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Melbourne Greek Community welcomes Australian government’s response to east Med crisis

Andriana Simos
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Melbourne Greek Community welcomes Australian government’s response to east Med crisis

In his response to Bill Papastergiadis’ letter (dated 21 August) to the Prime Minister encouraging
the Australian Government to engage in the concerning developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Government on behalf of the Prime Minister replied as follows:

“The Government is aware of tensions between Turkey and Greece, including Turkey’s exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. We share the international community’s concern about the potential escalation of the situation and support a peaceful resolution, through dialogue and negotiation, in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea. Australia regularly reaffirms with Turkish counterparts the importance we attach to the rule of law.

“The Government supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and
recognises the Republic as the only legitimate authority on the island. Australia does not
recognise the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.’

“Australia and Greece have a warm and enduring relationship built on strong people-to-people links and binds forged in war. Australians of Greek descent have made a special contribution to developing and enriching contemporary Australia, across many areas of Australian society including politics, sports, the arts, food and fashion.”

Greek Community of Melbourne president Bill Papastergiadis thanked the Australian government for its response and went on to say:

“It is good to see that the Australian Government is – as we would expect – across the growing tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. However we believe that more can be done and that it is in Australia’s interest to seek through its excellent diplomatic channels a peaceful resolution to the questions at hand.

“It is heartening to see that the Australian Government has reaffirmed its position on the issue of the rule of law with its Turkish counterparts insisting that Turkey comply with International Law including the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea and that it continues to recognise the Republic of Cyprus as the only legitimate authority on the island.

“However it is also important that the Australian Government reaffirms that integral to Cyprus’ territorial integrity are the surrounding waters of the island, as dictated in the aforementioned UN convention.”

Further to the Departmental reply, Mr Papastergiadis with his interstate counterparts Mr Harry Danalis of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW and Mr Bill Gonis of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia, wrote to the Prime Minister copying the Foreign Minister Senator Marise Payne, seeking an urgent meeting to press the Australian Government for further diplomatic action akin to other international diplomacy with a view to de-escalating the tensions that are building.

Greece: Talks with Turkey on eastern Med could restart soon

The Greek Herald
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Greece: Talks with Turkey on eastern Med could restart soon

Greece is close to resuming talks with Turkey over maritime zones, government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Monday, after Ankara this month recalled an oil and gas exploration vessel from the eastern Mediterranean in a move welcomed by Athens.

NATO members Turkey and Greece bitterly disagree over maritime jurisdiction and energy exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean, based on conflicting views about the extent of their continental shelves.

Turkey infuriated Greece last month when it sent the Oruc Reis seismic survey vessel to the area. Ankara says the boat has now been recalled for routine maintenance.

Turkey’s research vessel, Oruc Reis, rear, anchored off the coast of Antalya on the Mediterranean, Turkey, Sunday, September 13, 2020. Photo: AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici.

“We’re close to resuming exploratory talks, but how soon this will happen depends on both sides, on Greece and Turkey. The sentiment is good,” Petsas told reporters, adding that Ankara had also indicated its wish for a resumption of talks.

READ MORE: Turkey may resume talks with Greece, warns against EU sanctions.

The long-running discussions between Athens and Ankara on demarcating their maritime zones broke down in 2016. Greek media say they could resume as early as this week.

EU leaders are expected to evaluate the situation at a summit on September 24-25, though member states are divided over how best to proceed.

Turkey’s presidential spokesman said on Sunday that exploratory talks could resume but that threats of EU sanctions were not helpful.

Cyprus has pressed for sanctions against Turkey, angered by Ankara’s move last week to extend the operations of two vessels in Mediterranean waters off Cyprus until mid-October.

But, underscoring Greece’s milder tone following the withdrawal of the Oruc Reis, Petsas said on Monday the EU should examine ways to activate sanctions only if Turkey does not stick to its recent stance of de-escalation in the east Mediterranean.

