GREEK NEWS AGENDA

PM: “Ireland - a Model for Greece”

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Fri, 24 May 2013 04:14:41 PDT

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras met yesterday with his Irish counterpart Enda Kenny, who was in Athens on a one-day working visit.

The two leaders discussed recent developments in the eurozone, along with the key priorities of Ireland’s EU presidency to be concluded end of June.

In joint statements following their meeting, Samaras said that Ireland could serve as a model for Greece.

"Two years after the crisis and following waves of reforms, Ireland has entered a recovery course and is very close to returning to the international markets," the PM said, adding that when Ireland was in a serious crisis, it was competitiveness and extroversion that led it out. This is the path also chosen by the Greek government: "We will follow Ireland's example on low taxation as well," Samaras said, noting that "The low tax rates helped Ireland in its efforts.

I repeat that I want a single tax rate of 15%. We will implement this system, as soon as our finances allow and after our goals are met."

On his part, Enda Kenny conveyed the solidarity of the Irish people and noted that Prime Minister Samaras has changed Greece's image abroad in the past year. "He has changed how foreigners view Greece. They see the stability in the country and the political system. Before the Irish EU Presidency, I had said that I wanted to come here and express my respect to his efforts and work and convey the solidarity of the Irish people," he noted.

Primeminister.GR: Statements after the meeting (in Greek)

Adieu à Georges Moustaki

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Sat, 25 May 2013 01:47:11 PDT

A true citizen of the world, singer and songwriter, Georges Moustaki, died yesterday at the age of 79, suffering from a chronic illness.

Born in Alexandria to a family of Greek Sephardic Jews from Corfu, Moustaki moved to Paris in 1951 where he changed his name to Georges in honour of his idol, singer-songwriter and poet, Georges Brassens.

He collaborated as a songwriter with Edith Piaf, Dalida, Françoise Hardy, Barbara, France Gall, and Cindy Daniel, whereas in the mid-60s he became known as a solo artist with songs such as the immigrant ballad Le Meteque [VIDEO] and Ma Liberté [VIDEO] – a tribute to the free spirit of the 60s.

“A wandering Jew with the face of a Greek shepherd”, as he used to describe himself, Moustaki performed many of Manos Hatzidakis’ songs in French, whereas in 1970 he featured in the film Nous sommes Deux by Roviros Manthoulis, singing in French the prison songs by Mikis Theodorakis.

His songs are tribute to poetic simplicity and human values.

Thesmophoria Revived in Athens

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Fri, 24 May 2013 04:14:41 PDT

The ancient Greek festival of Thesmophoria will be revived in Athens today, at the Acropolis Museum, followed by a two-day event, in an effort to promote culture, gastronomy, tourism and agricultural products in a comprehensive package. The event is organised by the Rural Development & Food ministry, in collaboration with the Tourism ministry, the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) and the Hellenic Folklore Research Centre of the Academy of Athens.

Visitors to the Acropolis Museum will have the opportunity to taste Greek food made from agricultural products of exceptional quality, while on May 26, products from different regions of Greece that make up the "Greek Breakfast," will be presented, as well as the “Cycladic Cheese Palet" initiative, followed by cheese and wine tastings.

Thesmophoria in Antiquity

In ancient times, Thesmophoria was the most popular of festivals honouring Demeter and her daughter Persephone, where only women took part. During the festival, women would gather at the shrine of Demeter, thus getting the chance to spend a few days away from home. Its nucleus was the distinction of the sexes and the formation of a union of women, in order to emphasize the importance of female fertility both for the community and the land. In Athens, the Thesmophoria lasted three days and followed a special ritual.

Their spouses were not only obliged to consent to their women attending the festival, but also had to cover their expenses. They were not, however, allowed to attend or spy at the proceedings and were severely punished if they did so.

