French planemaker, Dassault Aviation, delivered on Wednesday the first Rafale fighter jet to the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) in a ceremony at the company’s flight test center in Istres, southern France.
The event was attended by Greek Defense Minister, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, and General Konstantinos Floros, Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (GEETHA).
The delivery of the first jet came six months after Greece signed a 2.5 billion euro deal with France to buy 18 Rafale warplanes, 12 of them used.
— GEN Konstantinos Floros (@ChiefHNDGS) July 21, 2021
According to the company, the first six aircraft will be used to further train the HAF pilots and technicians in Dassault’s conversion training center in Merignac before they are deployed to the Tanagra base near Athens.
“The Rafale will provide the HAF with a latest-generation multirole fighter, enabling the Hellenic Republic to ensure its geostrategic stance in full sovereignty,” Dassault said in a statement.
“The delivery of the first Rafale is a clear demonstration of France’s determination to meet the government of the Hellenic Republic’s expectations and to participate actively [in protecting] the sovereignty of the country.”
Θαυμάζοντας τα Εθνικά μας Χρώματα στο 1ο #Rafale! Πραγματικά μοναδική στιγμή για την #ΠΑ και τις 🇬🇷 #ΕΔ. Εν αναμονή για τις ακόμα 17 «Ριπές» που θα «αλλάξουν τα δεδομένα», εξασφαλίζοντας καθαρό στρατηγικό πλεονέκτημα στους Ουρανούς μας!! @Hellenic_MOD@Armees_Gouv@hndgspiopic.twitter.com/9SGVQNyZF4
— GEN Konstantinos Floros (@ChiefHNDGS) July 21, 2021
During the ceremony, Dassault chairman and CEO, Eric Trappier, described the Rafale as a “strategic game changer” for Greece.
“Following the Mirage F1 in 1974, the Mirage 2000 in 1985 and the Mirage 2000-5 in 2000, the Rafale is now proudly flying with the Hellenic Air Force colors,” Mr Trappier said.
“[The Rafale] will play an active role by securing Greece’s leadership as a major regional power.”
At least five people have been arrested after police clashed with demonstrators protesting against compulsory vaccination in central Athens.
Police fired tear gas, stun grenades and water canon to disperse the crowds from Syntagma Square, in front of the parliament building.
An estimated 3,500 people took part in the protests.
Demonstrators hold a Greek flag during a protest against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccinations outside the parliament building, in Athens, Greece, July 21, 2021. Photo: Reuters/Costas Baltas.
Some protesters wore religious garb while others carried icons and Greek flags. Leaflets from far-right parties were also distributed at the protests.
According to the police, the trouble started when protesters were requested to clear Amalias Avenue, where they were obstructing traffic.
When protestors started throwing bottles and other objects at the police, the police responded with water canon and tear gas.
A protester scuffles with riot police officers during a protest against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccinations outside the parliament building, in Athens, Greece, July 21, 2021. Photo: Reuters/Costas Baltas.
Outside the University of Athens, there were clashes between anti-authoritarians and anti-vaccination protestors.
Meanwhile in Thessaloniki, citizens, responding to an call put out on the internet, held a rally and march against compulsory vaccination.
The demonstrators gathered in the White Tower and then marched through the main streets of the city, holding banners, Greek flags, crosses and icons and shouting slogans against the government and mandatory vaccination.
Anti-vaccine protesters hold a banner during a rally at Syntagma square, central Athens, on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Photo: AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis
These protests come after the Greek Health Ministry submitted an amendment to Parliament on Wednesday according to which healthcare professionals will remain on unpaid leave if they do not get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Infections in Greece have been rising in recent weeks, and authorities reported almost 3,000 new cases on Wednesday, bringing the total since the pandemic began to 463,473 people. More than 12,800 have died.
Brisbane has won the right to host the Olympic Games in 2032.
The decision was confirmed after a meeting of International Olympic Committee delegates in Tokyo this evening.
