Tuesday, 19 March 2024
Ankara
12
03
2024
In addition to various aspects of bilateral relations, regional and international issues were discussed during the meetings. The two sides reiterated their joint commitment to build on the existing positive atmosphere in line with the Athens Declaration signed last December by the leaders of the two countries, exploring further areas of bilateral and international cooperation.  They reviewed the preparations for the upcoming visit of PM Mitsotakis to Türkiye in May and took stock of progress achieved so far in the existing dialogue channels covering all aspects of the bilateral relationship.
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Odesa
07
03
2024
“My presence here reflects the respect of the entire free world for your people and underlines Greece’s commitment to remain by your side,” Mitsotakis told Zelenskyy in his first visit to the country since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Greece, a NATO member and a traditional ally to Ukraine’s bid to join the military alliance and the European Union, has offered military help to the country. “We discussed what other means we can use to expand the security space in the Black Sea. How we can add protection to our people – both military and civilian. We need more air defense,” Zelenskyy said. Zelenskyy said Greece would participate in a peace formula summit in Switzerland. Greek government sources said Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s intention to contribute to the reconstruction of Odesa, whose historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in January 2023, while he met with representatives of the Greek diaspora. At the same time, he said Greece will continue to support Ukraine within the framework of the country’s capabilities and without weakening Greek defense. The two leaders visited a residential building – the site of Russian drone attack on Saturday, that killed 12 people, including five children.  The sound of a large explosion reverberated around the Ukrainian port of Odesa as Zelenskyy and Mitsotakis ended their tour of the war-ravaged southern city Wednesday. The Greek prime minister said the delegations were getting into their vehicles when they heard the blast, which he called a “vivid reminder” that Odesa is gripped by the war with Russia. It is one thing to hear about the war and “quite another to experience war firsthand,” Mitsotakis said. Zelenskyy said the explosion caused an unknown number of dead and wounded. “You see who we’re dealing with, they don’t care where to hit,” he told reporters. Russian officials made no immediate comment. Mitsotakis’ unannounced visit to Ukraine takes place before his trip to Romania for a two-day conference of the European People’s Party (EPP). [Reuters/AP/Kathimerini] In breaking news,  The visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Ukraine on Wednesday had all the makings of a Hollywood thriller, as an explosion from a Russian attack on Odesa, probably with missiles, occurred less than 200 meters from where he stood with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who were at the port at that time. According to estimates, the attack was aimed at Zelenskyy and, as the analysis of existing evidence suggests, Moscow was probably also aware of the presence of the Greek prime minister there. Moscow confirmed the attack, but claims that it targeted a warehouse where naval drones are manufactured for the Ukrainian armed forces.  The Greek delegation led by Mitsotakis was with the Ukrainian delegation on a customary tour of the port. The Greek delegation consisted of Minister of State Stavros Papastavrou, the head of the PM’s diplomatic office Anna Maria Boura, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexandra Papadopoulou, foreign affairs advisor Aristotelia Peloni and communications director Kira Kapi.  The attack reportedly took place at 11.45 a.m. when the two delegations were on a tour of the historic port of Odesa.  “Suddenly there was a piercing siren, a loud noise and then smoke,” a member of the Greek delegation told Kathimerini. The same source said that the tour was ending when the attack occurred, with the Ukrainians and Greeks heading to their cars to go to the site of the joint press conference. The Greek delegation reportedly got into the car, moving at breakneck speed through the streets of Odesa.  Kathimerini understands that the schedule was changed, as was the itinerary, which was deemed necessary for security reasons.   After the joint statements by Mitsotakis and Zelenskyy, the Greek delegation left Ukrainian territory by road and headed on a three-hour journey for Chisinau, Moldova’s airport. The Greek delegation returned safely to the Romanian capital of Bucharest late Wednesday afternoon. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council head Charles Michel condemned the attack in messages. Meanwhile, Mitsotakis said Greece will continue to support Ukraine as it fights for its freedom. “My presence here reflects the respect of the entire free world for your people and underlines Greece’s commitment to remain by your side,” Mitsotakis told Zelenskyy in his first visit to the country since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.  Moreover, the US is in constant contact with Greece and Ukraine, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said regarding the Russian attack in Odessa during a visit by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The US State Department spokesperson was asked a question during the regular press briefing on the US reaction. More specifically, Matthew Miller said: "We are in constant contact with both of those countries. I don’t have any specific conversations to read out. I think the strike is yet another reminder of how Russia continues to strike Ukraine every single day, and it’s a reminder of Ukraine’s need for air defence interceptors, and it’s a reminder that the United States Congress needs to take action, as we have called on them to do, to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression."
