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Council of the European Union      16/5/2018 Declaration by the High Representative, Federica Mogherini on behalf of the EU on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, 17 May 2018 On the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, the European Union reaffirms its commitment to combat all forms of discrimination and hate crime, on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics, and to continue to actively promote and protect the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons. Inside and outside the European Union, LGBTI persons are too often targets of violence and hate crime. They are still the frequent subject of discrimination and maltreatment on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics. In many countries having a partner of the same sex remains a crime. People are arrested, imprisoned, and in some cases executed, just because of the relationship they are in. Even in countries with legal protection of sexual orientation, stigmatisation due tohomophobia, transphobia and biphobia remains high, leading to social exclusion with economic and health-related costs on societies. 2018 is an important year for human rights, as we mark the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its first article reads "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights". LGBTI persons are no exception, and the EU will therefore continue to fight for "equal rights for all" regardless of sexual orientation. Through a combination of political and human rights dialogues, awareness-raising activities, financial assistance and specific policy tools such as the "European Commission's List of actions to advance LGBTI equality" and the EU "Guidelines to promote and protect the enjoyment of all human rights by LGBTI persons" the European Union will continue to address discrimination and violence on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and show the European Union's commitment to advance LGBTI equality in the European Union and beyond. The European Union pays tribute today to all those working to promote and protect the human rights of LGBTI persons. Allow us to reiterate that "Human rights Defenders, you are not alone and the European Union will always be with you". European Council      15/5/2018 Letter from President Donald Tusk to the members of the European Council ahead of their informal dinner and the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia Following Prime Minister Borissov's kind invitation, we will meet in Sofia tomorrow for an informal working dinner ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit. As planned, our discussion will focus on innovation and the digital economy – two themes of strategic reflections under the Leaders' Agenda. The enclosed Note outlines the main issues at stake to guide our discussion. You will be invited to reflect on two questions: What should be done at the EU level to support and boost breakthrough and disruptive innovation? How can the EU become a major player in the field of big data? This will be an open debate, without written conclusions at this stage. However, as always, it will help to steer the European Council decisions in June. During our meeting, we will also reflect on recent global developments, in particular following President Trump's announcements on Iran and trade as well as the latest, dramatic events in Gaza. As regards the US decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, I will ask the three leaders who are signatories to the agreement, that is Prime Minister May, Chancellor Merkel and President Macron, to present their assessment of the situation following the US withdrawal. I would like our debate to reconfirm without any doubt that as long as Iran respects the provisions of the deal, the EU will also respect it. This is the line already discussed by our foreign ministers and presented by the United Kingdom, Germany and France, who are working hard to sustain the deal. We should also get an update from High Representative Mogherini, while President Juncker will share his thoughts on how the interests of the European companies engaged in economic cooperation with Iran can be best preserved. When it comes to the US trade measures, President Juncker will debrief us on the state of play. As we know, the US tariffs on steel and aluminium cannot be justified on the grounds of national security. This is why we agreed in March to call for the permanent exemption of the EU from these tariffs and strongly supported the steps taken by the European Commission to ensure that the interests of the EU are fully protected. This includes the possibility to respond to the US measures as appropriate and in a proportionate manner, in compliance with the World Trade Organisation rules. While recalling the European commitment to strong transatlantic relations as a cornerstone of the security and prosperity of both the United States and the European Union, we also underlined our support for dialogue on trade issues of common concern. Tomorrow night I will propose we stick to our guns. Our renewed and full support for the European Commission will strengthen its position in the negotiations with the US. This is the only way to protect European interests. It is clear that it is not the EU that is putting transatlantic trade relations at risk. But we need to be sure that we have done everything in our power, and within the limits of the international trade rules, to avoid a negative scenario. The following day, we will meet our Western Balkan partners collectively for the first time in 15 years. After my recent trip to the region, I am convinced that the EU is the only partner that cares genuinely about the stability of the entire region and a prosperous future for its peoples – as opposed to treating it as a geopolitical game of chess, in which the people are pawns. The European perspective for the Western Balkans should remain a firm commitment on both sides. But apart from the political declarations about the future, we must demonstrate that we care about the economic development of the Western Balkans here and now. Investing in infrastructural and human connections with and within the Western Balkans region is in the EU's best interest. And the objective of our summit is to prove it. Leaders' Agenda note on Innovation and Digital

