After the dinner, the 11 leaders issued the Athens Declaration statement, which begins with: “The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a pivotal moment for Europe, creating a new level of awareness of shared principles, unity and common future within the EU.”
“This is a critical time for the security, peace and stability of our European continent,” the leaders declared.
The statement outlined the Western Balkans, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova as geographically adjacent to EU Member States with “a common European heritage, history and a future defined by shared opportunities and challenges.”
Western Balkans and EU member state leaders attend dinner discussion on Monday night, August 21 at the Maximos Mansion in Athens.
The leaders stressed the importance of these regions to be “embraced as full-fledged members of the European family.”
The Athens Declaration statement is a new manifestation witnessed by the Balkan leaders, including Greece, “in the face of Russian aggression” to express “support for Ukraine’s independence.”
The leaders expressed support and appreciation to Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who also attended the informal meeting on Monday in Athens.
After the meeting, Greece and Ukraine confirmed their commitment to join NATO, endorsing a joint declaration regarding Ukraine’s aspirations in the Euro-Atlantic realm, which was signed in Athens on Monday evening, reported amna.gr.
The “Joint Declaration of the Hellenic Republic and Ukraine on the Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine” states the Hellenic Republic’s commitment to “participate together with international organizations, allies and partners in the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine after the war.”
Mitsotakis emphasized Greece’s commitment to aiding Ukraine in this endeavour, highlighting that Greece has been consistently supporting the nation since the commencement of the conflict, according to Ekathimerini.
Greek officials evacuated patients at the Alexandroupolis General Hospital due to large wildfires approaching the area on Monday, while armed forces and patrols increased in the Evros region.
Since the weekend, the wildfires have forced evacuation in villages throughout the central and northeast regions of Greece.
Fire Brigade spokesperson, Yiannis Artopios, announced preparations for a possible evacuation of the Alexandroupolis General Hospital earlier on Monday.
Due to a large fire approaching the northern Greek city, patients were evacuated from the hospital with ambulances under the assistance of the Health ministry and police forces, reported amna.gr.
Photo: Globe and Mail
Civil Protection Minister, Vassilis Kikilias, said after an interministerial meeting on Monday, the wildfires, which started on the weekend, are burning in Evros, Kavala, and Rodopi in northern Greece.
According to amna.gr, armed forces have been set up with an increase in patrols in the Evros region, under the direction of Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, Konstantinos Floros.
The Greek-Bulgarian borders and the routes passing through Greek Muslim minority communities are under patrol, with a drone (UAV Heron) monitoring to keep ground forces informed in real time.
High security measures have been taken on military facilities and camps against the fires.
A maximum alert for the wildfire has been issued for the regions of Attica, Viotia, Evia, Fthiotida, the Argolid and Corinthia.
The National teamdelegation arrived in Manila on Monday for the FIBA world cup 2023, where they were welcomed with live music and souvenirs from the hosts.
Organizers made sure there was a beautiful reception awaiting the team at Ninoy Aquino International Airport when the team landed.
The internationals were surprised by the “warm” reception and several of them recorded the scene with their mobile phones.
The 12 internationals selected by Dimitris Itoudis for the World Cup squad: Kostas Papanikolaou, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Giannoulis Larentzakis, Ioannis Papapetrou, George Papagiannis, Michalis Lountzis, Dinos Mitoglou, Nikos Rogavopoulos, Thomas Walkap, Lefteris Bohorides, Dimitr of Moraitis and Manolis Hatzidakis.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will take place in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia from August 25 to September 10. The 32 participating teams will play in 92 games played over 16 days.
For those looking for an authentic Greek holiday experience it doesn’t get much better than exploring the southern Peloponnese.
Near the quaint fishing village of Kitries, south of Kalamata, a herd of goats scatter across a steep, rocky track as we pull to a stop in front of our accommodation for the night. The beautiful stone house has a jaw dropping backdrop; silver-green olive trees against an endless sea where a bright orange sun is setting over the Messenian Gulf.
Silver-green olive trees near views of the Messenian Gulf.
There are many reasons to visit the Mani Peninsula and region of Laconia in the southern Peloponnese. The area has plenty of appeal for the type of traveller wanting to get off the beaten path, away from places frequented by the holiday masses.
The stone houses are a strong characteristic of the area.
