Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has called on Turkey to “stop the provocations” in the Eastern Mediterranean and return to the negotiating table in order to resolve disagreements regarding the delimitation of maritime zones.
“My message to Turkey is very simple: stop the provocations and let’s start talking as civilised neighbors,” he said during an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on Wednesday evening.
Expanding on this possibility, Mitsotakis referred to the recent agreement with Egypt for the demarcation of exclusive economic zones, saying it could “serve as a blueprint” for other agreements in the region.
Tensions between Greece and Turkey are ratcheting up after Turkey announced plans to keep exploring for gas in the eastern Mediterranean. Greek PM @kmitsotakis says “my message to Turkey is very simple: stop the provocations and let’s start talking as civilized neighbors.” pic.twitter.com/5Rik6fkg8M
“But this cannot happen if we are engaged in sabre-rattling and if we have to face, now and then, half the Turkish fleet sailing in the Aegean or the eastern Mediterranean,” he continued.
He also reiterated a proposal for Athens and Ankara to refer the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, if bilateral discussions do not yield any results.
“We should sit and discuss as civilised neighbours and if cannot resolve this issue the two of us, we can always take it to the international court and have the court decide on our behalf,” Mitsotakis said.
“But what we cannot tolerate is unilateral activity by Turkey claiming what we consider to be Greek exclusive economic zone and for Turkey to challenge this premise by sending not only an exploration ship, but also a significant number of military vessels to the area.”
“You are born Greek, you do not become one,” a very old saying goes.
Australia’s Greek community, is lucky to have many Greeks who have dedicated their lives in preserving and promoting the culture, language and everything Greek.
Kiki Efthimiou OAM, 87, from Sydney is one of them.
A businessman for over 60 years and until 2013 owner of Australia’s largest import company of Greek products, founding member of the first Greek-Australian Chamber of Commerce in 1966 and President of the Chamber for more than two decades as well as Chair of the Greek Orthodox Community Home for the Aged in Earlwood for a number of years, Mr Efthimiou has contributed to Australia’s Greek diaspora from various positions of influence and he was recognised for it, with The Medal of the Order of Australia.
“When I turned 80, I decided to retire,” he tells The Greek Herald, but he’s now back to motivate and inspire the Greek community to take collective and organised action to protect the name ‘Greek Yoghurt’ in Australia.
“There are dozens of yoghurts out there labelled ‘Greek Yoghurt’. However, if one reads the fine print, they’ll find out that these yoghurts are made and packaged in Australia. This is not right. They should be labelled Greek Style Yoghurt and not Greek Yoghurt.
“We need our voices to be heard. We should send a letter to Consumer Affairs. A collective and organised effort needs be made on behalf of both the Greek-Australian Chamber of Commerce and the Consulate’s Office for Economic and Commercial Affairs
in order to protect the name “Greek yogurt” in Australia,” Mr Efthimiou says recalling the FAGE versus Chobani legal battle in the UK.
In 2014, a decision of a British court ruled the label “Greek yogurt” used by Chobani as misleading and ordered permanent precautionary measures against the company.
“I have tried multiple times in the past to raise awareness on this issue, unfortunately without results. I am willing to contribute with my knowledge to a potential collective move for the Greek Yoghurt to be included in the list of the Protected designation of origin (PDO) and Protected geographical indication (PGI) products,” Mr Efthimiou said.
Trade Commissioner: ‘Greek Yoghurt not in the PGO/PDI products’
To receive more information on this matter and any initiatives taken The Greek Herald reached out to the Greek Consulate’s Office for Economic and Commercial Affairs in Sydney.
“Greek yogurt is not governed by the status of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in the legislation of the European Union. Given this fact, it has not been included in the list of products that our country has proposed to be protected in Australia under the Free Trade Agreement that the EU is currently negotiating with Australia. Examples of internationally famous Greek products that are included in the negotiated agreement are “Feta” and “Kalamata Olives,” Trade Commissioner, Mrs. Katia Gkikiza, says.