U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, is also due to visit Greece this month. He has said the United States is “deeply concerned” about Turkey’s actions in the eastern Mediterranean and has urged a diplomatic end to the crisis.

READ MORE: Pompeo to Turkey: Immediately reduce tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Source: Reuters.

243 refugees in Lesvos test positive for COVID-19, while Mt Athos monastery quarantined

Andriana Simos
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243 refugees in Lesvos test positive for COVID-19, while Mt Athos monastery quarantined

After testing the thousands of refugees who have now been resettled at the new Kara Tepe camp on Lesvos after the Moria fire, 243 of them have been found positive for the coronavirus.

Speaking during a regular briefing on Monday, Stelios Petsas, the spokesman for the Greek government, said all 7,064 people who entered the new camp had been tested.

The average age of those confirmed positive was 24 and most were asymptomatic, Petsas said. A further 160 people, mainly police and administrative staff who had come into contact with the refugees, were tested and all were negative for the virus.

Migrants are seen inside the new temporary refugee camp in Kara Tepe, on the northeastern island of Lesvos, Greece, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020. Photo: AP Photo/Panagiotis Balaskas.

These positive cases from Lesvos were added to Greece’s official coronavirus figures on Monday, with the country recording a record 453 new cases in total. There were six deaths.

Mt Athos monastery quarantined:

Greek health authorities ordered an Orthodox monastery on Mount Athos to be placed under quarantine on Monday, after at least eight confirmed cases of coronavirus were recorded among the monks living there.

The monastery of Agios Pavlos (Saint Paul), founded in the late 10th to early 11th century by Saint Paul of Xeropotamou, is in the western part of the Athos peninsula.

According to an Athens-Macedonia News Agency (AMNA) report, the condition of one of the monks is considered “serious” and he has been evacuated for treatment to a Thessaloniki hospital.

The monastery, with 31 monks, ranks fourteenth in the hierarchy of all the Athonite monasteries. Its library contains 494 hand-lettered manuscripts, and over 12,000 printed books.

Greek President says Greece, Cyprus hoping for ‘constructive change’ in Turkey’s stance

Andriana Simos
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Greek President says Greece, Cyprus hoping for ‘constructive change’ in Turkey’s stance

Greek President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, underlined the unity and solidarity between Greece and Cyprus in the face of Turkish provocations during an official visit to Nicosia on Monday.

“The two countries maintain a common, solid diplomatic front,” she said during talks with her Cyprus counterpart, Nicos Anastasiades.

“Greece, like Cyprus, wants and looks forward to a constructive change in Turkey’s stance. In compliance with the Charter of the United Nations, International Law and the Law of the Sea, as well as the Security Council resolutions on Cyprus,” she added.

The two-day trip to Cyprus is the Greek President’s first visit abroad since taking up her duties in March.

Her talks at the Presidential Palace on Monday focused on the situation in the Aegean and east Mediterranean.

“We have seen difficult times to which you also referred and nobody can guarantee that they are over,” Sakellaropoulou said at a joint press conference with Anastasiades after the meeting.

“The withdrawal of the Oruc Reis is a step toward de-escalation but it remains to be proved whether this was a tactical move with a short-term goal or a choice with depth and continuity.”

Sakellaropoulou also reaffirmed that Greece’s top concern remained the termination of Turkish occupation and finding an agreed solution to the Cyprus problem.

“The unwavering focus on this peaceful goal … strengthens Greece, unites, rallies, and mobilises my country’s social and political forces,” she said.

“Settling this important international issue of invasion and occupation would contribute decisively to the security and stability of the wider area of the eastern Mediterranean.”

‘A Holiday in Greece’: Androula Matthews announces her debut children’s bilingual book

Argyro Vourdoumpa
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‘A Holiday in Greece’: Androula Matthews announces her debut children’s bilingual book

Sandy beaches and blue seas, sunshine, islands big and small, cities bustling with life, scrumptious culinary delights, extended family and friendly smiles. 

