GREEK NEWS AGENDA

Pireaus Port: Moving Forward

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Fri, 17 May 2013 06:21:20 PDT

Arrivals and transit passage of tourists at Piraeus Port have increased by 24,69% in the first quarter of 2013, while the country’s major port will acquire two new passenger stations by the end of the year. According to data presented by Piraeus Port Organisation Chief, George Anomeritis, on May 15, the number of home porting passengers rose by 22.05% compared to the first quarter of 2012, reaching 8,120 passengers, while transit passengers have increased by 24,94%, amounting to a total of 88,948.

Anomeritis also announced that by the end of the year, Pireaus passengers served by three stations: the second, 60,800 square feet station will be inaugurated on May 27, while a third station measuring 37,680 square feet will be ready by the end of 2013.

Greek News Agenda: Piraeus Port - Impressive Growth Rates & HP, Cosco & TrainOse: A Landmark Deal Sealed & Welcoming the First Cruise Ship for 2013

A Day in the Museum: Memory + Creativity

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Fri, 17 May 2013 06:21:35 PDT

Greek museums unite with the international museums community to celebrate the International Museum Day on May 18; this year’s theme "Museums (Memory + Creativity) = Social Development". Celebrative events are already under way all over Greece, and will culminate on May 18 with guided tours, special exhibitions, artistic events and conferences, as well as free entrance to all museums and archaeological sites. The central event is scheduled to be held at the iconic Archaeological Museum of Delphi, which is this year’s honoured museum, featuring two lectures, guided tours and choir performances.

In Athens, the National Archaeological Museum is celebrating with a concert by the Athens Symphony Orchestra, a dance theatre performance and storytelling "soirée", while the Acropolis Museum has minted commemorative medals, featuring a rooster, the competitive prototype for athletes and fighters in ancient Athens.

Last but not least, Theocharakis Foundation will be open until 02.00 in the morning, hosting a special treasure hunt for children and a flamengo dance party.

In Thessaloniki, several museums join forces to host a unique cultural walk proposing a creative approach to the city’s numerous monuments, while special events marking the day will be taking place at the city’s Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Museum and all the city’s cultural institutions.

Marathon: A Grecian Eden

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:37:58 PDT

The City of Marathon in Attica was recently awarded the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) 2012/2013 accolade. The EDEN project was launched in 2007 by the European Commission to promote sustainable tourism development models across the EU. This year’s theme was "Accessible tourism", aiming to award destinations that "have developed a tourism offer based on an overall approach to accessibility for tourists regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities or age".

A city with a history of reverberating symbolism, Marathon is a truly unique destination. Schinias National Park and the Lake Marathon, two of Attica’s most important wetlands, accommodate a surprising diversity of species and offer scenery of remarkable natural beauty that has become a hotspot for hiking and sports, for Athenians and tourists alike.

The area’s emblematic archaeological sites include the Tomb of the Athenians killed at the legendary battle, the ancient city of Ramnous, preserved virtually unchanged since antiquity. Marathon is home to some of Attica’s most curious sites: the lush Oinoi gorge hosts the remains of what is believed to have been the Sanctuary of Pythian Apollo, as well as the medieval tower of the French noble House of Burgundy.

But Marathon’s most impressive curiosity is probably the breathtaking Temple of the Egyptian Gods, located on a small island in the centre of a marsh. The area is also endowed with a 25-mile long coastline with popular, as well as quieter beaches.

Greek News Agenda: Eden in Serres!, EDEN Award Goes To Delphi

Acropolis on Top of the World

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:37:58 PDT

The Acropolis is still sweeping international awards and we are proud! The Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, came in second place for its architectural and historical significance and for its outstanding universal value on CNN’s list of 20 of the world's most beautiful World Heritage Sites.

The new addition to the Athenian landmark, the Acropolis Museum, ranked 3rd on a list of the best 50 museums in the world after the Smisthsonian Museum in Washington and the British Museum in London.

In a London Sunday Times article, a true eulogy to the new Acropolis Museum, The World’s 50 Best Museums, the author notes:

"Hundreds of thousands of visitors now turn up annually to see the cultural wonders of a glorious past, which stand amid floods of natural light with amazing views of the original temple as an evocative backdrop."

