Rising from Hydra’s pier, there is a stately mansion housing the world’s oldest continuously operating merchant marine academy. Read the full story on GreekReporter.com.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greekreporter.com |
How the world sees Greece
Sunday, August 1, 2021
Annual Greek Jewish Block Party Returns August 15
Kehila Kedosha Janina Synagogue and Museum (KKJ) will return to hosting its annual Greek Jewish Block Party on Sunday August 15 from 12-4pm. The festival, located at 280 Broome St., between Allen and ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.thelodownny.com |
Nigerian Players Transfer Round Up: Super Eagles striker heading to GREECE
Onyekuru seals GREECE move. Onyekuru's future has finally been resolved after sealing a three-year deal with Olympiacos. All that is left is for the ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT soccernet.ng |
Tourists flee as wildfires threaten Turkish beach resorts
... including on the Italian island of Sicily and in western GREECE, where some residents had to be evacuated by boat to escape the flames.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT spectrumlocalnews.com |
4 to Watch: Jade Carey Sets Sights on Olympic Medal in Floor Routine
GREECE'S Eleftherios Petrounias is on his way to defending gold in the rings after finishing with the best score in qualifying. South Korea's Shin Jeahwan ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.nbcwashington.com |
Greece forest fires gut homes, farms
Water-laden helicopters were used in the battle against the fire in Ziria, near Patras - Copyright AFP STRLouisa Gouliamaki with Marina Rafenberg in AthensNearly 300 firefighters, two water bomber ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.digitaljournal.com |
Greece refutes claim of shooting Turkish citizen dead at Evros frontier
The Greek government in Athens refuted claims … dead by fire from the Greek side of the frontier. Ankara … made representations to the Greek ambassador, with the foreign ministry …
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT in-cyprus.philenews.com |
The Netherlands cannot simply send status holders back to Greece- Council of State
… situations upon their return to Greece without shelter, food and … with a Greek residence permit back to Greece. In Greece, they are … offered a humane reception in Greece. The situation for asylum … seekers arriving in Greece has been challenging for …
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT nltimes.nl |
Large parts of Rhodes without power and water due to big forest fire
Large parts on the island of Rhodes are without power as a raging wild fire has destroyed some crucial electricity columns and the blaze seems out of control due to strong winds. The fire broke out in Soroni, behind Panagia Pantanassa around 2 o’ clock Sunday noon and the fire front grew quickly, moving towards … The post Large parts of Rhodes without power and water due to big forest fire appeared first on Keep Talking Greece.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.keeptalkinggreece.com |
Antetokounmpo has something to declare on return to Greece
Giannis Antetokounmpo definitely had something to declare on ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.thetelegraph.com |
Greek Foreign Ministry denies Turkey’s allegations of shooting
The Greek Foreign Ministry denied the claims of the Turkish side that there was allegedly an incident on the Greek-Turkish border, during which a Turkish citizen was killed by gunfire from the Greek ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT thefrontierpost.com |
Greek Foreign Ministry: Turkish allegations for the dead in Evros are rejected – Turkey should guard its borders
The incident took place in the Turkish side of Evros
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT en.protothema.gr |
Greece wildfires: 'Out of control' fires cause power cuts in Rhodes
Local news site Athenian News has said the majority of the island of Rhodes, in Greece is experiencing a power outage. This could be due to wildfires burning out of control in the Kalamonas area.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.express.co.uk |
Bucks' Antetokounmpo brothers take NBA championship trophy to Greece
Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the Greek brothers who helped the Milawaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years last month, promised to take their trophy back to Sepolia, the ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.cbc.ca |
Healthy breakfast and lunch recipes from Village Clubs
6 oz plain GREEK yogurt · Natural sweetener of choice to taste: stevia, monk fruit, honey, or maple syrup · ⅛ tsp vanilla extract (can sub almond or maple ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.azfamily.com |
For Isalys Quinones, achieving the Olympic dream meant balancing passions
She had signed a contract to play professionally in GREECE but three weeks later, the pandemic shut down her league. She went back to Chula Vista, ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.latimes.com |
GREECE Records 1605 New Coronavirus Cases, 10 Deaths
ATHENS -- GREECE confirmed 1,605 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, with 12 of these identified at entry points to the country, the ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.thenationalherald.com |
Major changes happening in Greek Life this fall
The University of Arizona United Sorority and Fraternity Council, Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council will begin to return to in-person events in the fall. Due to the return of in-person ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.wildcat.arizona.edu |
Preview: Olympiacos vs. Ludogorets Razgrad – prediction, team news, lineups
247 News Around The World 247 News Around The World Olympiacos will be looking to secure a first-leg advantage in their Champions League third qualifying round contest when they host Ludogorets Razgrad on Tuesday night. The Greek outfit recorded a 2-0 aggregate win over Neftchi Baku in the last round of the competition, while Ludogorets have beaten Shakhtyor Soligorsk and Mura to advance to this […] The post Preview: Olympiacos vs. Ludogorets Razgrad – prediction, team news, lineups appeared first on 247 News Around The World.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT 247newsaroundtheworld.com |
NBA: The Antetokounmpo brothers of Milwaukee Bucks bring NBA trophy home to Greece
The Greek brothers, Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo, helped the Milwaukee Bucks to its first NBA championship in 50 years.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT sportstar.thehindu.com |