Dreaming of Greece? You are not the only one! 

With her debut bilingual children’s book titled ‘A Holiday in Greece’, author and illustrator Androula Matthews, aims to encapsulate her fondest memories of holidaying in Greece and share elements of her vibrant culture and love for the language, with younger generations of Greek Australians.

“It was inspired by my own travels in Greece and the great memories I have from the many of the things I saw and did on my holidays. Writing and illustrating my own children’s book has been a dream of mine for quite some time! 

“I really want this book to make people feel excited about Greece, especially during a time when travelling may not be possible,” Matthews, 31, tells The Greek Herald.

Although Ms Matthews refers to it as a “light-hearted introduction for children to Greek culture and holidays” she hopes that by reading the book, parents will also experience the nostalgia and reminisce pleasant memories. 

An immigration story and the author’s Greek upbringing 

Born in Australia by a Greek-Cypriot mother and a Scottish – Australian father, Androula speaks with pride about her family and their strong ties with the Greek language and culture.

“Mihalis and Androula, my maternal grandparents, were born in Mamonia, a small village in Cyprus where they also got married. They later moved to Limassol, where my mother and her five siblings were born. In 1967, they arrived in Melbourne with the “Patris” in search of a better life. Their original boarding pass is a part of our family keepsake. 

“My father is of Scottish decent and second generation Australian and lived with my mother’s family from his young adult life and fully embraced their way of life and culture. Before my parents married, he was baptised in the Greek Orthodox Church as “Harilaos”, after my Great Grandfather),” Androula says.

“Each year, from a young age, my parents would take my sister and I on a trip to Sydney during the Greek Easter period, where we would attend church services at the St. George Monastery in Yellow Rock. 

“There, we would experience an authentic Orthodox Easter. My cousins were also a very big part of my life growing up, nothing was more exciting than all the family gatherings where we would all play together and eat endless amounts of food. We all continue to play an important role in each other’s lives,” Ms Matthews says excitedly.

The Greek language classes and the desire to pass on the culture

Over the last few years, Androula, with her fiancé’s encouragement, has embarked on a journey to further explore her culture on a deeper level. 

“I have been attending Greek language classes at the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne (GOCMV) to improve my speaking. This is crucially important to me as I would like to pass our rich culture and language onto our children.

“Although growing up I attended Greek school, I never fully grasped and had a proper appreciation of the language at that time. As I became older I really started to feel like something was missing”.

But it’s never too late and now Androula wants to encourage more Greek Australians to hold on to their culture and traditions.

“Our culture connects us to our ancestors and is part of our identity. It is rooted in us and sets us apart. Being Greek is definitely something to feel proud of and share with the rest of the world”.

*The book ‘A Holiday in Greece’ will be available on sale in early October 

OXI Day 80 Year Anniversary Competition

Andriana Simos
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OXI Day 80 Year Anniversary Competition

Do you want to have your own work published in one of Australia’s biggest national newspapers?

The Greek Herald is launching a competition commemorating the 80 year anniversary of OXI Day on October 28, 2020.

OXI Day marks the day back on October 28, 1940, when former military general and Prime Minister of Greece, Ioannis Metaxas, rejected an ultimatum given by the Italian dictator, Benito Mussolini, during World War II. 

The competition will require people to submit any piece of writing or artwork about the event, with the winning piece to be selected by the team at The Greek Herald.

SURPRISE US!!!

For this competition you have the freedom to submit anything! This can include a short history of the ensuing Greco-Italian War, an artwork of the moment Metaxas said ‘OXI,’ or even a poem! Whatever you write, make sure it is below 300 words!

Submissions written in Greek and English will be accepted for the competition.

The finalists will be separated into different age group categories, with the winners from each receiving a $50 Westfield Gift Card AND their work will be published in The Greek Herald.

