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Australian sports scandal hits Greek community as Newcastle Olympic FC miss out on federal funding

The Greek community of Newcastle are reeling after their beloved football club was a victim of the Morrison governments’ Sports Rorts scandal.

Newcastle Olympic Football Club missed out on federal funding for a new grandstand and sporting facility upgrades.

This was despite an independent assessment giving it a far higher score than projects the Morrison government hand-picked for funding.

The club applied unsuccessfully for a Community Sport Infrastructure grant – the program at the heart of the Morrison Government’s shocking ‘sports rorts’ scandal.

“Newcastle Olympic Football Club is a well-loved Newcastle institution, particularly in the Greek community who are obviously passionate about their football,” Labor MP Ms Sharon Claydon said in a statement.  

“The fact that this deserving project didn’t receive funding is a slap in the face to all the hardworking volunteers who worked on the grant application for months on the mistaken understanding that it would be judged on its merit.”

The Club had applied for $500,000 in federal funding to supplement a $500,000 commitment from the City of Newcastle and $200,000 from the Club’s own fundraising efforts.

The proposed project would have taken the facilities at Darling Street Oval to the next level, with a brand-new grandstand for Olympic’s passionate fans and upgrades which would encourage more participation, particularly among the club’s four female teams.  

“Once completed, this upgrade would allow community groups and players year-round use and bring the ageing facilities up to spec for National Premiere League and FFA Cup competitions,” Ms Claydon said.  

Newcastle Olympic has since learnt that the Darling Street project scored 76/100 in the independent analysis undertaken by Sports Australia.

“It’s simply not right that Olympic missed out while the Morrison Government gave grants to projects with scores as low as 39/100,” Ms Claydon said.

“The Morrison Government shamelessly used this publicly funded grants program as its own personal election slush fund, ignoring independent advice and awarding grants to Coalition-targeted seats rather than projects based on merit.

“This is a government that repeatedly thumbs its nose at due process, fairness and integrity.”

When interviewed about the rejected application, Newcastle Olympic Secretary Con Gounis said he had initially thought the club was in with a good chance of securing funding.

“We thought we did our due diligence and we thought we were a pretty good chance. When you find out why we’ve missed out – you just think that’s not the Australian way, it’s just not right,” Mr Gounis said.

“We just wanted a level playing field, that’s all we wanted, to be judged on merit – if you’re successful, great, if not we’ll try again – well it doesn’t look like that has happened and that’s disappointing.”

When asked about his faith in the grants process, Mr Gounis said: “It’s certainly put a big question mark on it. You just expect that everyone is equal, and whoever decides, it will be decided fairly and equitably – obviously it hasn’t been.”

“At least let us put it in again and be judged on our merits – that’s all we ever wanted, to be judged on our merits – and obviously that didn’t happen. “

Ms Claydon has written to the Prime Minister to request that the Government deliver the Darling Street project funding in line with its obvious merit. 

Late stunner sees Olympiacos eliminate Arsenal from Europa League

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A stunning overhead kick from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. A last minute extra time goal from Youssef El-Arabi. The match between Olympiacos and Arsenal had it all as the Greek team defeated Arsenal 2-1 to proceed into the next Europa League stage.

Olympiacos went ahead just pass half time at the 53′ mark as Pape Abou Cissé headed it into the net from a corner assisted by Mathieu Valbuena.

The anticipated goal by Arsenal did eventually come and it came with glory. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sent the Gunners into extra time with a stunning overhead kick, bringing the aggregate score to 2-1 for Arsenal.

As the time approached the 120 minute mark, English fans and players pre-empted a celebration as they assumed to proceed to the next round. But Olympiacos striker El-Arabi had other plans, scoring a dramatic late winner in extra-time to knock Arsenal out of the Europa League.

The match ended 2-1 for Olympiacos, but could certainly have seen more goals from both sides. Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed a close opportunity in the six yard box at the 120+4′ mark, putting the shot wide. Masouras also had a stunning attempt from outside the box in extra time, beating Arsenal goalkeeper Leno but scraping the top of the bar to deny the goal.

Arsenal boasted 19 shots and 61 percent possession during the match, yet equalling Olympiacos’ 4 shots on target.

The match saw Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos go up against a team from his home nation. At the previous tie in Greece, Sokratis spoke about how proud he felt to play on home soil, despite playing for an opposition team.