Inside the Greek holiday resort that’s all over celebrity Instagram right now
Pine trees, heat, cicadas. Tiny white sailboats bobbing against a turquoise horizon. An ice-clinking drink on a bougainvillea-covered terrace.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.image.ie |
Andreas Potamianos, GREEK shipowner and cruise doyen, dies at 88
Carnival and Epirotiki forged a partnership in 1993 when Carnival sold a ship to the GREEKS in exchange for a stake in the company. A second ship ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.seatrade-cruise.com |
Transfer: Onyekuru set for medicals, arrives GREECE Sunday
Super Eagles winger, Henry Onyekuru will arrive in the GREECE city of Athens on Sunday for his medicals ahead of a scheduled move to Greek league ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT aoifootball.com |
Wildfires rage in Turkey as more tourists evacuated from resorts
Temperatures in GREECE and nearby countries in southeast Europe are expected to climb to 42 degrees Celsius (more than 107 Fahrenheit) Monday in ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.euronews.com |
Valuable Syrian mosaics on show in Athens
Syrian students working with GREECE'S European Center for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments on the Syrian Mosaic Pavement Documentation ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.ekathimerini.com |
Civil Aviation Authority: Domestic flights notam in GREECE to August 9
Civil Aviation Authority: Domestic flights notam in GREECE to August 9. TornosNews.gr 01.08.2021 | 09:11. Α Decrease font Enlarge font.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.tornosnews.gr |
Heat and fires continue in Italy, GREECE and Turkey, and a number of dead and injured
Italy, GREECE and Turkey are still suffering from severe heat wave and wildfires. Italian firefighting teams have recorded more than 800 fires in the past ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.thecherawchronicle.com |
Which countries are safe for holidays? Irish advice for Spain, GREECE and more
Ibiza, Minorca and Palma in Spain and Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes in GREECE have all been marked as red zones meaning the European Centre for ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.dublinlive.ie |
FM: Turkey's Complaints on Alleged Incident in Evros Fully Rejected
ATHENS -- GREECE' charge d'affaires in Ankara, following Greek Foreign Ministry's orders, after an emergency demarche she was summoned earlier ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.thenationalherald.com |
Olympian weight-lifter Iakovidis announces to end career due to lack of state funding
Olympian weight-lifter Thodoris Iakovidis shocked the public and exposed the Greek state when he burst into tears on a live interview and announced that he ends his career as he cannot continue with the multiple financial difficulties he faces. Speaking to state broadcaster ERT, the 30-year-old athlete said he cannot compete with his rivals, who … The post Olympian weight-lifter Iakovidis announces to end career due to lack of state funding appeared first on Keep Talking Greece.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.keeptalkinggreece.com |
Fires rage across southern Europe, forcing hundreds to evacuate
… for the fifth day, while Greece, Italy and Spain were also … 2020. Greek ‘catastrophe’ Firefighters were also battling fires in Greece after a … up,” a Labiri resident told Greek TV station Skai. The … hectares had been burnt in Greece, compared with an average of …
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT newsinfo.inquirer.net |
Tourists and villages evacuated as wildfires rage across Turkey, Greece, Italy
Dozens of villages were evacuated in tourist hotspots in southern Turkey on Sunday as wildfires that have claimed six lives raged for the fifth day, while Greece, Italy and Spain were also hit by ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.msn.com |
PROUD GREEK – Tsitsipas shares his happiness for being part of the Olympics
Stefanos Tsitsipas was hoping to win at least one medal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Eventually, things did not go as Stefanos planned. The GREEK ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT tennistonic.com |
The march of the 10,000 Greeks: Xenophon’s story “crying” to be an epic movie
The story of the Greeks in 401BC who found themselves stranded in the middle of Asia
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT en.protothema.gr |
Fires Rage Across Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain Forcing Hundreds To Evacuate
Dozens of villages were evacuated in tourist hotspots in southern Turkey on Sunday as wildfires that have claimed six lives raged for the fifth day, while Greece, Italy and Spain were also hit by ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.msn.com |
The Best Of Athens According To Greece Insiders
More than just a quick stopover to Mykonos or Santorini, Athens is having a major comeback with some of the world's finest new hotels and restaurants.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.forbes.com |
Leaders of Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece attend joint press conference
Leaders of Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece agreed on Saturday that the whole region needs to be included in the European Union (EU) and that the cooperation on joint projects can bring the region long-awaited prosperity and stability.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.chinadaily.com.cn |
Fener GREEK patriarch in Turkey conveys condolences to forest fire victims
The Fener GREEK Orthodox patriarch in Turkey on Saturday conveyed his condolences to the victims of massive forest fires in southern Turkey.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.yenisafak.com |
Media report: Which GREEK Aegean islands face growing COVID-19 cases
The European Center for Disease Prevention has designated a number of GREEK islands as Dark Red, which means they are essentially unsafe for ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.tornosnews.gr |
Myrra by Opa launches GREEK and Spanish Saturday brunch
A bright yellow restaurant sits upon the shores of Club Vista Mare, where guests can go and enjoy GREEK and Spanish cuisine while staring out to the ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT whatson.ae |
Ankara summons GREEK diplomat over border killing
Sources from the Turkish Foreign Ministry informed that GREEK diplomat Eleni Vakali was summoned to the ministry on Aug. 1. Ankara has demanded ...
