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MEPs from 12 EU countries call on Boris Johnson to return Parthenon Marbles to Greece

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MEPs from 12 EU countries call on Boris Johnson to return Parthenon Marbles to Greece

Politicians from 12 EU countries have called on Boris Johnson to return the Elgin Marbles to Greece as a sign of its intent to build a positive relationship with the EU27 after Brexit.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, seen by, 30 MEPs “respectfully” request the UK amend the law to allow the British Museum, where they presently reside, to return the marbles.

The artefacts, taken from Athens’s Acropolis by Lord Elgin early in the 19th century when Greece was under Ottoman rule, have been the subject of a a long-running dispute over their residence in London since they were first put on permanent display in 1817.

The Parthenon Marbles. (Photo by Graham Barclay, BWP Media/Getty Images)

The cross-party group of MEPs, including representatives of countries such as Portugal and Slovakia as well as Greece and Cyprus, told Mr Johnson that Brexit is “an opportunity for your government to send a signal to the world that the United Kingdom, whilst respecting your history, is looking to a post Brexit future with renewed confidence”.

They have requested Britain returns the marbles to Greek soil by 25 March 2021, the 200th anniversary of the formation of the modern Hellenic state.

Under the 1963 British Museum Act, the British Museum cannot give the artefacts to Greece without approval by MPs.

The MEPs told Mr Johnson: “With your knowledge and love of Greece and Greek history, we are sure you appreciate that the Greek people have a right to seek as part of their cultural heritage and identity, and do seek with great fervor, to have these sculptures re-united in Athens, where they were sculpted, erected, and viewed for 2,300 of the last 2,500 years.”

Sourced By: Inews

Greek Community of Melbourne calls for immediate intervention in La Trobe University’s threat to Greek Studies

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Greek Community of Melbourne calls for immediate intervention in La Trobe University’s threat to Greek Studies

The Greek Community of Melbourne have responded to the proposal released by La Trobe University which seeks to discontinue the Greek Studies program.

The GCM says after hearing news of the cancelation, they immediately wrote to the Vice Chancellor expressing their concerns and seeking an immediate meeting.

READ MORE: Modern Greek Studies at La Trobe University at risk of being discontinued

The GCM pointed out in its correspondence that the Greek Studies program was experiencing growth, that it even had students looking to do Honours in 2021. It also noted that the program was in receipt of significant support via the Vlachogiannis bequest and of course its famous – but nevertheless hidden – Dardalis collection.

As a result he exchange of correspondence, a meeting with the University executive has been arranged for Friday 20 November.

“The Greek Studies program at Latrobe University is the only program in Victoria offering the opportunity for students in Victoria across all Victorian campuses  to study Greek language and culture at Tertiary level,” said Theo Markos, Vice President of the GCM. 

The GCM added that they have written to over 20 Greek community organisations to join in a broad coalition to tackle the matter. The Victorian Greek community organisations have been invited to a meeting this coming Monday 16 November, hoping the 20+ strong community coalition will give weight to its counter with the University.

It should be noted that the GCM has been an extensive supporter of the Greek Studies program and has over the last few years met with LaTrobe University executives six times seeking to assist the program to gain momentum.

“The Greek Community of Melbourne has worked closely with the program to deliver an array of highly regarded cultural activities such as the Culture and Lecture Series,” Markos added.

Students studying at La Trobe University, Melbourne.

“Both Stephie  Nikoloudis, current coordinator of the Program, and her predecessor Maria  Herodotou, have been active contributors to our own education and cultural program.

“The possible loss of the Program would have a devastating effect on the future of Greek language teaching in the state of Victoria. The repercussions are too countless to mention. It would also be a blow to the unique identity of La Trobe University and is something that we do not accept lightly.”

The GCM also called for all Victorian Greeks and phihellenes to sign the NUGAS petition that has been launched.