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Athens
06
03
2024
"We have to be able to defend ourselves," Nikos Dendias told Reuters, adding that the European Union could achieve that in cooperation with NATO and other allies. "What we're trying to do is have a home-grown defence industry in Greece and Europe which could service the needs of the European Union." The EU's Red Sea naval mission, dubbed "Aspides", which in Greek means "Shields", was launched last month to guard vessels from attack by Iranian-aligned Houthi militants in support of Palestinian militant group Hamas in its war with Israel. At the crossroads between Asia, Africa and Europe, Greece controls the largest merchant fleet in the world and attacks against its vessels have increased. Greece's largest port, Piraeus, has seen trade drop 40%. Advertisement · Scroll to continue The Greek frigate Hydra sailed last week for the Red Sea as the country assumed command of the EU mission whose headquarters will be in the city of Larissa. Italy commands the naval force. "It's important that we succeed," Dendias said.  "You cannot be a crossroads if roads do not exist or do not function. So for us (Greece) this is a huge threat directly and indirectly." Both Greece and the European Union are alarmed by the "sophisticated approach" of the Houthis, he said, with sea mines and submarine weapons used in attacks. The safety of the five Aspides warships and crew, also from Germany, Italy, Belgium and France, was also a concern, he said, urging close coordination with other fleets in the area, which include warships from the United States and India. "Having a very close communication and as much a common approach as possible with other fleets ... is something advisable and important," he said. Following Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the European Union wants to increase its defence role as a bloc rather than as a collection of 27 nations where military policy is drafted at a national level. Greece, also a NATO member, wants to reform its army along the example of Finland. It also aims to revamp its defence industry and boost its shipyards' business, as it recovers from a decade-long debt crisis that forced it to slash spending. It has drafted a multi-billion, 10-year purchasing plan, that includes acquiring up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the U.S, three frigates from France and U.S.-made Black Hawk helicopters. It wants to produce drone and anti-drone systems and is in talks with the United States to co-design and build Constellation-class frigates for the Greek Navy. Foreign frigates could be serviced in Greek shipyards, Dendias said. "This presents a huge challenge," he said. "We're a proud maritime nation but it's the first time in our history that we may be able to co-design a platform as important as the Constellation."  
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Athens
26
02
2024
Follow a few simple steps to make sure that you can vote in the 2024 federal U.S. elections: Request your ballot. Complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). You must complete a new FPCA after January 1, 2024 to ensure you receive your ballot for the 2024 elections.  Submitting the FPCA allows you to request absentee ballots for all elections for federal offices (President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives) including primaries and special elections during the calendar year in which it is submitted.  All local election officials in all U.S. states and territories accept the FPCA.You can complete the FPCA online at gov.  The online voting assistant will ask you questions specific to your state.  We encourage you to request your blank ballots be delivered electronically (by email, internet download, or fax, depending on your state).  Include your email address on your FPCA to take advantage of the electronic ballot delivery option.  Return the FPCA per the instructions on the website.  The online voting assistant will tell you if your state allows the FPCA to be returned electronically or if you must submit a paper copy with original ink signature.  If you must return a paper version, please follow the same instructions below for returning your ballot.   Receive and complete your ballot. States are required to send out ballots 45 days before a regular election for federal office and generally send ballots at least 30 days before primary elections.  For most states, you can confirm your registration and ballot delivery online.   Return your completed ballot.  While some states allow you to return your completed ballot electronically, others do not.  If your state requires you to return paper voting forms or ballots to local election officials, you can do so free of charge at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Place your ballot in a postage-paid return envelope or in an envelope bearing sufficient domestic U.S. postage, and address them to the relevant local election officials.If you opt to mail your election materials through the U.S. Embassy in Athens or the Consulate General in Thessaloniki, you may mail or drop off your completed and sealed ballot in the following ways: Mail:  U.S. Embassy Athens, American Citizen Services, 91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens Greece Drop off at the U.S. Embassy in Athens American Citizen Services Unit:  Kokkali gate entrance Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm on workdays. Drop off at U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki:  43 Tismiski 7th Floor, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm on workdays. Your completed and sealed ballot must be either in a postage paid envelope (available for free on FVAP.gov)  or in an envelope with sufficient U.S. postage for domestic delivery from the mail sorting facility to the election office. You can also return your FPCA or ballot to your local election officials via international mail or professional courier service at your own expense. Research candidates and issues.  