Equally, virgins were not allowed to participate; as to the hetairae or female slaves ... well, it is a moot point. The great comic playwright and poet of antiquity, Aristophanes, parodied the festival in the play Thesmophoriazusae, but did not give much detail about the festival itself.

Greek News Agenda: Feta & Co: A User’s Guide to Greek Cheese & The Cretan Breakfast Strikes Back! & Herbs & Plants: Balm for the Soul & Thessaloniki: Street Food Central & The Greek Bakery: Bread & So Much More & ‘Spoon Sweets’ for Ever!

Astypalaia: A Butterfly in the Middle of the Aegean

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Fri, 24 May 2013 04:14:41 PDT

With around 1,300 inhabitants, Astypalaia is a small island in the southern Aegean Sea, geographically and culturally laying in-between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese island complexes, administratively belonging to the latter.

Chora, the island’s main settlement, lies atop a rocky hill overseeing the boundless blue and the several islets that spread around Astypalaia. Chora’s landscape is dominated by the Venetian castle of Querini, restored in the 16th century. Emblematic traditional Cycladic-style whitewashed structures lie around it.

Chora is located between the old port of Pera Yalos and the rough downhill slope which leads to Livadi. Pera Yalos offers a beautiful clean beach, where one can take a quick dip and then enjoy traditional coffee or lunch at the little cafés and taverns right above.

The Archaeological Museum and the church of St. Nickolas, easily noticeable by its pale blue dome, are must-visits in the village. Livadi has the only organized beach on the island offering an abundance of alternatives for entertainment, crystal-clear waters and facilities for water sports at only 3 km from Chora.

Maltezana or Analipsi is the second largest settlement of the island deriving its name, most probably, from the Maltese pirates who used to anchor their ships in the area. Maltezana is situated across from Chora. Astypalaia boasts a rich cultural calendar, including local folk celebrations, especially during the summer months, as well as lots of opportunities for alternative tourism.

History & Mythology

According to Greek mythology, Astypalaia and Europe were the daughters of Phoenix and Perimedes. From the union of Astypalaia and Poseidon, god of the sea, the Argonaut, Agaeos and the King of Kos, Eurypylus, were born. The first inhabitants of Astypalaia were the Kares, who initially named the island Pyrra (Fire) because of the red colour of its rocks. The island was first conquered by Minoans and later by settlers from Megara. During the Roman Era it flourished due to an abundance of natural ports which served as bases for military operations against pirates.

In Byzantine times, the intensification of pirate activity led to the gradual abandonment of coastal settlements and the transfer of the population further inland.

Astypalaia fell under Venetian rule from 1207 to 1269, and then again from 1310 until 1537, at which time it was conquered by the Ottomans; their rule lasted until 1912, although the island enjoyed self-governing status. After a brief stint under Italian rule, it was incorporated into the Greek state in 1948.

PM @ EU Summit on Tax & Energy Matters

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 23 May 2013 04:16:15 PDT

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras travelled to Brussels yesterday to attend a European Council meeting that discussed tax policy, with a particular focus on how to improve the efficiency of tax collection and tackle tax evasion, as well as on energy matters, in the context of the EU's efforts to promote growth, jobs and competitiveness.

At the end of a European Council meeting, Samaras expressed satisfaction over the fact that for the first time explicit reference to the exploitation and research of Europe's local and sea energy resources was included in the summit's conclusions.

According to the Prime Minister, it is in the interest of all of Europe that existing deposits be explored, discovered and tapped as soon as possible, since they can reduce Europe's energy dependence.

Referring to the diversification of energy sources, the premier noted the advantages of promoting the alternative Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) - a project supported by Greece, Italy and Albania as well as other Western Balkans countries - that would supply natural gas from Azerbaijan to Europe.

These include lower costs, since the pipeline is 600 km shorter and also fully privately funded without European subsidies.

