Greece This Month – February 2013 9

PM Samaras on EU Budget agreement

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The heads of states and governments

who participated in the European

Council meeting in Brussels on

February 7-8, reached a deal on the

next Multiannual Financial Framework

(MFF) -the EU’s budget for 2014-2020.

At a press conference following the

conclusion of the summit, Prime

Minister Antonis Samaras noted that

Greece will be initially receiving €14.5

billion from the new community

support programme, along with €1.8

billion for rural development.

An additional sum of € 2 billion is also

expected after 2016, following a

revision of the country’s contribution

to the budget, as a result of the GDP

shrinkage caused by the crisis. "Under

difficult conditions, we achieved the

best we possibly could," said the PM,

add

psychological boost for us all." The

package for Greece is smaller than the

previous one, when Greece received

"Noting that there is common ground for a new beginning in their relations, the PM

added that his government is against bureaucracy and will

any obstacles to growth and business.

Earlier in the same day, Samaras met with the Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al

Thani, and the Crown Prince, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Khalifa Al Thani.

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras

concluded his two

Qatar on January 30, after meetings with

the country’s top leadership and the

inauguration of the Greece

Business Council. "It is an important day

for the relations between our tw

countries," Samaras said, addressing the

inaugural ceremony, stressing that the

new institution will give

investments and business opportunities.

PM Samaras on EU Budget agreement

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Greece

In this issue:

• PM Samaras

• Daniel Day

• A Greek to head the Royal Navy

• Sai l ing through the

• Lysistrata

EMBASSSY OF GREECE

Press & Communications Office 1

Tel.: 020 77273071, Fax: 020 77278960 pressoffice@greekembassy.org.uk

shrinkage caused by the crisis. "Under

difficult conditions, we achieved the

best we possibly could," said the PM,

adding that this decision is "a

psychological boost for us all." The

package for Greece is smaller than the

previous one, when Greece received

€25 billion. This reflects the overall

trimming of the EU budget by about

3% to €960 billion. Greece was also

hampered by the fact that payments

were calculated on the basis of pre

crisis GDP levels. However, the overall

amount Greece will be receiving is

higher than the one originally

calculated (around

New Impetus for Greek-Qatari Relations

Noting that there is common ground for a new beginning in their relations, the PM

added that his government is against bureaucracy and will

any obstacles to growth and business.."

Earlier in the same day, Samaras met with the Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al

Thani, and the Crown Prince, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Khalifa Al Thani.

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras

concluded his two-day official visit in

Qatar on January 30, after meetings with

the country’s top leadership and the

inauguration of the Greece-Qatar

Business Council. "It is an important day

for the relations between our two

countries," Samaras said, addressing the

inaugural ceremony, stressing that the

new institution will give new impetus to

investments and business opportunities.”

ISSUE 149

1

Greece In this issue:

PM Samaras on EU Budget

Daniel Day-Lewis in Athens

A Greek to head the Royal Navy

Sai l ing through the Cyclades

Lysistrata

EMBASSSY OF GREECE

Press & Communications Office 1A Holland Park, London W11 3TP Tel.: 020 77273071, Fax: 020 77278960 pressoffice@greekembassy.org.uk

€25 billion. This reflects the overall

trimming of the EU budget by about

€960 billion. Greece was also

red by the fact that payments

were calculated on the basis of pre-

crisis GDP levels. However, the overall

amount Greece will be receiving is

higher than the one originally

calculated (around € 11 bn).

this month

Qatari Relations

Noting that there is common ground for a new beginning in their relations, the PM

added that his government is against bureaucracy and will do its best to eliminate

Earlier in the same day, Samaras met with the Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al

Thani, and the Crown Prince, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Khalifa Al Thani.

GREECE this month – February 2013 Issue 149

2

1.5 bln euros in assets seized from tax evaders in 2012

Greece has achieved a primary surplus of € 435 million, according to preliminary data published by the Finance Ministry for the execution of the general government budget of 2012. "General government figures confirm that the government has achieved its fiscal targets for 2012," Alternate Finance Minister Christos Staikouras said.

A tri-lateral intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between Greece, Italy and Albania in support of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) was signed yesterday in Athens, in the presence of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. TAP "will turn Greece from a second-tier energy destination into a strategic transit point," Samaras said at the ceremony, adding that it will improve the country’s energy supply. Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos signed the agreement on behalf of Greece, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister of Albania, Edmond Haxhinasto, and Italian Development Minister Corrado Passera.