Please see the FVAP links page for resources you can use to research candidates and issues.  FVAP regularly sends information about election dates and deadlines through their Voting Alerts.  Email vote@fvap.gov to subscribe or follow FVAP on Facebook or Twitter. Learn more at the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s (FVAP) website, FVAP.gov. If you have any questions about registering to vote overseas, please contact Athen’s Voting Assistance Officer at +(30) 210-721-2951 (Option 1), or at VoteAthens@state.gov. Remember, your vote counts! Assistance: U.S. Embassy Athens +(30) 210-721-2951 AthensAmericanCitizenServices@state.gov https://gr.usembassy.gov      U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki +(30) 2310-376-300 usconsulate@state.gov   State Department – Consular Affairs (888) 407-4747 or (202) 501-4444     EVENT In related news, the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary kicks off on March 5th, as Democrats Abroad members around the world participate in selecting the Democratic Party candidate for president for the 2024 General Election this November. Democrats Abroad Greece will run two voting centres to help Americans living in Greece cast their votes. In Thessaloniki, the polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 5 at the Dukakis Center, American College of Thessaloniki (17 Sevenidi Street) and in Athens in Athens from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 10 at the Athens Center (48 Archimidous Street). Worldwide results will be announced after voting closes on March 12th. Democrats Abroad is the official Democratic Party arm for the millions of Americans living outside the United States. Like its state parties, it runs a presidential primary every four years so that it can send committed and uncommitted delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August. Americans living abroad who will be 18 or older as of November 5th, 2024, are eligible to vote in the Global Presidential Primary. Voting is restricted to members of Democrats Abroad, but registration as a member is possible on the spot.
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Athens
21
02
2024
The sources also informed that letters of protest have been sent by the Hydrographic Service to the relevant International Maritime Organization (IMO) agency and to the Spanish coordinator for the Navtex of the Mediterranean and Black Sea region. As the sources underlined, Turkish claims have been rejected in all documents and the legal validity of Greek positions is asserted.
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Athens
21
02
2024
Police estimate at least 8,000 farmers with 130 tractors joined the protest on Syntagma square, echoing grievances at similar demonstrations in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland and Italy. "This is our answer to the Greek government," a 53-year-old farmer who gave his name as Grigoris said. "We're not afraid, and we won't retreat." The farmers said they planned to remain in the square overnight. Greek farmers dealing with high energy prices and production costs say they have also been hurt by climate change-driven weather, with unpredictable flooding, extreme heat and wildfires making their work ever more hazardous. They have been staging brief blockades of roads and border crossings for weeks while their unions have been negotiating with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' conservative government for more financial aid and other relief measures. The farmers said they drove to Athens to pile pressure on the government, which has so far offered discounts on power bills and a one-year extension of a tax rebate for agricultural diesel to the end of 2024. They are also demanding more compensation from natural disasters along with tax-free diesel fuel and protection against foreign competition. "We want the government to give us solutions to our problems. We're not just fighting for our own survival, we're fighting for everyone," said farmer Spyros Hatzis. "We're selling cheap, and the consumer is buying at a great cost" As night fell, horns blared and protesters lit flares. A banner on a tractor with a black coffin attached to its front read: "Livestock farming died today." Others held up funeral wreaths to symbolise what they say is a dying sector. "The government called us to a meeting, taunting us, without giving us anything," said Kostas Zarkadoulas, head of the farmers' union of Stylida in central Greece. WAKE UP Earlier on Tuesday, at the last toll booths some 30 km outside the capital, farmers waved Greek flags and cheered each other on as the convoy passed through. "No farmers, no food, no future," a banner read. "The time has come for all of us to finally wake up," said Thanasis Symeonidis, a farmer at the rally. "Our problems will reach their doorstep too." On Monday, the government reiterated that it was willing to discuss a more permanent future tax rebate scheme, but had no fiscal room for further concessions this year. "We have nothing more to give," Mitsotakis said during an interview with Greek Star TV on Monday evening. "I think farmers acknowledge this and know very well that the government has probably exceeded even their expectations, especially on the power bills issue." The farmers vowed to push for more. "We believe something will come of this. Otherwise we'll have to harden our stance," said Vergos Vergou, a protester in Athens.
