Mutiny Brewing in Papandreou's Party

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Prime Minister George Papandreou is trying to quell a rebellion in his party

ATHENS – A day after Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou announced a new wave of pay cuts, tax hikes and slashed pensions to satisfy international lenders in return for an $11 billion loan installment as part of a rescue package to save the country from bankruptcy, several members of Parliament in his ruling PASOK Socialist party said they would resist, raising the possibility the premier might not be able to get approval from the legislative body his party controls.
Papandreou, who has faded into the background while letting Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos take the spotlight, teamed with him in trying to convince PASOK MP’s to back the new Draconian measures even as the city was hamstrung by a wide-spread transport strike by workers angered over the plans.
Papandreou has normally gotten almost unanimous support from his MP’s as he has the power to expel from the party any who disobey his orders. But as anger grew throughout the country over the plans that could see 30,000-100,000 public workers fired, the newspaper Kathimerini reported that “The prospect of the steps being rejected by Parliament becomes a strong possibility.”
A vote on an emergency property tax Venizelos decreed be put into electric bills with the threat those who don’t pay would have their power shut off was due on Sept. 22 but delayed because of the possibility of a rebellion by PASOK MP’s. Papandreou has 154 members in the 300-seat House but if enough balk, that could lead to a defeat for his plans and possibly trigger new elections. That led the Premier to invite them to his office where he tried to persuade them to vote his way.
Sources told Kathimerini said that at least five or six PASOK deputies were not prepared to support the property tax. Papandreou and Venizelos warned the deputies of the consequences of Greece not passing the latest austerity measures and losing the next loan, without which the country will run out of money in mid-October. Greece is getting a $152 billion bailout but has had to cede control of its finances to the lenders of the European Union-International Monetary Fund-European Central Bank.
“There is no other way,” Papandreou reportedly told PASOK lawmakers. “The other path leads to bankruptcy, which will have major consequences for every household. “We know it will be difficult but now is time for the most decisive battle of all.” Venizelos said despite a shrinking economy and rising unemployment caused by the first round of austerity measures that it could get worse if Greece defaulted. “Unfortunately, this is not the crisis,” he said. “This is a great effort that we are making to protect ourselves and avoid the crisis.”
 
 

ASE Ended Below 800 Units

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The General Index of ASE ended below 800 units for the first time since April 1995, forced by the severe pressures triggered by political ineffectiveness against the debt crisis domestically and abroad.
Banks suffered heavy pressures, as cumulative losses for week exceeded 15%, while total capitalization of banks amounts below €6.5 billion after Friday’s closure.
Amid negative climate in international stock markets, the Greek market moved sharply downwards on Friday, burdened by the downgrade of Greek banks by Moody’s, while trading volume and turnover increased, compared with previous sessions.
(source: capital)

Turkish Survey Ship Sets Sail For Gas Search Off Cyprus

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A Turkish seismic ship set sail Friday for gas exploration off Cyprus, live television footage showed.
The ship “Piri Reis” departed from a local port in the Aegean province of Izmir, in an apparent response to a move by Cypriots to press ahead with offshore gas drilling in the eastern Mediterranean.
There was no sign of a Turkish naval escort for the Piri Reis and its 10 crew as the vessel set out, although Energy Minister Taner Yildiz had raised the possibility of such a security measure earlier this week.

Top 10 Greek Facebook Groups to Follow in NYC

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Greek-AmericanIf you’re a Greek-American in New York, here’s a list of highly reccomended websites and Facebook pages that will educate and inform you. This list will provide you with important information and updates about happenings in the Greek-American culture and communties around New York City. Many of the organizations listed below offer programs, lectures, meetings and more, targeting Greek-Americans in New York City. Please share this page with friends and family. Join the following pages and stay in tune with your Greek heritage!