According to Mrs Gkikiza, “any Greek interventions at the level of institutions regarding the use of the name ‘Greek yogurt’ in the Australian market focus on highlighting the authenticity of Greek yogurt and relevant initiatives have been taken in order to raise awareness and protect consumers against products not produced in Greece”.
The Trade Commissioner also explained that “at this stage the import of yogurt from Greece to Australia is prohibited, because Greece is not recognized by Australia as a region free of Lumpy Skin Disease and goat and sheep pox disease “.
Conclusively, according to the Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs,
Greek exports of yoghurt to Australia and New Zealand throughout 2010 from 2019 were extremely limited.
Joanne Stogiannis will lead the new General Motors Specialty Vehicle (GMSV) branch in Australia and New Zealand following General Motors (GM) decision to shut down Holden in February.
Operating for almost 90 years in Australia, Holden enjoyed a plethora of success as one of Australia’s most trusted car brands.
In the coming fourth quarter of 2020, GM will begin partnering with Walkinshaw Automotive Group, the parent company to HSV.
The GMSV brand will be responsible for the Chevrolet Silverado to continue re-manufacturing the vehicles from left-to right-hand drive in Victoria. Also pegged for GMSV will be the Chevrolet Corvette which will reach Australia in late 2021.
Working at Holden for almost 17 years, Ms Stogiannis is “thrilled” to be leading a new automotive venture by GM in Australia.
“Sales of large U.S. pickups have been growing consistently and I believe the ongoing strength of that segment will provide a very solid basis for us to build a successful long-term business,” Ms Stogiannis said in a statement.
Ryan Walkinshaw, director of the Walkinshaw Automotive Group, said his business was pleased to continue its 33-year association with General Motors.
“We’re able to keep significant automotive employment in Victoria through this new business and continue to bring exciting product to market which is core to the Walkinshaw Group’s DNA,” he said.
“We’ve developed unique engineering expertise in producing OEM standard right-hand drive conversions at scale, and we look forward to working closely with GMSV in this new era.”
The 1st Yaralla Scout Group were overwhelmed after receiving a total of $8,900 in federal funds for an upgrade to their scout clubhouse and boatshed.
Member for Reid, Dr Fiona Martin MP, supported the Scout Group through a $7,700 Stronger Communities Programme grant to restore the community facilities situated in Rhodes.
“The Clubhouse, which is located on the gorgeous Paramatta River, is a great community asset. I’m glad it’s undergone the restorations it needed to be safe and functional for our Sea Scouts,” Dr Martin stated.
“The Sea Scouts have the opportunity to do activities like kayaking and sailing, while also learning leadership and teamwork skills that they will use throughout life,” Dr Martin said.
“Supporting volunteers from groups like the 1st Yaralla Sea Scouts means that the younger members of our community have opportunities to make connections, improve their social skills and build their self-esteem.”
Photo: Supplied
Venturer Scout Leader Ms Wendy Berlecky said that the upgrade has taken place ahead of the Sea Scout’s centenary celebrations.
“Our Scout Group will be turning 100 next year, and it is always a challenge to keep the facilities up to date,” Ms Berlecky said.
“The Stronger Communities Grant has allowed the 1st Yaralla Sea Scouts to install an awning at the front of our hall, update the fire staircase and finalize the construction of a wall, all of which goes towards our number one goal of keeping our youth safe and giving them the opportunities to have fun and learn.”
A further $1,200 of funding was supplied through the Morrison Government’s Volunteer Grants for an IT upgrade.
“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many community organisations like the 1st Yaralla Scout Group are depending on technology to deliver their programs,” Dr Martin said.
“By ensuring our volunteers have the tools they need, we can continue to keep our community connected.”
Ms Berlecky agreed that the grant will allow the Sea Scouts to carry on with their programs during the pandemic.
“Scouts Australia is transitioning to a new Youth Program that rejuvenates the way scouting has been delivered. The new program will maximise the digital era we live in,” Ms Berlecky stated.