Primeminister.Gr: PM’s statement after the summit (in Greek); Kathimerini: Greece sees backing for energy plans in European Council conclusions

TAP Race in Final Sprint

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 23 May 2013 02:07:25 PDT

The race to ensure that the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project is selected in June as the pipeline to transport gas from the Caspian region to Europe via Greece is at its final sprint, the Foreign Ministry's General Secretary for international economic relations, Panagiotis Mihalos, told Athens News Agency in an interview on May 20.

Michalos said Greece is confident about the TAP’s prospects, thanks to the “strong but also broad support” the project enjoys, which was confirmed by the trilateral intergovernmental agreement signed last February.

Greek News Agenda: TAP Intergovernmental Agreement Signed & Gas Pipeline Route Identified

Pyrros Dimas @ Executive Board of IWF

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 23 May 2013 02:46:26 PDT

Four-time Olympic medalist in weightlifting, Pyrros Dimas was elected at the Executive Board of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), during its electoral Congress held in Moscow on May 20-21.

Forty-two year old, Dimas has had an outstanding career in international weightlifting, having won 3 gold Olympic medals (Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000) and a bronze in Athens in the 2004 Olympic Games, after which he signaled his retirement by leaving his shoes on the platform, while an appreciative crowd gave him a standing ovation.

His trophy chest also includes 3 gold medals in World Championships and 1 in European Championships. He is currently chairman of the Hellenic Weightlifting Federation and a member of the Hellenic Parliament.

YouTube: Pyrros Dimas Tribute [VIDEO]

Search Launched for Australia's WWII Missing in Greece

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 23 May 2013 04:16:50 PDT

Greek-Australian Lambis Englezos, a teacher and amateur military historian based in Melbourne, has launched a campaign to find Australian soldiers that went missing in action while fighting in Greece during World War II.

Englezos became widely known in Australia after the discovery in 2008 of the remains of 162 Australian soldiers that were killed during WWI, in the region of Fromelles in France, and were buried by the Germans in unmarked mass graves.

He has now launched a search for the 20-25 Australian soldiers killed in Vevi, Florina in April 1941 and another 10-12 men that went missing near the Isthmus in Corinth at around the same time, appealing to anyone that might know something about them to help.

The soldiers were buried by German troops at unknown locations in those areas, according to eye-witness accounts gathered by Englezos.

The Culture Agenda

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 23 May 2013 02:21:29 PDT

M U S I C

Tinos World Musical Festival

The 1st Tinos World Music Festival will be held on the island of Tinos on May 24 and 25. Twelve musicians from the Balkans and the Middle East, where different cultures and styles meet and interplay, will initiate the audience to their music; among them, the noted Turkish guitarist Erkan Oğur.

DeeDee Bridgewater @ Gazarte

American jazz singer and performer Dee Dee Bridgewater will be playing at the Gazarte on May 24 & 25.

The three-time Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter -and a Tony Award winner, as a stage actress - will be playing with her superb Quartet.

E X H I B I T I O N S

The Deceit of the Flesh @ Frissiras Museum

The group exhibition The Deceit of the Flesh is running at the Frissiras Museum, until October 27.

Paying homage to French painter Jean Rustin, the exhibition juxtaposes the celebration of the female body and its beauty and sensuality reflected in the works of the 31 Greek and foreign participating artists, against the male suffering and decay portrayed in Rustin's work.

Hybrid City @ National Museum of Contemporary Art

The University Research Institute of Applied Communication (U.R.I.A.C) of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, in collaboration with the National Museum of Contemporary Art of Athens, have put together the exhibition The Hybrid City Online Resource.

This online project aims to explore, locate and critically reflect on the transformative changes occuring in today’s cities, as seen through the works and actions of artists, architects and researchers from different disciplines.

GREAT 2013 - Greek Architectural Talent @ Athens Concert Hall

An exhibition of the best graduate and postgraduate projects from Greek schools of architecture, and by Greek students attending universities abroad, is being held at the Athens Concert Hall till June 9.

Featured projects - selected in an open competition, by an international panel of judges - will be shown in model form. Supplementary material - drawings, photographs, written texts etc. - will be available on screen.