1.) New York’s Greek Cultural Center, Inc. (GCC): is a non-profit organization that opened its doors in 1974. Offering productions in theater, music, folk dance, shadow Puppet Theater, and workshops for all ages. The GCC constantly and consistently strives to ensure that each member of the Greek American community has the opportunity to express themselves creatively through their own inclinations and aptitudes, be educated and informed about culture and explore their roots and traditions. Read more about the GCC on their main website here. 

2.) The Greek Orthodox Youth of America, or GOYA: The ministry to teenagers of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Since GOYA is ministry, the orientation and implementation of the program should reflect the Orthodox Christian Faith, Tradition and Life. Read more about G.O.Y.A on their main website here, or follow their blog here. 

3.) The Greek-American Folklore Society: Dedicated to the study, preservation and instruction of the history and traditions of Hellenic folk culture. We share our work with the public through stage re-enactments of traditional Greek customs, songs and dances, as well as through lectures, exhibits and workshops. Read more about G.A.F.S on their main website here.

4.) Greeks in New York: Stay connected with fellow Greeks in the tri-state area and join this site to get the latest news and views of Greek-Americans living in New York City. In addition to Greeks in New York, Astoria, Queens has one of the largest Greek-American populations in the tri-state area. Follow the Astoria, Queens FB page and reunite with old friends! The group often posts upcoming concerts, venues, restaurant reviews etc…on their page everyday.

5.) Onassis Foundation (USA) (Cultural Center located in New York): The mission of the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (USA) is to disseminate information about the Hellenic civilization throughout the United States and Canada. By cooperating with universities, colleges and art institutions in Greece and throughout America, the Onassis Foundation (USA) promotes bilateral cultural relations. Read more about the Onassis Foundation on their main website here.

6.) Greek Language & Culture Meet Up (New York City): Greek Language & Cultural meet up seeks to bring together individuals interested in the Greek language, culture and heritage of music, dances, history, people, food, drinks, travel, politics, sports, art and whatever else! You don’t need to speak Greek or be Greek to have fun and join this group! (FB Group not yet started- but worth following on their main webpage.)

7.) Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York: The largest Hellenic (Greek) Organization in America, dedicated to promoting the Helleniclanguage, culture, and traditions. Members enjoy great networking opportunities in New York City. Follow them on LinkedinRead more about the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York here. 

8.) Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce- Young Professionals in New York City: The Greek American Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1992. Initially it served the NJ Greek American business community. In 2006, the Chamber expanded into Pennsylvania by starting a separate division to service the Greater Philadelphia and Pennsylvania regions. Today chapters are growing in Delaware, Texas and beyond. Read more about the Hellenic-American Chamber of Greater New York here.

9.)The “I Love Greek Music” FB page: Get all of the latest information on Greek music and videos, new artists and more on the I love Greek Music FB page.

10.) New York Greek Restaurants Examiner page: Get the latest news and reviews of Greek restaurants in and around New York City, in addition to Mediterranean recipes and profiles of Greek-Americans in New York City.

*All above information has been compiled from each respective website.

Finance Minister Dismisses Discussions, Rumours That Distract Attention

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Greece will do everything in its power in order to implement fully and on time all EU decisions of July 21.
When asked to comment about articles in the press in regards to various scenarios that concern sovereign debt management, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Greece, Evangelos Venizelos, stated the following:
“Greece has taken the final decision to do everything in its power in order for all the European Council decisions of July 21, vital both for the Euro Area and for Greece itself, to be implemented fully and on time.
All other discussions, rumors, comments and scenarios that distract attention from this central goal and political obligation of Greece and of all the other Euro Area member states and European institutions, do not offer good service towards our common European case.
More specifically, Greece takes hard and tough measures in order to achieve its fiscal targets from 2011 to 2014. Greece promotes structural changes and the implementation of the privatizations program, and implements, with the outmost perseverance and diligence, in cooperation with the Euro Area and the international private sector, the PSI which is a key pillar of the July 21 decisions”.
(source: capital)

Focus Magazine Attacks Again!