“The IT upgrade will allow 1st Yaralla to purchase a new laptop to ensure all our youth and leaders have the means to stay in touch with the new program while also creating additional opportunities to communicate with international and national groups more easily.”
The 1st Yaralla Scout Group are one of the few groups to offer programs for youth of all ages, including sections from Joeys (5-8 year olds) to Rovers (18-26 year olds).
“Youth members are given the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment through an exciting and challenging program of activities,” Ms Berlecky stated.
The Sydney Roosters board has been taken to court by Woy Woy Leagues Club, once a beloved location by the Eastern Suburbs club, for using the COVID-19 lockdown as an excuse for not paying staff who were made redundant.
The Easts Group had come to the Rooster’s rescue in 2012 when it entered into a joint venture as part of their support for rugby league on the Central Coast.
The Woy Woy Leagues Club on the Central Coast, part of the Easts Group, shut its doors permanently in April after COVID-19 restrictions left the League’s club in a struggling financial situation.
Easts Group announced the permanentclosure of Woy Woy Leagues Club in April. Photo: Daily Telegraph
A notice on the door of Woy Woy Leagues Club.
The Daily Telegraph reports that instead of paying the five Woy Woy staff termination pay of around $5000 each, the Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club claimed the three men and two women were legally not entitled to the money because they had been stood down without pay at the time. It was before JobKeeper payments kicked in.
The case is listed to be heard under the Fair Work Act in the Federal Circuit Court in Sydney tomorrow after negotiations broke down.
The staff, all of whom had worked for the club for over five years, are each still owed between $4702 and $5877, according to the statement of claim lodged with the court.
“Easts is a wealthy club, they are a top tier leagues club and they ought to be able to look after their workers when they put them out of work,” a source told the Daily Telegraph.
Documents lodged with the court by the United Workers Union claim the Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club breached the Fair Work Act.
Easts counts among its directors Roosters’ chairman Nick Politis, Wizard Home Loans founder Mark Bouris and Endemol Shine production company boss Mark Fennessy.
Labelled one of the “most promising vaccine developments in the world” by Scott Morrison, a new deal will allow every Australian citizen and resident to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for free, assuming it clears clinical trials.
The Federal Government reached the agreement with UK-based drug company AstraZeneca, who will supply every Australian with a vaccine after it is proven to be safe and effective.
“This is one of the most promising and most advanced vaccine developments anywhere in the world and we have been working on this for some time,” Mr Morrison told Today this morning.
Scott Morrison speaking on Today this morning.
“There are about 160 different projects around the world and Professor Brendan Murphy is leading a team of experts to identify and work through the other promising options.”
The Oxford University vaccine has been considered a front runner in the global race for a vaccine, which include Australia’s own ‘COVAX’ vaccine. The vaccine developed by AstraZeneca has already entered its third phase of trials, where it is being tested on thousands of volunteers to confirm its effectiveness.
“There is no guarantee that this, or any other, vaccine will be successful, which is why we are continuing our discussions with many parties around the world while backing our own researches at the same time to find a vaccine,” Morrison said in a statement.
The government proposes to sign a letter of intent with AstraZeneca and enter a consumables contract with Becton Dickinson for the supply of needles and syringes. The total cost of the program is likely to be in the billions of dollars.
The UK has already reserved 100 million doses of the vaccine, and the Prime Minister hopes it could be rolled out in Australia by “early 2021.”
“If we can get it done earlier than that, then we will,” Morrison said.
Defence Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos on Tuesday congratulated the captain of the Greek frigate that accidentally collided with a Turkish ship.
On August 12, frigate Limnos was sailing near Oruc Reis, Turkey’s survey ship, when it came into the path of one of the Turkish naval escorts, the Kemal Reis.
The Greek frigate manoeuvred to avoid a head-on collision and in the process its bow touched the rear of the Turkish frigate, according to a Greek defence source that spoke to Reuters.