During the exhibition, there will also be lectures by the members of the judges’ panel.

Shipping & Tourism: A Vehicle for Growth

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Wed, 22 May 2013 04:35:48 PDT

Greece’s pioneer commercial fleet and geographic position renders it China’s gateway to Europe and Europe’s to China, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras said, addressing an event organized by the Greek Ship Owners Union and the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, on the occasion of European and Hellenic Maritime Day on May 20. Greece has consolidated its position in Europe and is now repositioning itself globally, guided by shipping and tourism, the PM noted, calling for further investments in these sectors.

He also referred to the example of China’s Cosco successful investment model at the port of Piraeus. At the same event, Shipping Minister Mousouroulis said Greece is creating a dynamic current of partnerships for the maritime economy and related sectors, while the president of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping stressed the immense growth potential provided by the country’s geographical position.

Primeminiter.GR: PM’s Speech (in Greek)

Greece: Top-Quality Bathing Waters

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Wed, 22 May 2013 04:20:29 PDT

Greece’s bathing waters rank fifth in terms of cleanliness in Europe for 2012, according to a European Environment Agency report on the cleanness of European bathing waters, released May 21. Cyprus and Luxembourg stand out, as they top the list with 100% excellent water quality, among the total bathing areas. According to the report’s section on Greece, a total of 2,155 bathing waters were monitored in Greece during the 2012 bathing season, of which 2, 149 were coastal bathing waters and 6 were inland bathing waters.

More specifically, in 2012 93.4 % of Greece’s coastal bathing waters were of excellent quality; a total of 110 (5.1 %) were of good quality and 25 bathing waters (1.2 %) were of sufficient quality compared to 87 (4.0 %) and 16 (0.7 %) in 2011 respectively. Six bathing waters (0.3 %) had poor quality and no bathing waters were classified as closed during the 2012 bathing season. With 2,155 reported bathing waters, Greece accounts for about 10.3 % of the reported bathing waters of the European Union.

Greek Festival Nights

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Wed, 22 May 2013 05:39:05 PDT

The Athens and Epidaurus festival unveiled its 2013 programme, on May 15. This year’s edition includes an abundance of events, featuring top-notch performers from Greece and abroad. Acclaimed singer and songwriter Patti Smith will rock the Herod Atticus Odeon on June 22, while velvet-voiced jazz icon Diana Krall is to perform at the same venue on July 1.

My beautiful Izmir, written and directed by Nesrin Kazankaya, a Tiyatro Pera production, will be staged at Peiraios 260, taking us back to the tragic events of 1923.

Famous director and actor Olivier Py will be transforming himself into Miss Knife, in a unique vaudeville like, genre-crossing performance, at Herod Atticus Odeon, on July 9 -10.

The festival events are held at various venues - most prominent of which are the Herod Atticus Odeon and the ancient Epidaurus Theatre- with new entries added each year.

The Messene Theatre opens for the Festival

After 1,700 years of silence, the ancient theatre of Messene, located in the Southwestern Peloponnese, is to reopen again to host an opera gala by Tselia Kostea and Dimitris Platanias and the Athens State Orchestra, on August 3, in the framework of the Greek festival programme of events.

The ancient theatre, which dates back to 389 BC, was used for large scale, political assemblies such as the meeting of King Philipp V Macedon and Aratos the Sikyonian in 214 B.C, the day following the revolt of the Messenian people.

The exterior theatre walls were built exactly like the fortification walls and towers of the city, with arched entrances and ascending stairways, rendering the Theatre of Messene an exceptional building, anticipating the theatres and amphitheatres of the Roman period.