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.hurriyetdailynews.com |
Reyer inks Greek forward Charalampopoulos
Umana Reyer Venice added some versatility at the forward position with the signing of Vasilis Charalampopoulos.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.eurocupbasketball.com |
Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ statement to journalists following his meeting with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades (Nicosia, 21.07.2021)
I had the honour to be received by the President, Mr. Anastasiades, in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, and both our teams. We had an extensive discussion on the next steps in addressing Turkish aggression and unlawful conduct. Henceforth, we will take steps at the United Nations and the European Council and at all international fora in full coordination. Neither Greece, nor the Republic of Cyprus, nor, we think, the United Nations and the European Council will tolerate Turkish unlawful conduct, the imposition of fait accomplis on the ground.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.mfa.gr |
Joint Press Release of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Digital Governance (22.07.2021)
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Digital Governance are further expanding myConsulLive by including 18 Missions Abroad (Embassies and Consulates General) in 17 countries. Greek citizens and Diaspora Greeks living in these areas will be able to access a number of administrative services of the Greek State without physical presence, via video calls. From Thursday, July 22, MyConsulLive additionally includes the following: • The Greek Embassies in Bratislava, Bucharest, Budapest, Copenhagen, Lisbon, Luxembourg, Mexico City, Montevideo, Prague, Santiago, Sofia, Tallinn, Vienna, Vilnius, Warsaw• The Consulates General in Los Angeles, Mariupol, San FranciscoWith the inclusion of these Greek Missions Abroad, it is now possible to make a digital appointment with a total of 60 Embassies and Consulates in 36 countries. The service was initially launched on a pilot basis in December 2020 through the cooperation of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias and of State and Digital Governance Kyriakos Pierrakakis, while its design and implementation were carried out by the General Secretariat for Information Systems of the Ministry of Digital Governance, based on similar digital appointment services provided by the Citizens Services Centres (KEP), the Greek Manpower Employment Organization (OAED), the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) and the Unified Social Security Fund eEFKA. MyConsulLive is to be gradually expanded to all Greek Missions abroad.MyConsulLive platform shall provide the following services:• Certificate of permanent residency abroad• Certificate of marital status or birth• Certificate of residence• Copies of or excerpts from registrate acts• Pension eligibility declaration• Applications/reports to Consular AuthoritiesIt is reminded that appointments are scheduled for a specific day and time on MyConsulLive.gov.gr. Interested parties identify themselves using Taxisnet login credentials (username/password) to confirm their personal data, while at the beginning of the video call identification is made via presentation of ID card or passport.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.mfa.gr |
Interview with Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, John Chrysoulakis, for “Greek Diplomatic Life” (July-August 2021)
JOURNALIST: What are the objectives and policy goals of the new General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy?J. CHRYSOULAKIS: The General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy has now a dual focus, on the one hand the Diaspora and on the other Public Diplomacy. These two aspects are complementary, extroversive and act as an operational arm for the promotion of Greece abroad. The General Secretariat is committed to bringing the Greek communities closer to each other, strengthen their ties with the homeland and preserve their language and cultural identity.At the same time, through Public Diplomacy campaigns, it is creating a modern narrative for the country and promoting its image internationally, with help and cooperation of the Greeks abroad, who, wherever they live, are a prominent part of the local communities. In addition, the reversal of “Brain Drain” is also one of our goals and the Greek Government is actively interested in protecting the productive fabric of our country. The Prime Minister himself has announced financial and fiscal measures and incentives to restrict this phenomenon, encourage the creation of new well-paid jobs in many sectors and attract significant foreign investment capitals. Foreign investors have already responded to these measures, as Microsoft has decided to invest in data centers in our country and Volkswagen is turning Astypalaia into the first and only “smart” island in the Mediterranean that runs almost entirely on green energy.Besides “Brain Drain”, there is also the so-called “Brain Circulation”, ie., the mobility of scientists. Aimed at bringing the Greek Diaspora closer to Greece, we are creating and promoting networks that will bring together professionals and scientists of Greek origin that excel abroad with their colleagues in Greece.JOURNALIST: In your opinion, what changes need to be undertaken in order for the new Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy to be fully functional and efficient in order to create a strategic decision-making and coordination centre to communicate the multifaceted policies and messages of our country?J. CHRYSOULAKIS: In the Unified Government Policy Plan, one of the key elements concerning the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) is to strengthen the international image of the country by using modern communication strategies and digital tools.Implementing this directive, the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy has put at the top of its agenda the digitisation of its actions, as well as the actions carried out by the Public Diplomacy Offices abroad. We are confident that increasing the use of social media and implementing digital diplomacy strategies will yield to positive results in the near future.In this context, we recently organised an online seminar on Digital Public Diplomacy, in collaboration with the University of Oxford. Our aim was to highlight the influence of social media in the diplomatic field and at the same time to answer the question of how new media can be used as tools for formulating a Public Diplomacy strategy.JOURNALIST: What initiatives has the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy launched so far? J. CHRYSOULAKIS: Let me start from the current year, which for us at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as for every Greek and friend of Greece, is a milestone year for all Hellenism and the image of Greece internationally. It is the year that we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution, the year that we communicate internationally the image of a modern state with all its achievements during the two centuries of its independence. The General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy is involved in most of