Koza Mostra and Agathon – Go lucky 21!!!

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Fri, 17 May 2013 06:40:17 PDT

Koza Mostra and Agathon Iakovidis have rocked the stage with their ska-rock rebetiko song Alcohol is Free in the second semi-final of the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest, hosted in Malmo, Sweden and will represent Greece in the grand final on Saturday!The Greek song, a celebration to the joy of live, brings together the deep-rooted Greek tradition of rebetiko and the refreshing ska-rock mood, aspiring to sweep the audience off its feet!!

If you are ever "Caught in a sea storm on Egnatia street, with Gales drifting you too far from the shore" look for Koza Mostra and Agathon and "embark on a ship heading towards Grevena"!!! Rebetiko rock, (a.k.a no. 21 of the grand final) will set you free!!!

Samaras in China

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:02:56 PDT

PM Antonis Samaras began today an official visit to China, accompanied by a delegation of entrepreneurs. In the morning, the Prime Minister addressed the Chinese Social Sciences Academy, while later in the day he is scheduled to meet with Chinese PM Li Keqiang and attend a dinner in his honour.

On May 17, Samaras is to be received by Chinese President Xi Jinping and will afterwards meet with the chairman of the National People’s Congress of China, Zhang Dejiang, and address the Hellenic-Chinese Business Forum.

Samaras will travel the next day to Hangzhou and Shanghai, where he is scheduled to meet local dignitaries and heads of business groups. On May 19, Samaras will leave for Baku, Azerbaijan for a working visit, where he will meet with the country's political leadership.

New Greek Products On The Rise

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:02:27 PDT

More than 65,000 new Greek products entered the market from the beginning of 2010 until the beginning of 2013, according to data released by barcoding company 520 Barcode on April 2.

Despite the dire economic conditions of this crucial three-year period, more than 65,000 barcodes were released with the 520 prefix country code, attributed to products manufactured in Greece, traded domestically and internationally.

Food & Drink products dominate the new releases, representing 68% of the total new product codes. Olive oil, wine and honey were the products with the most commercial releases.

The cosmetics sector takes second spot in new products, thanks to the outstanding growth of the natural cosmetics field. The bulk of new releases originated in Attica, followed by Macedonia and the Peloponnese.

520 Barcode: New Greek Products Release [in Greek], Greek News Agenda: Greek Food Exports On The Rise, Honey Sweets

Battle of Crete Commemorative Events

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:02:27 PDT

The Battle of Crete commemorative events will take place from May 19 to 26, according to an announcement by the Chania municipality. The 72nd anniversary of the World War II battle that had Greek, British, Australian and New Zealand forces fighting off German and Italian paratroopers and land forces will include a variety of events, organized by regional authorities.

Greek News Agenda: 70th Anniversary of Battle of Crete: "Lest we Forget" & A Tie That Binds

Top US Distinctions for Greek Scientists

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:02:27 PDT

Dr Kouveliotou Becomes Member of US Academy of Sciences

Dr. Chryssa Kouveliotou, an astrophysicist and senior scientist at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, has been selected for membership in the US National Academy of Sciences, in recognition of her distinguished and continuing achievements in original scientific research.

A longtime leading researcher in NASA's space science mission, the Greek scientist conducts extensive research on a host of astronomical subjects and is one of the 84 new members and 21 foreign associates from 14 countries recently announced as members.

"I salute the National Academy of Sciences for their recognition of the groundbreaking scientific contributions that Dr. Kouveliotou has made in the field of high energy astrophysics," John Grunsfeld, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington, said in a press release noting that "her work in expanding our knowledge of the nature of cosmic gamma-ray bursts, and her broad efforts in the service of science are exemplary of the creativity, collaboration and innovation that are hallmarks of a great scientist."

In 2012 Kouveliotou was awarded the Dannie Heineman Prize in Astrophysics and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and was named one of Time Magazine's 25 most influential people in space.