"The political will of Greece, Italy and Albania to construct the TAP is a loud call to all potential international investors,"

Avramopoulos said, noting that the TAP is of strategic

importance as it aspires to be a bridge linking the West to the East, Europe with Eurasia, Greece with Eurasia. "A bridge linking the largest energy market in

the world -Europe- with one

of the regions richest in energy reserves: the

Caspian basin." The signing ceremony took place at the Foreign Ministry and was attended by representatives of the government of Azerbaijan, the TAP joint venture and the companies participating in the Shah Deniz II Consortium.

TAP is one of the pipeline projects being developed to transport gas from the and across the Adriatic Sea, to southern Italy and further into Western Europe.

TAP will submit its bid to the Shah Deniz Consorti-um on March 31, while the final decision on the pipeline route will be made in June, 2013. Greek News Agenda: PM Meets TAP Representatives and Memorandum on TAP pipeline Signed.

TAP Intergovernmental Agreement Signed

General Government primary balance data (i.e. not including interest payments) show a surplus of € 434 million for 2012, compared with a deficit of € 3.5 billion for the corresponding period of 2011. These positive developments concerning budget implementation indicate that efforts for fiscal consolidation, adjustment and discipline are paying off, creating the necessary conditions for the stabilization and gradual restart of the economy, the statement further notes. The deficit reduction was achieved by a combination of larger than expected cuts in primary government expenditure and private and official sector debt relief, Fitch Ratings stresses in a report published today regarding the Greek surplus. Continued progress in reducing the fiscal deficit, coupled with comparable developments in the current account balance, indicates that the Greek economy is rebalancing, the report adds.

First Land Privatisation Deal Concluded

The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) announced yesterday the approval of a binding offer made by NCH Capital for the privatisation of the property at Kassiopi, Corfu. According to a Fund statement, NCH Capital offers € 23 million to purchase the rights of the property for a period of 99 years, another € 2.3 million for the possible participation of the Fund in the future added value of the asset after six years, as well as € 75 million for investments in the area, acculumating thus about € 100 million in benefits from the privatisation. The property surface area is 490,000 sq.m. (120.83 acres), of which more than 320,000 sq.m. will be accessible to the public, while the investor has the right to develop another 36,000 sq.m. for mild tourism projects. The HRADF has also approved tender procedures for another four projects. You Tube: Hellenic Republic Asset

Development Fund [VIDEO]

Greek authorities announced that the state has in the last year seized a total of 1.5 billion euros from individuals with large overdue tax debt to the state, both in assets and in sums taken directly from their bank accounts. Of these amounts, 1.4 billion euros were seized by tax agencies and the remaining 100 million euros by the country's financial crime agencies. A finance ministry report said that these seizures of assets and bank accounts were made possible by a new law on overdue debt to the state.More analytically, the report said that major

Primary Surplus Recorded for 2012

tax debtors – with debts exceeding 100,000 euros - were the focus of tax authority inspections last year, with confiscations for these tax evaders totaling 1.16 billion euros. Confiscation of savings accounts: Tax authorities have asked banks to confiscate assets worth 350 million euros owned by 742 large tax debtors, of which 62 are the largest debtors. The amounts seized from these 62 largest debtors exceeded 100,000 euros, for an equivalent amount of debt, with the total sum of the confiscations totaling 320 million euros. Confiscation of assets: Tax authorities confiscated real estate assets and other assets (vehicles, airplanes, ships, etc) worth 1.05 billion euros from 12,136 individuals with large debts to the state. Of these, 4,245 owed more than 100,000 euros to tax agencies, with confiscations for this category totaling 841.3 million euros. “Major tax evaders will pay their share. This has already begun,” Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras said, adding that “tax evasion must end. It is inconceivable that wage and pension earners should continue bearing the burden of fiscal adjustment, while others avoid paying their taxes. I repeat that large-scale tax evaders will pay, while authorities will show greater flexibility for those unable to service their debt obligations”.