the events that have either been designed or submitted to the "Greece 2021" Committee or organised independently around the world. Let me mention the illumination, for the first time, of iconic buildings in the capitals and major cities of the world in the colors of the Greek flag, the congratulatory messages of heads of state and other foreign personalities and the wishes sent via our public broadcaster from our prominent expatriates in America and Europe all the way through to Australia. We have coordinated dozens of events to date, while an equal number are in line involving our contribution, participation and support. Additionally, we have begun providing the Diaspora, our Diplomatic Authorities and Public Diplomacy Offices abroad with a series of ready-to-use digitalised documents, testimonies and archival material which we obtained through our cooperation with Piraeus Bank, in synergy with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the National Historical Museum, Greek National Opera, and the General State Archives. The provision of these products will continue throughout the year and will be enriched with more digitalised material from the Hellenic Army Academy, the War Museum, the Athens Concert Hall and other institutions. At the same time, we are implementing cultural programmes with other countries, such as the Greek-Russian history year in 2021. I recently participated in an art exhibition organized in the context of the Greek-Russian history year in 2021 which gave me the opportunity to appreciate the influence and appeal of Greek culture on this great country, Russia. Likewise with China, where I was asked to address major Chinese media on the occasion of our National Day, highlighting the importance of Greek National Deliverance and the global and timeless significance of the Greek liberation struggle. Beyond however our Bicentennial celebratory events, the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy participates in a multitude of other initiatives related to the Greek language, higher education, arts and culture. It is also active in the so-called "Parliamentary Diplomacy" in cooperation with the Special Permanent Committee on Greeks Abroad of the Greek Parliament, the World Hellenic Inter-parliamentary Association (PADEE), and the European Network of Elected Greeks in Local Authorities Abroad. It also opens up new paths of communication with the Arab world, participating in the annual meetings of Greek and Arab poets, in which the most important Arab Writers Associations take part. At this point, I would like to mention our special contribution to the international promotion of the Greek language through various targeted actions, such as the online educational platform “staellinika.com”, which we have been running worldwide with great success and which constitutes an innovative action for the diffusion of the Greek language and culture, especially under the current difficult conditions of the pandemic.There is, moreover, the promotion of International Greek Language Day for a second consecutive year, both in Greece and abroad via the Public Diplomacy Offices, to highlight its universality. We celebrated International Greek Language Day with events, videos and roundtables around the world. We communicated our messages to events that took place from nearby Italy to faraway Los Angeles, Montreal and Sydney. Our Public Diplomacy Offices were involved in these endeavours worldwide. I would also like to stress our significant efforts to promote Greek higher education abroad through the ‘Study In Greece’ campaign, which concerns the English-language programmes offered by Greek Universities, in the promotion of which the Greek Diaspora is very active. This year, in cooperation with the General Secretariat of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, we organised the webinar “Reinforcing bridges between Greek Universities and the Greek Diaspora”, where government officials and prominent Greeks living abroad demonstrated the high standards of Greek higher education and the variety of options in Greek and English that Greek universities offer to both expatriate and foreign citizens. This initiative aims to attract expatriates and foreign students interested in attending foreign-language university programmes in Greece. Another important event was the large international online conference we organised a year ago, with the participation of 100 expatriate doctors from 25 countries, which was an essential step towards the creation of a network of expatriate doctors.In conclusion, I would like to underline that during the first half of 2021 and in the midst of the pandemic, we have held 1,350 public diplomacy events, through the Public Diplomacy Offices, an increase of 48% compared to the same period of 2020.JOURNALIST: What comparative advantages of the country the General Secretariat is cultivating in order to highlight Greece in the international public opinion? J. CHRYSOULAKIS: As I mentioned before, the General Secretariat is also responsible for Public Diplomacy. An important soft power mechanism which, thanks to the advance of new technologies and Social Media, is gaining more and more ground in our country's effort to promote its new image to international audiences. It is a horizontal policy that assists all types of diplomacy, and that is why Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has integrated it to the MoFA, aiming at creating a decision-making centre that will coordinate and streamline policies and messages that our country wishes to communicate abroad. There are currently 29 Public Diplomacy Offices operating in several of our Diplomatic Missions in Europe, America, China and Australia, staffed by highly trained officers who network with media representatives of the host country and communicate the positions and comparative advantages of Greece through targeted actions, communication campaigns and customised events. And our comparative advantages are numerous: our culture, history and tourism, our growing economy and remarkable geopolitical position, the investment friendly environment we now offer to foreign investors, our skillful human capital, the top-of-the-line communications and transport infrastructures we posses etc. I believe that we have done a good job, since last year Greece ranked among the top ten “soft power” countries in the world for the first time according to IFG-Monocle Soft Power Survey 2020, which is an international survey about countries whose softer tactics are bearing fruit, proving the great strides we have made in this field. JOURNALIST: How can Greece enhance its external relations regarding cultural heritage? J. CHRYSOULAKIS: Cultural diplomacy contributes immensely to bringing peoples closer. It allows us to better understand those around us, their concerns and their dreams. It also allows Greece to express and convey its viewpoint of contemporary society. Cultural diplomacy promotes the modern image and thinking of the country. Cultural exchanges help to build a climate of trust and mutual benefit between peoples. Cultural Diplomacy practically promotes patterns of behaviour that subconsciously create an overall portrait of the country. Thus, communication mediation through cultural production is of key significance to international