Greek News Agenda: Time for the Greek Festival & "Europa Nostra" Awards: The Messene Project

Gastro Days at the Benaki Museum

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Wed, 22 May 2013 04:20:29 PDT

The Ministry of Tourism is organising Gastronomy Days: Geographical Indication Greek, to be held at the Benaki Museum- Pireus Annex on May 24-26. The aim of the event is to showcase the heterogeneous canvas of the contemporary Greek gastronomy tapestry, which includes producers, creators, chefs, agencies, entrepreneurs and policy designers.

Gastronomy Days, under the auspices of the Benaki museum, should be viewed as a discrete cultural event, but also as a unique chance to help the cultural and economic rebirth of the country.

The interdisciplinary programme of events includes a representative exhibition of products by gourmet Greek producers; tastings and cookery sessions by popular chefs featuring a live cooking stage. Famous writers like Evgenios Trivizas will be participating in the unique Culinary Storytelling, whereas renowned design agencies will be explaining the secret of food and visual communication in Food Oregami.

Food bloggers will also be present with the event Food Blogging is for Food Loving, whereas cuisine as a diplomatic medium will be explored in Gastronomic Diplomacy. So, whether you wish to train your umami buds (umami: pleasant savory taste, in Japanese) or simply admire exquisitely-styled food and listen to great stories that will definitely titillate the most jaded palates, then Gastronomy Days are for you!

China – Greece: A Glamorous Romance

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:59:16 PDT

Tourism cooperation was at the top of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’ agenda during his five-day visit in China, aspiring to boost the number of Chinese visiting Greece.

In Beijing, Samaras attended the premiere of the 3-episode documentary by Chinese channel CCTV Glamorous Greece and expressed hope that the documentary would enhance understanding and communication between the two peoples. The CCTV documentary, filmed exclusively in Greece in collaboration with Greece's Public Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), is a tribute to ancient as well as modern Greek civilization. According to its director Xu Xiaohui , it aspires to acquaint the Chinese audience with Greece as something more than a tourist destination, focusing also on the Greek way of life.

Meanwhile, Santorini and Athens will provide the perfect scenery for a romantic film Beijing Love Story, an all-star film produced by Wanda Films that will premiere in China on Valentine’s Day, on February 2014.

The agreement was sealed by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, during the official visit in Beijing, and shootings are to begin in July. The country’s name and the National Tourism Organisation’s logo will appear at the film’s promo campaign and it is estimated that across China, more than 214 million viewers will watch it.

Furthermore, the film will be screened at international film festivals in Cannes, Venice and Tokyo and promo videos of Greece will feature at its opening premiere in 2014.

Go International: Next Stop – Moscow

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:05:23 PDT

The 4th Go International business mission and forum will take place in Moscow, on May 27-28. During the 2-day event, over 150 Greek companies will have the opportunity to meet with over 250 Russian ones, in 2,000 pre-arranged B2B meetings, from sectors such as food and drinks, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, real estate & tourism, chemicals, building materials, high-tech products to services, clothing, footwear, and energy.

In addition, a business forum themed Russia – Greece: Expanding business horizons will take place on the second day. At a press conference, held yesterday to present the Moscow mission, Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Kourkoulas noted that the participation of so many Greek enterprises in the initiative proves its growing success.

Go International is an Economic Cooperation programme which aims to enhance multilateral trade in the wider region of Central, Southeastern Europe & the Eastern Mediterranean.

It is a joint effort of Eurobank group with the three export associations, the Panhellenic Exporters’ Association, the Greek International Business Association, the Exporters’ Association of Crete and the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV).

Archbishop Ieronymos in USA

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:04 PDT

Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece is on an official visit to the United States from May 15 to 21. Invited by Archbishop Demetrios of America, Ieronymos is the first Prelate of the Church of Greece to visit the U.S. in more than 50 years; during his visit, he was presented with an honorary Doctorate of Theology from the Holy Cross Theological School, in Boston.

"Greece will find its way again," stressed the head of Greece's Orthodox Church, while delivering the Sunday sermon at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan, on May 19.

