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General Secretary of Greece’s Ministry of Finance visits Melbourne

A few days ago, Delphi Bank executives had a meeting with Christos Triantopoulos, Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance of Greece.

Triantopoulos was received by Delphi Bank on behalf of Jim Sarris.

During the warm meeting, Christos Triantopoulos referred to the past and current state of the Greek economy and analysed the challenges, difficulties and opportunities of the new decade.

Within these discussions, he made many references to the much talked about development of the old airport.

There was then rich conversation with representatives from Delphi Bank who exchanged views and laid foundations for establishing relations between the two sides.

Mr Triantopoulos visited Delphi Bank as part of his official visit to Melbourne, taking part in this year’s ‘No Money for Terrorism’ summit, which Australia has participated in since its first meeting in France.

ELAS conduct drug raid at club in Gazi

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The Greek police have been conducting a series of raids in Athens this week.

First, they raided over 15 homes in Athens in a huge counter-terror operation against the organisation “Revolutionary Self-Defense”.

Next, they raided the University of Athens, placing the university on lockdown after finding masks, helmets and other equipment that suggested a political uprising.

Most recently, ELAS conducted a drug bust on Saturday night at a popular nightclub in Athen’s Gazi area.

The well known Kerameikos club was raided by police, who arrested 10 people.

Six attendees were found with cocaine, heroin, cannabis, MDMA and pharmaceutical tablets.

One employee possessed and three owners of the club were also in possession of cocaine.

The resident DJ, Giorgios Apergis accounted the event on his Facebook page.

The following is an extract from his Facebook Post: “Terrorist Attack and Hostage by the State itself.”

After 25 years of practicing and practicing in the Electronic Dance scene and completely free of drugs all these years, which is well known, you are assaulted in a lawnmower.

On Saturday night I was invited to play music at the Steam club in Athens in Gazi. Early on, I was glad to find that the customers were pretty young healthy clubbers for about 20 years and some older ones who stood out as it turned out to be most of the persecution.

Having worked with the site and up to an organizer in the recent past I know the enormous cost that you spend on security to avoid bullying and substance use, which is evident all over the place.

After my dj set and while you have been drinking 2-3 drinks and having positive emotions as you are under the influence of loud music and photoshoots, it becomes a DOUBLE of ten people rushing into the shop creating panic and fear in the world. Giving orders like: kneel now !! hands on heads everyone !!! Not realizing exactly what they think you are doing is a Bataclan terrorist attack or a bank robbery.

Feeling naturally afraid that if you move they will kill you. Passing the minutes you realize that she is being persecuted. For an hour the picture is one: 300 people kneeling with their hands on their heads as if ready to run in a fun place. Shame and shame. After an hour and not being able to talk to anyone next to you, not on the phone, or move around, you check in and out of the store.

The picture itself, 10 people with their backs to the wall and hands open, ready as for execution by the Nazis, 10 cars on the streets, 3 coaches and about 60 police officers fell as if they had found the yacht with the terrorists.

A sheer assault on the freedom of expression of personal dignity aimed at the alternative field of electronic music.

Monday to today and I have no news from most of my friends and it really impresses me that almost none of the customers have posted anything. Fascism and terrorism will not pass!”

Another detailed account from a female attendee at the nightclub reported she was strip-searched in the bathroom.

“While I was in the toilet, someone showed up and opened the door. He was wearing blue gloves. He tells me “Police raid, get undressed.”

“You’re making a very big mistake,” was the police officer’s response when she shouted that we have a democracy and rights are being violated.

“I stayed in my underwear. She put her hands inside my bra and grabbed me from behind. At that time I had not understood what was happening in the other areas of the club.”

“As soon as I leave the toilet, I see the shop full of OPEC police officers…I tried to go next to my boyfriend and girlfriend who were there but they didn’t let me.”

Greece-China relations continue to strengthen as Chinese President visits Athens

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After Greek PM Mitsotakis’ recent return from China, Chinese President Xi Jinping is now visiting Greece.

These meetings are set with the intention to enhance the integrated strategic partnership between Greece and China.