diplomacy. Artists and intellectuals, in cooperation with diplomats and competent bodies, can play a decisive role in matters related to peace, culture and Human Rights. This is easy for Greeks in particular, as they carry the wealth of a significant culture. JOURNALIST: By scaling up the new General Secretariat with the Public Diplomacy Sector it seems that the Greek communities abroad will lose their strong bond. Is this statement true and how will you strengthen your relations with them? J. CHRYSOULAKIS: Public Diplomacy and Greeks Abroad are two fields of action that not only do not conflict, but complement each other and are both tied to the same global openness and strategic planning in promoting Greece abroad. The new General Secretariat of which I’m in charge continues to be the channel of communication between Diaspora Greeks and the metropolitan centre. It is the institution that understands and mediates between our expatriates and the Greek State, while creating the modern narrative of the country and promoting its positive image to international public opinion with the help and cooperation of our expatriates, who, wherever they may live, are a prominent element of their local communities with a special standing, acknowledgement and influence. I believe that in the future the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy through its new strong and unified structure will better serve its goals, coordinating and implementing in a unified and effective way all actions and functions that serve the needs of Greeks abroad and promote the country in global public opinion. In fact, the merging of the two General Secretariats was beneficial for the Greeks abroad, not only because during the last eight months our contacts and events we had with them multiplied, but also because the Public Diplomacy Offices played an important role in strengthening our ties with the Greek Diaspora. Greeks abroad are a major force in the dissemination of Greek values and culture, with an active role in the promotion of Greek positions on issues of interest before international public opinion, but also as a channel of friendship and solidarity with their host countries. The deep and enduring relationship of the Greek Diaspora, as well as philhellenes everywhere, with Greece, was amply reflected in this year's events celebrating the Bicentennial of the Greek Revolution, not to mention its significant contribution in efforts to overturn the decision which, in breach of UNESCO regulations, turned the universal Hagia Sophia monument into a mosque. Proving its strong support to our Diaspora, the Greek Government, honouring its commitments, but also implementing a constitutional requirement that for years has not been brought into effect, proceeded with regulating the issue of expatriate voting through legislation which mustered the political consensus that was necessary on this important issue. At the same time, given the expressed interest of Prime Minister Mitsotakis and competent Deputy Foreign Minister, Costas Vlasis, for the facilitation of our expatriates' needs, the digitalisation of our consular services began with the "myConsulLive" system, an online portal designed to enable expatriate Greeks to conduct their transactions with the MoFA consular authorities through video calls with competent officials, with no physical presence needed. Additionally, we have launched the pilot “Virtual Assistant” service, a globally innovative virtual assistance programme using chatbots that interface with all existing and planned digital information and assistance platforms of the MoFA, providing access to all information and requests submitted to Consular Authorities along with processing guidelines. JOURNALIST: A few decades ago, the Greek presence in Africa was significant and placed an important role in its modern economic development. What initiatives are you planning to undertake to revive the Greek presence in the African continent?J. CHRYSOULAKIS: We attribute great importance to Africa since many Greek communities with remarkable presence and active participation in economic, scientific and cultural developments of the continent, constitute a permanent bridge of communication and cooperation between Greece and their countries of residence. In this framework, we have applied a comprehensive strategy for the Greek Diaspora, designed to support and promote the interests of Greeks abroad, as well as to strengthen their relations with the motherland. Given our historical relations with North African countries, we recently inaugurated our General Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, and established a trilateral scheme including Greece, Cyprus and Egypt that convenes frequently and discusses Diaspora issues. Promoting the Greek language and culture is one of our top priorities in the region. To this end, we are implementing a comprehensive plan aimed at strengthening school education in Africa. Thus, we have briefed our Greek teachers in Africa about the innovative educational capabilities that the online platform “staellinika.com” offers, we have provided Congolese schools with computers, books and digital material, while I have personally attended, together with His Eminence Metropolitan Ioannis of Zambia, events of Zambian schools, as well as other events organised by the Greek Department of the SAHETI School. We have participated in numerous events in Cairo and Alexandria, and under our Auspices, the Hellenic Federation of South Africa presented the biggest Greek Flag ever (1,600 square metres), as well as a real life-size poster of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, during a 1821 commemorative event in Johannesburg last March.I would also like to mention that the “Hosting Programmes” have recently been redesigned and they will no longer offer just holidays in Greece, but they will be enriched with a Greek language and culture programme. Under their new format, we are certain that the Hosting Programmes will be considered as an extraordinary experience with an indelible mark on the children’s development. In this context, we have planned an action for our Diaspora communities and the philhellenes with the view to operate Summer Schools with Greek language courses. Especially for the Diaspora children, these schools will start operating shortly, in three age groups, offering lessons in Greek language, history and culture.JOURNALIST: How is the General Secretariat coping with the Covid-19 pandemic and what system has been put in place to keep the international media informed?J. CHRYSOULAKIS: It’s true that all actions for Greeks abroad, as well as for Public Diplomacy, which involve live participation, visits and close contact have been suspended and that is very unfortunate because there were many and well-planned events. But what has not been suspended and remains undiminished is our interest in our cause. Fortunately, thanks to digital technology, we are able through continuous daily online contacts to participate in events that make Greece present daily around the world. I really look forward to the end of the pandemic, which will allow me to visit again the Greek communities around the world, listen to their problems and their ideas, but also demonstrate to them the interest and support of the Greek government.