Queensland’s delegation — including Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck — had to restrain themselves to standing and clapping with COVID-19 restrictions ruling out any close-contact celebrations.
Brisbane’s CBD riverside erupted in fireworks as the announcement was made.
Following the announcement, Ms Palaszczuk, Cr Schrinner and Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates took part in the formal signing of the Olympics contract.
Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, Australia, has been confirmed as host for the 2032 Olympic Games. Photo: Jaimi Joy/Reuters.
Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games president Hashimoto Seiko congratulated Brisbane on its winning bid.
“My heartfelt congratulations go to the people of Brisbane and Australia,” he said.
“Over the past year, the world’s sporting community has faced the multiple challenges of COVID-19; however, under the steadfast leadership of IOC president Thomas Bach, the Olympic movement has made steady progress, culminating in today’s decision in favour of Brisbane.”
Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, also said in a statement securing the Games was a coup for the nation.
“It’s a historic day not just for Brisbane and Queensland, but for the entire country,” the Prime Minister said.
“Only global cities can secure the Olympic Games – so this is fitting recognition for Brisbane’s standing across our region and the world.
“It’s a proud day for Queenslanders and Australians everywhere.”
The Evangelismos Church in east Melbourne has been given a donation to fund massive restorations to repair “significant damages” caused by a fire five years ago.
The heritage-listed church will upgrade its flooring, lighting, and seating following a donation to the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) by a well-known benefactor.
“The works to now be funded … include the installation of a finished floor, the purchase and installation of the churches chandelier lighting and the purchase and installation of the pews for the church proper,” a statement from the GCM reads.
So far, the mezzanine has been rebuilt, the heritage-listed LED light windows have been replaced, and ongoing archaeological work continues to restore the “templo”.
The Evangelismos Church in Melbourne on the day of the blaze (Left: The Age/Jarrod Kiven) (Right: Julian Smith/AAP)
“Andreas Andrianopoulos … recently met with GCM president Bill Papastergiadis, Vice President Tammy Iliou, church priest Father Antonios Vanikiotis and members of the church committee to further commit to funding” the restorations ahead of the church’s 120th anniversary next year.
Andreas and the Andrianopoulos family have close ties and are significant supporters of the restoration of the church and benefactors of the GCM.
The church is the second oldest Greek Orthodox church in Australia and remains a historic staple within the Greek Orthodox community in Melbourne.
“For many years, it was the only church we had, it was a meeting place, a place where we celebrated our greatest joys, and our deepest sorrows,” Mr. Andrianopoulos said.
GCM president Mr. Papastergiadis echoed a similar sentiment.
“Our community was founded with the support of benefactors,” he says.
“Construction of Evangelismos was made possible in the late 1890’s as a result of the generous donations of early Greeks in Melbourne.”
The church closed for two years following the fire which broke out during Orthodox Easter celebrations, leading 200 in neighboring buildings to evacuate and causing caused an estimated $500,000 in damages, according to Mr. Papastergiadis, in mid-2016.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has made NBA history as the Milwaukee Bucks claimed their second ever NBA Championship with their 4-2 series win over the Phoenix Suns.
Defeating the Phoenix Suns 105-98 in the sixth and decisive game of the NBA Finals, the Bucks got their first championship since 1971.
Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo made history as he finished the night with 50 points, becoming just the seventh player to ever hit that mark in a Finals game.
There are few players in all of sports I actively root for. Giannis is one of them. I’m crying, you’re crying, we’re all crying. pic.twitter.com/vJSOyIcDCf
The Greek Freak was outstanding for the Bucks on the day, also getting 13 rebounds and being an overall dominating presence on the court. The emotional player broke down after the final buzzer, embracing his wife and young child.
Giannis was named MVP of the match.
“I want to thank Milwaukee for believing in me,” Antetokounmpo said after the victory. “I thank my teammates, they played hard every freaking game.