“Twelve years later I returned to a Greek stadium. Even as an adversary, even as a “stranger” it was a special experience for me that filled me with special emotions. In my football career up until now, moments have been important to me. So I lived and yesterday at such a moment to fight against a Greek team. I only hold what was generous to me as a whole. Some small disagreements just stay out of touch with me!!!”

Greece opposition slams government as island riots continue for fourth day

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Greece’s left wing opposition has attacked the conservative government after clashes between riot police and local communities, protesting against plans to create closed migrant detention camps on the Aegean islands, continued for a fourth day.

“Greek Police exists in order to provide security for Greek society and not in order to be humiliated across Greece by the [Kyriakos] Mitsotakis administration,” SYRIZA’s shadow minister for citizens’ protection Yiannis Ragousis said Thursday.

Ragousis, a former PASOK interior minister, said that the conservative prime minister was the “moral and political instigator” behind the mob attacks against police officers on Lesvos saying that “the anger of island residents is a result of [Mitsotakis’] failed and unacceptable migration policies.”

Read More: Multiple police injured in clashes with Greek island protesters as tear gas deployed

Ragousis urged the government to withdraw riot police squads sent to the islands.

The demonstrators gathered on Thursday for a fourth consecutive day on the eastern Greek islands of Lesvos and Chios, protesting government plans to build new migrant detention centres.

Shops and services were shut on Lesvos as workers extended an initial 24-hour strike into a second day as part of the protests. The mayors of Lesvos, Chios and the nearby island of Samos were to meet with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens to discuss the situation.

Riot police on the Greek island of Lesvos fired tear gas on Wednesday to disperse hundreds of stone-throwing protesters angry over the creation of a new detention centre for migrants.

“More than 1,000 people protesting at the new facility… threw stones at police, smashing their helmets. Police were forced to use chemicals,” a police spokesman said, using a euphemism for tear gas.

The Athens government says the closed centres will offer greater security and safety to both asylum seekers and local residents, and plans to build them on the islands of Samos, Kos, Leros and Chios in addition to Lesbos.

Sourced by: Associated Press

Carnival festivities cancelled across Greece as two new coronavirus cases found

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Two new cases have been tested positive on coronavirus, Greek health authorities announced on Thursday. One refers to the child of “patient zero” and the other to a woman who has recently visited Italy, Professor of Infection Diseases from the National Health Organization, Sotiris Tsiodras said.

“Relatives of a person infected with the virus are at a high risk of contamination,” Tsiodras added.

According to media, the second case refers to a 40-year-old woman currently in a negative pressure room in Attikon hospital in Athens. Authorities are trying to trace co-passengers of the woman who flew from Italy to Greece, ANT1 Tv reported adding that her family is also to be alerted.

Read More: Greece confirms first coronavirus case

At the same press conference, Health Minister Vassilis Kikkilias announced that Carnival festivities will be cancelled throughout Greece.

Among events to be canceled is a carnival parade in the coastal city of Patra slated for March 1, authorities said.

Meanwhile, Grigoris Tassios, head of the Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers, expressed concern on Thursday over the impact of the novel coronavirus on the country’s tourism industry.

“The international and Greek tourist industry are sailing in uncharted waters after the outbreak of COVID-19 and the biggest crash test for Greek tourism in 2020 will be the period of the Easter holidays,” he said.

There have been no cancellations for Greek tourism destinations to date, aside from those in Santorini and Athens due to the suspension of Air China flights from Beijing to the Greek capital, he noted.

“If people stop travelling abroad, this will finish the economies of the countries, most of which rely on tourism,” he added.

The son of the 38-year-old woman has been in isolation at home together with the patient’s husband and mother since yesterday, when the mother was confirmed positive. On Thursday, the 10-year-old boy was reportedly transferred also to AHEPA hospital. Authorities are trying to trace persons and children with whom the boy came in contact as he joined some school activities earlier this week.

Greek Health and Education authorities ordered the closure of the school already on Thursday, with disinfection of the elementary school to take place today.

Read More: Greece’s emergency procedure for potential coronavirus outbreak revealed

“Patient zero” flew from Milan, northern Italy, to Thessaloniki on Sunday night, with the first symptoms, a light fever, to have appeared on Tuesday. She visited a public hospital to have herself checked and was transferred to one of the 13 hospitals designated to deal with the coronavirus across the country.

Authorities have reportedly identified and are set to alert the woman’s co-passengers as well as members of the City Council, as patient zero attended a meeting at the City Hall a day after her return.