Sign Petition Here: https://bit.ly/2ItMaq6

Vasili’s Taxidi: Growing Up in Inner City Milk Bars: The Mascotte Milk Bar, Petersham

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Vasili’s Taxidi: Growing Up in Inner City Milk Bars: The Mascotte Milk Bar, Petersham

By Vasilis Vasilas

While we have focused on so many “success” stories on Greek migrants opening businesses in Sydney, it is interesting to note what it was like for their children. With so many families having shop(s)/residence(s), these children practically grew up in the shop, experiencing business first-hand from very young ages, whether it was serving customers or stacking shelves. Coming from school everyday often meant a quick break and then helping around the shop. While their school friends were off to the beach or away for summer holidays, these children remained at ‘home’ as most of these shops closed only for Christmas and New Years Day.

I recently interviewed Matina Vrontas (nee: Cassimatis), whose family ran The Mascotte Milk Bar in Petersham for thirty years (1950- 80) and got an invaluable insight of the shop experience from a child’s perspective, as Matina and her brother, Bill (Vasilis) grew up at the Mascotte.

The rear of the shop John Cassimatis and Panagioti S Comino, and the children are Hariklia Comino, Matina as a baby and Chrisanthy Comino. Photo: Supplied

John W Cassimatis, migrated to Australia in 1939; after working in various country towns’ cafes, John and his compatriot, Stratis Tzannes, bought the Mascotte Milk Bar in Lewisham (1950). The Mascotte Milk Bar was licensed for light refreshments and meals such as sausages and eggs and omelettes. Once John married Maria, known as Marika, Comino in 1952, he bought out Stratis’ share and the newly- married couple ran the shop; they had two children Matina and Bill.

Next to the Mascotte Milk Bar was the Bonaventura Fruit Shop, run by Laurie (Bonaventura). Once Matina was born, Marika’s sister, Zoe, came down from Brisbane to look after the newborn baby; she met Laurie, fell in love and they married. So, Marika and Zoe also became neighbours!

As children, the Mascotte was part of Matina and Bill’s everyday lives, as Matina recalls, ‘My brother and I grew up in our shop; as children, we helped out in whatever way we could whether it was typing menus or stacking shelves. Every Friday, I would have to boil our chocolate flavouring. They were very different times too (laughs); as children, we would sell cigarettes to our customers!’ Different times, indeed!

Growing up in these shops also taught these children to grow up quicker than other children; there was always added responsibility of looking after their shop while their parents had other obligations. Matina fondly recounts the children’s ability to run the shop in their parent’s absence, ‘One time, my parents had to go to Brisbane for a weekend- they had to attend a wedding- and Bill and I stayed behind. Uncle Nick (Logothetis), whose family ran the Town Hall Milk Bar, in Marrickville, came to look after us; he was gobsmacked to see a twelve and ten year old running the shop! Bill and I did not think anything about this; stock control and ordering, and setting up displays was just what we did.’

Maria Cassimatis watching television. Photo: Supplied

And the children had to always be back for their shop’s busy periods! With the Odeon movie theatre just up the road; for Bill and Matina, watching a movie was all about the timing, ‘Bill and I would often go to the movies at the Odeon- how many Elvis Presley movies did I see there- and we would have to run back to the shop at the (movie) interval before the customers got there. We would then have to rush back after all the customers returned to the picture theatre, hoping we did not miss the first few minutes of the next film (laughs)!’

After thirty years, John and Marika sold the business in 1980; Matina and Bill had already moved onto their respective careers. Matina, however, emphasises how invaluable the experiences of growing up in the Mascotte were in the way it exposed Bill and her to business and everyday life from a young age.

Dr Artemis Papathanassiou reveals progress made on returning Parthenon Sculptures in Greek Australian Dialogue Series

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Dr Artemis Papathanassiou reveals progress made on returning Parthenon Sculptures in Greek Australian Dialogue Series

The Greek Australian Dialogue Series continued this week with Dr Artemis Papathanassiou, International Lawyer and Legal Advisor for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece.