Below is a list of the prizes for each age group:

Prizes for each age group:

Grade 5 to 6

Winner: $50 Westfield Gift Card. Published work in The Greek Herald newspaper and online.

Grade 7 to 9

Winner: $50 Westfield Gift Card. Published work in The Greek Herald newspaper and online.

Grade 10 to 12

Winner: $50 Westfield Gift Card. Published work in The Greek Herald newspaper and online.

How to enter:

Send through your submissions by Wednesday, 21st October 2020, 19:00 AEST, with the title “Submission – OXI Day Competition” to The Greek Herald’s email address at: greek@foreignlanguage.com.au

In the body of the email please include your name, age and preferred contact number.

Winners will be announced on Wednesday October 28th, 2020 by 19:00 AEST.

Help us commemorate this significant piece of Greek history!

Dionysus Theatre Company provides plenty of laughs at premiere of ‘I have a goal, your Honour’

Andriana Simos
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Dionysus Theatre Company provides plenty of laughs at premiere of ‘I have a goal, your Honour’

The Dionysus Theatre Company opened to huge applause on Friday, September 18, with the premiere of their comedy, ‘I have a goal, Your Honour’ (Εχω Στόχο Κύριε Πρόεδρε), directed by Loui Sarris.

Written by George Haralambidis, the play is set in 1976 when the Greek government decided to build a waste treatment site between Attica and Keratsini in Piraeus, despite opposition from the locals. On the day of the inauguration, the main pipe broke, filling the streets with waste.

This historical background was expertly laid out on opening night with an interesting pre-recording, followed by the introduction of some of the most eccentric characters you’ve ever met.

Some of the eccentric characters in ‘I have a goal, your Honour.’ Photo by The Greek Herald.

People couldn’t contain their laughter as poor pensioner, Lazarus, who was told by a coffee cup reader that he would die soon, decided to give all his money to his friend Fonda, with instructions on how to organise his lavish funeral.

Upon hearing that Lazarus had died in hospital, Fonda, a broke coddler with two lazy, unemployed kids, Aliki and Niko, and a nagging wife, Dimitra, sets about planning an extravagant dinner.

The dinner is attended by the local priest, the policewoman Stasa, and the vivacious Vaso with her new boyfriend Panteli, a wealthy greengrocer. But it’s during these celebrations that the situation takes a sudden turn.

The play was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Photo by The Greek Herald.

“The play satirises society in general and encourages our audience to judge and look at themselves in a different way,” Christine Gazepis Stavropoulos, an actress in the play and the theatre’s Media and Marketing Coordinator, tells The Greek Herald.

“At the end of the day, theatre is a foundation of Greek culture and we want everyone to enjoy themselves because we don’t want our culture to fade away.”

To ensure this enjoyment throughout the night, the theatre also adhered to COVID-19 social distancing measures. This is something Christine says was important to protect the audience.

“We have a COVID-19 plan in place which includes taking the names and numbers of people at the door, checking temperatures and people are allowed to wear masks if they want,” Christine says.

For many, such as audience member, Olivia Korkidas, who attended the opening night, these safety precautions, as well as the uplifting atmosphere, made the play one to remember.

“It was a great night out showcasing local Greek acting talent, in the newly renovated Mytilenian house. A barrel of laughs in a COVID-safe environment. Just what the doctor ordered! Highly recommend,” Olivia told The Greek Herald after the premiere.

If that’s not a glowing review, we don’t know what is!

Limited tickets are still available for the play’s final weekend of performances on Saturday, September 26 from 7.30pm – 9.30pm, and Sunday, September 27 from 5.30pm – 7.30pm.

THI Australia supports Tipping Point program in 10 Greek regional schools

The Greek Herald
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THI Australia supports Tipping Point program in 10 Greek regional schools

The Hellenic Initiative Australia today announced it will be supporting 10 regional schools across
Greece to participate in the innovative Tipping Point education and youth empowerment program.