Local authorities said that they will disinfect the City Hall as all other municipality buildings.

Sourced by: Keep Talking Greece

Sydney Olympic Women’s captain Teresa Polias applauds positive growth of Australian Women’s Football as team sets eyes on silverware

As captain Teresa Polias works to help her team claim their first Women’s NSWPL trophy, Sydney Olympic have progressed their efforts to help expand the reach of Australian Women’s Football across the country.

“We’ve partnered with Special K for our women’s program again, a very strong brand, a brand that sends around a message of empowering females and supporting women’s sport,” said Management CEO John Boulous at the offical season launch event on Monday.

Women’s team captain Teresa Polias spoke at the season launch about the expansion of women’s football in Australia, expressing that it’s growing more than ever despite the recent departure of Matilda stars.

“I know there’s a bit of panic about the exodus of Matildas to overseas, but when I see players like Taylor Ray, Julia Vignes, this is their chance to now become those players and make a name for themselves here. In a way I sort of had mixed feelings, I was worried in a sense, but this is an opportunity for those girls.

“So I think the future is bright, over here the context is a bit different, we’re competing with a number of other sports and a smaller populated country, so there are complications here unlike in Europe where football is the main game.

Women’s captain Teresa Polias with Andy Paschalidis (right)

“I think if the governing bodies do the right thing then I honestly think that the Matildas can get up to the number one spot.”

Teresa Polias, like the many other Australian women’s football players, is involved with NSWPL football as well as the W-League, while also working as a teacher of a year 5 and 6 class. Teresa believes that time management when competing in women’s football is a strong focus, also saying she is thankful for her family and friends support of her passion.

“Sydney Olympic has such a rich history, and now us as women we get to create our own legacy and that’s really exciting…. because of that history it’s got such a great culture and that’s something about our team least season that made us successful as well.”

READ MORE: Sydney Olympic unveils new jersey as they discuss preparation for first match against Wollongong Wolves

The Sydney Olympic women’s team have set their eyes on the NSWPL trophy after a stunning debut season in the first division last year, finishing second at the end of the 2019 season.

Women’s head coach George Beltsos spoke with Andy Paschalidis at the season launch about the positive results achieved last season, hoping to replicate them again this year.

“(Last season) we came into the top league, our expectations were just to make sure we don’t get relegated so we certainly exceeded expectations…. we’ve made good recruitments of course and with John’s help and Damon it was made possible to achieve more than we thought we could,” said Beltsos.

“It’s gonna be a pretty tough competition, there are a lot of teams to beat, but I think we’re one of the teams to beat as well. So I think there is going to be about 4, 5 or 6 clubs fighting for the top spot.”

“Results in pre-season every week have gotten better and better and they’re playing some good football.”

Women’s coach George Beltsos (left) with Andy Paschalidis (right)

George Beltsos revealed his happiness over the expansion of women’s football in recent years, drastically increasing in size and performance level.

“Over the past 4 or 5 years, what I’ve seen in women’s football across the whole world, it’s just boomed. It’s gone from amateur to professional. In England it’s all professional now…. Even in Australia the level of football that women are playing now is much better than it was 4 or 5 years ago. It’s all happened just so quick I’d say,” Beltsos said.

“All I see is more young girls are playing football, and if you check it out, I’m think more women are playing football than any other sport.”

Paschalidis also referenced the phenomenal growth of women’s football in recent years, recalling years ago that his daughter was forced to play every year up to U12’s in the boys team, due to a women’s team not existing.

“Over there (The USA) they have over seven and a half million registered female footballers. It’s huge and it’s brilliant to see increased numbers in our sport because the with the way Women’s AFL and Women’s Rugby League grow, who have massive amounts of publicity, we’re lucky we have one of the world’s best team of Matildas, it really puts the spotlight on women’s football,” Andy Paschalidis iterated.

The Sydney Olympic Women’s team will face APIA Leichardt FC at Lambert Park on Sunday March 8 at 5:30pm. Details can be found here: https://websites.sportstg.com/comp_info.cgi?c=1-10179-0-553552-0&a=FIXTURE

Actress Martha Karagianni bids sweet goodbye to Kostas Voutsas: “Too good Kostas, I will always love you”

Beloved actress Martha Karagianni delivered sweet words as she bid farewell to the great Kostas Voutsas, who passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 88.