Photo: Defence Ministry Greece
Following the incident, Commander Ioannis Salaries told Panagiotopoulos that he had done his duty.
Tensions have risen this week after Turkey sent a survey vessel to the region, escorted by warships, to map out sea territory for possible oil and gas drilling – an area where Turkey and Greece both claim jurisdiction. EU foreign ministers were due to discuss the issue on Friday.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that any attack on a Turkish ship exploring for oil and gas in disputed Mediterranean waters would incur a “high price” and suggested Turkey had already acted on that warning.
“We said that if you attack our Oruc Reis you will pay a high price, and they got their first answer today,” Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara, without giving details.
The Greek Welfare Centre is offering delivery of free meals to individuals and families who are experiencing difficulties during Covid-19.
The community and welfare services arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, the Greek Welfare Centre continually offers free meals to those in need of supplies.
The organisation promised on their Facebook that meals are “freshly cooked, nutritionally balanced and provide a variety of meals and flavours.” The meal deliveries, the GWC says, are also an opportunity for individuals to engage in social interaction.
ACTS OF LOVEGWC Community Services, the social welfare arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, is offering a free meal…
Turkish hackers are allegedly responsible for an attack on a website of the Greek region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace on Tuesday.
Following the cyber attack, the website appeared to feature a photo of the Turkish research vessel Oruç Reis which is currently sailing over the Greek continental shelf in the eastern Mediterranean.
The website of the the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace on Tuesday.
A message accompanying the photo reportedly read: “We have an army that loves death and martyrdom as much as you love the world. #BlueHomeland,” with ‘Blue Homeland’ referring to Turkey’s maritime claims to energy-rich areas in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
The website has since gone down, and remained unavailable as of 1 pm local time Tuesday.
#Turkey being humiliated at sea by the Greek Navy, Turkey has once again been humiliated online by Anonymous Greece. Anonymous Greece would not stop their revenge attack with just this though, and would bring down the whole website of the Turkish government.#SanctionTurkeypic.twitter.com/UJoVjp0Bnj
— Christos Coco – Blue Homeland 🇬🇷 (@ChristosCoco) August 18, 2020
The reported Turkish hack on the regional government’s website draws a similar connection to an attack launched a few days ago by a group calling themselves the “RootAyyildiz” (Turkish for ‘RootStar&Crescent’) on the website of the Greek Ministry of Labour.
The attack also featured a message related to the Oruc Reis. “Every attack You Make to Oruc Reis Will Have an Answer on the Internet,” the message warned.
Prior to the Turkish cyber attacks, AnonymousGreece claimed responsibility for attacks last week on at least two Turkish government websites. AnonymousGreece left two messages: “Stop violating our laws and international laws by illegally sending ships, aircrafts, submarines and drones” and “stop using humans as hybrid weapons on our borders.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke with Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis this evening. It was the first opportunity for them to catch up since the pandemic outside of the first movers meetings.
The two leaders swapped notes on COVID-19 and their respective economic recovery processes. The Australian PM also says Mitsotakis was interested in Australia’s Greek community, especially in Melbourne with the outbreak.
Delighted to chat with my friend @kmitsotakis tonight to swap notes on #COVID19 and economic recovery. As always he was keen to hear about Australia’s Greek community, especially in Melbourne with the outbreak.
The two world leaders also discussed their shared aid for for Beirut following the recent explosion.
“Our strong ties grow even stronger,” Mr Morrison said in a Tweet.
Mitsotakis and Morrison spoke with six other world leaders in May to discuss global COVID-19 strategies. Hosted by Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz via a video call, the Australian Chancellor dubbed it the “First Movers COVID Group”.
Leaders of the countries discussed the most effective ways to “reopen our economies” and considered strategies to manage potential localised outbreaks.
“We swapped notes on the need to reopen our economies safely, including schools, how to manage localised outbreaks, the importance of rigorous tracing and testing, and keeping supply chains open,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in his Instagram post.