Greece this month – February 2013 Issue 149

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Daniel DayDaniel DayDaniel DayDaniel Day----Lewis in Athens for 'Lincoln' Lewis in Athens for 'Lincoln' Lewis in Athens for 'Lincoln' Lewis in Athens for 'Lincoln' premierepremierepremierepremiere

Oscar - winning British-Irish actor Daniel Day-Lewis visited Athens for the Greek premi-ere of his new film "Lincoln" and to promote the work of the Hellenic Spastic Society, which has invited him. Day - Lewis has requested that all the proceeds of the premiere be donated to the Spastic Society's 'Open Door' Center, which the actor holds dear to his heart. Oscar winner of the Best Actor Award for the films "There will be Blood", "My Left Foot" and “Lincoln”, Day-Lewis attended the CityLink in central Athens, and after the screening discussed with the audience, followed by a reception. 'Lincoln', directed and produced by Steven Spielberg and starring Daniel Day

– Lewis as US President Abraham Lincoln and Sally Field as his wife Mary Todd Lincoln, covers the last four months of the life of one of America's most important presidents, focusing on his efforts in January 1865 to have the Thirteenth Amend-ment to the US Constitution, outlawing slavery, passed by the House of Representa-tives. In January the Academy of Athens awarded the Spastic Society for its 40 years of contribution to children and adults suffering from cerebral palsy through

the systematic provision of quality services, programmes and activities designed to improve and promote their quality of life. Day-Lewis has been nominated for the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for his role as 'Lincoln'.

A Greek to Head the Royal Navy

British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond confirmed new appointments in the British armed forces according to which Admiral Sir George Zambellas is to be appointed First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff in succession to Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, in April 2013. Zambellas was born in 1958 in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, to a Greek father, Michael George Zambellas, and a British mother, Rosemary Frederique Zambellas (née Lindsay). He studied at the University of Southampton obtaining two degrees, in aeronautics and astronautical engineering. Having joined the Royal Navy in 1980, Admiral Zambellas began his 33-year Navy career flying helicopters and captained HMS Chatham during the Sierra Leone intervention in 2000.For most of last year he served as the Navy's Fleet Commander as well as commanding NATO maritime operations from it's UK headquarters in Northwood.

A Greek scientist Evangelos Kaimakamis is the new ESA-sponsored medical research doctor for Concordia, a joint French-Italian inland Antarctic research station run by the French Polar Institute and Italian Antarctic Programme, which hosts a human research protocol coordinated by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Concordia partners every year, supplied by universities and research institutions from across Europe. After a long and tiring journey from Greece, via Frankfurt, Singapore, Sidney, Christchurch, McMurdo and Terra Nova bases to Antarctica, Kaimakamis finally arrived at Concordia base, on January 22. In the Concordia blog, he notes his excitement

for having being selected to join the project as well as the huge responsibility this entails. "Living and working in such conditions, plus dealing with the effects of constant darkness and isolation during the winter is definitely an achievement, but also a matter of great scientific interest," he notes. Concordia is one of the most appropriate places on Earth to study the effects of these adverse parameters to the human body and mind, because it simulates conditions in space bases with the aim of drawing conclusions that can help astronauts in future space missions, but also people living and working in extreme and confined places on earth.

What is a Greek doing in Antarctica?

GreeceVirtual

Whether you are planning your next vacation or simply want an online guide to our country, virtualgreece.gr is an ideal guide to Greece with unique possibilities. The site offers a virtual tour of Greece with stunning 360° panoramas. It allows rotation in any direction and zoom on any detail, providing the most precise and detailed image of any chosen location, while images are accompanied by the natural sounds of each place. Besides sightseeing, Virtual Greece also offers information on accommodation, dining and activities, providing a full "be there before you are there" type of digital experience.

GREECE this month – February 2013 Issue 149

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Sailing through the CycladesSailing through the CycladesSailing through the CycladesSailing through the Cyclades

All aboard for the Cyclades The journey through the marvellous islands of the Cyclades is illuminated

by the blue and white colours of the Aegean. According to the ancient

myth, it is Poseidon, god of the sea, who created the island complex that

is now one of the most famous worldwide.The Cycladic islands charm and

challenge all sea lovers. It is within their crystal-clear waters that senses

awake to allow travellers to grasp the essence of the islands’

splendour. An amazing journey commences

powered by “meltemi”, the strong Cycladic

winds.

Whether you own a sailing or a motor yacht, the

choices for personal all-yours discovery are

literally countless. The same goes for those not

in possession of a private vessel, thanks to the

agencies renting outpleasure crafts. Known for

their experience and professionalism, these

agencies will answer your enquiries and offer

you options tailored to suite every pocket and

taste.On board

Take care of all the formalities, bring in supplies and off you go…!

