Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Marise Payne, has replied to Federal Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas’ second and most recent letter with regards to the latest developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In his letter, signed September 11 and addressed to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister Payne, MP Georganas was urging the Australian government to “utilise all possible avenues and diplomatic channels available to encourage a peaceful resolution of this critical situation in the Eastern Mediterranean – and highlight the importance of achieving sustained mutual respect and understanding in the region.”
Mr Georganas’, first letter to the Australian Prime Minister was penned in August 2020.
In her reply to the Greek Australian politician, signed Thursday 5 November, Minister Payne writes:
Dear Mr Georganas
Thank you for your letter of 11 September 2020 regarding rising tensions occurring in the Easter Mediterranean. I understand the Prime Minister has also responded to your letter to him on this issue.
As noted by the Prime Minister, the Government is actively monitoring tensions between Turkey and Greece, including over Turkey’s proposed exploration activity in the Eastern Mediterranean. We are concerned about the potential for further escalation of the situation and support a peaceful resolution, through dialogue and negotiation, in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Thank you for bringing your concerns and those of your constituents to the attention of the Government.
Yours Sincerely
Marise Payne
Greek Foreign Minister urges Germany to halt sale of submarines to Turkey:
On Monday, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias urged Germany to halt the sale of Type 214 class submarines to Turkey, saying that the move would upset the existing power balance and enable Ankara to destabilize the Eastern Mediterranean.
In an article in Die Welt newspaper, Dendias said that the German submarines – the Hellenic Navy currently has four such vessels – “give us a strategic advantage in the Southeast Mediterranean and the Aegean.”
Η πρόθεσή μας να υπερασπιστούμε την εθνική κυριαρχία μας και τα κυριαρχικά δικαιώματά μας είναι σαφής. Δεν θα ανεχθούμε ουδεμία τέτοια απόπειρα. Κανένα τετελεσμένο. Και αυτό το γνωρίζει πολύ καλά η Τουρκία. #protothema
“If Germany delivers [these vessels], Turkey will again have an advantage against Greece,” Dendias said.
Ankara has ordered six Type 214 submarines.
In the same article, Dendias said that Germany’s “policy of appeasement” in dealing with Turkey had failed, a fact manifested by the fresh deployment of its Oruc Reis research vessel.
Pharmaceutical company, Pfizer, have announced that early results from its coronavirus vaccine suggest the shots may be 90% effective at preventing COVID-19.
Pfizer and German partner, BioNTech SE, are the first drug-makers to show successful data from a large-scale clinical trial of a coronavirus vaccine, putting them on track to apply for emergency-use approval from the US Food and Drug Administration later this month.
If authorised, the number of vaccine doses will initially be limited. Many questions also remain, including how long the vaccine will provide protection.
This October 2020 photo provided by Pfizer shows part of a “freezer farm,” a football field-sized facility for storing finished COVID-19 vaccines, under construction in Kalamazoo, Mich. Photo: Jeremy Davidson/Pfizer via AP.
However, the news provides hope that other vaccines in development against the coronavirus may also prove effective.
“Today is a great day for science and humanity,” Albert Bourlas, Pfizer’s chairman and chief executive, said in a statement.
“We are reaching this critical milestone in our vaccine development program at a time when the world needs it most with infection rates setting new records, hospitals nearing over-capacity and economies struggling to reopen.”
Speaking later on CNBC, Bourlas added that the vaccine was “a light at the end of the tunnel.”
“When you realise your vaccine has 90% effectiveness, that’s overwhelming,” Mr Bourlas said.
“I am very happy but at the same time, sometimes I have tears in my eyes when I realise that this is the end of nine months, day-and-night work of so many people and how many people, billions, invested hopes on this. I never thought it would be 90%.”
This May 4, 2020, file photo provided by the University of Maryland School of Medicine, shows the first patient enrolled in Pfizer’s COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine clinical trial at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. Photo: Courtesy of University of Maryland School of Medicine via AP, File.
Pfizer said the interim analysis was conducted after 94 participants in the trial developed COVID-19, examining how many of them received the vaccine versus a placebo.
The company did not break down exactly how many of those who fell ill received the vaccine. Still, over 90% effectiveness implies that no more than 8 of the 94 people who caught COVID-19 had been given the vaccine, which was administered in two shots about three weeks apart.