Kathimerini: Greek scientist receives top US distinction; Greek News Agenda: Greek Astrophysicist Wins Prize

Numismatics Professor Wins Archer M. Huntington Award

Another Greek scientist Dr. Ioannis Touratsoglou along with Prof. Olivier Picard are the respective recipients of the 2012 and 2013 Archer M. Huntington Awards, according to an announcement by the American Numismatic Society, on April 25.

The citation awards and medals were presented by ANS Executive Director Dr. Ute Wartenberg Kagan and Deputy Director Dr. Andrew Meadows, on May 14. at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens.Dr. Touratsoglou has exhibited extensive work in numismatics and archaeology.

He served as curator (1982-1994), and then director of the Numismatic Museum of Athens (1994-2002) as well as director at the National Archaeological Museum (1999-2002). With an impressive publication record, which includes some 90 numismatic books and articles as well over 60 in related fields, he has inspired and influenced a generation of younger scholars in Greece.

The Huntington Medal Award is conferred annually in honour of the late Archer M. Huntington in recognition of outstanding career contributions to numismatic scholarship, which Touratsoglou has certainly proved!

The Culture Agenda

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:02:27 PDT

F E S T I V A L S

May of Festivals @ Athens

May has become the month of festivals. Until May 19, six festivasl are running concurrently : Bob Theatre Festival 2013 at Bios; Readings at the National Theatre; 1st Narration Festival, Tell me a Story, at the TV Control Centre ; the 3rd Youth Theatre Festival, Teenagers-Citizens of the World, at the Onassis Cultural Centre, and last but not least, Plissken Festival, which brings together 32 artists from all over the world and all music types in four venues in Athens.

The 6th Festival Bodies and Objects Movement takes place at the Fournos Theatre till May 26; more festivals will be announced next week.

E X H I B I T I O N S

Exhibition Anna Wich: An Athenean@ Goethe Institute

A photo exhibition entitled Anna Wich: An Athenian is taking place at the Goethe Institute in collaboration with the Benaki Museum Photographic Archives till May 22. The exhibition sheds light into the life of Anna Wich, a German photographer, who lived and worked in Athens following the collapse of the Greek Junta.

Wich’s works depict forsaken aspects of the Greek countryside and urban landscapes.

M U S I C

Tina and the Jazzymates @Half Note

Performer Tina Alexopoulos will play music from beloved musicals at the Half Note Jazz Club on May 17. The Jazzymates, Costas Anadiotis on the piano and Costas Kefalas on the trumpet will accompany her.

PM Samaras @ SEV General Assembly

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:28:58 PDT

Addressing the Federation of Hellenic Entreprises’ (SEV) General Assembly on May 13, prime minister Antonis Samaras welcomed the progress of the greek economy. He also emphasized the positive change of sentiment towards Greece and expressed optimism that the Greek debt will shrink further as a result of bank recapitalisation, the disbursement of National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) funds and the payment of the state’s overdue debts by the end of 2013.

Furthermore, he underlined that Greece’s performance will exceed all expectations due to the implementation of structural reforms, namely the streamlining of the tax system and the lift of bureaucratic barriers in order to boost investment.

EU Commission Report

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:28:58 PDT

According to a report issued by the European Commission on May 7, Greece has taken effective action to correct its excessive fiscal deficit. The report noted that Greece managed to improve its structural balance in the period 2010-2012 by more than 10 %, in tandem with the European Council recommendations.

It also highlighted that Greece cut its structural deficit by 13.5 %, while its fiscal deficit fell from 15% of GDP in 2009 to 6.3 % in 2012; in addition, the country successfully implemented measures to stabilize its public finances for the period 2013-2014.

In a statement issued on the same day, the Eurogroup welcomed Greece’s good progress in implementating the prerequisite actions for the next disbursement. The Eurogroup stresses that "it will now be important to ensure a rapid and full implementation of all the remaining reform measures, including the prior actions, which are key to the smooth functioning of the economy and to create the conditions for more innovation and stronger productivity growth, and new opportunities for business and job creation."

Fitch Ratings upgrades Greece to B-

Fitch Ratings has upgraded Greece's Long-term foreign and local currency IDRs to 'B-' from 'CCC', according to a statement issued yesterday. The Short-term foreign currency IDR has also been upgraded to 'B' from 'C' and the Country Ceiling upgraded to 'B' from 'B-'.