First stop, Andros, a beautiful island, on whose precipitous coastline

mourning doves and martins welcome you. Tinos with its holy aura and

the unique landscape will captivate you. All compasses then lead you to

the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos, famous for its nightlife and the

windmills that stand confident connecting the past with the present.

Sailing with tailwind, you approach Naxos to witness the light of the

Aegean resting on sandy beaches while the nautical route leads you to

the small coves of Amorgos, the ideal island for a Big Blue experience.

Onward, at full speed for Anafi, the island to which the extremely high Mt

Kalamos gives a peculiar conic shape: immense serenity and absolute

beauty emerge in front of you. The journey continues staring at the

shadows of the volcano on the white houses climbing the steep rocks

onSantorini. They nod just before they dive into the colours of the

astounding sunset. Mooring the boat at Ios, golden beaches and

gorgeous coves captivate you, as the island’s

vibe and your heartbeat become one.Seagulls

and dolphins escort your way to Serifos, Sifnos

and Milos. Rocky scenery, striking beaches and

leeward natural havens wait to be explored.

Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Kythnos, Kea,

Gyaros; stunning coastlines, closed bays but

most of all precious experiences. Docking at

the “Aegean Nymph”, Syros, you find yourself

in the capital of the Cyclades. Seduced by its

sapphire-watered gulfs, discover its innermost

beauties! Simply unforgettable is the sunset at

the most picturesque port of Paros, Naoussa.

Opposite to Paros rests a small but utterly sublime island, Antiparos.

The Cyclades dance around the non-inhabited island of Delos, one of the

most important archaeological sights of Greece, the mythological birth

place of light.

Touring will soon lead you to the Small Cyclades complex, a palette of

turquoise dotted with the precious islands of Iraklia, Schinoussa,

Donoussa and Koufonissia.

Special Tips:

-The lunar landscape at Sarakiniko on Milos

-The leeward harbour of Faros on Sifnos

-Windsurfing and waterskiing at Pounda beach on Paros

-The crazy nightlife of Mykonos

-The safest dock of Syros, Foinikas

-The “Old Lady’s Leap” (“Tis Grias to Pidima” in Greek) beach on Andros

-The monastery of “Panagia Chozoviotissa” on Amorgos, visible only by

the sea

-The traditional pigeon-houses on Tinos

-The relaxed atmosphere of Antiparos

-The golden beaches and the crystal blue waters of Ios

-The small scenic harbours and coves accessible by boat only on Kimolos

-The “Chryssospilia” (= golden cave) on Folegandros

Useful links:

Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Association, www.hpyoa.gr

Hellenic Yacht Brokers Association, www.hyba.gr

Greece this month – February 2013 Issue 149

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An eternal monument of an unsurpassed civilizationAn eternal monument of an unsurpassed civilizationAn eternal monument of an unsurpassed civilizationAn eternal monument of an unsurpassed civilization

Knossos was the most prominent centre of the Minoan Civilisation, one of the magnificent civilisations of human kind. The renowned ancient city with the palace is the largest and most typical archaeological site ever discovered on Crete. It is located at a distance of 6 km SE of Heraklion amidst olive groves, vineyards and cypress forests. According to tradition, it was the seat of the legendary king Minoa. Apart from being the royal family's residence, it was also the administrative and religious centre for the whole region. The Palace is also connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur, and the story of Daedalus and Icarus. The first person, who conducted a systematic excavation at Knossos in 1878, was the lover of antiquity Minos Kalokerinos. However, luck was on the Sir Arthur Evans' side, the Englishman who first came to Knossos in 1894 and discovered the palace. The excavation

works commenced shortly after Crete’s independence in 1900 and continued with several interruptions for 35 years, by Evans personally and his associates.

The Palace of Knossos

The brilliant Minoan palace of Knossos occupies an area 22,000 sq. m. You enter the central court via the south entrance. You then come across three wings. The throne room is situated in the west wing. The eastern wing contains the royal chambers, the double axes room, the queen's megaron with the dolphin frescos, the workshop areas – where the stone carver's workshop holds an eminent place – and the storage rooms. At the north entrance is the custom's house with columns and pillars. To the North West outside the palace are the lustral basin, the theatre and the royal road that leads to the small palace. To the northeast of the main palace you can visit the royal villa and 1 km further to the South is the royal tomb.