The efficacy rate is well above the 50% effectiveness required by the US Food and Drug Administration for a coronavirus vaccine.
Pfizer and BioNTech have a $1.95 billion contract with the US government to deliver 100 million vaccine doses beginning this year. They have also reached supply agreements with the European Union, the UK, Canada and Japan.
To save time, the companies began manufacturing the vaccine before they knew whether it would be effective. They now expect to produce up to 50 million doses or enough vaccine to protect 25 million people this year.
Pfizer said it expects to produce up to 1.3 billion doses of the vaccine in 2021.
Greece’s Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, spoke over the phone on Monday with Australia’s Foreign Minister, Marise Payne.
According to a tweet by Dendias, the Foreign Minister’s discussed strengthening bilateral co-operation, combating the effects of the pandemic, regional issues and co-ooperation between Greece and Australia in the framework of international organisations.
I spoke by phone to #Australia FM @MarisePayne. Strengthening bilateral cooperstion, tackling #COVID19 impact, regional issues & 🇬🇷🇦🇺 cooperation in the context of international organizations in focus.
Just last year, in a statement announcing Australia’s new Ambassador to Greece, Arthur Spyrou, Marise Payne praised the strong relations between both countries.
“Australia and Greece have an enduring relationship built on strong people-to-people links and bonds forged during both world wars,” Payne wrote in the statement.
“400,000 Australians claim Greek heritage, and this community has made a special contribution to developing and enriching contemporary Australia.”
The recent telephone conversation between the Foreign Ministers is set to only deepen these relations.
John Koutroumbis from Newcastle Jets FC, Tass Mourdoukoutas from Western Sydney Wanderers FC and Nicholas Sorras from Sydney Olympic have all been named in the Olyroos squad for two upcoming friendlies in Sydney.
All three Greek Australians, along with 24 other players, will participate in Australia’s U-23 men’s national football team training camp in Sydney over the next nine days.
The entirely domestic-based selection features eleven players from the squad that helped Australia qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in January this year, when Australia secured third place at the AFC U-23 Championship in Thailand.
While in camp, the Australia U-23 selection will play two friendly fixtures against A-League clubs –
The first against Sydney FC on Thursday, 12 November 2020 (kick-off 7:00pm AEDT) at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah.
The second on Tuesday, 17 November 2020 against the competition’s newest club, Macarthur FC (kick-off 3:00pm AEDT) at the same venue.
The team’s Head Coach, Graham Arnold, said players arrived in Sydney with a spring in their step.
“After a year of little national team activity, the players arrived yesterday eager to be back in camp and to resume the journey to Tokyo,” Arnold said.
“This group of players – and the many more we are monitoring in Australia and overseas – have the opportunity to be part of a special period in Olyroos history as we work towards Tokyo.
“The next nine days and the forthcoming A-League season represents a fresh start and a great opportunity for all players to push their case for Olyroos selection in Tokyo.”
A limited number of tickets (due to COVID-19 protocols) will be available for the first fixture between Australia U-23 and Sydney FC, with tickets on sale now via Ticketek.
In this year’s local government elections in Victoria, there were 67 Greek Australians running in 24 councils and shires. With the election now officially over, The Greek Herald can report that 18 of those Greek Australians have been elected to seats. That number could grow as results continue to come in from councils such as Brimbank and Warrnambool.
Here’s the list of the elected Greek Australians so far:
1. Fiona Mitsinikos, Banyule City Council (Hawdon Ward):
Fiona Mitsinikos was elected as the new Councillor for Hawdon Ward in the Banyule City Council.
In a Facebook post after the election result was announced, she thanked the community and her family for their support during her campaign.
“I’ve met some fantastic residents as I hand delivered 6000 brochures every week for 3 weeks. We’ve chatted, we’ve laughed, talked about their concerns & hopes for Hawdon & now I’m so excited to be able to make a change,” Mrs Mitsinikos wrote.
“I look forward to meeting many more residents over the next 4 years as we work together for Hawdon & Banyule.”
2. Emily Dimitriadis, Darebin Council (South East Ward):
A hospital pharmacist and human rights lawyer, Emily Dimitriadis works to support multicultural and refugee communities, assist survivors of family violence and push for social and gender equality.
In September, Emily told The Greek Herald that she was running for the South-East Ward of Darebin because she had “lived her whole life” there and she wanted “to make a positive difference.”