Fitch Ratings notes that the upgrade of Greece's sovereign ratings by one notch to 'B-' reflects the rebalancing of the economy, since clear progress has been made towards the elimination of twin and current account deficits; also, an "internal devaluation" has begun to take hold.

Migration Talks with EU Commissioner

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:28:58 PDT

Public Order and Citizen Protection Minister Nikos Dendias met yesterday with EU Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström in Athens to discuss funding programmes related to migrants and refugees in Greece. Following talks, Malmström welcomed efforts by the Greek government to create a fairer system for processing the asylum applications of undocumented immigrants, via the establishment of a specialized office with trained staff that will register applications, conduct interviews and handle appeals.

She also hailed the creation of new asylum centres in Athens, and on certain islands, noting however that more had to be done to improve conditions at migrant detention centres. Malmström noted that the EU is committed to financially supporting Greece, given that the country is in deep economic crisis and bears the largest volume of migration flows into Europe. The commissioner also expressed concern over the recent spike in racist violence and the rising popularity of the ultra-right Golden Dawn party.

Thessaloniki Book Fair: More Books, More Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:56:04 PDT

Thessaloniki’s International Book Fair celebrates its 10th season and opens its doors to visitors on May 16 to 19, hosting more than 200 publishing houses from 18 countries.

The United Kingdom is this year’s honoured country, and some of its most popular writers will be present to discuss their works: Jonathan Coe, David Nicolls, Andrew Crumey, Michael Arditti, Victoria Hislop, poet David Harsent, and teen fiction novelist Celia Rees, along with many others.

A total of 130 Greek and foreign writers, including the renowned Israeli writer Amos Oz, will participate in the events.

The fair will also host a special thematic exhibition on C.P.Cavafy, celebrating the 2013 Cavafy Year, the 2nd Balkan Poetry festival, a dedicated children and teenagers’ corner, as well as a series of parallel events.

Art-Athina Turns 18!

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:56:33 PDT

This year marks the 18th Art-Athina edition to be held from 16 to 19 May in the TaeKwonDo Pavilion in Faliro. More than 550 artists from 17 countries and 4 continents participate in Platforms Project @ Art Athina, organized by eminent curator Artemis Potamianou.

The presence of Greek and foreign art galleries, artists, museums, foundations and art publishers offers a unique opportunity for bringing together the entire spectrum of the art world and providing visitors with its most comprehensive picture.

Participating art institutions include respected entries - a.antonopoulou.art, Astrolavos and Kalfayan Galleries among others - along with avant garde ones, such as the Breeder and Art Zone 42.

This year Art - Athina pays tribute to the historic Greek gallery Desmos. The curator Manos Stefanidis will present documents and images from the gallery and talk about its significance in the Greek art scene.

Art-Athina takes place under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Athens.

Greek News Agenda : 2011 Athens Art Week

Budget on Track, Double Bailout Installment Okay'd

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Wed, 15 May 2013 02:05:55 PDT

Greece is on track to meet its fiscal targets in the first four months of 2013, while both the primary and state budgets beat the targets set by the adjustment programme, according to preliminary data published on May 10 by the Finance Ministry. The country's first-quarter budget deficit fell to less than half the sum initially forecast, reaching a total € 2.4 billion, compared to a target of €5.7 bn.

According to the same data, the primary deficit is at € 330 million, less than a tenth of the anticipated € 3.61 billion. Quarterly net revenues were 5.1% above target, while April was the first month that the tax revenues were on target. "The country's fiscal situation is improving steadily, but we are not becoming complacent," deputy finance minister Christos Staikouras said in a statement.

Ministry of Finance: Budget Execution Preliminary Data [in Greek]

In related news, the Eurogroup approved the release of Greece’s two next bailout installments on May 13, totaling €7.5 billion. According to the Eurogroup statement on Greece, it concludes that the necessary elements are in place for Member States to finalize the relevant national procedures required for the approval of the next EFSF installment, which amounts to € 7.5 billion.