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Athens
12
02
2024
He said that on Tuesday he will meet with the farmers' representatives and of course on the condition that the roads will be open. In any case it is a priority to support the competition in the primary sector and the farmers' income and that's why we will do whatever possible to reduce the cost factors in agriculture and livestock production. Referring to the Education Ministry's bill on strengthening public universities and establishing the framework for branches of foreign non-profit universities in Greece which has been posted for public consultation on Thursday, he said it was and remains the government's priority with emphasis on the public universities. Regarding the foundation of the non-public, non-profitable foreign universities departments in Greece, the requirements for their foundation will be the highest and stricter in Europe.  He said that significant progress has been recorded both in unemployment and in the increase of income in the private sector adding that the government wants to create 200,000 new job positions in the next 3 years. On the housing policy, Mitsotakis said that "it is only one of the pillars of our social policy. Our aim is the support of the financially vulnerable and especially of the young that are staying with their parents until their 30s. The problem is complex and serious, particularly in areas with pressure due to the tourism growth. I announced in parliament on Friday that our intention is to increase the threshold for purchasing real estate via the Golden Visa, possibly to 800,000 euros, and the measures will concern all the areas under pressure" he concluded.
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Washington D.C.
08
02
2024
Speaking to Greek correspondents on Tuesday, ahead of the new round of the Strategic Dialogue that will take place on Friday in Washington, the US Secretary of State noted that Greek-US relations were at a historically high point. He attributed this success to the effort being made on both sides of the Atlantic. As far as Greece is concerned, Huck referred widely to its broader geopolitical role as well as to the diplomatic initiatives it has undertaken in the region. As he noted, "Greece is not just a stable partner, but is a country that promotes stability in the region." F-35 fighters and modernizing Greek defense capabilities Huck said that the sale of fifth generation fighter jets to Greece was a positive development for US-Greece defense cooperation and for NATO, estimating that the F-35s will strengthen Greece's defense capabilities and at the same time increase the overall defense readiness of the Alliance. He referred to the fact that the US supports a broader plan to modernize Greek defense capabilities. "However, there is not only support for Greece in the air, but there is support at sea and on land. Therefore, we are not only talking about strengthening the air force, but we are talking about a broader plan to modernize Greek defense capabilities, which is part of an already very strong defense relationship," he noted. The US will continue to promote bilateral relations with the Republic of Cyprus. "We do not support a two-state solution, 100%," Huck said. With this phrase, he made it clear that the US remains completely opposed to a solution dividing the island, which has recently been promoted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In this context, he reiterated Washington's firm position on the Cyprus solution: "We continue to support a comprehensive Cypriot-led and UN-facilitated settlement that will lead to the reunification of the island. We very firmly support a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality for all Cypriots. Clearly, nothing has changed (in our position)."
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Athens
07
02
2024
They paid significant attention to showcasing Greek gastronomy and enhancing Greece’s overall appeal as a desirable tourist destination for Swedish visitors, not only during the summer months but throughout the year. Furthermore, they explored the use of innovative digital tools, including artificial intelligence, in the tourism sector, and explored the opportunities for technical know-how exchanges between the 2 countries.