In an article headed “The trend: a new Hellenic league” in the Financial Times of January 26-27, Natalie Whittle reviewed the Greek restaurant Mazi which opened in London last summer. Mazi (Greek for "together") follows the new Greek culinary trend that has slowly taken off in Greece in the past decade. Its mission is to be authentically Greek but not predictable; it has dishes such as lamb baklava, lobster with orzo and lemon and feta tempura with lemon marmalade and caper meringue.

There’s also a well-crafted Greek wine list, Santorini Vinsanto, cocktails with mastiha liquor from Chios and Mount Olympus tea. The environment is bright with chic white metro-tile wallpaper, blue banquettes and garden tables at the back. Mazi aspires to fill a gap in the high-end of Greek restaurants in London.

.

The FT Presents "Mazi"

Restaurant in London

The Cycladic Cheese Pallet

Known to the world for their sublime beaches and

unique architecture, the Cycladic islands now aspire

to acquaint visitors with one of their lesser known

gifts: the 40 different types of cheese that they

produce. A new initiative launched by the Ministry of

Rural Development and Food aims to acquaint

Greeks and foreigners with the delicious assortment

of the Cyclades’ cheese products, as well as with the

historical, cultural and even mythological elements

related to their production. Cycladic cheeses are

extremely diverse, ranging from the sharp-taste,

salty kopanisti cream cheese and the peppery Syros

San Michali, to the milder Naxos graviera and

manoura from Sifnos Island. The campaign, dubbed

Cycladic Cheese Pallet, was presented at the 8th

Zootechnia animal farming exhibition in

Thessaloniki on February 11, and will serve as a pilot

for future initiatives.

TRADITIONAL HONEY PIE

FROM SIFNOS ISLAND

INGREDIENTS

700 gr Greek Anthotyro cheese or mascarpone style

cheese

1 cup honey

1½ cup sugar

8-9 eggs

All purpose flour (for the oven pan)

Cinnamon powder (enough for sprinkle)

METHOD

In a bowl, make cheese crumbs with a fork, and pour

over the honey. Stir to combine. Add the sugar

(keep on stirring) and the eggs, one at a time. Beat

the mixture with a a mixer machine. Sprinkle some

flour all over an oven pan and pour the mixture in .

Bake in preheated oven at 200 C. Degrees for 45

minutes.

The island of Lesvos is rich in hot mineral and healing baths and the town of Thermi is best known as a spa-resort (Loutropolis). There, the large number of Hellenistic era marbles, Roman inscriptions and Ottoman buildings, indicate that its hot springs have been in use since ancient times. At the beginning of the 20th century, when thermal and healing baths were fashionable all around Europe, Thermi was famous for its luxury hotel, the Sarlitza Pallas, built in 1909, right next to the hot springs. The hotel was commissioned by Hassan Efendi Mola Mustafa and was designed by French architects. The presence of the Sarlitza Palace Hotel transformed the area into a very modern health resort, with international fame, attracting visitors and famous figures from East and West alike. It was a magnet for royalty and clergy. However, from 1933 it fell into decay. Nowadays, the Prefecture of the Northern Aegean has drawn up an ambitious plan to restore the hotel and the hot springs to their former glory and thus put the area back on the international map of tourist destinations.

Sarlitza Hotel in Thermi Lesvos

Greece this month – February 2013 Issue 149

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Aegean: Birth of an ArchipelagoAegean: Birth of an ArchipelagoAegean: Birth of an ArchipelagoAegean: Birth of an Archipelago

The 1st Hellenic Forum ''GREXITING the crisis!'' is an ambitious idea of the LSEsu Hellenic Society. Taking for granted, the fact that Greece is at the heart of the European economic crisis and international developments for another year, is organized a series of events at LSE looking at Greece's future in Europe, as follows: RELOAD Greece Date: 2 March 11:00 -17:00 Venue: LSE, Room TBC for tickerholders. The day will be spent on getting information on how to transition from an idea, to a business plan to making the leap into entrepreneurship. The seminar will conclude with a panel discussion on the entrepreneurial environment in Greece investigating the trends of growth and how can a start up receive funding. For more info please visit: www.reloadgreece.com. For registration please email: info@reloadgreece.com. GREXITING the Social crisis Date: 4 March 18:00-21:00 Venue: LSE, Room TW1.G.01 This event will take place emphasizing on social and political crisis of values and structu-

res, focusing on social policies in the crisis in order to maintain social cohesion and dignity of our fellow human beings and to give the perspective of revival to the Greek society.