The disbursement will take place in two sub‐tranches. A first sub‐tranche of € 4.2 billion will be approved in the next few days, following the completion of the national procedures and the full implementation of the prior actions. The disbursement of the second sub‐tranche will be made in June 2013, linked to the implementation of the MoU milestones as agreed between Greece and the Troika.

FM Meets with FYROM’s Deputy Prime Minister

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:36:45 PDT

Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos met with the Deputy Prime Minister of FYROM Fatmir Besimi on May 8. The two statesmen discussed the whole range of bilateral relations, regional developments, and the European perspective of the Western Balkan region. Avramopoulos stressed that Greece’s strategic goal is the creation of a space of peace, stability and development on its northern borders.

Besimi asked for Greece’s support for FYROM’s European integration, as the economic cooperation between the two countries is very strong and Greece is the largest investors in FYROM and its largest trade partner. He added that with an open approach and good will, the two parties can build trust and will have the capacity and the courage to overcome all the challenges, including the name issue.

Greek News Agenda: FM on FYROM Report

Sports Betting Company Goes Private

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:35:45 PDT

Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) accepted, on May 1, a new improved offer by Emma Delta Ltd to buy a 33% equity stake in Hellenic Football Prognostics organisation (OPAP).

Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras, in a statement welcomed the deal saying "the first large privatization was successfully completed, with multiple benefits for the Greek state." According to FinMin, the deal safeguards that beyond the selling price the state will also receive proceeds from a 30% tax on gross earnings annually. The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund in an announcement said that Emma Delta has raised its initial offer of € 622 million to € 652 million.

Finance Ministry: FinMin’s Statement (in Greek)

Kudos for Greek Press Attaché

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:35:45 PDT

The Head of the Greek Press Office in London, Spyros Diamantis, was awarded with the 2013 prize of Diplomat Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Press Corps among his peers serving in the UK’s capital, an event sponsored by Diplomat Magazine.

Almost all foreign diplomats who serve in the city, representatives of the British Foreign Ministry and journalists from all around the world attended the ceremony. More than 100 diplomats who served in recent years were candidates; only 10 were distinguished in the respective number of categories.

Diamantis, who is also serving as Vice President of the Diplomatic Press Attachés’ Association of London (DPAAL) noted: "I feel great honour for the prize I was awarded. It is an extreme satisfaction, particularly at an important post that London is and during a particularly difficult but extremely interesting conjuncture."

Detroit Gets its Own Hellenic Museum

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:35:45 PDT

The Hellenic Museum of Michigan opened its doors on April 13, and is Detroit’s newest cultural addition and the local Greek-American community’s gem.

The vision for a Hellenic museum was first conceived in late 2007, with the aspiration of establishing a centre dedicated to "sharing the richness of the Hellenic Heritage of the Greek community and conserving the contributions of Hellenic Culture in shaping our world today and in the future."

The museum is housed in a 1912 red brick mansion right across from the Detroit Institute of Arts, and on display are artifacts, documents and photographs. According to its founders, it aspires to be in the truest sense of the word, a Mouseion, a house of the Muses. One of the first exhibits of the Museum will be the History of Greektown, where immigrants gathered to bring a part of their beloved Greece to the new shores. That tradition still holds true today in modern Greektown.

Myth Hunters…and the Summer Begins!

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:35:45 PDT

Thinking of sending your kids to summer camp? Here come the Myth Hunters! A summer culture and language school for kids, who apart from entertainment, are ‘hunting’ for knowledge as well during their summer vacations.

The summer school is aimed at children and teenagers from all around the world wishing to become acquainted with the place of their origin, the Greek language and the way of life, diving into the mysterious world of Greek mythology and history. The deadline for applications is May 31.

Europe Day: Eurolies - Let’s Tell the Truth

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Mon, 13 May 2013 03:27:55 PDT

An event entitled "Eurolies - Let’s tell the truth" was organized by the EU Commission representation in Greece and the European Parliament Office in Greece to celebrate Europe Day on May 9th. Panos Karvounis, Head of the EU Commission representation emphasized Greece’s progress from GRexit to GRecovery, whereas Leonidas Antonakopoulos, Head of the European Parliament Information office in Greece, underlined that Europe Day is a call to European citizens for active participation.