The meeting was an opportunity for members of the Greek Australian community to share their concerns regarding the current Greek-Turkish relations, along with issues related to the Protection of Cultural Property.

More specifically, Elly Symons, Vice President of the Australian Parthenon Committee, raised questions about Greece’s efforts in reunifying the Parthenon sculptures with its home country.

“The issue within the United Nations, UNESCO and several other fora is that you have to contact States which are like-minded, which also suffer as Greece,” Dr Papathanassiou said.

“Because then on the other side, in the context of these organizations, we unfortunately have the lobby of the states with big museums, such as France and the UK, Russia, and the United States of America, who are trying to undermine old arguments by the grace of like-minded States.”

The Parthenon Marbles have long been the subject of dispute over their home in the London museum. They have been on permanent public display there since 1817, when they were stripped off the Parthenon by Thomas Bruce, the 7th Earl of Elgin, and transported to the UK.

Elly Symons also asked if there was any greater urgency initiated by other countries to “put pressure” on the UK but according to Dr Papathanassiou the majority of the communication is being relayed through international organizations.

“We have approached several countries, especially African and some European countries,” said Dr Papathanassiou.

“Yet what we are doing so far is to approach states in the context of international organizations independently.”

READ MORE: Georgios Filiopoulos to show how Greek Australians can invest in Greece
READ MORE: Greek Australian Dialogue Series continues with video conference featuring Haris Siampanis

“We are focusing on bringing attention and awareness in the media and helping the Greek government to raise the issue at all possible levels.”

Steve Georganas, a vocal advocator for Greek-related issues in Australian parliament, asked the Foreign Affairs Legal Adviser about the effectiveness of parliamentary motions put forward in the Australian parliament.

More specifically, the Federal MP asked if these motions are brought to the attention of UNESCO and the Greek Foreign Affairs Ministry or simply “disappear into the aether”.

“If you adopt a parliamentary motion in Australia, this would be a very strong voice. And this adds to our fight for the return of the Parthenon sculptures,” Dr Papathanassiou explained.

“This voice could also be used, this motion, within the United Nations, within UNESCO, and all the relevant flora.”

“Now that the celebrations of 2021 are coming and the battle of this issue will also be raised, it will be very helpful for us to have parliamentary motions from foreign parliaments, which will, assist us in raising the matter.”

The Greek Australian Dialogue Series was hosted by Paul Nicolaou, from the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr Christos Karras.

Georgina Eve Tsakos refused bail after six-month investigation into drug supply charges

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Georgina Eve Tsakos refused bail after six-month investigation into drug supply charges

Georgina Eve Tsakos, faced with 33 charges mostly relating to alleged drug supply, was refused bail in Goulburn Local Court on Friday.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Tsakos was part of a six-month probe by police into alleged Goulburn drug dealers. A police summary of the evidence against Tsakos ran to more than 70 pages, and Magistrate David Williams said the police summary of their case “depicted what could be described as a substantial criminal enterprise”.

Yet to enter pleas, Tsakos’s lawyer, Rodney Boyd, said: “At least with respect of some of the offences, there would seem to be a strong prosecution case.”

Georgina Eve Tsakos was once a well respected figure around Goulburn, a court has heard. Picture: NSW Police

“There’s enough material there to say that she’s looking at jail time.”

Tsakos’ lawyer says she succumbed to a gripping ice addiction about five years ago, arguing that she should be given a chance to get clean at a live-in rehab centre in Sydney.

Police opposed bail, saying Tsakos’s underworld associates might help her skip bail, that she might reoffend while out on bail and that she posed a danger to the community.

Tsakos appeared visibly agitated throughout the brief hearing, which she attended by video link from prison.

Mr Williams refused her bail, but said she might have a better chance if she can find a rehabilitation facility with a bed immediately available.

She returns to court in January

Modern Greek Studies at La Trobe University at risk of being discontinued

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Modern Greek Studies at La Trobe University at risk of being discontinued

Modern Greek Studies at La Trobe University is at risk of being discontinued after staff were told the course will no longer be financially viable to teach.