GREXITING the Economic crisis Date: 6 March 18:00-21:00 Venue: LSE, Room TW1.G.01 The event on Economic crisis, will be focusing on the future of the Greek economy from now on, and in particular what are the economic policies that should immediately be followed both at National and European level in order to sanitize the economy of Greece and at the same time, put it in an orbit of growth.

GREXITING Business depression Date: 8 March 16:00-19:00 Venue: LSE, Room EAS.E171 This event will be dedicated to the business sector and especially on opportunities despite the crisis and the new data on the labor market in Greece and Europe. The events will be held in English, in the premises of the LSE. The exact location of each event will be confirmed only to the ticket holders. .

An original exhibition on the birth of the geological treasures of the Aegean Archipelago is on display at the Centre and Technology Museum NOESIS in Thessaloniki from February 19 to May 30. The birth of the Aegean archipelago is eloquently illustrated by audiovisual interactive presentations, rich photographic material and unique exhibits. The main section of the exhibition, entitled Recollections of Gaia: from the Tethys Ocean to the Aegean Archipelago, examines the geological history of the region from the vast Tethys Ocean till today. A 14-metre petrified trunk is the most impressive exhibit of this se-

ction. The second section, in the islands of Hephaestus and Poseidon focuses on volcanic activity which gave birth to the unique and diverse formations of the region. A floor map with typical rocks and fossils constitutes the highlight of this section. The third section, Gaia: from Myth to Science, follows the trail of the region’s vast biodiversity during the last 150 million years. Fossilized trunks, roots, fruits, leaves and seeds alongside animal representations initiate the visitor in a unique journey. The exhibition is organized by the National History Museum of Lesvos Petrified Forrest in collaboration with the Museum of Paleontology and Geology and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

.

Argo: Rowing Down Mythology

In 2002, the city of Volos announced a project to rebuild Argo, the mythical ship of Jason and the Argonauts legend, and to recreate their mythical journey to Colchis to retrieve the Golden Fleece. A real, working, full-scale Argo replica was built, using, as was the case with the original Argo, wood from Pelion Mountain and traditional techniques and methods. In June 2008, seventy-four people from different countries embarked on a magical voyage retracing the mythical Argonauts’ journey, setting sail from Alikes in the Pagasetikos Gulf, while another successful journey was completed in June 2012. Today, the modern Argos is on display at the Alikes seafront, and is open to visitors. The Argonauts Rowing Club of Volos is planning to begin tours around the Pagasetikos Gulf, during which guests will be able to swim, row and moor in ports as in ancient times. Greek News Agenda: Documenting Jason & The Argonauts Expedition, Youtube: Argo’s Experimental Journey [VIDEO]

Hellenic Foundation of Culture - Translation Prize

The presentation of the annual Translation Prizes administered by the Society of Authors UK, was held at Kings Place, London, on February 4. During the event, Avi Sharon was awarded the translation prize of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, for his translation of the collection Selected Poems by C.P. Cavafy, by Penguin. The prizes were presented by Sir Peter Stothard, Editor of the TLS at a special readings event, held in conjunction with the Sebald Lecture, this year given by Boris Akunin. Anne-Marie Stanton-Ife was commended for her translation of A Short Border Handbook by Gazmend Kapllani (Portobello). Professor Dimitris Tziovas and Sara Wheeler were judges. The HFC prize amounting to £ 1,000, was awarded for the first time in 2002 and is presented triennially.