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| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.mfa.gr |
Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ interview in the Athens College Alumni Association magazine “Ermis”
JOURNALIST: The year 2021 marks the 40th anniversary of Greece's accession to the -then- European Economic Community. How do you evaluate these years? N. DENDIAS: The question is self-evident, but the answer is particularly difficult. Greece today is a completely different country from the one that Konstantinos Karamanlis led to join the European Economic Community. Joining the European family means taking part in one of the most ambitious projects in human history. If we recall how many wars Europe went through in the twentieth century and that there has been no war in the last seventy years thanks to the European Union, these facts alone are enough to justify the importance of the project. In Greece, a huge internal transformation took place as a result of its accession to United Europe. Of course, I have to say that due to mistakes, both our partners’ and ours, there have been problems or inability to adapt. Nevertheless, the overall assessment can only be utterly positive. JOURNALIST: You were the first foreign minister of an EU member state to travel to Israel and the Palestinian Territories during the recent crisis. Is there a possibility for the EU to play the role of peacemaker in third countries? N. DENDIAS: The EU should have such a role. Europe is located in an extremely complex region, situated between Eurasia and Africa. It is the most democratic area; it protects human rights, and it is absolutely interested in the stability of the region. So far, the EU has allowed situations to arise - failed states - either in Libya or in Syria, it has allowed situations to develop in the Middle East without taking any substantial initiative, as well as instability to emerge in regions of great interest to it, such as the Caucasus. When the current European Commission took office, its President stated that it would be a geopolitical commission. That remains to be seen. JOURNALIST: In a recent videoconference of the Foreign Policy and United Nations Association of Austria, you referred to the Greek aspiration to hold a non-permanent seat in the Security Council for the period 2025-2026. What would this mean for Greece, strategically speaking? N. DENDIAS: It would mean bringing to the foreground our ability to intervene in a positive manner in global challenges. Greece is a country that considers the implementation of international law as its fundamental principle. That is, the existence of a system that will apply the rules of law rather than the law of the "jungle" in relations between states and nations. This geopolitical perception would be given the opportunity to be promoted through the United Nations Security Council, and that would be exceptionally helpful for both our region and the world. JOURNALIST: What is the EU’s position on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Akkuyu by Turkey? N. DENDIAS: There is an international framework that requires every country that builds a nuclear power plant to inform the countries of the wider region, to make sure all possible precautions are met. The Akkuyu plant is located in a very active earthquake zone. Therefore, it is clear that it should incorporate cutting-edge technology in order to avoid the devastation of both the narrow and the wider area, in case anything happens. During the last visit of the Turkish Foreign Minister, I stressed the Greek side’s concerns and Mr. Çavuşoğlu promised to ask the Russian construction company to provide us with relevant information. This would signal a change in Turkey's attitude, from secrecy to open communication. I hope this understanding applies to other issues as well. JOURNALIST: Why do you think the EU maintains a reluctant attitude towards Turkey's provocative stance in the Mediterranean, while at the same time the Union has immediately taken a clear position on other issues such as the hijacking incident in Belarus? N. DENDIAS: I think the EU by itself has not integrated into its policy the important geopolitical role it is called to play. Moreover, the contradiction of one NATO member state threatening with war another country that is both a NATO and EU member state has not been resolved. This contradiction holds some states from activating the framework that in other cases is immediately activated. A careful approach is required, but also a campaign to persuade Germany. The most powerful country in Europe should also accept its leading role in situations such as the imposition of sanctions on a NATO member state that violates international law. After the elections in Germany in September, we will have a fresh opportunity to try to reach an understanding with the new federal government. JOURNALIST: Since the Turkish provocations are a European and not merely a Greek problem, the question arises as to why EU member states continue to arm the neighbouring country, a situation that undoubtedly burdens our country financially. Is it possible to achieve a change of stance on such issues? N. DENDIAS: This is not unrealistic. There is an ongoing discussion between our German friends and us. There are voices in Germany with an institutional role that fully understand the problem posed to us by the export of technologically sophisticated submarines from Germany to Turkey. The contradiction is even greater if you take into account that we are obliged to keep our deficit at the 3% threshold and therefore we cannot borrow to buy weapons to deal with what the Germans or others export to the Turks. However, I think that a first explanation for the contradiction is Turkey's NATO membership, which complicates the situation. Within the European family to which we belong, we will continue to try as much as we can to convince other countries that arms exports to Turkey, which could upset balances in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean, should not be made. JOURNALIST: What are the chances of Turkey becoming a full member of the EU? Do you think that this perspective exists, under the circumstances? N. DENDIAS: I want to be frank. This is up to Turkish side. Greece would like the Turkish society and the Turkish government to maintain the choice of convergence and participation in the European project. Firstly, because this project has a huge