Latest News from Greece
Russia offers to help Greece in World War II claims investigation
Moscow is helping Greece in its investigation into possible Second World War reparations from Germany by providing access to previously unused archives.
Following a request by Alternate Defense Minister Costas Isichos, the Russian Embassy in Athens has provided Greek authorities with a list of the relevant archives, including documents, photographs and documentary footage.
Greek foreign minister to meet Turkish PM in Ankara next week
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias is due to meet Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Monday, on the first day of his four-day trip to Turkey.
It was announced on Thursday that Kotzias will visit Turkey two days ahead of a NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting, which will be held in Antalya on Wednesday and Thursday.
Turkey captures 1,029 migrants in one day
Turkey captured 1,029 migrants, many of whom were found crossing the country's borders illegally, including 406 people who attempted to cross into Turkey from Syria, on May 5.
The captured migrants also included three people who crossed into Turkey illegally via Iraq and 113 people who entered illegally via its border with Iran, according to data given by the Turkish General Staff.
Putin tells Tsipras he’ll back financing for natgas pipeline through Greece
“Pipeline politics” resurfaced on Thursday with confirmation of telephone contacts between Greek PM Alexis Tsipras and Russian leader Vladimir Putin regarding the possible construction of a natgas pipeline through Greece carrying Russian gas.
Gov't bows to UEFA, FIFA pressure as violence bill passes
The Greek parliament on Thursday voted into law a controversial bill to curb violence in domestic sports after bowing to pressure for changes from soccer governing bodies UEFA and FIFA.
Putin says Russia ready to provide funds for Greece's Turkish Stream extension
Russian President Vladimir Putin told Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras by phone on Thursday that Russia was willing to provide financing to Greek companies involved in a planned extension to the Turkish Stream gas pipeline project.
The Kremlin said in a statement that Putin had made similar assurances to Tsipras during the Greek leader's visit to Moscow in April.
France says Greek bailout talks headed in right direction
Varoufakis: Agreement will be in the offing in the next days, mostly weeks
France says talks between Greece and its bailout creditors are going the right way and hopes that Monday?s eurozone meeting will see the sides narrow their differences enough to have a deal "within hand?s grasp."
Greece to rehire cleaning ladies, school guards laid off under austerity
Greece's parliament passed a law on Thursday paving the way for the government to rehire about 4,000 public sector workers who were laid off or earmarked for dismissal under austerity cuts imposed by international creditors.
Greece says sticking to 'red lines', wants concessions from lenders
Greece's government is sticking to its non-negotiable 'red lines' on labour and pension issues and expects its EU and IMF creditors also to make concessions to reach a deal, the government spokesman said on Thursday.
Greek banks said to face curbs to foreign exchange trading
By Vassilis Karamanis
Greek banks are increasingly being hampered from trading currencies, one of most liquid markets, as international dealers cut back credit lines and costs soar, according to people with knowledge of the trades.
Tsipras meets with laid-off FinMin cleaning staff
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met with laid-off Greek Finance Ministry cleaning staff at the Maximos Mansion on Thursday.
The cleaners were placed in a civil service mobility scheme in 2013.
They were expected to be rehired after a new bill regarding civil servants sacked by the previous administration was voted in Parliament earlier this week.
Dijsselbloem flags looming liquidity deadlines for Greece
Greece's liquidity problems may impose deadlines as Athens tries to reach an agreement with its international creditors, the chair of the euro zone finance ministers said in a newspaper interview.
Jumbo Greek bike ride at Pedion tou Areos Park
The cycling event of the year will take place on Sunday, May 10, at noon, at Pedion tou Areos and thirty cities around Greece. “Let us put bikes in all schools and bike lanes in each district.
Fraport deal on regional airports, uncertain
Fraport, the operator of Frankfurt Airport, said it was unclear if a deal to operate 14 Greek regional airports in tourist destinations would be completed said Reuters. Fraport, last year, was the preferred bidder for a deal for 14 regional airports but the assets sales had been in doubt after the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) swept to power in the January 25 elections.
Europe Day celebrations at Messolonghi on May 9
Panos Karvounis, the Head of the Greek Representation of the European Commission said that Greek celebrations of Europe Day on May 9 will take place at Messolonghi, western Greece, however there will also be other events at several Greek cities at different dates.