Greece this month – February 2013

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, tranquil beaches, an enchanting promenade and interesting sights, Kalamata is one of the prettiest cities of the Peloponnese. Despite being the 10th largest city in Greece, Kalamata’s smallcentre and peaceful promenade give it a true smallTake a stroll around the beautiful neoclassical buildings in the centre and discover its many sights: an impressive,13thcentury, castle towering over the city, the BenakeionArchaeological Museum's important collection of artifacts from the Bronze Age to Roman times, and the Museum with its relics from the Greek War of Independence. Visit the Kalograion Monastery, whose nuns are famous for their silk-weaving tradition. The city also hosts a treasure for railway enthusiasts: the Railway Park, an open-aim museum that encompasses the city’s beautiful old railway station, including platforms, wagons, engines, a water-tower and much more. The best way, however to enjoy this sun-drenched city is by the waterfront: dive into the waters of the 6-mile-long beach and enjoy the free sunbeds; take a leisurely walk around the port and the promenade, or stop into one the many

tavernas and cafés. Don’t miss on the fabulous mountatea from Taygetos Mountain, the delicious local cheeses and

pancakes. And

Kalamata is within an hour’s drive

from the archaeological site of Olympia, the medieval castle of Mystras, the

ravishing beaches of Navarino bay, and sublime Mani.

City Break: Kalamata, Sun City

into the shape of an amphora.Zachariadis draws much of his inspiration from clean, geometric forms, giving special attention to detail. As he notes, the spark of creativity within the then teenage Maximos was ignited when his mother’s jewellery was stolen, motivating him to restore what was lost using materials available in the house. Zachariadis obtained a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Jewellery & Metalsmithing from the University of The Arts in Philadelphia, USA and later worked fLondon for three years before moving permanently back to Greece, where he collaborates with selected jewellery shops.

Maximos Zachariadis, is a successful Greek jewellery designer who has recently produced a range of items for the British Museum. The collection includes coral and mother of pearl earrings and matching necklaces.items, inspired by the designer’s Greek heritage, are handsemi-precious stones

Greek jewels at the British Museum

days of sunshine a year, tranquil beaches, and interesting sights, Kalamata is

. Despite being Greece, Kalamata’s small historical

give it a true small-town feel. beautiful neoclassical buildings in the

an impressive,13th-the city, the Benakeion

eological Museum's important collection of Messinian the Bronze Age to Roman times, and the Folklore its relics from the Greek War of Independence.

Visit the Kalograion Monastery, whose nuns are famous for their ition. The city also hosts a treasure for railway

aim museum that encompasses the city’s beautiful old railway station, including

tower and much more. The drenched city is by the

long beach and take a leisurely walk and the promenade, or into one the many tavernas and cafés. Don’t miss on the fabulous mountain tea from Taygetos Mountain, the delicious local cheeses and

lalaghia, Kalamata’s

pancakes. And if you feel like an excursion,

Kalamata is within an hour’s drive

from the archaeological site of Olympia, the medieval castle of Mystras, the

es of Navarino bay, and sublime Mani.

Deputy Minister for Sports Yiannis Ioannidis decried a shock recommendation made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to exclude wrestling from the 2020 Olympic programme. In a letter to IOC President Jacqueexpressed the feelings of all Greeks and their respect to the history of the sport, emphasising its connection with Greece and the ancient Olympic Games. "The history, tradition and social acceptance the sport be sacrificed of media marketing," noted, wrestling has global appeal countries members of International Federation. Hellenic Committee (HOC) urged the IOC tosport has practiced since antiquity that was also part of the first modern Olympics in 1896."This is undoubtedly a decision against the history of the Olympics and of sports in general," the HOC said in a statement. With a final session in September, the sports community worldwide has joined the Greek Wrestling Federation in condemning the recommendation by reciting the Olympic Hymn: "…at running, wrestling and throwing. "A Break With Ancient Games? "to Olympic wrestling would be a brutal break with the ancient Games," Cambridge University Professor, Paul Cartledge, writes in the Guardian. "Milon, the legendary ancient wrestler, would surely be revolving in his grave now if he had heard the IOC announcement," he comments, and calls on the IOC to not allow "this particular link between ancient and modern, between them and us" to be "so brutally snapped." The newspaper is also holding an online survey on the subject, while a twitter campaign has also been launched to get wrestling back in, hoping to get 300k retweets and 150k followers.

City Break: Kalamata, Sun City Wrestling & the Spirit of

Zachariadis draws much of his inspiration from clean, geometric forms, giving special attention

As he notes, the spark of creativity within the then s jewellery was

stolen, motivating him to restore what was lost using materials Zachariadis obtained a bachelor’s degree

in Fine Arts, Jewellery & Metalsmithing from the University of The Arts in Philadelphia, USA and later worked for Hermès in London for three years before moving permanently back to Greece, where he collaborates with selected jewellery shops.