La Trobe University is currently the only university in Victoria that offers a comprehensive program in Modern Greek Studies from complete Beginners to PhD. According to ‘Greek Studies at La Trobe University’ social media, Modern Greek gives La Trobe a “uniqueness” that adds “value to the institution as a whole, as the sole tertiary provider of Greek in Victoria”.

“We believe that the Greek language is important and unique to not only the Greek diaspora, but the La Trobe community,” the Facebook post reads.

Students at the University have organised a petition to help save the Modern Greek Studies course from being discontinued.

“It would be a shame if La Trobe decided to disregard the wealth of knowledge that the Greek program has to offer,” petition organiser Meg Smith says.

“We, the students, are genuinely concerned that in the globalised world that we live in, La Trobe University is taking steps to diminish the role that language has to play in its students’ past, present and future.”

“In the diaspora our language is under threat, and we, the students of the Modern Greek Program, urge you to sign this petition in solidarity to save the Greek language at La Trobe University.”

Students studying at La Trobe University, Melbourne.

Among Modern Greek Studies are around “a dozen” disciplines in the arts and education that are proposed to be cut. According to The Age, the proposal comes as the university confronts a revenue downturn in the hundreds of millions of dollars due to the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing it to shed hundreds of positions.

La Trobe University said in a statement that the schools of humanities and education had reviewed their course and subject portfolios and found a number that were financially unsustainable.

“For both schools, these are proposals only and potential impacts will depend on the outcomes of the consultation,” it said.

“Any impacted courses and subjects will be taught out for existing students or suitable alternatives offered.”

Workers’ Union taking De Costi seafood to court for allegedly underpaying staff wages

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Workers’ Union taking De Costi seafood to court for allegedly underpaying staff wages

Note: These claims are directed towards De Costi’s seafood processing facility, not at the Sydney Fish Markets.

The Australian Workers’ Union is taking seafood giant De Costi to the Federal Circuit Court, accusing the company of failing to pay proper rates to staff working early morning hours at its seafood processing facility in Western Sydney.

According to The Daily Telegraph, De Costi seafood has “categorically” denied the claims.

The union believes about 50 current workers — and hundreds of former ­employees — on the early shift with start times from 1am-5am have been underpaid several million dollars over the past six years.

According to the union, the staff were being denied overtime rates as they were entitled to under the Seafood Processing Award.

AWU national secretary Daniel Walton said the major­ity of workers were of Vietnamese, Nepalese and Pacific Islander background, many of whom had limited spoken ­English skills and were on ­temporary visas.

“We believe management has deliberately exploited a vulnerable workforce too afraid to speak up because of their precarious visa situations,” he said.

“This is a blatant case of wage theft and it’s deplorable. But instead of doing the right thing and owning up, Tassal are digging their heels in and doing everything they can to deny these workers their ­rightful wage.

“These are people that are working through the night to deliver food to tables across Australia and deserve far ­better.

“We are simply asking Tassal to pay these workers a fair wage to reflect the work they carry out when most of Australia is fast asleep.”

A Tassal spokesman confirmed it was engaged in a ­mediation process between De Costi Seafoods and the union in relation to the allegations.

However the company ­denied the claims that had been raised.

“De Costi Seafoods has at all times acted transparently and in good faith with its staff and we deny any allegations to the contrary,” the spokesman said.

“We are proud to hire staff from a broad range of backgrounds and we ensure they are supported, including providing extensive translation services to make sure nobody is left behind.”

“We strongly reject any claim that we treat our staff with anything but the utmost of respect.”

The spokesman said the company would continue to participate in the mediation “in good faith” but acknowledged the matter would progress to the Federal Court “in the event this is unsuccessful”.

Sourced By: Daily Telegraph

Deal signed for development of new migrant centres

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Deal signed for development of new migrant centres

Migration Minister Notis Mitarakis, in conjunction with director of the European Commission, Beate Gminder, have finalised their agreement for the construction of new closed structures on the eastern Aegean islands of Samos, Kos and Leros.