He stated that the country was going through much pain, but would keep its spirit strong, that’s why he appealed for unity. After the sermon, Archbishop of America Demetrios presented Ieronymos with a cheque of $100,000, as a contribution to be spent on helping Greek children in need. The joint service was attended by the Greek Ambassador to the United States Christos Panagopoulos, Cyprus' permanent representative to the United Nations, the consular authorities of Greece and Cyprus, as well as Diaspora representatives.

Pedro Olalla: Greek by Choice

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:28:40 PDT

The Laboratory of International Relations and European Integration of the University of Macedonia hosted on May 20 an event titled Rebuilding a New Europe: The role of humanism, as part of the Jean Monnet Program New Challenges in the Dynamics of the EU Integration Process. Keynote speaker at the conference was writer and film director Pedro Olalla Gonzalez de la Vega. Born in 1966, in Oviedo, Spain, Olalla has displayed his talent as a philologist, translator and filmmaker.

During the conference, his documentary Why Greece? was screened, followed by the presentation of an honorary plaque to Olalla, for his contribution to Greek culture.

Spanish born Olalla has maintained a strong relationship with Greece for over 28 years and driven by his love for it, he moved to Athens in 1994, to research, create and teach.

He was awarded the title of “Ambassador of Hellenism” March 4, 2010 for his multifaceted work on Greek culture, at an event at the Athens Concert Hall.

You Tube: Why Greece (¿Por qué Grecia?) [VIDEO]

Carpe Diem @ Carpo London

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:57:57 PDT

Carpo London is the first store abroad of the Greek family company Carpo Hellas, one of the fastest growing companies in Greece in processing, packaging and merchandising premium nuts, dried fruit and honey.

Visit Carpo London for a degustation of freshly-roasted nuts and dried fruit and learn more about their varieties and nutritional value. An edgy interior design, a well informed and polite personnel and the quality of Carpo products guarantee a store where everyone feels at home.

Carpo Hellas's flag store opened in 2011 in Kolonaki, Athens, one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods of the capital, and the London store is the newest addition, aiming at expanding the company’s premium quality in products and service to a wider world.

PM Concludes Landmark Visit to China

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:51:04 PDT

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras wrapped up a five-day official visit to China, on May 19. On the last stop of his visit, Samaras told a Hellenic-Chinese business forum in Shanghai that Greece is "steadily developing into a success story," noting that the fears of a "Grexit" are now becoming the certainty of a "Greekovery".

He added that Greece can easily become a major gateway of China to the European hinterland.

On the second day of his visit (May 16) Samaras met with the Chinese premier, Li Keqiang with whom he discussed Greek-Chinese relations, identifying economic cooperation as the basis for formulating a long-term strategic relationship while on May 17, the PM had a meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, after which a joint communiqué, covering everything from trade to cultural and diplomatic relations, was issued. The two leaders expressed a desire to explore greater cooperation, saying that this "serves the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples."

Cooperation Agreements Signed

During the visit a number of protocols and cooperation agreements were signed, including a memorandum between the Hellenic Republic Assets Development Fund (HRADF) and the China Development Bank on promoting the participation of Chinese companies in the sell-off of state property; a memorandum between the Invest in Greece agency and China Development Bank on promoting economic cooperation in tourism, real estate, telecommunications, energy and finance investments.

A memorandum of understanding with the Chinese company Huawei as well as with Chinese company ZTE, was also signed by Development minister Kostis Hatzidakis.

Huawei, a multinational networking and telecommunications giant, will undertake to establish a transit hub for goods in Greece in the next three years and a research & innovation centre in cooperation with top Greek research centres and technology companies while ZTE, the world's fourth-largest mobile phone manufacturer and the fifth-largest telecoms equipment maker, will establish a transit and logistics hub at Piraeus port.

The visit to China also provided an opportunity for more than 450 meetings between Greek and Chinese business people in Beijing and Shanghai, according to a Development ministry announcement.