Picturesque villages, secluded beaches, breathtaking views, amazing food and surprisingly good wine – to name a few. Spend some time to unwind, chat to the friendly locals and uncover some knowledge about the area’s rich history visible in its many Byzantine churches, fortifications, and stone houses characteristic of the area. The people of the Mani, the Maniots, claim descent from ancient Spartans, fiercely independent, apparent in the important role they played in the War of Independence.
Heading back along the dirt track in Kitries, we find a little seaside fish taverna. No menu is offered, everything is fresh and locally caught. Another table is occupied by a couple of musicians playing the bouzouki.
We tell them our plans to travel further along the Mani Peninsula to the pretty coastal villages of Kardamyli, Stoupa, Limeni and the areas capital Areopoli, before heading further east in Laconia to Monemvasia. In turn, they tell us about The Diros Caves a spectacular flooded cave complex, you really must see.
So it is one morning, we find ourselves carefully balanced in a punt (narrow boat), the silence of the cave punctuated only by the echo of our guides voice as he rows us through the majestic flooded cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.
Sailing the waters in a punt to Diros Caves.
The cave complex is one of the largest in Europe stretching for around 14 kilometres and reaching depths of 80 meters. Archaeologists have discovered fascinating finds from the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods, early human habitation, evidence of panthers, lions, spotted hyenas, and a large collection of hippopotamus fossils dating back 32,000 years.
Exploration of the cave continues; experienced cave divers have found stalagmites at depths of 71 meters which formed when the sea surface was much lower than it is today.
The cave is certainly very impressive. Disembarking the boat, it takes a few minutes to adjust my eyes to the bright Greek sunshine.
Beyond The Diros Caves the landscape changes to a stark rocky terrain that has a wild, untamed feel to it. Few tourists venture this far south, and indeed up until recent years some Mani villages were only accessible by sea. However, it’s worth braving the winding roads if for nothing else than to visit the villages of Geroliminas and Vathia, perched high above the sea with its cluster of tower houses like little forts.
Leaving the villages of the Mani behind, on the cusp of The Taygetus Mountains, our first stop in the bustling portside town of Gytheio feels like a return to civilisation. We drive on, on deserted roads through olive and citrus groves, until we reach the medieval fortress town of Monemvasia in Laconia.
A hidden fortress town in the Myrtoan Sea connects to the mainland by a causeway.
The hidden fortress town, a jewel in the Myrtoan Sea connected to the mainland by a causeway, is a fascinating place stooped in visible history. Nestled on the rockface of the island facing out to sea, it was built this way to avoid enemy attacks.
Entering through the castle walls you are transported into an ancient world, where the streets are a labyrinth of cobbled pathways and tunnels. The well-preserved town of Monemvasia has been continuously inhabited since medieval times and many of its buildings have been restored using the original materials on the site. Some have been converted to boutique hotels, tavernas, or shops which sell unique handmade gifts, olive oil, mead, and the sweet Malvasia wine, an historical product of the area.
Breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea.
There are many beautiful churches but the most impressive is the church of Agia Sofia which sits amongst the ruins of the Upper Town. Architecturally there are only seven of its kind in Greece. It takes about twenty minutes to reach the ruins of the Upper Town along a zigzagging path. The top of the path reveals an ancient Byzantine fortress which dates back to the 6th century, and a breathtaking view over the Mediterranean Sea, and lower town.
A cafe in central square.
Later, relaxing in a cafe in the central square, admiring the surroundings – pops of greenery and colourful flowers which contrast against the stone and stucco buildings – we reflect on our journey from Kitries to Monemvasia. Exploring this lesser-known side to Greece has been a rewarding experience and one which we will never forget.
On Sunday August 20, Pontoxeniteas NSW held a procession of the Holy Icon of Panagia Soumela to celebrate the Dormition of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary).
Members, friends and youth came together at a Divine Liturgy service led by Fr Sotiris Drapaniotis at the Transfiguration of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Church, Earlwood. This was followed by a procession with the Holy Icon of Panagia Soumela to the Pontian House in Earlwood.
At the Pontian house, guests enjoyed morning tea in the presence of Fr Drapaniotis.
Members, friends and youth came together to celebrate.
Procession was held to the Pontian House in Earlwood.