The Chinese President sent a written statement from Athens shortly after his arrival.

“We will have in-depth talks to further strengthen China-Greece ties under the new conditions, develop a bilateral cooperation plan and open a a new chapter in our integrated strategic partnership,” he wrote.

In this context, he expressed the belief that “concerted efforts on both sides” would make his visit successful. He further noted that stronger ties between Greece and China and wider cooperation are in the interest of both countries.

“I have brought with me the deep friendship of my people with the people of Greece. This is the first stop of my trip to Europe and Latin America. After a stopover in Rhodes five years ago, it gives me positive feelings to come back to this country, where the ancient and the modern are perfectly combined. Allow me to take this opportunity to extend, on behalf of the Government and the people of China, to extend warm greetings and best regards to the Government and people of Greece,” President Xi Jinping said.

The President of China also highlighted the common characteristics of Greek and Chinese culture, and spoke of a long history of friendly and mutually beneficial exchanges.

Focusing on bilateral relations, he notes that they have strengthened in recent years, pointing to “close high-level exchanges, deepening of political confidence and fruitful cooperation” in the framework of the Chinese One Zone One Road initiative, but mainly with the project in Piraeus.

“Our close communication and coordination on important regional and international issues have not only served our common interests, but have also contributed to the peace, stability, development and prosperity of the world,” he added.

37th Athens Marathon tests endurance of athletes all over world

Greece’s leading racing event was unaffected by the heavy rainfall, offering another year of persistence, determination, exhaustion, support and unity – with only winners and no losers.

42-year-old Kenyan athlete, John Kipkorir Komen, secured the victory of the 42,195m race.

He completed the race in 2 hours, 16 minutes, 34 seconds, beating 17-year-old, Felician Mouhitira of Rwanda, by 9 seconds.

Greek athlete, Kostas Gelaouzos, finished in 3rd place, with the second best Greek time in history, at 2 hours, 19 minutes and 2 seconds.

In the women’s marathon, Eleftheria Petroulaki finihsed first at 2 hours, 45 minutes and 49 seconds.

The Athens Marathon attracts people from all over the world, of all different capabilities.

This year, a 32-year-old South Korean man, who is blind, was able to participate in the race with the help of visual impairment assistance.

Police detain weapons of “Revolutionary Self-Defence” group

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In a big counter-terror operation against the organisation “Revolutionary Self-Defense” police raided several houses in Athens, arrested two men and one woman and discovered an arsenal of weapons, Greek Police announced on Saturday.

In the operation that started on Friday, 13 homes have been reportedly raided and 15 people questioned by the counter-terrorism Department of Greek Police.

Two men aged 41 and 45 were arrested on charges of terrorist acts, possession of explosives, violation of weapons law and tampering with official documents.

A 39-year-old woman has been also arrested for violation of arms law. Police are searching for a 46-year-old man.

Convinced that members of the organisation were preparing a powerful blow, ELAS officers carried out a counterterrorism operation against the “Revolutionary Self-Defence” group.

“Fortunately we did. These weapons kill. Two were used and fortunately they did not kill, but injured police officers,” said the Director of Counter-Terrorism.

According to the Anti-Terrorist announcements, the findings include a piece of explosives, possibly TNT, two explosive cartridges, possibly gelatinodynamite and a 40kg ammonium nitrate package, as well as a night vision binocular and a night vision binocular.

These findings lead officers to believe that members of the organisation were likely to strike against a police target, while declaring that the organisation should be upgraded and are more effective in their goals.

The two detainees allegedly members of the “Revolutionary Self-Defence Organisation” were referred to court on Tuesday, while the charges against them and two others are related to acts of terrorism jointly and subsequently with terrorist organisation, as well as aggravated possession of explosives, unlawful possession of firearms, supply and possession of drugs.

The organisation has assumed responsibility for:

  • Two attacks with assault rifles against riot police outside PASOK headquarters in Athens in 2014 and 2017
  • Attacks on the embassy of Mexico and of France in August and November of 2016, respectively. One policeman was injured in the second attack.
  • The same weapon was also used to rob an OPAP gaming store in Holargos on October 21, 2019.

