obviously, it takes two to tango. JOURNALIST: The next few months are considered crucial for the South-eastern Mediterranean, given Ankara’s stance regarding the Cypriot EEZ, but also the upcoming signing of the agreement for the East Med pipeline. How can the Republic of Cyprus be protected from possible Turkish aggression? G. KATROUGALOS: Our key weapon in all bilateral disputes has been our respect for international law and legality, and the international alliances we forge. We have always systematically coordinated, with sobriety and decisiveness, our action and the steps we shall take in this issue, as with all other issues, with the full support of the Republic of Cyprus. We have indeed jointly managed to support the self-evident sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus by the European Union and by other significant partners, such as the USA, for the first time so clearly and so strictly. Furthermore, the trilateral and other collaborations that we have developed in the region have especially strengthened our diplomatic and defence position. In this context, the role of the East Med stands out, not only from an economic, but also from a strategic point of view. Especially the addition of the USA in a 3+1 configuration in our trilateral cooperation with Israel and Cyprus, as well as the presence of their State Secretary at the signing of the relevant international agreement in Knossos, highlights the reach of this endeavour. JOURNALIST: New Democracy is accusing you of aligning politically with the Maduro administration, actually hinting at SYRIZA being secretly financed by Caracas. How do you respond to these allegations? What stance will we be adopting as an EU country with regard to the political crisis in Venezuela? G. KATROUGALOS: The defamatory statements about the alleged financing of SYRIZA are being spread underhandedly, with leaks and hints from New Democracy, just because they know very well that it is an utterly non-existent and fabricated matter. Rehashing it, in a hypocritical and Goebbelsian manner as a matter of fact, only serves to demonstrate the main opposition party’s inability to debate about real political issues using political arguments. The essence of the matter is this: Since the very beginning I had stated that we believe it is pivotal for the European Union to present a joint stance on this matter, respecting the statutory principles of democracy, with the aim of finding a solution that would end the division of an extremely polarised society and would give the people of Venezuela the chance to decide about their future. To this end, right from the start we pushed the idea of establishing a team of countries that would organise a dialogue and would ensure the necessary conditions for carrying out honest and representative elections. This proposal of ours was unanimously accepted at the recent informal Foreign Affairs Council and an international contact team was formed, which included European countries, as well as Latin American countries, such as Bolivia and Mexico.
Statement by Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs, G. Katrougalos, to foreign correspondents following the proceedings of the EU
JOURNALIST: (Question on disagreements between EU and League of Arab States) G. KATROUGALOS: We have disagreements. I mentioned the necessity to reach a consensual statement. And I was referring exactly to the necessity for us Europeans to reconfirm our commitment to values, not just to policies. Because, some of the disagreements heard within our ranks –of the Europeans I mean-, are not just a breach of policy. We consider them to be, let’s say, a breach of values. And, by the way, I would like to say something regarding our position on Venezuela. Because, this is another issue on which we think that the EU has to act as a global player. That means, to have an autonomous and united position, based on its own principles of democracy, rule of law and human rights. What does that mean, regarding Venezuela? The necessity to ensure a democratic and peaceful outcome. Democratic signifies that only the people of Venezuela can have a say on their own future. Any kind of foreign interference should be excluded. This means that the only role for the international community is to intervene in order to de-escalate tensions and to ensure fair and impartial elections, which would result to making civil war impossible and to reunite a very polarized society and political system. In this framework, we acknowledge and respect the role of the National Assembly and its President in preparing the elections. But what’s essential for us is the diplomatic initiative of the European Union to establish an International Contact Group comprising European countries but also, countries like Mexico, Bolivia, Uruguay, which are going to mediate through political dialogue in order to ensure fair and impartial elections. We look forward to the convening of this meeting in Montevideo on Thursday and we are sure that Europe can play a constructive role, conducive to what we all want, this peaceful and democratic outcome. Finally, I would like to commend Federica Mogherini on her role in trying to unify us, Europeans. As you know, we had a common statement by the 28 of us last week. We -as Greece- should continue to push for a united position of the European Union in conformity with our principles. JOURNALIST: You met the Egyptian Minister in the bilateral meeting, how did it go? Do you agree at some point? Did you talk over a specific point before the summit with the Egyptian Minister? G. KATROUGALOS: Egypt is for us a strategic partner on many issues, also issues related to energy security and diversification of resources. We had a very good discussion. We also had other meetings, including a trilateral with Cyprus and Lebanon - always in the same spirit. Greece is trying to be an exporter of stability in the area. JOURNALIST: Tell me about the two-state solution... [inaudible] G. KATROUGALOS: We fully support the two-state solution, exactly because we are -as Greece- always proponents of International Law and of the United Nations’ resolutions. And we think that there is no other solution for Palestine and Israel. Thank you.
Tag: WHO CANCELED HER FLIGHT HOME FROM GREECE?
Bridget Burke's family vacation to GREECE goes off the rails when someone cancels her tickets home. Now she's asking if she has to pay for the airline's ...
GREECE, protest planned for closure of notorious Lesbos camp
Unions on the Greek island of Lesbos will take to the streets February 7, striking to demand closure of the island's Moria refugee camp, which human ...
A Tour of the Work of Photographer McCabe at the Archaeological Society
ATHENS – American photographer Robert McCabe loved Greece from the first time he visited it in the summer of 1954. The people, the monuments and […] The post A Tour of the Work of Photographer McCabe at the Archaeological Society appeared first on The National Herald.