These meetings indicate strong Chinese interest in infrastructure projects, privatisations, real estate and cooperation in the financial sector. The Greek business delegation had the opportunity to participate in business forums held in Beijing and Shanghai, attended by large numbers of Chinese businesses.

Samaras visits Azerbaijan

Upon returning from China, Samaras stopped at Baku, Azerbaijan, where he met with Azeri President Ilham Aliyev, with talks focusing on the prospects of bilateral cooperation in economy, energy, tourism and culture.

Samaras extended an official invitation to Aliyev on behalf of the President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias, while the Azeri president invited Samaras to officially visit Azerbaijan.

Primeminister.GR: PM’s Speech at World Cultural Forum in Hangzhou & Joint Communiqué (in Greek); Development Ministry: Press release (in Greek); COSCO Group: Capt. Wei Met with Greek Prime Minister

Pontian Greek Genocide Commemorated

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:45:42 PDT

Yesterday, May 19, marked the 94th anniversary of the Pontian Greek Genocide Memorial Day.

The event is dedicated to the memory of events that led to eliminations, deportations and population exchange of Pontian Greeks residing within the confines of the Ottoman Empire, which took place over the years 1914 -1923. These Greeks lived and engaged in commerce along the coast of the Black Sea - referred to as the "Pontos Euxinos" (Greek for hospitable sea)- and founded a string of cities and towns such as Trebizond, Sampsounta, Sinope and Heraclea Pontica (800 BC -1900).

Commemorative events included, among others, a memorial service for the genocide victims at the Pantanassa Church, Monastiraki Square, a ceremonial change of the Presidential Guards dressed in a Pontian insurgents’ uniform and a speech by the American sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, who fights for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the USA.

In the framework of the Remembrance Day, the Acropolis Museum is hosting on May 26 an event themed Armenians, Assyrians, Greeks: The triad of the Genocide.

Panpontian Federation: Commemorative events 2013; Federation of Pontian Greek Associations in Europe: Greek News Agenda: May 19: Pontian Greek Genocide Memorial Day & A Linguistic Goldmine-The 'Romeyka' Dialect & Soumela Monastery: A Historic Service; The Committee for Pontian Studies: The Historical and Ethnological Museum of Pontian Hellenism

Greek Cinema: A Special Guest at Cannes Festival

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:51:29 PDT

Greece will be this year’s honoured country at the "Régions Capitales pour le Cinéma," an event dedicated to young artists’ projects at Cannes Film Festival. Ile de France Film Commission, the German Media Council of Berlin-Brandenburg and the Film Commissions of Madrid and Rome have chosen to honour Greece, bringing at the Croisette a group of nine young Greek producers to promote their upcoming projects and meet with producers and potential financial backers.

These include projects by some of Greece’s most talented young directors, such as Athina Rachel Tsangaris, Argyris Papadimitropoulos, Filippos Tsitos and Syllas Tzoumerkas.

The event will take place on May 21 at the and will be coordinated by Olivier-René Veillon of the Île de France Film Commission, along with the Cultural Affairs Councilor of the Greek Prime Minister’s office, Dimosthenis Davetas, with the support of the Greek Film Center.

Made in Greece

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:51:48 PDT

We all live in a Semi-Submarine

Fancy yourself a modern-day Captain Nemo roaming the seas? Well, maybe not as daring, but a unique, Niriida Project offers one the opportunity to sit comfortably in an armchair, while admiring the sea-bed. Already known in the international markets, the handmade semi-submarine Niriida is a unique construction that, above the sea, looks like an ordinary boat, but carries underneath a capsule, from which one, comfortably seated, can admire the environment under water.

It was based on an idea by Stefanos Chasilidis - founder of the construction company that goes by the same name, based in Drama, northern Greece. Chasilidis, while on vacation in Santorini overheard a couple of tourists complaining about not having the opportunity to admire the sea-bed. Niriida is delivered in three handmade fully customized versions, and one mass production version with standard accessories & equipment.

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.

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