World Media on Greece - Politics, Business and Current Affairs in 2008
Hijacking Democracy (HuffingtonPost, 16.12.08)
Mr Livadas underlines that the riots were prompted by the killing of 15-year old A. Grigoropoulos. The government, the opposition and the Greek people, expressed their condemnation, deep sorrow and outrage at this tragic incident and due process was followed for the two policemen involved. A small, marginal group of a few hundred extremists hijacked this outpouring of grief and used violence to push their agenda. The police was faced with a difficult task and the decision not to risk further loss of life by adopting defensive tactics prevailed. Mr Livadas stresses the Greek Government’s will to protect law and order and offer compensation to those whose interests were hurt. Finally he expresses his confidence that normality will return and trust between the government and the youth will be restored. Read the whole article here. |
The Secretary General of Information, Mr
Greece calm after 8 days of riots (AP, 15/12/2008)
Greek youths who have protested daily since the boy's death have vowed to remain on the streets until their concerns are addressed. Analyst Theodore Couloumbis, however, said he expected the disturbances to "peter out" over the next few days". Read more... On Wednesday, December 10, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis announced a series of measures to support businesses hit by the rioting in Athens and other cities. "We will not only entrench a feeling of security for all citizens but help all businesses that have suffered damages. [...] We walk the path of national responsibility. We call all the political forces of the country to walk alongside us, all social bodies, all citizens," Karamanlis said, concluding his statement. (ANA-MPA, 10.12.2008) Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, in the interview for the German magazine "Der Spiegel" emphasised the need to differentiate between reactions over the police shooting of a teenager last week in Athens and opposition to the government reforms. "Reforms cannot wait" she was quoted as saying. According to Bakoyannis, the former mayor of Athens, the Karamanlis government retains its ability to act, while there is no issue of its resignation or an early election. (Spiegel, 15.12.2008) General Secretary of Information Panos Livadas was quoted in International Herald Tribune as saying "I think reason will prevail. I also think we will keep on doing our best not to have a future risk of innocent life." (IHT, 12.10.2008) Read more:
|
Nicholas Paphitis reports for AP: "Athens was calm Sunday after eight days of the worst riots Greece has seen in decades, sparked by the police killing of a teenager. Traffic returned to normal in the center of town and open-topped double-decker buses carried tourists around the city's main sights.
Ambassador A. Mallias: A New Beginning and the Wisdom of the Past: Why the Greek Classics are Still Relevant (Huffington Post, 14.11.08)
Greek Ambassador in Washington Alexandros P. Mallias writes an article in Huffington Post inspired by the speech of Barack Obama after his election. In his article, Ambassador Mallias explores the connection of modern US and international politics with the writings of ancient Greek thinkers like Isocrates, Thucydides and Xenophon. He recognizes the value of having studied the classics and combines it with his experience “as Greece's Ambassador to the United States, representing the world's first democracy in the world's current most powerful democracy”. Ambassador Mallias reminds us of the notion of “Metron”, confirms that the classics have always been a basic tool in politics, diplomacy and geostrategy and shares his hope that they will be “…entering the mainstream of society and politics”. Read the article here. |
FM Ms. Bakoyannis’ opening speech at the Ambassadors’ Forum on OSCE (ISRIA.info, 13.10.2008)
|
Greece assumes the 2009 Chairmanship of
Greek economy grows by 3.1% in third quarter (Xinhua, 14.11.08)
The Greek economy grew by 3.1 percent in the third quarter of 2008 compared with the same period last year, showing that the country was weathering the global slowdown better than most of its euro zone peers. The Greek Gross Domestic Product grew by 3.6 percent in the second quarter and 3.2 percent in the first quarter of the year, while GDP growth in the Eurozone was 0.7 percent and US GDP growth was 0.8 percent. Read more… See also:
|
The Greek National Statistics Service published a report on Friday, where the economy’s growth is shown.