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Athens
05
02
2024
Hellenic Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament the diesel measure would cost the state 82 million euros ($89.31 million) in 2024 and announced additional steps to help farmers. "Things will improve for our farmers... and solving their problems is in the heart of our government's priorities," he said. Farmers have been setting up blockades in central and northern Greece, echoing protests by farmers in other parts of Europe, and have threatened to step up their action unless the government helps them cope with higher energy prices and the growing impact of climate change. Mitsotakis, who met protesting farmers in central Greece this week, said PPC, Greece's biggest power utility, would offer an extra 10% rebate on electricity for farmers from May to September. The government also promised that farmers' overdue power and water bills will be settled. Farmers said the actions announced were not enough and unions will convene after a planned rally on Saturday to decide their next moves. "The measures ... are not adequate. We want a permanent tax exemption on diesel," said Rizos Maroudas, president of the farmers federation in Larissa in central Greece. Thousands of farmers in Thessaly, one of Greece's breadbasket regions, saw swathes of crops and thousands of animals submerged in flood water when 2 rainstorms hit the area in September. Sixteen people died in the floods. Mitsotakis said the state will spend in total 3.3 billion euros over the coming years to repair damage in Thessaly.  
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18
01
2024
Following a blessing ceremony, the minister noted that Greece and Turkiye share a common goal and mutual benefit of a sustainable tourism that will extend through the entire year, developing all regions and respecting the environment and local communities. She also referred to the joint Greek-Turkish declaration on tourism signed in Athens on December 7, in the context of the High-Level Cooperation Council, with Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy. The declaration includes the main axes of bilateral cooperation in the new chapter on Greek-Turkish tourism relations. "Nearly ten years ago I had the privilege to inaugurate the then-new GNTO office in Istanbul. Much has changed since then in general, but especially in tourism," she said. "The tourism flow between Greece and Turkiye in both directions exploded from a few thousands in the 2000s to over a million from each side before the (coronavirus) pandemic put a break on tourism and tourism flows as in other sectors. Today we are here on the opportunity of a new start." Kefalogianni also referred to the new locally issued visas to be issued to Turkish citizens and their families for ten Greek islands in the East Aegean as of March, and she expressed the hope that this program would contribute substantially to increasing the flow of tourism from Turkiye, to the benefit of both sides. "Bilateral tourism with Turkiye is of unique importance: not simply in its economic aspect, which is obviously important to both countries, but also because tourism also serves as a bridge of friendship and trust at the level of civil society, and thus contributes to creating a positive climate and good neighborly relations," she underlined.
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Athens
13
01
2024
Syriza leader Stefanos Kasselakis said he would instruct his lawmakers to vote for the proposal, although he argued that it didn’t go far enough on parenthood rights. Kasselakis, who married his male partner in New York in October, has expressed the desire to acquire children through a surrogate mother. Syriza’s support would practically ensure the draft law’s approval in the 300-seat parliament. The governing New Democracy party has 158 lawmakers, but about a dozen have voiced objections to the proposal — which has also met with reservation from the country’s influential Orthodox Church. However, the backing of Syriza’s 38 lawmakers should suffice to tip the balance. Kasselakis said in an interview with private Star TV that despite its “imperfections,” the proposal Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveiled Wednesday contained “some positive elements,” Kasselakis also criticized the prime minister’s refusal to force all New Democracy lawmakers to back a human-rights issue as “political cowardice.” Nevertheless, he said, “when this draft law comes to parliament, it will be approved thanks to Syriza.” According to Mitsotakis, the reform would allow civil marriage for same-sex couples but preclude them from acquiring children through surrogate motherhood in the future. Full parental rights would be granted to same-sex couples that already have children. A draft law on the same issue that Syriza tabled earlier this week would have accorded same-sex couples the right to parenthood through surrogate mothers. The country currently only allows that procedure in the cases of women — single or married — who are unable to bear children on health grounds. As well as heterosexual couples, single men or women are allowed to adopt. Greece legalized same-sex civil partnerships in 2015. Opinion polls suggest Greeks are evenly divided on the issue of same-sex marriage, but opposed to extending full parental rights to gay or lesbian couples. The raising of children by same-sex couples was also the main focus of the Church’s objections. The full details of the government’s proposal are expected to be released within the coming days. Once that happens, it would take several weeks for it to come to parliament for approval. Four smaller center-left and left-wing parties in parliament have not specified their stance on the proposal, while three small right-wing parties strongly oppose it.
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