In the raided homes police found and confiscated among other:

  • 5 Kalashnikov rifles
  • 4 hand grenades with CS gas fillers
  • 17 detonators (9 of them remote-controlled)various explosives including gelatin-dynamite, also possible TNT.

Sources: Greek Police, newsit, amna, ethnos, Kathimerini

Delphi Women’s Business Luncheon unites powerful Greek women in leadership

For the second consecutive year, Delphi Bank hosted its annual Women in Business Luncheon – Delphi Bank Women’s Business Luncheon – in Sydney on Wednesday, November 6 at The Ivy.

The “informal” topic of the lunch, as discussed by the panel speakers, was that we should not only celebrate our Hellenic heritage and values, but put our Hellenic philosophies and principles into practice at home and at work to shape the culture of our organisations and community.

L-R: Helen Zorbas, Katia Gzikiza (Greek Trade Commissioner for Australia) and Paula Masselos

The Guest Speaker Panel included Mayor Paula Masselos, Dr Helen Zorbas AO and Pamela Klioufis.

Mayor Paula Masselos is the first woman of Greek descent ever elected Mayor of Waverly and the 6th woman overall in the history of the Council.

READ: The Greek Herald’s Q&A with Mayor Paula Masselos.

Dr Helen Zorbas AO recently resigned as CEO of Cancer Australia. Before that she was the CEO of the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre while leading a series of committees on cancer and health.

Pamela Klioufis is the CEO of BCW, which handled the recent merger with PPR Australia and New Zealand.

The Guest Speaker Panel was Facilitated by Delphi Bank’s Project Coordinator, Maree Hadji and the Formal Welcome was spoken by Delphi Bank’s Marketing Manager, Marie Karabatsos.

Delphi Bank customers and the extended community, as well as friends and associated enjoyed lunch, shared discussions and were given the opportunity to have an intimate chat with the speakers.

After the event, the speakers reminded attendees that everyone has a role to play when advocating for change – no matter at what stage of life or professional career, it all starts with the individual.

As Pamela Klioufis said, “one step at a time. It’s overwhelming for anyone starting out to envision being a CEO, but baby steps on the way are certainly doable”.

Muslim religious leader in Komotini sentenced for “participating in prayer”

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According to Turkish news agencies, an elected Muslim religious leader in Komotini, Greece, was sentenced to 80 days in prison for usurping authority.

Ibrahim Serif is the ‘mufti’ (religious leader) of Komotini, which is home to a Muslim minority of around 150,000 people.

Serif tweeted on Wednesday that he was convicted by a court in Alexandroupoli, on Tuesday, on the basis of his participation in a Friday prayer in Evros, in 2016.

Serif also shared a copy of the court summons.

His lawyer has appealed the decision in a higher court.

Serif previously won a case in 1999 over the same charge after appealing to the European Court of Human Rights.

He was elected mufti of Komotini in 1990 by the local Muslim community.

The election of muftis by Muslims in Greece was regulated in the 1913 Treaty of Athens between Greece and the Ottoman Empire and was later included in the Greek Act 2345/1920.

However, Greece annulled this law in 1991 and started appointing the muftis itself.

The majority of Muslim Turks in the cities of Komotini and Xanthi do not recognise the Greek-appointed muftis and elect their own instead. These muftis are not recognised by the Greek state.

Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” reimagined at Greek National Opera in Athens

Four seasons, a performance for children and adolescents, based on Antonio Vivaldi’s timeless masterpiece, is currently playing at the Greek National Opera Alternative Stage, according to int.ert.gr.

A work of great artistic value which praises nature, Four Seasons comes to life in a unique, playful and entertaining way, while developing children’s ecological awareness and artistic education.

The play will be staged by the Patari project under the guidance of talented director Sophia Paschou, a company whose performances in the last years have become a point of reference for children and young people’s theatre audiences.