Kostas Voutsas and Martha Karagianni were co-stars, colleagues and good friends that shared a love for film and theatre.

Martha Karagianni, who was recently hospitalised, said her own goodbye to Kostas Voutsa, speaking at the main release of Star.

“I am very sorry that I cannot be close to him for the last time. Too good Kostas, I will always love him. I will miss him,” said the well-known actor.

“The most important man in my life after Dora is gone. I’m sorry Kostas, I can’t be there to say goodbye,” she told Alpha.

Kostas Voutsas’ daughter, Theodora Voutsas, announced that her fathers funeral will take place on Friday, with his body being laid to rest at the Metropolis of Athens at 11 am. The public have the opportunity to pay their final respects to Voutsas at the adjacent chapel from 9 am to 7:30 pm on Thursday, 27th of February.

Lamia man sets fire to shop for refusing to serve him alcohol

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A young man has attempted to burn a shop in Lamia after the owner refused to give him another drink a day prior, LamiaReprt.gr reports.

According to the report, the young man who was already “starving” had gone to the diner the previous day. The owner of the store refused to give him another drink, and when the young man left he tried to climb a motorcycle. Seeing that he could not stand up and risk his life if he left the motorbike, the shop owner stopped him and advised him to go on foot or call a taxi. But the young man was in his own world, so he was forced to call the police, who arrested him until he recovered.

The next day, the young man, perhaps again under the influence after having repeatedly dealt with the Authorities, considered it appropriate to set fire to the store to say “Thank you” to the store owner, who yesterday tried to protect him.

The diner was closed at the time, with the fire started from the lower awning and quickly extended to the chairs and tables, while the gas cylinders inside the outdoor stoves were also within easy reach.

Firefighters arrived on the scene immediately, with the head of Lamia’s PS, Commander Thanassis Papastamoulis, preventing the worst.

A witness who testified said that he saw the young man set the diner on fire and then ride the motorbike and leave at around noon. There was fortunately no explosion from the gas bottles inside the shop.

The perpetrator is already in the hands of the police.

Australia’s Greek community join initiative to recognise Turkish-committed genocide against the Greek, Armenian, and Assyrian citizens

CANBERRA, Australia — The peak advocacy bodies of Australia’s Greek, Assyrian, and Armenian communities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch the “Joint Justice Initiative” at a Cultural Cocktail event on Tuesday, February 25 at the Australian Parliament House’s Mural Hall, Asbarez reports.

The guests took part in a historic signing that affirmed the public affairs representatives of the three communities commitment to seeing Australia recognise the Turkish-committed Genocide against the Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian citizens of the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

Around 100 Federal Australian parliamentarians, diplomats, departmental officials, political staffers, academics, media, and community leaders were treated to cultural performances, food, wine and brandy.

The Joint Justice Initiative’s Memorandum of Understanding stipulates that the Armenian National Committee of Australia, the Assyrian Universal Alliance – Australia Chapter and the Australian Hellenic Council “shall continue and expand their cooperation and joint advocacy for the international affirmation and justice for the Genocides of the indigenous Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek populations of the Ottoman Empire perpetrated by the Ottoman Turkish government.”

The document also confirmed the communities participation in advocating against the Turkish governments use of defacing ANZAC graves in Gallipoli.

“We jointly advocate against any attempt by the Turkish Government to use the sacred ANZAC graves in Gallipoli (and access by Australians to those graves and memorials) as ‘hostages’ or bargaining chips in coercing or persuading the Australian Government in being complicit in the Turkish State’s denial campaign with respect to the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek Genocides.”

From left: Haig Kayserian, Hermiz Shahen, and a representative of the Australian Hellenic Council. Photo: Asbarez

Haig Kayserian of the Armenian National Committee of Australia spoke on behalf of the Joint Justice Initiative. Kayserian stated that the three communities – made up of descendants of survivors of the Ottoman Turkish Genocide of Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks during WWI – consider this a significant step towards the realisation of their collective goals.

“The launch of the Joint Justice Initiative and our signing of this Memorandum of Understanding signals our commitment to redouble our joint efforts to ensure Australia is a party of truth and justice when it comes to the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek Genocide,” he said.

“In recent years, Australia’s Parliament has seen dozens of speakers declare support for Federal recognition of the Genocide committed against our ancestors, and we believe it is past time that Canberra gives up the word games it plays on this issue in the name of a false diplomacy against a bullying foreign dictatorship.”