“I trusted this team. I wanted to do it here in this city, I wanted to do it with these guys so I’m happy. I’m happy I am able to get it done.”
As South Australia counts its first day of a seven-day lockdown to contain the spread of the Delta variant the Greek and wider community have created a ‘net of support’ for individuals and businesses affected by the state’s worst outbreak to date.
On Wednesday, South Australian health authorities updated their list of exposure sites as the state recorded one new locally-acquired case of COVID-19. The new case is linked to The Greek restaurant on Halifax, the chief health officer has confirmed, as fears grow about a potential super spreader event.
With a FB post the owners of the family-owned Greek restaurant have extended their gratitude to the community “for their love and support” as well as the health officials who have assisted them.
“Our primary concern is for the health and safety of our staff and customers, and as a family business, we consider so many of you as extended members of our little family,” reads the post.
With a post on social media SA Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas said that “Great small business owners like this, are some of the silent heroes in this pandemic.”
I just rang the owner of the Greek on Halifax to see how they were going. Their only concern was the welfare of their staff, their customers and doing the right thing by our state. Great small business owners like this, are some of the silent heroes in this pandemic. I ❤️ SA.
Greek family-owned company Gaganis Bros, also listed as an exposure site earlier this week have announced that “Whilst they prepare to open in the coming few days, their Wholesale team is busy working away fulfilling orders with Supermarkets” and that their online shop is open for orders.
“Gaganis is an Adelaide icon. Take of what needs to be done and stay safe,” reads a post on social media.
BREAKING: The Premier is vowing to match the Federal Government’s assistance package for regional businesses/ workers in areas not declared hotspots by the Commonwealth. @7NewsAdelaidepic.twitter.com/nKWPSi1nT7
Earlier today, the South Australian government announced a $100 million dollar support package for businesses during the lockdown just a day after the Morrison government activated income support payments of up to $600 a week for residents living in areas which have been declared ‘hotspots’.
NSW records 110 new COVID-19 cases
NSW has recorded 110 new Covid cases from a record 84,000 tests with 43 of the new cases infectious in the community.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the high number of cases reflects the testing record before defending Greater Sydney’s lockdown.
NSW recorded 110 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. pic.twitter.com/chClsCVlcl
“Had we not gone into the lockdown a few weeks ago, the 110 number today would undoubtedly have been thousands and thousands. There is no doubt about that. So we’ve been extremely successful in limiting the spread to what we have today,” she said.
The premier also called for “patience” from those asking when restrictions will ease, saying the true effect of the lockdown will not be known until the end of the week.
Victoria records 22 new local COVID cases
Victoria has recorded 22 new local COVID-19 cases, but all are linked to known outbreaks and most were isolating during their infectious period. The new cases take the total linked to the current outbreak to 107 active infections.
Check exposure sites often as new sites may be added and current sites may change based on further investigations.
🔶 For all testing locations, extended opening hours and wait times, visit: https://t.co/MISIpo0gkE
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said Victoria was “on track” towards suppressing the current outbreak.
“I think we’ve peaked in terms of numbers out in the community while infectious, I don’t know that we’ve peaked in terms of new cases that are emerging [in isolation],” he said.
The Turkish invasion of Cyprus was launched on July 20, 1974 and was carried out in two phases. In the end, Turkey illegally occupied over 36 percent of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus and 162,000 Greek Cypriots fled their homes and became refugees in their own country.
Takis Christofi and Vasilis Soteriou were two of these refugees and today, The Greek Herald shares their personal stories of survival and loss.
Takis Christofi: ‘War is the worst thing in human experience’
Takis Christofi and his wife, Elizabeth, were living peacefully in the Cypriot village of Vatyli, in the district of Famagusta, for many years before the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in July 1974.
Takis Christofi used to play the violin at weddings. Photo supplied.