Guests enjoyed morning tea in the presence of Fr Drapaniotis.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will host Western Balkans and EU member state leaders for an informal dinner discussion on Monday night, August 21 at the Maximos Mansion in Athens.
According to government sources, Mitsotakis invited the leaders to discuss the EU enlargement and the EU future of the region.
President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the EU Council, Charles Michel, who will attend the dinner, said the meeting will be “symbolic”, as June 21 was the 20th anniversary from the “Declaration of Thessaloniki” of the EU-Western Balkans Summit, reported amna.gr.
President of the EU Council, Charles Michel (L) and President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen (R) to attend dinner at Maximos Mansion.
On June 21, 2003 the EU Western Balkans summit was held in Thessaloniki which essentially paved the way for EU integration of the countries of the region.
The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic; of Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic; Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Dimitar Kovacheski; Prime minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti; and the President of the Ministers Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Kristo, will be in attendance.
The leaders of Albania, invited at President’s level, and Slovenia were unable to attend.
The dinner will be held at Maximos Mansion, located near Syntagma Square in central Athens Monday night, August 21 at 8:15pm.
The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria joined forces with Yes23 and the Multicultural Australia for Voice alliance to launch the Victorian Multicultural Voices for ‘Yes’ awareness campaign.
A number of representatives from the Greek community were also present at the Federation Room of the Victorian Parliament including Bill Papastergiadis, Faye Spiteri, Tina Douvos-Stathopoulos, Maria Dimopoulos and George Lekakis.
The event was scheduled so as to harness the power of multicultural communities to raise awareness about why the recognition of our First Nations People in the Constitution is important.
Guest speakers aim to raise awareness about why the recognition of our First Nations People in the Constitution.
Guest speakers at the event included Aunty Esme Bamblett, CEO of the Aboriginal Advancement League and a member of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks, and the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams.
The Greek Community of Melbourne as an ECCV Member will be hosting its own community forum to inform its members about the referendum. The Islamic Council of Victoria is also hosting an event.
At the event Mo Elrafh of the ECCV said, “Our First Nations and multicultural communities have shared values that bind us. Our awareness campaign will empower and equip our diverse communities to have positive conversations and to make informed choices in the upcoming referendum.”
Minister Brooks added that “We’re thrilled to see the ECCV launch this awareness-raising campaign to harness the power and strength of our multicultural communities to achieve recognistion of First Nations People in our constitution.”
A number of representatives from the Greek community were present at the Federation Room of the Victorian Parliament including Bill Papastergiadis.
The CEO of the Aboriginal Advancement League Aunty Esme Bamblett said “Governments will get better outcomes if they listen to Aboriginal people who know what our community needs.”
“Victoria has the most advanced treaty process in the country and the Andrews Labor Government is proud to support the constitutional recognition of First Peoples and a Voice to Parliament.” said minister William.
Bill Papastergiadis said that the “First Peoples deserve our support. As Migrant communities we too understand the importance of inclusivity and diversity as a means of achieving a mere harmonious and fairer society”.
An extensive summer wildfire fuelled by strong winds has caused the evacuation of villages in northern Greece over the weekend.
Authorities in Greece undertook the evacuation of eight villages situated near the northeastern border with Turkey on Saturday. A further five villages were evacuated on Sunday with strong fire warnings for Monday in the regions close to Athens, and other parts of southern Greece.
No immediate reports of injuries to either residents or firefighters have surfaced.
According to the fire service, the blaze was proving difficult to contain despite the efforts of over 200 firefighters. These firefighters were aided by a squadron of 16 water-dropping planes and three helicopters, reported Ekathimerini.
Additional personnel were dispatched from different parts of the country to provide reinforcements.
Greece’s Minister for Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, said firefighters, police, army personnel and volunteers were “waging an intense battle” in the Alexandroupoli area on Sunday.
“No outdoors work that could trigger a fire will be permitted,” he said. “We must all protect our country.”
Inhabitants of Alexandroupoli were advised to shut their windows due to the smoke that had enveloped the town from the fire’s direction.
The ignition of the forest fire transpired in the early hours of Saturday, originating near the village of Melia, located to the east of Alexandroupoli. Authorities acknowledged that two of the evacuated villages sustained property damages.