The Australian Hellenic Council’s George Vellis declared: “It is time Australia stands up for human rights, truth and justice, and the Armenian-Australian, Assyrian-Australian, and Greek-Australian communities have today declared that this is an absolute priority for the country’s lawmakers and government.”

The Assyrian Universal Alliance – Australia Chapter’s Deputy Secretary General Hermiz Shahen declared: “Denial is the continuation of genocide, and Australia’s inaction in recognizing and condemning means we are failing the very values our country was built on.”

“It was Australians who came to the aid of Armenian, Assyrian and Greek victims of the genocide over 100 years ago, while our ANZACs witnessed the barbarity suffered by the Christian minorities deliberately targeted by the Ottoman government, and it should be in the spirit of those Australians that our political leaders stand up for what is right,” Shahen added.

The Joint Justice Initiative invited Members of Parliament and Senators to sign a pledge that declares their support for Australia’s recognition of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides. Event hosts MP Trent Zimmerman and MP Joel Fitzgibbon addressed the audience as co-conveners of the Armenia-Australia Inter-parliamentary Union stressing their backing.

The Joint Justice Initiative’s Memorandum of Understanding text in full is available below:

JOINT JUSTICE INITIATIVE – MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

ON COOPERATION BETWEEN THE ARMENIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF AUSTRALIA, THE ASSYRIAN UNIVERSAL ALLIANCE, AND THE AUSTRALIAN HELLENIC COUNCIL

The Armenian National Committee of Australia, Assyrian Universal Alliance and the Australian Hellenic Council, hereafter the “Parties”:

A. Recognizing the historical and friendly relations between the Armenian, Assyrian and Hellenic (Greek) Nations;

B. Attaching paramount importance to the friendly relations, mutual understanding, strong solidarity, and continued close cooperation between the Armenian-Australian, Assyrian-Australian and Hellenic-Australian Communities;

C. Convinced that the cooperation and mutual ties between the three Communities should further deepen and strengthen;

D. Committed to ensuring comprehensive cooperation aimed at the further development of inter-communal ties, exchange of experience, joint deliberations and consultations in areas of mutual interest, and exchange of information on issues of mutual interest;

E. Concerned about the aggressive rhetoric and activities of the Turkish government and its allies in Australia, aimed at deliberately misleading the Australian public and government and spreading disinformation regarding the Genocide of the indigenous Armenian, Assyrian and Greek populations of the Ottoman Empire perpetrated by the Ottoman Turkish government.

DO HEREBY AGREE ON THE FOLLOWING:

  1. The Parties shall undertake joint advocacy and public education initiatives promoting human rights, peace and the rule of law;
  2. The Parties shall continue and expand their co-operation and joint advocacy for the international affirmation and justice for the Genocides of the indigenous Armenian, Assyrian and Greek, and Assyrian populations of the Ottoman Empire perpetrated by the Ottoman Turkish government;
  3. The Parties shall continue and expand their joint efforts in countering historical revisionism and/or denial of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek genocide by Turkey and its proxies;
  4. The Parties shall undertake work in ensuring that the Genocide perpetrated against the indigenous Armenian, Assyrian and Greek populations of the Ottoman Empire is properly taught in public and private schools and universities in Australia;
  5. The Parties shall collaborate closely on any Turkish Government bond divestment initiatives as well as any other punitive mechanisms for as long as the Turkish Government continues to deny the truth and bar justice for the Genocide perpetrated against the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek peoples;
  6. The Parties shall advocate in Australia – in particular to the Australian Government, for the protection of the fundamental human rights, including the religious, cultural and educational freedoms of the surviving Christian Communities in Turkey, including the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Communities;
  7. The Parties shall support the internationally recognized status of the Ecumenical Patriarch and for the reopening of the illegally closed Halki Monastery;
  8. The Parties shall support efforts aimed at precluding Turkish Government’s interference in the activities and governance of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople;
  9. The Parties shall coordinate and support efforts aimed at reparation, restitution, and retribution by the Turkish Government as a result of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides, including the return to the respective Communities of all religious, national, and private property stolen or otherwise confiscated as part of the Genocides;
  10. The Parties shall continue to educate the Australian people about the deteriorating human rights situation and the ongoing repressions and discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities and civil society activists in Turkey;
  11. The Parties shall jointly advocate against any attempt by the Turkish Government to use the sacred ANZAC graves in Gallipoli (and access by Australians to those graves and memorials) as “hostages” or bargaining chips in coercing or persuading the Australian Government in being complicit in the Turkish State’s denial campaign with respect to the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides;
  12. The Parties shall coordinate and support all efforts aimed at increasing awareness of Australia’s first major, international humanitarian efforts to help save the survivors of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides, in particular the orphans.

