PM George Papandreou`s interviews with international media

The Economist

In an interview with “The Economist” in London (uploaded on February 23), Prime Minister George Papandreou says he understands the EU’s concerns but stresses his country is not asking for handouts:
George Papandreou on Greece’s woes & video 

ABC Australia

The premier discusses his plans to deal with the nation’s crippling debt in the face of fierce anti-reform protests, in an interview Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Europe that was broadcast on February 24 on “Lateline” (information programme).
ABC.net: Greek PM discusses economic turmoil
(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)

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Prize for Greek-Australian Writer

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)   Prominent Greek-Australian writer Christos Tsiolkas is the “overall” winner of the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book for 2009 for his record-selling book “The Slap“.  It was announced during a special ceremony at the Auckland Writers’ and Readers’ Festival in New Zealand over the weekend.  The prestigious Commonwealth award is accompanied by a cash prize of 20,000 dollars.  Tsiolkas, who lives in Melbourne, has written three novels and several plays, and is also a candidate for the 2009 Miles Franklin Literary Award, Australia’s top literary prize.  The Age (17.5) – ‘Blown away’ Tsiolkas takes prize

Books about Greece: “Sea of Many Returns” & more

Ithaka and Odysseus’ journeys have inspired many writers. Arnold Zable’s new novel, “Sea of Many Returns,” charts more recent comings and goings from Ithaca, explores the sense of physical and emotional journeying, and continues the renowned author’s fascination with the migrant experience.  Xanthe is compelled to return to the birthplace of her father, Manoli, and her maternal grandfather, Mentor, prompted by family and literary associations. Xanthe is translating Mentor’s manuscript, an account of leaving Ithaca and his subsequent life in Australia. The book takes the reader to modern-day Ithaca, to its mountains, its villages and its harbours, and into the houses of its people.  Secretariat General of Information: Books – Living in Greece  

AHEPA Convention in Athens

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)  The 86th annual American Hellenic Educational & Progressive Association‘s (AHEPA) supreme convention commenced in Athens yesterday.The Greek capital is hosting the largest and oldest Greek-American organisation’s main event, for the first time after 38 years. The AHEPA members from Australiasia, Canada, Greece and Cyprus are attending the event in Athens from July 1 to 12 and in Cyprus from July 13 to 15. Addressing the opening ceremony, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis congratulated the Organisation for its valuable contribution to the Greek culture, adding that AHEPA members are genuine ambassadors of the Greek spirit abroad. On his part, the Minister of Economy and Finance George Alogoskoufis highlighted the business opportunities emerging in Greece, focusing on the foreign investments.  AHEPA is the largest and oldest American-based, Greek heritage grassroots membership organization.  It was founded in the United States of America in 1922. Convention Programme; Secretariat General of Information: Links Library-Greek Diaspora & About Greece, Greeks Abroad 

The Greek Language, Ancient & Modern

 (GREEK NEWS AGENDA)   The Greek Language is one of the earliest attested Indo-European languages, spoken today by approximately 12 million people in Greece, Cyprus, Albania, Bulgaria, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Italy, Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Egypt, Jordan and in emigrant communities around the world, including Australia, United States, Canada, Germany and elsewhere.

Greek Signature in Information Technology

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA) The world’s smallest (5×5 mm) digital wireless chip bears the signature of a scientist of origin, Professor Stan Skafidis. Together with his team, Australian Skafidis’ chip constitutes a technological breakthrough in wireless networks. The new device transmits 5 Gbps over a wireless connection and offers users a tenfold increase in volume capacity, for 10$. The new chip was developed by Skafidis, in collaboration with the National Information and Communications Technology Research Centre (NICTA), its Melbourne University-based laboratories, and information technology companies. Prof. Stan Skafidis’ resume: Melbourne University- Engineering Departments