value in itself, secondly, because I believe that this will be the best for Turkey and Turkish society and thirdly, because we believe that it will resolve most of the outstanding issues between Turkey and us, and with any other EU member state; but also with other countries outside the Union, as in this way Turkey will be subject to a comprehensive system of rules. For example, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is part of the European acquis. The EU has signed it; therefore, Turkey’s membership in the EU would almost automatically resolve the only dispute between us in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean. But also on issues such as human rights and minority issues, Turkey's participation in the European acquis would create a context of cordial understanding. Unfortunately, however, Turkey is lately deviating from, than converging towards the European example. JOURNALIST: Could the EU play an active role in resolving the Cyprus issue? To what extent should it be involved in the process of resolving the issue, which has been in its current condition for almost 50 years? N. DENDIAS: I am sorry to say that after my last experience in Geneva, [it seems] the settlement of the Cyprus issue is put off further into the future, because Turkey appears not to accept the United Nations Security Council resolution framework and, consequently, international law, that is, the bi-communal, bi-zonal federation, which has been the common framework for Greece, Turkey, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots since 1977. And of course it still stands. So, we are further away. The EU should have a more active role. Cyprus is a member state; therefore, the EU would have every reason to claim full participation in the process to resolve the Cyprus issue. However, the EU, demonstrating reluctancy, did not even manage to participate in the negotiations in Geneva. JOURNALIST: How do you assess EU’s involvement in addressing the migration issue? Are there any additional steps that could have been taken at legislation or security level? N. DENDIAS: It could have done much more. Migration is an issue of historic proportions. It was always there in the history of humankind and it will continue to be. Movements of people do not cease and if we are led to the conclusion that we can turn Europe into a “fortress”, then we are making a very big mistake. We need to move from uncontrolled migration to controlled migration. We want young people to come to the EU. Europe has lagged behind in having rules that will allow it to attract creative young people to its territory and prevent the creation of uncontrolled flows. Of course, this is not easy to achieve. It requires a whole mechanism that entails the obligation to invest in the countries of origin, to provide education for the people in these countries, in order to prevent this uncontrolled flow, and it also requires a better return mechanism. However, the EU acts in a phobic way and not in an effective on. Of course, the problem itself is by no means simple. There is no magic solution. JOURNALIST: Would you like to share with us a vivid memory from your years in School? Do you particularly remember any of your teachers? N. DENDIAS: I have a vivid recollection of my expulsion, which I had to explain to my parents. But I have great memories from School. I do not hide from you that because I was a boarder, the school greatly influenced me in what I became in my life. There was a military dictatorship in Greece when I went to school. I have not forgotten how it felt to speak in fear that someone might hear what you said. In this unacceptable climate, Athens College ensured freedom of expression. There was never any "criminalization" of the opposite view, because there was no view that was considered mandatory ex cathedra. The most prominent advocate of this attitude – not the only one, but maybe the most interesting personality – was a language teacher named Nestoras Bouras, who I think was one of the best language teachers in the country. He was a very interesting personality who influenced me. The School was established to provide Greece with the human resources that a then backward rural country on the periphery needed to develop. The country still needs quality human resources. I think a great effort should be made to realign the School in Greek society. The great risk is to become a school for the nouveau riche, for the few that can afford it. This would be tragic. JOURNALIST: No doubt your leisure time must be extremely limited. But when you do get a little time off, is there something you like to occupy yourself? N. DENDIAS: One needs to find the opportunity to read, because if you are cut-off from the impulses that have nothing to do with your work, then you are at risk to become “institutionalized”, which is always catastrophic. I am reading at least one hour a day, even if this is at the expense of my sleep. These days I am reading “The inconceivable nothing”, a book by Ramphos analyzing a movement called “Philokalia”. If I were to suggest a book, it would be “Vasilis o Arvanitis” by Myrivilis, which was the first book I considered important in my life. In fact, when they required us to read it in school, I did so grudgingly, but after reading it I realized that it is a masterpiece. Mario Vitti also characterizes it a masterpiece. And if I were to suggest a film, it would be the original “Blade Runner” by Ridley Scott, starring Harrison Ford. I think it poses and provides answers to all questions on the human condition. Beside that, to be honest, there was not any other leisure time left because of the protracted crisis. Even my summer holidays were restricted to one night. I left one evening and the other day in the morning, I had to return, because, on account of the Turks, naval forces were sent to the Eastern Mediterranean. JOURNALIST: During the COVID 19 pandemic what is it that you miss the most from life as we used to know it?N. DENDIAS: Social interaction and human contact. We are a Mediterranean country, we are not Scandinavians. Bodily contact is a large part of our lives. People shake hands in the last five centuries. Handshakes began in the Middle Ages to attest that you are not armed. It has been established throughout the Western world and suddenly a pandemic breaks out and what once was cordiality, now it stops. The way someone shakes his hand is an indication of his character. It matters.