Takis was working as a tailor and playing the violin at weddings before eventually he was called to serve and protect Cyprus from the Turks. The role of Takis’ army unit was to shoot down Turkish airplanes flying over Famagusta and later, Nicosia.
“War is the worst thing in human experience. You lose friends next to you and you don’t know what the next moment is going to be. You don’t know if you’ll be alive or dead,” Takis tells The Greek Herald.
The 72-year-old survived the war but he lost his home and all his personal belongings. As a result, after Takis was released from the army, he left Cyprus and met up with his wife in London.
Takis as a soldier. Photo supplied.
“When you have your house and you leave with nothing, I didn’t even have my shoes… it’s a very, very bad feeling… We started from the beginning,” Takis explains.
After staying in London for about six months working as a tailor, Takis and his wife moved to Australia on February 22, 1975.
Takis says that once they reached Australian shores, he worked in a factory before opening a family fish shop in Fairfield and later, worked in the chicken business in Roselands for over 25 years.
“Australia gave us much more than the country where we were born. We are lucky to come to this country. When you work hard it pays off,” Takis says.
It definitely has paid off. Takis is now enjoying the retired life, surrounded by his growing family which includes three daughters and six grandchildren. Of course, he also makes regular trips back to his homeland.
Takis with his family. Photo supplied.
Vasilis Soteriou: ‘It was scary, but we needed to do it’
Vasilis Soteriou was doing his national service in Cyprus when the Turks invaded the island on July 20, 1974. He recalls vividly to The Greek Herald how a few days before the occupation, a young man was going around the streets and calling people to serve in the war.
“At about 3am in the morning, someone was going around to people’s houses and we’d ask ‘where is he going?’ because there was a curfew at the time. He told us people were being called to the army camp and that’s how we understood an invasion was happening,” Vasilis tells The Greek Herald.
From there, Vasilis and others from his village in Agios Nikolaos tou Lefkonikou, went on trucks and fought against the Turks in a number of areas including Aspri Moutiand Mia Mili.
Vasilis Soteriou. Photo supplied.
“At 2pm in Aspri Mouti, the battle started. At 4pm there was a ceasefire. A few minutes later, a captain was killed,” the 65-year-old recalls.
“When you go in the war it’s scary, but we needed to do it. We couldn’t do anything else.”
After months of fighting, Vasilis found out that his family had lost both of their homes to the Turks. This loss saw Vasilis finish his national service and quickly reunite with his family in Australia in March 1976.
“I left with one pant and jacket from Cyprus,” he says sadly.
On arrival, Vasilis worked hard and raised a beautiful family of three children and three grandchildren. And now he is enjoying his life and spends much of his time thinking of Cyprus and the current political climate over there.
Freedom of expression and its deep roots in the values and principles of culture that are associated with the Greek language, through inseparable links, is the main message that was highlighted from the work of the 7th International Summer University “Language & Freedom of Expression”, in the “Melina Merkouri” Auditorium in Hydra, with the presence and participation of VIP guests.
The program was organised by the Laboratory For the Study of Social Issues, Mass Media and Education of the Department of Early Childhood Education of the School of Education Sciences of the University of Ioannina in collaboration with the Modern Greek Studies Program of the Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language, and Literature of Macquarie University, in Sydney Australia, and with the participation of The Circle of Hellenic Academics in Boston.
The 7th International Summer University was part of the bicentennial anniversary program for the 200 years from the Greek Revolution and was completed under the auspices of the Municipality of Hydra. The General Secretariat of Hellenes Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs supported it. With international participation from all over the world, it was also live streamed.
Στην εισήγησή μου στο 7ο Διεθνές Θερινό Πανεπιστήμιο στην Ύδρα, με τη στήριξη της ΓΓΑΕ&ΔΔ, τόνισα τη σημασία της ελληνικής γλώσσας ως εργαλείο πολιτιστικής και δημόσιας διπλωματίας, ως πόλο έλξης για ομογενείς & φιλέλληνες & τις δράσεις μας για την διάδοση των ελληνικών. pic.twitter.com/b1OsmOKVGm
The 7th International Summer University had as a main focus this year the “Language & Freedom of Expression”. All the proceedings of the program are planned to be published in 2022 in Australia.