An inside view of a burnt church after a wildfire in a village near the northeastern town of Alexandroupolis, Greece, Sunday, August 20. Photo: Ilias Kotsireas.
The situation led to the temporary closure of a significant segment of a major highway in the vicinity, prompted by the dense smoke that had engulfed the area.
Attributing the escalating frequency and intensity of wildfires across Europe to climate change, European Union officials highlighted that 2022 marked the second most severe year for wildfire-related destruction on record, second only to 2017.
In a separate incident, a smaller wildfire was reported to be ablaze near Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece, located in the northern part of the country. In preceding developments, firefighters successfully managed to bring a blaze under control on the western island of Cephalonia.
The fire service has issued a high alert for wildfire risk over the weekend.
Sydney Olympic FC managed a 1-0 victory over the Marconi Stallions at Marconi Stadium on Saturday night in the penultimate round of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition.
A lone goal to Oliver Puflett was all it took for the boys from Belmore to secure the victory, as Marconi were unable to answer the 28th minute goal.
Both teams went end to end in the opening stages looking to make an early mark on the match.
Marconi looked to Domenic Costanzo and Matthew Hatch in the wings to create chances, but Olympic was clinical in keeping the hosts at bay.
Despite the Stallions creating some early attacking opportunities, it was the visitors who took the lead in the 28th minute.
Roy O’Donovan was quick to pounce on a poor touch from Aleksandar Duricic to take a shot at goal which was kept out by Marconi ‘keeper James Hilton.
Sam McIllhatton then took a second shot at goal for the visitors which was cleared just in front of the line by Duricic.
The ball bounced out at Puflett who was able to convert the opportunity and get the first goal of the match.
Olympic continued to apply pressure in the final stages of the half but weren’t able to take more from the first stanza, hitting the sheds with a one-goal advantage.
Marconi came back from the half-time break with renewed vigor looking to even the score.
Olympic came close to another goal in the 63rd minute from a Darcy Burgess corner that Hilton got a hand to, before Puflett tried to shoot at close range but Giorgio Speranza managed to clear it off the line.
Will Mutch then made a forward run from the rebound and cut the ball in to O’Donovan who tried to send it over the line, again denied by Hilton.
The ball popped out to O’Donovan who tried to hit a side volley into the goal, but it bounced high over the crossbar.
Ziggy Gordon played a quick free kick around the halfway mark to O’Donovan, who fired over the crossbar from range.
The intensity grew in the final stages as the hosts looked to try and create something to level the score, but Olympic dug in to hold them out.
Substitute Justin Vidic looked poised to score as he received the ball from Nathan Millgate and hammered it towards the target, but it hit the face of Parsons.
Marko Jesic pounced on the rebound but wasn’t able to convert as Parsons collected the ball on the floor.
Marconi earned a free kick from a dangerous area in the dying stages of the game, but Jesic’s shot was defended by Olympic’s wall, leaving the visitors with the victory.
Sydney Olympic FC coach Labinot Haliti was pleased his side was able to put on a strong performance to take the win.
“We’ve been like that all year but patches in a game have cost us, and tonight we had a full 90 minutes,” he explained.
“I said a few months ago that there is a process, it will take time, it’s no excuse, it’s a fact, but you can see the type of football we play.
“It’s not by luck, it’s designed and we’ve been working hard and I don’t look at the table, it is what it is this season.
With the Premiership title out of contention, Marconi Assistant Coach Peter Pathoysis was disappointed with his side’s performance.
“I wasn’t happy with the performance at all,” he said.
“They’ve got to play to finish the season off on a high, as high as possible.
“They’re actually playing for their careers, if they want to be kept at this club, they’ve got to be playing for those last few matches – if we’re going to select the team, here’s their chance.
The fight to rescue The Paragon, a cherished establishment steeped in history, is rapidly gaining momentum. Spearheaded by the ‘Friends of the Paragon’, the petition has garnered more than 3,700 signatures and hundreds of comments that were presented to local representative Trish Doyle MP on August 16 – coinciding with the birthday of the Paragon’s Kytherian founder Zac Simos in 1897. Ms Doyle will make a formal presentation to Heritage Minister Penny Sharpe’s office and considerations are underway as the future of the Paragon hangs in the air.