Sourced by: Asbarez

Multiple police injured in clashes with Greek island protesters as tear gas deployed

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Riot police on the Greek island of Lesbos fired tear gas on Wednesday to disperse hundreds of stone-throwing protesters angry over the creation of a new detention centre for migrants, the latest bout of unrest over the matter.

The Athens government infuriated residents of five Aegean islands – all straddling a key route to Europe used by thousands of migrants – by announcing two weeks ago that it would expedite the construction of secured detention centres to replace open-access, severely overcrowded camps.

Local residents say they are concerned such an arrangement could become permanent.

Riot police block a road during clashes in Karava near the area where the government plans to build a new migrant detention center, on the northeastern Aegean island of Lesbos, Greece, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020.  (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas)

In a second straight day of disturbances on Wednesday, local crowds tried to approach a site earmarked for a new migrant centre, triggering clashes with helmeted police on a road winding through a hilly forest.

“More than 1,000 people protesting at the new facility… threw stones at police, smashing their helmets. Police were forced to use chemicals,” a police spokesman said, using a euphemism for tear gas.

Police said 43 officers were hurt on Lesbos, which sees the most arrivals as migrants cross the sea from nearby Turkey. Another 11 officers had injuries on Chios, where an angry mob burst into a hotel used by riot police, beat up officers in their rooms and threw out their belongings..

More police were deployed this week to the five affected islands to deal with the protesters. On the island of Chios on Wednesday, local people stormed into a hotel where newly arrived police officers were staying, precipitating scuffles.

People holding Greek flags gather during a rally at the port of Mytilene, on the northeastern Aegean island of Lesbos, Greece, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020.  (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas)

Earlier in the day, hundreds of people gathered in the town of Mytilene on Lesbos as part of a general strike to protest at government plans to create the new closed migrant facility.

On Tuesday, locals used vehicles and rubbish trucks to try to block police reinforcements and heavy machinery in a port.

The Athens government says the closed centres will offer greater security and safety to both asylum seekers and local residents, and plans to build them on the islands of Samos, Kos, Leros and Chios in addition to Lesbos.

Locals say the islands are carrying a disproportionate burden from a migrant crisis that began in 2015 when more than one million people fled violence in the Middle East and beyond via Turkey, reaching Greece and then moving on to wealthier central and northern Europe, their preferred destinations.

Border closures imposed since then along the migrant corridor through the Balkans and central Europe north of Greece have left many thousands of later arrivals marooned on Greek islands near Turkey.

Sourced by: Reuters

Greece confirms first coronavirus case

Greece has confirmed its first coronavirus case, the health ministry said on Wednesday.

The patient was a 38-year-old Greek woman who had traveled from an area of northern Italy, said Sotiris Tsiodras, a representative of the Ministry of Health.

The Guardian in the UK said the Greek woman is a “well-known designer” who had traveled to Milan Fashion Week. The newspaper said the designer had also run for public office, and that she reportedly traveled to Milan with a group.

She is in quarantine in a hospital in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, most likely in one of the 13 hospitals throughout Greece designated to deal with coronavirus cases.

“She is in good health with mild symptoms,” Tsiodras said.

He added that authorities are now investigating the persons with whom the woman came in contact and placing them under quarantine as well. The selected people include family members, relatives, friends etc.

According to ANT1 TV, her family has been advised to stay at home and immediately contact authorities if symptoms arise.

Tsiodras advised all those coming from northern Italy to keep up with hygiene measures and contact health authorities if they have any suspicious symptoms.

Read More: Greece’s emergency procedure for potential coronavirus outbreak revealed

With the first case confirmed, it is not clear whether Greece will implement some of the emergency measures to prevent the spreading of the virus. The measures are to be implemented according to prevailing circumstances and the protocol. Those violating them are threatened with up to 2 years imprisonment.

In the last 24 hours, health authorities tested ‘negative’ of coronavirus four other people.

Authorities have been saying that it would be a matter of time for the coronavirus to reach Greece.

Sourced by: Keep talking Greece