Ties with China enjoying good momentum: Greek FM spokesman (Xinhua, 11.11.08)
Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos spoke to Liang Yeqian of Xinhua, about the relations between Greece and China, who established diplomatic ties 36 years ago. The 2008 Olympic Games provided a great opportunity for cooperation between China and Greece. The "Cultural Year of Greece in China," held from September 2007 to August 2008, has been a great success. Greek language and literature are now being taught at Beijing's universities. The development, especially in the fields of economy and culture, has been stunning, with mutual trade volume in the first quarter this year rising 66 percent. Read more… |
Athens hosts international corruption conference (Focus, 02.11.08)
The international conference takes place once every two years and focuses on corruption issues. This year’s over 1,300 participants included media, government officials, businessmen, scientists, economists, with Greek Prime minister Kostas Karamanlis, the President of the Greek Parliament Dimitris Sioufas and George Papandreou, President of Socialist International and President of PASOK being among the top speakers. This 13th International Conference’s main agenda was “Global Transparency: Fighting corruption for a sustainable future”. Read more… See also :
|
Athens was the host of
On patrol with the Greek coastguard (BBC News, 30.10.2008)
Reporter Iain Macinnes of the BBC programme Eςrpa visited the island of Samos, just over a mile from the Turkish coast, to have a look at how authorities deal with illegal immigrants, and what effect is being felt amongst islanders. According to the reporter the Greek coastguard has a challenging job, as they try to rescue immigrants crossing this short sound between Asia, and Europe. Read more... |
With a coastline of almost sixteen thousand kilometres, Greece is a prime target for illegal immigrants trying to enter the European Union.
Greece Is A Safe Option For Investors (HomesWorldwide.com, 23.10.08)
Greece is one of the few European countries to be guaranteeing all deposits in its banking system at the moment. The country’s economy is one of the fastest growing in the Euro-zone with a significant expansion in construction and engineering. “Greece's economy, due to reforms that took place in previous years and the dynamic it has developed, is more resilient than other European countries in this extremely difficult international environment,” says Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, while Greek Public Works Minister states that "demand for luxury homes within complexes is constantly rising”. According to the head of a real estate consultants’ agency in Athens, "the islands have something for everyone, and they are close to home for Europeans, so foreign interest is strong". Read more… |
The safety of the Greek real estate market is featured in this article of HomesWorldwide.com.
Foreign Minister addresses the UN General Assembly (27.09.2008)
"By hosting the third Global Forum on MigrationGlobal Forum on Migration in the fall of 2009, Greece aims to provide a platform to explore solutions and initiatives for the benefit of all countries and especially for the immigrants themselves. On regional security, Greece is preparing to assume the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in EuropeOrganization for Security and Cooperation in Europe next January. Turning to our immediate neighborhood, Greece is committed to a Southeastern Europe where all countries belong to the European and Euro-Atlantic families. We were as pleased to welcome Croatia and Albania to NATO a few months ago as we were to welcome Bulgaria and Romania to the EU last year. Beyond the Western Balkans, Greece continues taking fruitful initiatives in the spirit of international law and the UN Charter to broaden and strengthen cooperation with Turkey." Read the entire address herehere.
|
In her address to the 63rd UN General Assembly, Greek FM Dora Bakoyannis touched on the global issues of human rights, poverty, developmemt, regional security and migration, highlighting Greece's alignlment and contribution to the UN goals:
Menendez/Snowe: Macedonian Quandary (Washington Times, 24.09.2008)
“Enhancing and preserving the hard-won stability of the Balkans requires that Washington not become complacent about remaining irredentist agendas in this complex region. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has an ideal opportunity this week, at the convening of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, to demonstrate America's opposition to any form of irredentism in FYROM; she can tell FYROM that unless it accepts an international name that describes only its territory, such as "North" or "Upper" Macedonia, the U.S. will withdraw bilateral recognition of FYROM as "Republic of Macedonia." She can thus regenerate the American pressure necessary to resolve the problem, avoid sowing the seeds of another potential conflict in Europe and open the door for FYROM's accession to the European Union and NATO. Such a solution will have bipartisan support in the Congress.” Read more...Read more....
|
Senators Bob Menendez (Democrats-NJ) and Olympia Snowe (Republicans-ME) are jointly advocating the withdrawal of U.S. recognition of FYROM as ‘Macedonia’, in their Op-Ed article published in The Washington Times:
Orthodox Christianity under threat (International Herald Tribune, 09.09.2008)
Despite efforts by statesmen from many countries to try to persuade the Turkish government to liberalize their policies toward the Patriarchate, its leaders have not budged - even though they know their stand may harm their chances of entering the European Union. The Patriarch of ConstantinoplePatriarch of Constantinople himself has said that he believes the risk is worth taking and that he strongly supports Turkey's admission in the EU. Gage concludes that the best way for Turkey to begin in adopting a European outlook is with the Patriarchate, which can become a beacon to light a path for Turkey into Europe. Read the entire article herehere. |
Greece: An extroverted economy (DiplomaticTraffic.com)
Greece is turning into a regional hub for investment and business. Ambassador Mallias pointed out that “Greece offers the knowledge, network and security” that investors want. And, thanks to the Olympics, it also offers the best infrastructure in the area. Read more...Read more... |
In a recent interview with DiplomaticTraffic.com, Greece’s ambassador to Washington, Alexandros P. Mallias, described the transformation of his country. The most fundamental change, he said, was that Greece had become an “extroverted economy.”