During the commencement of the 7th International Summer University, they were present Mr Prokopios Pavlopoulos, Former President of the Hellenic Republic, the Deputy Minster of Foreign Affairs, Responsible for Abroad Hellenism, Mr. Konstantinos Vlassis, the General Secretary of Hellenes Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Ioannis Chrysoulakis, the Mayor of Hydra, Mr. Georgios Koukoudakis, Assistant Professor of Strategic Analysis at the Military School of Guards, Mr. Triantaphyllos Albanis, Chancellor of the University of Ioannina, Professor of the Department of Chemistry of the School of Sciences (via distance), and also the Vice-Chancellors, Mr. Minas Pasxopoulos and Mr. Stavros Nikolopoulos (University of Ioannina) and Mrs. Zoe Gavriilidou (Democritus University of Thrace), the Deans Mrs. Jenny Paget (University of Ioannina), Mrs. Pinelopi Vougioukli-Kampaki (Democritus University of Thrace) and Mrs. Stavroula Tsiplakou (Open University of Cyprus), the Head of the Department of Early Childhood Education of the University of Ioannina, Mrs. Aikaterini Plakitsi, the shipowner and Presidents of the Aikaterini Laskaridi Foundation, Mr. Panos Laskaridis, the Spokesman for the U.S. Embassy, Mr. Torrey Goad, and more. It is worth to be noted that also Professors and researchers participated from 17 academic institutions from Greece and from abroad. The participation of the academics from Australia was impressive.
Prof. Martina Möllering, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts of Macquarie University, a contemporary philhellene, spoke in fluent Greek emphasising the fact that ‘This collaboration aligns with Macquarie University’s strategic international collaborations and valuable external outreach and that it gives the opportunity to the diaspora of Australia -and not only- to communicate with the academic community of Greece on the current topic “Language and freedom of expression”, which highlights the essence of language’. The President of the Greek Studies Foundation Limited, Mr Theofilos Premetis in his speech proposed the 7th International Summer University to be the beginning of innovative collaborations between Macquarie University and the University of Ioannina and closed with verses from Cavafy’s famous poem “200 BC”. Dr Patricia Koromvoki, Head of the Modern Greek Studies Program, sincerely thanked Associate Professor N. Tsitsanoudi – Mallidis for her honorary invitation of this collaboration. Dr Koromvoki’s academic presentation focused on the development of the transferrable skill of creativity in learning and teaching Modern Greek as a foreign / second language.
In her greeting, the Founder and Academic Director of the International Summer University, Mrs. Nikoletta Tsitsanoudis-Mallidis, Associate Professor of Linguistics & Greek Language (University of Ioannina), spoke of “a strong institution that functions as a counter-creative to the very difficult period we live in, and which is strengthened by international synergies, but also from the involvement and participation of young people, to whom the only way is to give them the next step for the next day”. The Mayor of Hydra, Mr. Georgios Koukoudakis, offered to the founder of the International Summer University the medal of “Hydra 1821-2021”. Also, Mrs. Tsitsanoudis-Mallidis offered to the guests a symbolic gift from the University of Ioannina.
The work of the academic activity continued with long-hour morning classes and evening cultural outdoor events, which included a theatrical performance, a music concert dedicated to Leonard Kohen and book presentations, as well as an event at the Holy Diocese of Hydra, Aegina and Spetses with the participation of His Eminence Metropolitan Mr. Ephraim. The International Summer University was completed with an online discussion between Mrs. Nikoletta Tsitsanoudis-Mallidis and Mrs. Polly Samson, wife of Mr. David Gilmour, for her novel ‘The theatre of dreamers’ (Bloomsbury Publications), that was referred as the novel of the year 2020 from The Times, Sunday Times, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail και The Spectator.