After the election results were announced, Emily took to Facebook to thank her supporters.
“A big thank you to all the residents who took the time to contact me to discuss issues that mattered. I encourage you all to keep reaching out to me so we can make Darebin the best it can be,” she wrote.
3.Peter Dimarelos, Banyule City Council (Olympia Ward):
4.Peter Kotsos, Baw Baw Shire (East Ward)
5. Nick Stavrou, Boroondara (Studley Ward):
Nick Stavrou’s slogan for his election campaign was “To Better Serve Our Community,” and it looks like his message resonated with Studley Ward residents.
In a Facebook post, Mr Stavrou thanked residents for voting for him, saying he will “honour” their trust moving forward.
“To everyone who voted for me, I thank you and say to you that I am truly humbled by the privilege, trust and honour you have bestowed on me, and pledge that I will honour this trust,” Mr Stavrou wrote.
6. Virginia Tachos, Brimbank (Horseshoe Bend Ward):
7. Tony Athanasopoulos, Glen Eira Council (Rosstown Ward):
Tony Athanasopoulos was re-elected for a second term on Glen Eira Council. He wrote on Facebook that he was “super proud and excited” to be returning.
“Thank you for all the support. Now it’s time to get the job done!” Mr Athanasopoulos wrote.
8. Joseph Haweil, Hume Council (Aitken Ward):
Joseph Haweil is a Greek-Syrian councillor and he was re-elected to a second term on Hume City Council. He secured a 24 percent increase on his 2016 primary vote.
“My immense appreciation to all those who supported my campaign not only by voting for me but also by calling friends and family, making a campaign contribution, putting up corflutes and posters and getting the word out through social media. I owe this success to you all,” Mr Haweil wrote on social media.
9. Sophie Ramsay, Melton Council (Coburn Ward):
Sophia Ramsey (nee Kantartzopoulou) has been a Councillor in Melton City Council since 2001 (5 terms) and has held the position of Mayor for four times (2002-2003,2005-2006,2014-2015,2016-2017).
Re-election is a pleasing result for her, especially as she has been a local resident of Coburn Ward for over 30 years.
“l love this community, l was brought up with strong family values of giving back to the community and serving them for the past 19 years has been an honour,” Mrs Ramsey told The Greek Herald in September. “This community inspires me daily.”
10. Paul Klisaris, Monash Council (Mulgrave Ward):
11. Tasa Damante, Maroondah Council (Wicklow Ward):
Tasa Damante is a proud Greek Australian who has been elected to her seat of Wicklow Ward in Maroondah Council.
Damante already has exciting infrastructure projects in the works for her precinct, including the new multi-level carpark at Devon St in Croydon and the Croydon Community Wellbeing Precinct.
“I look forward to getting our local businesses back on track after a very difficult year, and working with business and industry leaders, together with education providers and all levels of government, to make Maroondah an economic, jobs, and commercial hub in the outer-east,” she wrote on Facebook after her victory.
12. Theo Zographos, Monash Council (Oakleigh Ward):
“What an honour. Thank you so much Monash,” Theo Zographos exclaimed on social media once election results were released and he was re-elected to the seat of Oakleigh Ward.
Zographos is excited to be working with the community for the next four years.
13. Helen Pavlidis-Mihalakos, Moreland Council (North-East Ward):
Helen Pavlidis-Mihalakos was successfully elected as a councillor in the North-East Ward. On social media, Helen wrote that she was “humbled and deeply grateful” for the support she received during her campaign.
“My sincerest and heartfelt thank you to my family, friends and the many volunteers who have ‘walked’ this journey alongside me,” she wrote on Facebook.
“I will work hard over the next 4 years to make Moreland a greater place to live, work and play.”
14. Angelica Panopoulos, Moreland Council (North-West Ward):
Angelica Panopoulos grew up in Glenroy and is currently studying law, international studies and the Greek language.
Her election to Moreland Council is something she’s extremely excited about, writing simply on Facebook: “Maybe I’ll have some more eloquent words later but for now wooooo!!!”
15. Lambros Tapinos, Moreland Council (South Ward):
Lambros Tapinos was re-elected to the Moreland Council seat of South Ward with 4,924 votes.
“I am honoured to have been re-elected to Moreland City Council. I would like to thank the voters in South Ward for putting their trust in me to represent them,” Tapinos wrote in a Facebook statement.