Following a successful pilot program with three schools last year, THI Australia is more than tripling
its support to include an additional seven schools in 2020-21 from the island of Lemnos to
mountain villages in Western Macedonia.

The AU$26,000 (€16,000) grant focuses on schools located in disadvantaged areas and regional towns and villages in areas with high unemployment, high school dropout rates and brain drain due to lack of local opportunities.

THI Australia is more than tripling its support to include an additional seven schools in 2020-21 from the island of Lemnos to mountain villages in Western Macedonia. Credit: THI Australia.

THI Australia President, Mr Nicholas Pappas AM, welcomed the support of individuals and regional
associations, whose partnership with THI Australia had enabled more schools to participate this
year, including:

  • Two Sydney families whose origins are from Crete (Evening Vocational High School of Platanias and Junior High School of Voukolies).
  • The Panepirotic Federation of Australia and Toorak Law (Junior High School of Peta).
  • The Federation of Messinian Organisations of Melbourne & Victoria.
  • Pantrifilian Association of Melbourne and Victoria.
  • Society of Kalamata “23rd March.”
  • The Pammessinian Brotherhood “Papaflessas” (2nd Junior High School of Kalamata).

Tipping Point gives students access to career guidance and mentoring from highly skilled
professionals from different fields from Greece and around the world, helping them make more
informed education and career choices.

“Tipping Point is a brilliant example using digital technology in the classroom to inspire and
empower students in even the most remote villages of Greece,” Mr Pappas said.

Tipping Point gives students access to career guidance and mentoring from highly skilled professionals. Photo: THI Australia.

“We hope we can secure further support to continue the program at these schools next year and
give more students across Greece the opportunity to benefit from this important program.”

In 2020-21, THI Australia is supporting the following schools:

  • Junior High School of Fourfouras, Rethymno, Crete.
  • 2nd Junior High School of Kalamata, Peloponnese.
  • High School of Krinides, Kavala, East Macedonia.
  • Vocational High School of Leros, South Aegean.
  • High School of Moudros, Lemnos, North Aegean.
  • Junior High School of Peta, Arta, Epirus.
  • Evening Vocational High School of Platanias, Chania, Crete.
  • 2nd Vocational School of Ptolemaida, West Macedonia.
  • High School of Vardas, Ilias, Peloponnese.
  • Junior High School of Voukolies, Chania, Crete.

More than 8765 students at 295 high schools took part in the program in 2019-20 school year,
supported by more than 294 professionals selected from a worldwide pool of more than 1600
mentors.

At the three schools funded by THI Australia last year, 185 students had participated in 30 live
interactive classroom sessions, including some held with mentors from Australia.

The Tipping Point director, Amalia Konstantakopoulou, welcomed THI Australia’s increased support for the program. Photo: THI Australia.

“It was terrific to see students in a village in Greece connecting with a mentor in Melbourne. We hope to see more Australian professionals join Tipping Point’s mentor community,” Mr Pappas said.

The Tipping Point director, Amalia Konstantakopoulou, welcomed THI Australia’s increased support
for the program, which was expanding into vocational high schools this year.

“Our goal is to help students broaden their horizons and expand their knowledge by interacting with
role models around the world and making learning more experiential, engaging and relevant to real
life,” she said.

“Students really benefit from the opportunity to hear about the different mentors’ professional
journeys and experience and get an insight into the many options and prospects that each field has.”

As well as providing career orientation for students during the critical ages of 15-18, Ms Konstantakopoulou says the program had a broader impact on student learning, improving communication skills and boosting their confidence and critical thinking.

The program had a broader impact on student learning, improving communication skills and boosting their confidence and critical thinking. Photo: THI Australia.

While the 2019-20 school year was disrupted by the global COVID-19 pandemic, Tipping Point was well placed with the tools and experience to continue the program remotely for students at home,
as well as help schools transition to digital learning and provide valuable insights into new COVID-19
work environment.