*Seventh International Summer University is an initiative proudly supported by The Greek Herald
Nearly 100 attended a video conference organised by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and held on Tuesday evening with guest speaker Institute for Management Development’s (IMD) World Competitiveness Centre’s Chief Economist, Christos Cabolis and hosted by the Director of the Business Leaders Council of ACCI, Paul Nicolaou.
During the video conference, Mr Cabolis outlined the main points from the recently released IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook for 2021 in which Australia appears to have fallen four places to 22nd in a global ranking of the competitiveness of 64 nations, Australia’s worst result in 25 years.
The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) is the leading annual report on the competitiveness of countries and has been published by IMD since 1989. It benchmarks the performance of 64 economies based on more than 330 criteria measuring different facets of competitiveness.
Pic: The Greek Herald
Nola Watson: Australia has become ‘inward looking’
In her opening speech Nola Watson, Deputy President of ACCI, CEO of Business NSW and Chairman of International Chamber of Commerce (Australia) welcomed Mr Cabolis and said that “it’s hard when we see that Australia has slid backwards in ratings.”
Ms Watson highlighted that “declines in productivity have been alarming for at least a decade.”
Pic: The Greek Herald
“We’ve seen that the governments rely heavily on traditional levers of monetary and fiscal policies that aren’t going to address these bigger structural issues that are operating in our economy and we have been calling -from a policy point of view- for a greater emphasis on innovation, structural reform and areas that will drive better business activity in the economy,” Ms Watson said.
“We haven’t just closed our borders but in some ways, Australia has become more ‘inward looking’. The lack of migrants and people coming into this country and bringing new ideas brought up some weaknesses within our constitutional arrangements -state and federally- that affect the economy.”
IMD World Competitiveness Centre’s Chief Economist, Christos Cabolis
Is Australia in a terrible situation?
Despite the fact that Australia appears to have fallen in the global ranking Mr Cambolis remains optimistic although acknowledges that business sentiment in the country has deteriorated due to COVID.
“Are there things that Australian economy can change? Absolutely. Is Australia in a terrible situation? I will argue, absolutely not. What we see, is that the overall trend is pretty much the same as it was five years ago,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that Australia’s business community has “major doubts” about the economy as well as deteriorating attitudes towards globalisation, exacerbated by the pandemic.
“The way executives see the economy; they are not convinced it will work out,” he said.
According to IMD, Australia’s strongest attributes, were its health and environment, business legislation and international investment.
The country’s successful economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic also helped its economic performance ranking climb.
The yearbook identifies several challenges for Australia, including laying the groundwork for the safe reopening of international borders, maintaining health and safety through the vaccination rollout, and driving private sector-led growth and investment.
So how can Australia and Greece improve their competitiveness rankings according to the Chief Economist?
It’s about setting sustainable mid- and long-term goals, enhancing small and medium enterprises, attracting talent through the creation of innovative ecosystems, supportive regulation, inclusiveness and Green Economy.
Construction businesses across southwest Sydney are at a standstill this week and St George Painting is no exception.
Jim Barmakellis, an owner of St George Painting, says he’s making the most of the shutdown by using the time to teach his sons Vasilly and Gregory some tricks of the trade.
“I’m trying to be the head of the family, the rock of the family, and come up with answers and I can’t,” Jim tells A Current Affair.
“We’re not used to staying at home, we’re up in the morning going off to work, and the government is giving some assistance, but we don’t want handouts, we want to work.”
Jim Barmakellis is keeping himself and his sons busy during the southwest Sydney construction shutdown (Source: A Current Affair/9Now)
“Open up and let us pay our way. We need income we need the work. We love what we do.”
The industry in New South Wales alone is worth more than $60 billion and generates more than 350,000 jobs.
One in 10 adults in Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool work in construction.