Maximos Zachariadis, is a successful Greek jewellery designer who has recently produced a range of items for the British Museum. The collection includes coral and mother of pearl earrings and matching necklaces. All items, inspired by the designer’s

heritage, are hand-carved on and materials

Greek jewels at the British Museum

date one extra passenger, unlike other vehicles of this type. The project has been developed for Korres Engineering based company founded by Dimitris Korres Konstantinos Malandrinos and Thanos Pappas, a senior student at the Department of Product & Systems Design of the University of the Aegean. The vehicle will be a heavy quadricycle, equipped with a unique suspension system designed by Korres provide a balanced ride even on rough terrain. Almost any wheelchair (electric or not) available on the market can fit inside the car. A joystick control system may be used by quadriplegics, but there will be other versions with a handlebar

Project D3 is an innovative concept for an electric car designed for the quadriplegic, introducing two major novelties.First,control the vehicle without having to leave the wheelchair or use a ramp,time and gives the driver considerableautonomy. Secondly,

A Greek Car for People with Disabilities

Issue 149

7

Deputy Minister for Sports Yiannis Ioannidis decried a shock recommendation made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to exclude wrestling from the 2020 Olympic programme. In a letter to IOC President Jacques Rogge, Ioannidis said he expressed the feelings of all Greeks and their respect to the history of the sport, emphasising its connection with Greece and the ancient Olympic Games. "The history, tradition and social

that marks should not on the altar ratings and

Ioannidis adding that a huge with 180

being the

Wrestling The

Olympic Committee (HOC) urged the IOC to reverse its decision on a sport has practiced since antiquity that was also part of the first modern Olympics in 1896."This is undoubtedly a decision against the history of the Olympics and of sports in general," the HOC said in a statement. With a final decision resting with the IOC session in September, the sports community worldwide has joined the Greek Wrestling Federation in condemning the recommendation by reciting the Olympic Hymn: "…at running, wrestling and throwing. "A Break With Ancient Games? "An end to Olympic wrestling would be a brutal break with the ancient Games," Cambridge University Professor, Paul Cartledge, writes in the Guardian. "Milon, the legendary ancient wrestler, would surely be revolving in his grave now if he had heard the IOC announcement," he comments, and calls on the IOC to not allow "this particular link between ancient and modern, between them and us" to be "so brutally snapped." The newspaper is also holding an online survey on the subject, while a twitter campaign

so been launched to get wrestling back in, hoping to get 300k retweets and 150k followers.

Wrestling & the Spirit of the Olympics

date one extra passenger, unlike other vehicles of this type. The project has been developed for Korres Engineering - an Athens based company founded by Dimitris Korres - by architect Konstantinos Malandrinos and Thanos Pappas, a senior student at the Department of Product & Systems Design of the University of

The vehicle will be a heavy quadricycle, equipped with a unique suspension system designed by Korres Engineering, to provide a balanced ride even on rough terrain. Almost any wheelchair (electric or not) available on the market can fit inside the car. A joystick control system may be used by quadriplegics, but there will be other versions with a handlebar for paraplegics.

Project D3 is an innovative concept for an electric car designed for the paraplegic and quadriplegic, introducing two major novelties.First, a person can enter and control the vehicle without having to leave the wheelchair or use a ramp, which saves time and gives the driver considerable autonomy. Secondly, the car can accomo-

A Greek Car for People with Disabilities

Greece this month – February 2013 Issue 149

8

BOOKING INFORMATION 6-23 March, 2013 @7.45PM, (Except Sundays) Matinees: 7,12,14,19,21 & 23 March @2 pm Running Time: 1.5 hours (no interval) Riverside Studios Crisp Road, London W6 9RL Box Office: 020 82371111 Online: www.riversidestudios.co.uk Tickets: £16 (£13 Conc) Groups 10+: £11; Schools: £11 SEX STRIKE TO STOP EURO CRISIS There’s no solution to the Euro Crisis…riots, marches, what next? The women of Europe join Lysistrata in a sex strike to persuade the men to find a peaceful solution.A hilarious, naughty musical adaptation of Aristophanes' comedy set against the backdrop of the European crisis with live music by Daemonia Nymphe. Following enormously successful productions of Sophocles’ ANTIGONE and Aeschylus’ THE ORESTEIA, Theatre Lab Company are back in 2013 with Aristophanes’ LYSISTRATA.