Greek Partnership Aims to Develop Balkan Region and Beyond (iStockAnalyst, 27.06.08)
USAID and Hellenic Aid are working with 15 companies along with local chambers of commerce and nongovernmental organizations to harness the technical support and hands-on expertise needed to stimulate the tourist trade. The plan hinges on stoking a nascent tourism industry to produce jobs by opening many of the region's communities, cultural and natural attractions to regional and global markets. 'The Greeks have an interest in developing the Balkans. It's their backyard.' said Thomas Mefford, USAID's deputy assistant administrator for Europe and Eurasia. Read more...Read more... |
The U.S. Agency for International Development (
The 'pope' of hope (The Guardian, 18.06.2008)
For the last five years, Bartholomew I has hired cruise ships on which he has staged major environmental symposiums involving church leaders of all denominations, scientists and politicians. The next symposium is scheduled for April 2009, on the Nile, under the patronage of the Patriarch, UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon, and Jose Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission. The 68-year-old archbishop, is modest about his achievements: "We have succeeded so far," he says. "The Ecumenical Patriarchate has received awards because of this activity. It means our efforts are recognised internationally. At the beginning, we were talking about eco problem, then eco crisis, and now we are talking about eco catastrophe." Read more....Read more....
|
His All Holiness,
Greek parliament ratifies EU's Lisbon Treaty (A.P./IHT, 12.06.08)
In his speech in favor of the treaty, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said that "The (Lisbon) Treaty is the path for the Europe of the 21st century." Greece became the 18th EU member country to ratify the treaty which must be ratified by all 27 EU member states to come into effect.Read more... See also:
|
Lawmakers in Greece's 300-seat parliament overwhelmingly ratified the European Union's Lisbon Treaty late Wednesday, voting 250-42 in favor of the charter that aims to streamline decision-making in the 27-nation EU. 
Sarkozy hails era of new alliance (eKathimerini.com, 07.06.2008)
The French President later held talks with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis which focused on the possibility of Greece buying armaments from France, as well as the plans that Paris has when it takes over the EU presidency next month. Finally, Sarkozy suggested that a European coast guard should be formed, as Greece could not be ”left on its own” to combat illegal immigration. Read the entire article Read more... See also:
|
French President Nicolas Sarkozy heralded the start of a “new alliance” between Greece and France as he became the first foreigner in this century to address the Greek Parliament during a visit to Athens on Friday, June 6. Sarkozy supported Greece at the NATO summit in Bucharest when it moved to block FYROM’s bid to join the alliance.
Deutsche Telekom, Greece close OTE deal (Reuters, 14.05.2008)
"The deal with a big and credible telecoms organization opens a new page not only for OTE but for the Greek economy as well," Minster of Economy and Finance George Alogoskoufis said. Read more... |
Greece on Wednesday, 14.05.2008, approved the terms of a deal with German telecoms giant
Greek economy makes progress and shows potential (Financial Times, 09.05.2008)
Unemployment has been reduced steadily in recent years and is also expected to continue falling. In its spring forecasts, the European Commission estimates that Greece’s growth rate will reach 3.4 per cent in 2008; ie, it will be double the eurozone rate. The high current account deficit reflects, to a great extent, high private and public investment inflows which reinforce the production and export potential of the country."Read more... |
In his letter to the editor, Greek Minister of Economy and Finance George Alogoskoufis notes: "There is a long list of indicators demonstrating that the Greek economy is making significant progress and has great potential. Greece’s growth rate reached an average of 4 per cent in the past three years and, despite the international economic turmoil, is expected to remain high in the coming years.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew amongst the world's "100 Most Influential People" (Time, 05.2008)
Accoring to Time, Patriarch Bartholomew stakes out a clear moral and spiritual vision that is profoundly loyal to the traditions of worship and reflection in the Eastern Orthodox Church: his vision is dominated by his concern for the environment, stressing that ecological questions are essentially spiritual ones. Read more... |
Greece, Russia sign deal on South Stream natural gas pipeline (29.04.2008)
Welcoming Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin praised Greece's decision to join the 10 billion euro pipeline, which will carry 30 billion cubic meters of Russian gas per year to southern Europe. Putin said the project could double gas consumption for Greece. "We guarantee this volume for Greece itself and upon realizing this project Greece will become an important link in the energy politics for all Europe."
|
On Tuesday 29.04.2008, Greece signed a deal to join Gazprom's South Stream gas pipeline in a move that Russian and Greek leaders said would strengthen energy security in Europe.
