Latest News from Greece
Greek minister promotes collaboration in international culture dialogue
Alternate Culture Minister Nikos Xydakis represented Greece in the international conference “Culture: an instrument of dialogue among peoples”, organized by Italy in the premises of the International Exhibition of the Milan Expo 2015. The conference had the participation of eight three countries and Xydakis had the opportunity to promote cultural partnerships.
Bloodbath as ATHEX resumes trading after five weeks
The Athens Stock Exchange opened after a five-week suspension in Greece with the Athex Composite plunging to 20% at 615.12 when it resumed trading at 10.30 a.m. The falls are even steeper in financials with decreases as much as 30%. The full extent of the losses will be revealed after a few hours of trading.
Greek statistics chief steps down as talks underway: Read his statement
Veteran International Monetary Fund statistician Andreas Georgiou was appointed head of Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) in 2010 in an effort to restore credibility to Greek statistics after the debt crisis erupted. On Sunday, he stepped down, informing Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos of his decision not to accept the extension of his term effective on that day.
Canada PM calls Oct 19 election, focus on sluggish economy
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on August 2 called a parliamentary election for Oct 19, kicking off a marathon 11-week campaign likely to focus on a stubbornly sluggish economy and his decade in power.
Polls indicate that Harper's right-of-center Conservative Party, which has been in office since 2006, could well lose its majority in the House of Commons.
Time and cash running out for Greek negotiating team
The hopes of the the Greek negotiating team that a final agreement would be reached with the Quartet as swiftly as possible and lead to the disbursement of the large 86-bln-Euro bailout loan, are fading away, especially after the postponement of the Quartet’s meeting with the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (TAIPED) for Monday.
Greece signs energy deal with Venezuela
Greece’s Secretary General for International Economic Relations Giorgos Tsipras signed an important energy agreement with the Boliviarian Republic of Venezuela in Caracas Saturday. During the official signing of the memorandum of understanding, Tsipras underlined the significance of the deal in strengthening cooperation between the two peoples.
Meteora: In the Heavens above (pics+vid+byzantine chanting)
The mystical Meteora (suspended) Mount Monasteries are perched on top of natural sandstone pillars in the area of Kalambaka, Thessaly in central Greece. They are considered an architectural marvel and are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The monasteries are adorned with some wall frescoes and mosaics of exceptional beauty.