“I look forward to getting back to work for you and making Moreland an even better place.”
16. Jim Doukas, Moyne Shire Council:
17. Jami Klisaris, Stonnington Council (East Ward):
Jami Klisaris has been a Councillor for Stonnington City Council for eight years.
At the age of 20, she became Stonnington’s youngest Councillor and the youngest female Councillor elected in the 2012 Victorian Local Government elections. In November 2016, Jami became Stonnington’s youngest Mayor at 24, serving until November 2017.
Her re-election means she will serve the community for another four years.
She has studied at Monash University, completing an Arts and Law degree, and she currently works for the Australian Public Sector. Her parents are from Evia and Crete.
18. Melanie Likos, Strathbogie Shire Council, Lake Nagambie Ward:
Melanie Likos says she’s “proud” to be elected to the Strathbogie Shire Council seat of Lake Nagambie Ward.
“Thank you to everyone who supported, encouraged and voted for me during this campaign,” she wrote on social media.
On Sunday, November 8, a special commemoration paniyiri for the liberation of Lesvos was held by the Mytilenian Association of the Canberra District at St Nicholas Church in Kingston, Canberra.
The name day of the Greek National Army and the Archangels Michael and Gabriel were also commemorated on the day.
With the support of the Mytilenian Association and the Greek Orthodox Community of Canberra, a special church service was held, followed by an amazing paniyiri with lots of music, dancing and great food.
People danced in commemoration of the liberation of Lesvos.
The Canberra Hellenic Dancers, Atalanti group, came dressed in traditional Northern Aegean costumes and performed three traditional Greek dances.
In attendance was the Ambassador of Greece, Mr George Papacostas, the High Commissioner of Cyprus, Mrs Martha Mavrommatis, President of Greek Orthodox Community of Canberra, Mr John Loukadellis and President of the Mytilenian, Ayia Paraskevi Association, Mr Dimitris Manikas.
The Canberra Hellenic Dancers performed on the day.
There were 170 people in the newly erected marquee and as the ouzo flowed, guests enjoyed souvlakia and octopus and were entertained by Atalanti Dance Group from the Hellenic Club and DJ Stavro, who kept the island tunes going.
The President of the Mytilenian, Ayia Paraskevi Association, Mr Dimitris Manikas, shared his thoughts on the event stating: “Everyone helped us, young and old, and everything went well. Everyone was very happy.”
President of Greek Orthodox Community of Canberra, Mr John Loukadellis (left).
Hundreds turned up to the paniyiri.
When asked about the celebrations today, the Ambassador of Greece, Mr Papacostas, shared: “With the coronavirus outbreak in Greece, there is a lockdown that does not apply to Canberra. Of course there are restrictions in Canberra, but I can see here that the community and church respect the laws. It was a very nice celebration and very well organised.”
President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Canberra, Mr John Loukadellis, added: “It was an enjoyable and important day in our history and our faith, to be able to celebrate these dual events is an honour and made our community come as one and commemorate the islands liberation and also acknowledge our Archangels.”
St Nectarios Burwood today commemorated 100 years since the repose of their patron saint with a special church service officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and priests from across Sydney.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, only 50 people were able to attend the service, but parishioners continued to flock to the church throughout the day to light a candle and venerate the Holy Relic of Saint Nectarios.
“Hundreds of people usually come to venerate Saint Nectarios on his feast day as he is a much-loved saint and known for many miracles. But due to COVID-19, we weren’t allowed to have as many people this year,” Father George Liangas tells The Greek Herald.
“It was still a very poignant service and we hope that once restrictions lift, we are able to mark this occasion, as well as the 50th anniversary of our church, and recognise all those people who have contributed significantly to our parish community.”
During the service, Archbishop Makarios gave a short speech discussing his personal connection to Saint Nectarios, who was the Dean of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School where the Archbishop studied.
This was followed by a small luncheon with His Eminence, Father George Liangas and other Priests, as well as board members of the Parish-Community, including the President Penelopy Kioussis, the Ladies Philoptochos and other church officials and volunteers.
The 154th anniversary of the holocaust of Arkadi was commemorated on Saturday with a special sit-down dinner organised by the Cretan Association of Sydney & New South Wales at the school hall of St Spyridon College.