In three of them, the capacity will be at least 5,000, while in Kos it will be 2,000 and in Leros it will be 1,000. Mr Stefanis had originally planned to transfer 20,000 refugees from the Aegean islands by the end of 2020.

READ MORE: Moria refugee camp ordered to close and a proposed five new camps to open on Greek islands

The proposal was announced by Deputy Defence Minister Alcibiades Stefanis exactly one year ago, with calls for stricter border guarding with the establishment of a single body.

The Government also predicted, prior to the burning down of Moria and Samos camps, that the deterioration of weather conditions will reduce flows of protectionists and families being moved to inland (hotels).

Drawing plan of a new refugee structure.

“In the short term we are restoring control and security to the crisis-affected areas, while in the medium term we are implementing a number of actions aimed at not only restoring regularity to all aspects of Greek people’s lives, but creating the conditions for them to be shielded” said Mr. Stephanis.

The funding for these projects will be fully covered by the European Commission.

Greek PM vows COVID-19 vaccinations will be free for everyone

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Greek PM vows COVID-19 vaccinations will be free for everyone

Greece’s prime minister says the government will provide the coronavirus vaccine, when it becomes available, to all Greeks free of charge.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis made the comments while chairing a ministerial meeting about the government’s vaccination strategy for COVID-19. Greece has seen a resurgence of the virus’s spread that is putting pressure on the country’s health system.

“I insist on the free access of all Greeks to the vaccine, because this government has treated the vaccine as a public good from the start,” Mitsotakis said. “That is why it will be provided free of charge to all, with no exceptions.”

The streets of Athens have become a ghost town at night as Greece enters a three week lockdown and a nationwide curfew is imposed. Photo: The Greek Herald/Panagiotis Dalatariof

Mitsotakis said Greece expected to receive more than 25 million doses of the vaccine.

“We have an obligation to do so. At the same time, [a free vaccine] would underscore our commitment to the protection of public health,” he said.

On Thursday, Greece announced a record number of new daily coronavirus deaths and infections, with more than 3,300 new confirmed infections and 50 deaths in this country of 11 million people. Greece currently has more than 66,600 confirmed cases and 959 deaths.

Mary Couros appointed Deputy Lord Mayor of Adelaide

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Mary Couros appointed Deputy Lord Mayor of Adelaide

Mary Couros announced via social media on Friday that she is to be appointed the next Deputy Lord Mayor of Adelaide, succeeding Alexander Hyde.

As of December 1, Mary Couros will join Lord Mayor of Adelaide Sandy Verschoor in working to make Adelaide a more “sustainable city” that is recognised “worldwide”.

“This is a very exciting opportunity and I am humbled that all councillors voted to elect me as Deputy Lord Mayor for 2021. It is an honour to serve as Deputy Lord Mayor to the most diverse council in the City of Adelaide’s history,” Ms Couros said to Glam Adelaide.

“In 2020 we had the youngest Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Hyde and I am looking forward to working with Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor through our recovery of the pandemic.”

The incoming Deputy Lord Mayor also expressed her pleasure in having two women leading the chamber for the first time since 1999.

“As a child of immigrants that grew up in the city supporting my parents business this sends a clear message to everyone out there that not matter of your gender, age or your upbringing if you have a passion and are prepared to work hard anything is possible,” Ms Couros added.

The North Ward Councillor was elected to the City of Adelaide in 2018. Prior to becoming a Councillor, Ms Couros held over 25 years of experience in the Real Estate industry.

City of Adelaide Councillor Arman Abrahimzadeh congratulated Ms Couros on her appointment, stating, “female leadership continues to thrive at the City of Adelaide.”

“As Deputy Lord Mayor I want to support the City of Adelaide together with the Lord Mayor through this crisis so we can build a foundation for bigger and better growth for our capital city,” Ms Couros concludes.

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