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After the previous cover pages depicting the Aphrodite of Melos island, making an obscene gesture and the Acropolis sinking, focus magazine “strikes” again against Greece.

The editors of the magazine propose in this publication the replacement of Greece by Turkey in the Euro Zone.

The director underlines in the editorial part of the magazine that problematic circumstances, as occuring in Greece, should mean the exit from the Euro zone in order to be replaced by a booming country.

He emphasizes that the accession of the Turkey to the EU is a long-lasting dream that becomes a necessity nowadays.

The editor of the magazine made it clear: “Get rid of the countries-outcasts and call Turkey. In a different case, there is a possibility of losing the opportunity of the accession of Turkey. Don’t leave PIGS (Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain) to define the development of Europe”.

Italian Demonstrators Outside Greek Ebassy in Rome

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A Left Union named Unione Sindacale Base demonstrated outside the Greek Embassy in Rome, on Thursday September 22.

The USB asked from the Greek Government to withdraw the financial austerity measures and not to adopt Troika’s requests, which will worsen the situation.

The almost 20 members of the union were carrying placards with the words “Solidarity to the Greek employees. Bosses must pay the crisis”

The chief member of the union noted that it is not only about Greece. “This situation affects Italy as well and we should fight for our rights,” added Emida Papi.

Lufthansa Goes for Greek Jam

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The fresh ingredients and the unique flavours of jams made by Papagiannidis Cottage Industry in Mytilini, Lesvos were highly appreciated by Lufthansa German airlines. Therefore, it has been decided to offer Papagiannidis’ jams to its business class passengers in its lounge café at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport.

According to the Airlines announcement, the aviation company tries in this way to provide their customers with a last taste from Greece.

Papagiannidis Cottage Industry in Mytilini is producing a vast variety of jam flavours, including apricot, strawberries, blueberries and ouzo, berries and honey, orange mandarin and lemon, peach and ouzo, cherry with honey and walnuts.

Ukraine Celebrates the Centenary of Odysseas Elytis Birth

Τhis year marks one hundred years since the birth of  Greek Nobel laureate poet, Odysseas Elytis. The Hellenic Ministry of Culture decided to pay tribute to the Greek poet by declaring the year 2011 “Elytis’ Year” and assigning the relevant celebrations to the Hellenic Foundation for Culture (HFC) Branch in Odessa, Ukraine.

Within this initiative, the HFC in Ukraine is planning a series of events aiming at introducing Odysseas Elytis’ work to the Odessa and other Ukrainian cities’ audience. The tribute opens at 13. October and includes among others a photo exhibition dedicated to the poet’s literary and artistic work.

On the 27th of October, a Music and Poetry Night will be held, where poems of Elytis will be recited in the Greek and Russian language, while the HFC branch choral group will also take part with works based on Elytis’ poetry.

On the 3rd of November, Mr. A. Malinowski, Philology Professor in the University of Odessa, will deliver a lecture on the following theme: “Odysseas Elytis. The Poet and his era: The limits of Talent”.

The exhibition will be open to the public until the 7th of November and will host several documentary movies screenings, such as “Times and Writers – Odysseas Elytis”, directed by Tasos Psaras (ERT production).

After leaving the city of Odessa, the Elytis exhibition will “continue its tour” through the country.

Skopje Offers Online Courses of Macedonian to Northern Greeks

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Skopjans are using computers and modern technology to promote an online program that teaches the Macedonian Language to students of Northern Greece.

The program is titled “Learn Macedonski Online” and the lessons begin on the 17th of October, while the formation of the classes will depend on the students’ applications.

According to the project leader, Mitko Giovanof “teaching will be done by teachers online and students will have an audiovisual communication with the teachers, following the terms of the latest computer technology”.

The lessons are going to be free of cost, following the official government curriculum and the classes will be divided into three levels:beginner, intermediate, advanced.