Deputy Foreign Minister, Dimitris Kourkoulas referred to the need for more Europe - the only way to overcome the crisis - while Sia Kossioni, EYC2013 ambassador, stressed the importance of active participation, culture and ethics in the course of European integration. Finally, Argyris Peroulakis, head of sector Communication of European Commission Representation in Greece, presented the video campaign titled "Eurolies: Let’s tell the truth", which aims to break down EU related stereotypes.

IMF Sees Progress in Greece

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Mon, 13 May 2013 03:32:20 PDT

Greece is making progress in carrying out reforms and overcoming problems, despite a "socially painful recession," according to a preliminary report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission in Greece.

Highlighting Greece's achievements, the IMF report, released on May 6, notes that progress on fiscal adjustment has been exceptional , with the primary balance set to have cumulatively improved by 10% of GDP by the of 2013, amid an over 20% contraction in GDP. It further states, that the competitiveness gap as measured by Unit Labor Costs (ULC) has been reduced by close to two-thirds since 2010, while the current account deficit has come down cumulatively by about 10% of GDP.

Among the problems identified in the report is a failure to tackle tax evasion and stubbornly high prices, and to ensure a fairer distribution of the tax burden, despite lower wages, calling for "decisive corrective actions" in each of these areas.

IMF: 2013 Article IV Consultation Concluding Statement of the IMF Mission

EU Commission: Recovery in Greece in 2013

Meanwhile, the European Commission, in its spring economic forecast issued on May 3, predicts a recovery for Greece by the end of 2013.

According to the report on Greece titled "Contraction combined with a rebound in confidence", hard data is still generally negative, yet softer survey indicators continue to improve since the relaunch of the adjustment programme last autumn.

Growth for 2013 is projected to contract by 4.2%, against the originally forecasted 4.4%, and the economy is expected to expand by an estimated 0.6% in 2014.

High unemployment together with cuts in wages and social transfers will continue to depress privaten consumptionp; investment is likely to keep on underperforming in the short run, due to liquidity constraints. However, according to the Commission, the repayment of government arrears and the faster absorption of the EU and EIB funds could alleviate liquidity constraints.

EU Commission: Spring 2013 forecast Press Release & Spring Forecast

FM’s Visit to Azerbaijan

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Mon, 13 May 2013 03:24:17 PDT

Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos carried out an official two-day visit to Baku where, on April 30, he met with his Azeri counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov, with talks focusing on relations between Greece and Azerbaijan in the energy sector and the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

This was their third meeting within the year, indicating, as Avramopoulos said during a joint press conference, the very high level of bilateral relations.

The two officials examined the prospects for cooperation within the framework of international organisations; Avramopoulos briefed his counterpart on the priorities of the upcoming Greek EU presidency, as well as on Greece’s plans to promote and enhance EU - Azerbaijan relations. Both sides agreed to work towards strengthening cooperation in tourism, trade, culture and energy, especially on the TAP natural gas pipeline, a project supported by Greece, Italy and Albania.

The Euroleague Stays Greek Third Time in a Row

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Mon, 13 May 2013 03:29:04 PDT

Olympiakos Pireus won the second consecutive and third overall Euroleague title yesterday, defeating Real Madrid 100-88 in the final in London. In an unusually high-scoring final, the Reds took victory not only by attacking their opponent, as they had done in Friday’s semifinal against CSKA Moscow, but by beating Real Madrid in pace, teamwork and scoring in the second, third and fourth periods of the game.

Inspired by their fans, who despite Greece's economic problems travelled to support their favourite team, Olympiakos battled back from 27-10 down after the first quarter of the Euroleague final to take the lead early in the second half; from then on, the Reds were unstoppable.

Their solid defence allowed the Spanish side just 14 points in the second quarter and 20 in the third, with the team's wonder player Vassilis Spanoulis top scorer with 22 points. This is also the third straight season that a Greek team has won the European crown after Panathinaikos in 2011 and Olympiakos in 2012.

Greek News Agenda: Sport Successes & Kathimerini Daily: Olympiakos keeps Euroleague in Greek hands for third year