The event, which honoured the over 1,000 Cretan men, women and children who were massacred by the Ottomans in Arkadi, featured live music by the Iho Nyx band, as well as COVID-safe performances by the Cretan Association’s dancing groups.
In attendance were His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr Christos Karras, the Vice President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, Maria Lagoudakis, and representatives from Delphi Bank.
“The Annual Arkadi Dinner is very important for us Cretans. Whether it is over 600 people like last year’s event or this year’s due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will never forget our ancestors sacrifice and have a duty to educate the next generations,” President of the Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW, Terry Saviolakis, tells The Greek Herald.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios was also in attendance.
“We have endured restrictions and challenges for eight months now, but we have to remember that our ancestors experienced restrictions and challenges for centuries under Ottoman rule.”
On the night, the 2020 ‘Megalonisos’ award was presented to husband and wife, John and Irene Lagoudakis, for their service and voluntary effort to the Cretan association.
“The award was given to John and Irene on the night as they were surrounded by their four children and nine grandchildren,” Mr Saviolakis says.
John and Irene Lagoudakis, pictured here with their family, were the winners of the Megalonisos award. Photo: Facebook.
“They were recognised for their outstanding support over the years from holding dinners, lunches, meetings and dance lessons at their home, to accommodating musicians and guests and cooking at events.”
A silent auction was also held over the course of the night and raised $650 for the Children’s Cancer Institute and $700 for the Hellenic Initiative, who fund career and mentoring programs for disadvantaged students in Cretan schools.
Clearly it was a memorable night for all, despite the current coronavirus restrictions in place.
One child has died and six people are still missing after a boat carrying 24 refugees from Turkey to Greece capsized near the island of Samos early on Sunday.
The Hellenic Coast Guard recovered the child’s body in the Aegean Sea and rescued eleven people who were stranded in the water, including a pregnant woman.
Later in the day, six more people were located and rescued.
As the boat originally carried 24 people, there is a total of six people still missing after the tragic event.
According to unconfirmed reports by Norwegian NGO, Aegean Boat Report, among the missing were two pregnant women and two children.
After a spike in COVID-19 cases, Greece entered a second nationwide lockdown in the early morning hours of Saturday.
Greeks lined up outside of shops on Friday to buy essentials before the lockdown but now, the once-bustling streets are notably empty. Few people can be seen walking their dogs or going out for exercise.
The lockdown, which will last until November 30, resembles the initial lockdown in Greece in spring.
Movement will be limited to essentials, all retails stores have closed and travel between regions is banned.
This is the second nationwide lockdown for Greece in as many months. Photo: The Greek Herald.
Secondary schools have closed, switching to distance learning. Kindergartens and primary schools remain open.
Authorities have also reintroduced a system obliging citizens to send text messages to a government number to leave home to work, shop, visit a doctor or take exercise.
Police have been stationed around the country to ensure citizens are observing the anti-virus measures.
For those who don’t, they can expect a fine of 300 euros. Employers who provide false movement permits for employees will also be fined 500 euros, while companies that operate in violation of the new measures and the lockdown face fines of between 3,000 and 5,000 euros.
Record 35 deaths from COVID-19 announced:
The lockdown comes just as Greek health authorities announced a staggering 1,914 new cases of the coronavirus, including a record 35 deaths, on Sunday.
Of the country’s 1,063 intensive care units, 734 are occupied, 259 with coronavirus patients.
The total number of confirmed cases in Greece since the start of the pandemic is 56,698, with 734 deaths.
The death toll from coronavirus has spiked in Greece. Photo: ekathimerini.
Researchers at the chemistry department of the University of Athens have also analysed waste in Athens and estimate that 1.5 to 2 percent of the capital’s 4.2 million population are active coronavirus carriers, which would mean 63,000 to 84,000 individuals.
Disinfectant crews hit town:
The Athens municipal authority has launched a daily mass disinfection program in public spaces in the city center and its neighborhoods.
The cleaning and disinfection operation targets busy public ares like squares, sidewalks, metro and ISAP train stations, police stations and churches, as well as areas around hospitals, pharmacies, supermarkets and bakeries.
According to an announcement by the municipality, about 200 employees with the assistance of 80 vehicles are “working feverishly, day and night, actively participating in the effort to contain the coronavirus pandemic and protect public health as much as possible.”