Ms Doyle told the Greek Herald that the Friends of the Paragon group representatives told her that the Paragon was “unloved and neglected”. “It may be neglected, but it is not unloved,” she stated, pointing to the passion of people fighting to protect it from decay. “I moved to the Blue Mountains 20 years ago; and my first memory was taking my sons, aged four and six years, to get a hot chocolate at the Paragon,” she said, adding that she had toured the establishment before the previous tenant Robyn Parker had vacated in 2018.
Ms Parker, the third owner of the Paragon, played an important role in having the place listed in the State Heritage Register. For the last five years, however, the place has been ravaged by time and neglect.
Friends of Paragon with Trish Doyle MP.
Rod Stowe, the Chair of the Blue Mountains Branch of the National Trust, met with Ms Doyle and emphasised the significant powers that the Government and its agencies possess to safeguard such landmarks. He told the Greek Herald that during his meeting to present the petition to Ms Doyle, he pointed out the recent findings from the Auditor General’s report highlighting shortcomings in Heritage NSW’s efforts to maintain state-listed heritage properties.
“It is tragic that the future of this mountain’s icon is now at serious risk. Accordingly, the National Trust strongly supports the sentiment expressed in the petition being presented by the Friends of the Paragon seeking the intervention of the Minister for Heritage to ensure that essential maintenance and conservation work is undertaken at the property as soon as possible,” he said, imploring Minister Sharpe to exercise her authority and ensure the owner, lawyer John Landerer, fulfils his obligations under the Heritage Act.
Ms Doyle said that Minister Sharpe, who has also been a patron of the establishment in the past, is already closely monitoring the situation. “Petitions and legislatures are different, however the comments accompanying the online petition can have impact when delivered to the right person at the right time,” she said. “We haven’t spoken yet, but we will look at the comments and see what we can do to ensure that the owner complies with local heritage laws. We have already made requests in the past and we will now look to see what we can do.”
The Heritage Council of NSW had issued General Terms of Approval for conservation and repair works to the Paragon in May 2020, with approval granted in November of the same year. However, concerns have arisen about stalled conservation efforts, potentially causing further water damage to the plaster work and cabinetry.
Heritage NSW had inspected the property on 9 June this year to ascertain the status of its condition. At the time, they were told works would commence in August, however when the Greek Herald called Mr Landerer’s office there was no comment given on the hotel’s future.
A café of historical significance
Once famous for its custom-made chocolates and pastries, as well as art deco interiors created by renowned architects, designers and artists, the Paragon was a must-visit destination for visitors to the Blue Mountains.
Historian Leonard Janiszewski and photographer Effy Alexakis, who have dedicated close to four decades documenting Greek-Australian culture, emphasise the importance of the Paragon’s conservation. “The enterprise’s development during the twentieth century evidences the full evolution of the Greek café in Australia with its influences from America. As such, its preservation is paramount,” Mr Janiszewski told the Greek Herald.
Paragon Cafe – Photo by Effy Alexakis, from the ‘In Their Own Image: Greek-Australians’ National Project Archives.
“Like the recently restored Niagara Café in Gundagai, NSW, the Paragon must have a sustainable business plan for future operation. Once restored, it cannot operate on nostalgia alone. It can be brought sensitively into the 21st century through catering to current food tastes and a variety of unique events – celebrity chefs, chocolate making workshops, public lectures, musical entertainment, etc.”
Executive Officer of Friends of the Paragon, lawyer Hal Ginges, said, “We are encouraged by the support of a great many locals and visitors to the Mountains and the interest that continues to be shown in preserving The Paragon and seeing it returned to a place of pre-eminence in the tourism and dining opportunities in the Upper Mountains.”
Jan Koperberg, a passionate advocate for the restoration, said The Paragon “has been part of Katoomba life for over a century and many people remember The Paragon from visits to Katoomba as children” underscoring the emotional connection that generations have shared with the café.
“The Paragon is also a reminder of the important input that our early immigrants made to our young nation.” another supporter, Edina Hunter, said.
The accompanying words of those who sign the petition echo the sentiments of a community that values The Paragon’s historical and cultural significance. The anniversary of founder Zac Simos’ birth serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy that The Paragon represents.
Paragon Café chocolate and biscuit boxes 1930s–1974. Photo by Effy Alexakis, boxes from the ‘In Their Own Image: Greek Australians’ National Project Archives.