Support a School:

If you are interested in supporting a school to participate in The Tipping Point Program, you can find
a map of schools requiring support on our website and contact THI Australia CEO, Stergitsa Zamagias Hill at stergitsa@thehellenicinitiative.com.au for further information.

Become a Mentor:

Australian professionals from all fields are encouraged to join Tipping Point’s growing global mentor
community and share their knowledge and experience with high school students around Greece.

Mentors can participate through:

  • 20-30min live video sessions in the classroom.
  • 100-second video answers provided via a mobile app at their own convenience.
  • Mentors can register online or contact info@thehellenicinitiative.com.au.

Turkey may resume talks with Greece, warns against EU sanctions

Andriana Simos
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0
Turkey may resume talks with Greece, warns against EU sanctions

Turkey and Greece could soon resume talks over the extent of their continental shelves in the east Mediterranean but the European Union will not help if it threatens sanctions, Turkey’s presidential spokesman said on Sunday.

Tensions flared last month between the NATO members and neighbours after Turkey sent a vessel to survey for gas and oil in waters close to Kastellorizo.

European Union member Greece condemned the move as illegal and pressed, along with Cyprus, for a strong response from EU leaders when they meet on Thursday.

READ MORE: Turkish ship starts energy search, Greek PM says move will not go “unanswered.”

Turkish seismic research vessel, Oruc Reis. Photo: Reuters/ Yoruk Isik/ File Photo.

Ankara withdrew the Oruc Reis vessel last week. It described the move as a routine maintenance stop but later said it opened up the chance for diplomacy to reduce tensions with Athens.

READ MORE: Turkey withdraws Oruc Reis navy ship, sends Barbaros to Cypriot waters instead.

“At this point, the climate has become much more suitable for negotiations to begin,” presidential spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, told Dogan News Agency.

“…Exploratory talks may start again.”

Mr Kalin added that European politicians should know that “threats of blackmail and of EU sanctions against Turkey does not give results.”

Erdogan also tweeted over the weekend that Turkey believed the dispute could be resolved through dialogue while still defending its rights in the region.

“We want to give diplomacy as much space as possible, by listening to every sincere call,” he tweeted. “With this vision, we will continue to defend any drop of water and area of our country to the end.”

Thousands march in Berlin in support of refugees in Greece

Andriana Simos
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0
Thousands march in Berlin in support of refugees in Greece

Thousands of people marched in Berlin on Sunday demanding that the government do more to help migrants stuck in Greece, many of whom have been made homeless since fires ravaged the country’s largest refugee camp.

The crowd marched through the capital to the landmark Victory Column carrying signs with slogans like “we have space” and “Seehofer, be a Christian” — a reference to Interior Minister Horst Seehofer.

Photo: Reuters / Christian Mang.

“I find it unacceptable that we live in one of the richest parts of the world and are somehow scared of 15,000 people and there is an eternal discussion about who will help these people,” one demonstrator, Oliver Bock, told Reuters.

More than 12,000 migrants and refugees fled the Moria refugee camp fire, which the Greek government says was deliberately set by a small group of Afghan migrants to protest a virus lockdown at the camp.

About 9,000 of them have now been moved into a new temporary facility on the island of Lesvos, government officials said on Saturday.

READ MORE: Greece to build permanent migrant centre on Lesvos to replace Moria.

Participants in a demonstration for the immediate evacuation of all Greek camps hold protest signs in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, September 20, 2020. Photo: Joerg Carstensen/dpa via AP.

Germany’s government said last week it would take in 1,553 migrants — 408 families with children — from various Greek islands who have already been granted protected status in Greece. The move came on top of a decision to take in up to 150 unaccompanied children as part of a European effort.

The weekend demonstrators demanded that Germany do more, and that the government not block independent state or municipal efforts to take in refugees themselves.

About 3,000 people had registered to take part in the march, but police told the dpa news agency the crowd numbered in the “mid four-digit range.”

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