In the name of a common future (The Washington Times, 29.04.2008)
In her article on the aftermath of the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dora Bakoyannis writes: "All members of NATO, including Greece, look forward to the day that an invitation is extended to FYROM, as we believe this will further strengthen regional security. During this summit, however, the Alliance made it abundantly clear that accession is contingent upon respect for NATO shared values and principles. So FYROM's aspiration to join NATO came to an inevitable halt, as it failed to take steps toward normalizing relations with Greece — a neighbor, major foreign investor and future ally". Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyannis has published two opinion articles : "All in a Name" (Wall Street Journal, 01.04.2008) and "The View from Athens" (International Herald Tribune, 31.03.2008) |
Ship owners enticed by Athens' siren call (Financial Times, 12.03.2008)
Athens is already a base for most Greek owners. About 900 operators of ocean-going ships have seen earnings grow at unprecedented rates over the past five years, thanks to the boom in global trade with China and India, which created more than 30 new Greek shipping billionaires. Thanks mainly to improved transport and -telecommunications and increasing numbers of well qualified finance and shipping specialists, Athens has become an attractive base.
|
Greece has moved swiftly to ensure the return home of about 100 expatriate ship owners threatened by the UK government's imminent crackdown on wealthy non-domiciled foreigners, pledging to maintain a favourable tax regime for the Greek shipping community, which controls about 15 per cent of the global commercial fleet in tonnage terms.
Greece's Demand Isn't 'Absurd' (The Wahsington Post, 13.03.2008)
In his letter to the editor on FYROM's name issue, Greece's Ambassador to the United States, Alexandros Mallias writes:
"Greece advocates the Euro-Atlantic integration of all Balkan countries, including FYROM. However, a country that systematically violates NATO's values and principles, including that of neighborly relations, would undermine the alliance's cohesion and solidarity and jeopardize its credibility. (requires free registration) Read more...
Greece's Orthodox Church elects new leader (AP/International Herald Tribune, 07.02.2008)
Church bells rang out and the lights outside Athens Cathedral were switched on to signal the election of Metropolitan Bishop Ieronymos of Thebes as the country's new archbishop. Read more... |
Greece's top clergy elected a new leader for the country's powerful Orthodox Church on Thursday, choosing a low-key bishop described as an "enlightened conservative" who is expected to continue his predecessor's efforts to improve ties with the Vatican.
Head of Greece's Orthodox Church Dies (AP/ Los Angeles Times, 27.01.2008)
Greece's Orthodox Church leader, Archbishop Christodoulos, who eased centuries of tension with the Vatican but was viewed as reactionary by his liberal critics, died Monday at his home of cancer, church officials said. He was 69. Christodoulos was elected church leader in 1998 and is credited with reinvigorating the vast institution that represents 97 percent of Greece's native born population.Read more…"
|
Prime Minister Karamanlis visits Turkey
The three-day visit is the most significant attempt to improve relations between the two countries. "I am here to show Greece's desire, which is to go beyond the difficulties of the past and to look towards the future with hope," Mr Karamanlis said. The media about Karamanlis visit to Turkey: Link |
Greek PM Costas Karamanlis has called for past difficulties with Turkey to be put aside, on the first visit to Ankara by a Greek leader in almost 50 years.
Greek leader for AKP’s youth wing (Hürriyet, 21.01.2008)
 Costa Salto, the 26-year old son of Simeon Salto, the long-time leader of the Greek Orthodox community in Bozcaada, Ηanakkale, has been tapped by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as the new head of the AKP (Justice and Development Party) youth wing. Read more... (Hurriyet, 26.05.2008))
|
Prime Minister Karamanlis visits India
|
The potential for further developing economic relations and trade between Greece and India was outlined by Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, during his official visit to India. Kostas Karamanlis, while addressing the industry on Friday said : "The target to double the volume of our bilateral trade by 2010 seems attainable and viable." The premier mentioned shipping as the most dynamic sector of the greek economy and invited Indian investments by presenting his country's strategic position in the rapidly developing southeastern Europe and its relations with the Balkans and the Black Sea region. Read more:
Greece, Romania and Canada top global privacy index (International Herald Tribune/AP, 30.12.2008)
Greece, Romania and Canada had the best privacy records of 47 countries surveyed by the London-based watchdog 
. The survey considers a range of factors including legal protection of privacy, enforcement, data sharing, the use of biometrics and prevalence of CCTV cameras. Read Privacy International’s fact sheet
Highlights |
Politics, Business and Current Affairs |
Travel |
Food and Wine |
Culture and Education |
Science and Environment |
Lifestyle |
Sports and Sporting Events |
Acropolis and the Parthenon Marbles |
Special Reports on Greece |
