Events organised by the Press Office in New York - 2008
2 December 2008 - Commemoration of the 85 years from the birth of Maria Callas
On December 2nd 2008 and on the occasion of the 85 years from the birth of Maria Callas, the Italian Cultural Association Maria Callas, the Consulates General of Greece and Italy in New York, the Italian Cultural Institute and the Athenaeum ICC-Grand Prix Maria Callas, hosted at the birthplace of the great Diva - the Terence Cardinal Cooke Hospital of Manhattan - a special commemorative event.
In the presence of his Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, the Consuls General of Greece Mrs Aghi Balta and Italy Mr Francisco Talo, officials from the Italian Cultural Institute, Directors of the Hospital and media representatives, a marble plaque in honor of the opera legend was unveiled, that will be permanently displayed at the music hall of the Hospital.
The plaque, engraved by the Italian sculptor Luciano Massari, states: “Callas, was born in this hospital on December 2, 1923. These halls heard for the first time the musical notes of her voice, a voice which has conquered the world. To this great interpreter of universal language of music, with gratitude”. The plaque lists all five institutions, including the Consulates General of Greece and Italy in New York.
At the conclusion of the event the young and talented soprano Jeanette Vecchione gave a live, a cappella performance of Ave Maria.
11 November 2008 - Photo Album «Magical Greece» Presentation
On Tuesday, November 11, the Greek Press and Communication Office in New York hosted the presentation of the Photo Album “Magical Greece”, a selection of photos from across the country by the photographer Andreas Smaragdis, with inspiring text by the Greek American journalist Eleni Gage.
Through its 146 pages, the book is taking the reader to a travel across the country, bringing him/her in contact with both the nature and the people.
The Consul General of Greece in New York Mrs. Aghi Balta presented the book at a large audience of Greek and foreign journalists and correspondents to the U.N., Greek- Americans, philhellenes and friends of the Press Office. Mrs Balta spoke of the unique way with which the book highlights our country’s beauty and congratulated all contributors for the sensitivity of their work.
The publisher of the book Mrs Alexandra Vovolini-Laskaridis, from KERKYRA Publications, shared with the audience her enthusiasm about the publication of the album, referring to the different phases from the conception of the idea to the final product.
In photographer Smaragdis’s message to the audience, projected by video since the photographer was unable to attend the event, Mr Smaragdis spoke of his sources of inspiration and thanked all those involved in the publication of the album. Finally, the journalist and author Eleni Gage spoke of her love for Greece and its wild beauty and called Smaragdis’s photos “an ode to Greece”.
2 October 2008 - Book Presentation: “Paradise Lost, Smyrna 1922”
The critically acclaimed book “Paradise Lost – Smyrna 1922 – The destruction of a Christian city in the Islamic world” by writer and journalist Giles Milton, was presented yesterday, October 2nd, at an event that took place at the Greek Press and Communication Office in New York, co-sponsored by the Greek America Magazine.
The book recounts the days of prosperity and the days of horror in Smyrna prior, during and after the war in the beginning of the 20th century. Smyrna came to be known as the richest and most cosmopolitan city in the Ottoman Empire, and a majority Christian city that was unique in the Islamic world.In “Paradise Lost”, eyewitness testimonies, diary entries, and letters – some of them published for the first time – are all part of a meticulously researched, informed account of the devastating destiny of the city of Smyrna and its people. It also provides an examination of political and religious relations at the time and it tells a fascinating, yet horrifying, story with clarity and insight.
The Consul General of Greece in New York Mrs. Agi Balta presented the book at a large audience of Greek and foreign journalists and correspondents to the U.N., members of U.N. missions, Greek- Americans and philhellenes. Giles Milton read abstracts of his book and took questions from the audience.
1st October 2008 - Press Conference for the 2nd New York City Greek Film Festival
The Press Conference for the 2nd Greek Film Festival (New York, October 3 - October 16) was held at the premises of the Press and Communication Office of Greece in New York. On the part of the organizational committee, James De Metro, Professor Emeritus at the City University of New York, Panelope Karageorge, journalist, James Kourtelakos, Professor of Psychology at the City University and Minos Pappas, film director, talked about the films to be screened and emphasized the fact that this is the first time a member of the Greek American community has participated with a film (“The caller” by Richard Ledes)
Professor De Metro underscored the importance of the festival for the Greek American community, as the films bring the community in touch with modern Greece. He furthermore stressed that the festival constitutes a major opportunity for talented Greek directors to promote their work in the US. In conclusion, he extended his thanks to the festival’s sponsors – including the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Secretariat General of Communication - Information for their invaluable assistance.
26 September 2008 - The Protection of Journalists in Armed Conflict
Discussion with the topic “The protection of journalists in armed conflict” took place at the premises of Greek Press & Communication this morning.
Opening statements were made by H.E. Ms. Rama Yade, Secretary of State in charge of Foreign Affairs and Human Rights under the Minister of Foreign Affairs,.H.E.
Ms. Dora Bakoyannis, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, Mr. Kiyotaka Akasaka, and the General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists.
25 September 2008 - Presentation of the upcoming cooperation between Greece and the Alliance of Small Island States
The upcoming cooperation between Greece and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) for the funding of programs aimed at adjusting to climatic changes was announced at an event that took place in the Press and Communication Office of Greece in New York on September 25th.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Yannis Valinakis and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Grenada Mr. Peter David , representing AOSIS, made remarks emphasizing the importance of Greece’s engagement in assisting the populations who live on the island states and are affected by the climatic change.
The event was scheduled on the margins of the 63rd General Assembly of the United Nations.
22 September 2008 - Signing of Memorandum between Greece and the African Union for the funding of activities aimed at adjusting to climatic changes
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece Ms Dora Bakoyannis and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mr. Jean Ping, former foreign minister of Gabon, signed September 22 2008, a Memorandum of Understanding between Greece and the African Union.
The MOU foresees the provision of 12 million euros for programs related to climate change adaptation within the next four years.
Following the signing, the Foreign Minister of Greece emphasized that, Greece, an emerging donor and a neighbour to the African continent, is ready to play her part in the efforts of the international community for the development of Africa. She added that “today’s upgrade of our cooperation with Africa is tangible proof of our deep commitment.”
She also pointed out that Greece, under its Chairmanship of the Human Security Network, has adopted as its main priority climate change and its impact on vulnerable population groups and stressed that “today, Greece reiterates its pledge to stand by them (the African people) and help them succeed in making the 21st century Africa’s century.”