The idea of recycling lies at the heart of this special project’s concept. Renowned composer Nikos Galenianos will use Vivaldi’s original music as a point of departure in order to create new soundscapes, which will range from Vivaldi’s original sound to music made from recyclable materials and electronically processed natural sounds.

CAST
Alexis Vidalakis, Giannis Giannoulis, Theodosis Konstas, Katerina Mavrogeorgi, Stefi Poulopoulou, Erifyli Stefanidou, Apostolis Psyhramis.

Sourced from Tornos News.

The Hellenic Initiative and HOPEgenesis tackle Greece’s population issue

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HOPEgenesis is a Greek non-profit organisation active in the field of medicine and social welfare that addresses the major issue of Greece’s low birth rates.

Greece is heading towards a demographic deadlock as the birth-to-death ratio in Greece is negative.

It is estimated that by 2050 Greece’s population will have fallen to 8,000,000 citizens from today’s 10,800,000 million. According to official data from the Greek Ministry of the Interior, in 2017, Greece reported 88,132 births compared to 123,079 deaths, resulting in a dramatic population decline.

The Hellenic Initiative granted HOPEgenesis US$30,000 so that it can provide a medical and psychological umbrella to all pregnant women of the following six islands of the Dodecanese: Arkioi, Chalki, Kasos, Leipsoi, Patmos and Tilos.

HOPEgenesis provides free medical treatment to these women who have very limited access to medical facilities and enables them to travel to an affiliated medical unit and be properly monitored during their pregnancies by a team of obstetricians and gynaecologists.

These six islands have a total of 6,223 inhabitants. Based on their population, there should be 65 births per year and a total of 195 births in a three-year period.

However, according to the official Hellenic Statistical Authority’s figures (ELSTAT), the number of births during the three-year period of 2015-2017, prior to HOPEgenesis involvement, for the 6 islands was only 115.

HOPEgenesis operates in 354 areas across Greece and the network of affiliated hospitals of the organisation consists of 18 medical centres and over 80 doctors. Until today, it has supported more than 260 families in areas where the number of births was very low or even zero.

The organisation was awarded the European Citizen’s Prize 2018.

Sourced via Hellenic News of America

New tax laws in Greece lure investors during economic boom

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PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a series of incentives to attract the global rich to invest in Greece.

On Thursday, the government revealed a legislative proposal of a flat tax of €100,000 on global earnings, if investors move their tax residence to Greece.

Mitsotakis said Greece is in need for investment if regeneration was to take hold.

This move came after Mitsotakis’ visit to Shanghai last week, where he told Chinese president Xi Jinping:

“Today in Greece there is a government that is determined to facilitate foreign investors, attract foreign capital and create wealth and prosperity for all Greeks in a way that is sustainable and protects the environment.”

Under the proposal, investors must reside in Greece for 183 days a year, and make a €500,00 euro investment within three years.

The tax law anticipates that further investments of the rich will have Greece’s businesses and households paying lower taxes.

Under the draft bill the corporate tax rate will be cut from 28% to 24%.

The relief measures in the programme, now put to parliament for debate, will apply until 2034.

“The tax incentive will run for a duration of up to 15 years and will include the benefit of no inheritance tax for assets outside Greece,” a senior official told Reuters.

“The investment can be in real estate, stocks or bonds. If the investment reaches €1.5m then the flat tax is cut by half.”

Investments of €3m or more would reduce the flat tax to €25,000.

The senior official also added that the measures would be irreversible despite changes in future government, so investors would be protected.

The government hopes the incentives will help lure back Greek shipping magnates who fled Greece due to its high taxes.

These measures were a result of the IMF’s economic report which predicted Greece’s economic rate would grow by 1.8% this year – higher than Australia’s.

Brussels – who released their autumn economic report on Thursday, said they foresaw Greece’s economy growing by 2% in 2021.

Greece itself are targeting economic growth rates of 2.8%, which the EU and other economic institutions found ambitious.

Though, the EU also predicts unemployment rates in Greece to drop from 17.3% to 15.4% in 2020. At the height of the economic crisis in 2008, Greece’s unemployment rate was almost 28%.