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Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias to meet with award-winning students of Democritus University of Thrace
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, will meet on Tuesday, July 27, at 11:00, with Democritus University of Thrace Law School students, award-winners at an International Law Moot Court Competition. It is noted that the team representing Greece and the Law School of the Democritus University of Thrace in the Telders International Law Moot Court Competition 2021, won 1st place and was honored with the Max Huber Award. Thirty teams of students, including from universities in France, Germany, Great Britain and Russia, participated in the 2021 virtual trial competition.
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Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the statement by HR/VP Borrell on Varosha (July 28, 2021)
Greece expresses satisfaction regarding yesterday's statement by HR/VP Borrell on Turkey’s illegal declarations on Varosha, which it condemns. The reference in the last paragraph stating that the EU Foreign Ministers will consider actions at European level at their next meeting, if Turkey does not comply with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, should be particularly noted. It is noted that the statement by the HR/VP was issued in the name of the European Union and is the result of negotiations between the 27 member states, for the adoption of which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs played a decisive role, through continuous contacts with the other member states and the European institutions.
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Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ opening remarks at the AHEPA Cyprus Hellenic Panel Discussion (Athens, 29.07.2021)
It is my great pleasure to be here today and join you at this important Panel Discussion, in the framework of the annual AHEPA Supreme Convention. I would like to seize this opportunity to express my wholehearted gratitude for receiving the 2021 AHEPA Pericles award. It is for me, ladies and gentlemen, a great honour indeed. Our discussion today touches upon an issue of great importance to Greece, namely the trilateral relations in our region. And I am happy to address this issue in the presence of my very good friend and colleague Nikos Christodoulidis and of course Israel, another friendly country, is here. Greece has long been striving for the establishment of a regional security architecture, by means always of dialogue and cooperation. To this end, we are always keen to encourage and promote multilateral cooperation and joint action in the Eastern Mediterranean. This, with countries willing, but also with countries respectful of International Law. So we, Greece and Cyprus, undertook an important common initiative: Since 2013 we have created a vibrant network of trilateral cooperation mechanisms in the region, which -I have to say- acquired significant momentum over the years. This network of cooperation mechanisms includes a big number of countries in the region; Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, just to name a few of them. At the same time, it has expanded to include other countries beyond our immediate region, the USA or Iraq. In particular, I want to emphasize the 3+1 mechanism that Greece-Cyprus-Israel plus the USA have established; This constitutes a significant tool to promote our common interests in our broader region. Within the framework of these schemes of cooperation, a lot of sectoral synergies have been established in a number of fields. Security, energy, Research and Development, Innovation, food security, the blue economy, the green economy. Going one step further, we have started to extend and upgrade this approach by promoting a multilateral cooperation scheme, with more countries of the region. A first step was the Philia Forum, here in Athens, a few months ago with the participation of Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Bahrain, France, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. A real bridge from South to North, to the European Union. In this meeting, the participant countries reiterated their common adherence to our common ground, to our common understanding; International Law International Law of the Sea. They stressed their strong commitment to fundamental principles enshrined, including the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the peaceful resolution of differences. Principles that will continue guiding our work and take us further ahead. The Covid-19 pandemic poses unprecedented challenges as an enormous impact on our social, economic and healthcare systems; Its impact makes us acknowledge that the post-COVID recovery should be synonymous with cooperation, should be synonymous with solidarity. And in this regard, coordinated efforts are the best paths to a sustainable economic recovery for all. To sum up, the above-mentioned trilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms are the core aim of promoting peace, stability and prosperity in our region; They promote a positive agenda which can contribute to the easing of tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and if, allow me to say, beyond the Mediterranean area. We believe that, at the end of the day, everybody - I repeat, everybody- and I am including Turkey in this, will realize that anachronistic methods and aims have nothing to do with the 21st century’s true needs of our societies and of our people.
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Turkey issues Greece diplomatic note after killing of Turkish citizen
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry on Sunday issued a diplomatic note to Greece over the killing of a Turkish citizen in the northwestern Edirne province by fire from the Greek side of the border. Heleni ...
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