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Successful Leadership Excursion Concludes with Visits to Athens, Thessaloniki and Berlin


Under the leadership of Supreme President Carl R. Hollister, the annual AHEPA Family Leadership Excursion concluded successfully after visits to Athens, Thessaloniki and Berlin during the past week.


The delegation conducted a series of high-level meetings in Athens and attended several events hosted by AHEPA Hellas District 25. Meetings were held with: President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, U.S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt, Minister of Defense Panos Kammenos, who hosted us for a defense briefing; Minister of Tourism Elena Kountoura, where we discussed plans for the 2021 Supreme Convention in Athens, and President of New Democracy Party Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The delegation laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and held ceremonies at the Marshall Statue and Truman Statue-both of which were donated by AHEPA. photo gallery


"We sincerely appreciate the Greek government, the U.S. Embassy 

in Athens, and

our Brothers and Sisters of Hellas District 25, for making this portion of our Leadership Mission a success," Supreme President Hollister said.



From Athens, the delegation made a quick visit to Thessaloniki to visit the AHEPA Hospital and meet with its administrators. Supreme President Hollister laid a wreath at the Balkan War Memorial. Also, much appreciation to Alexander the Great Chapter HJ-3 for hosting the delegation at the Officers' Club in Thessaloniki. photo gallery
Finally, the Leadership Excursion concluded with another quick stop--this time to Berlin, Germany, to make an official visitation to the AHEPA District 28 Convention to swear-in the new district officers.
Revisit:
Cyprus photo gallery Ikaria photo gallery Ecumenical Patriarchate photo gallery

Greek Travel Pages: AHEPA to Hold 2021 Convention in Greece


In efforts to promote Greece and its tourism offerings, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) will hold its 2021 Family Supreme Convention in Greece.

The announcement follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the association and the Greek Tourism Ministry. A delegation, headed by AHEPA Supreme President Carl Hollister, recently met with Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura in Athens and discussed details involving the convention. read article


Today is AHEPA Family Capitol Hill Day!



The AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope are walking the Halls of Congress to take their message to legislators today. It's all part of the organizations' annual Capitol Hill Day, a tradition since 2006, where members of Congress will hear directly from the grassroots about the public policy priorities of the AHEPA family. The day concludes with a reception in the Capitol Visitors Center that will honor excellence in public service. Tonight's honorees are: U.S. Representative and Chairman Emeritus of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and U.S. Representative Niki Tsongas (D-MA).

May is Older Americans Month!



Did You Know? AHEPA, through the AHEPA National Housing Corp., is a leadingprovider of affordable housing for the elderly in the United States through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Section 202 Program for the Elderly. AHEPA's Housing Program has developed 95 affordable elderly housing communities, totaling 5,049 residential units, spanning 21 states.

The Administration for Community Living just released its annual summary report on older Americans, 2017 Profile of Older Americans. Some stats:
Over the past 10 years, the population age 65 and over increased from 37.2 million in 2006 to 49.2 million in 2016 (a 33% increase) and is projected to almost double to 98 million in 2060.
The age 85 and over population is projected to more than double from 6.4 million in 2016 to 14.6 million in 2040 (a 129% increase).
About one in every seven, or 15.2%, of the population is an older American.
Register Today! | AHEPA Family Supreme Convention



Make sure you are caught-up on the details of the 96th AHEPA Family Supreme Convention, July 22 to 27, 2018, Atlantic City, N.J. Harrah's Hotel & Casino will play host for our annual meeting. Call 609.441.5000 to make reservations. learn more PDF Register Today!

Don't forget to follow AHEPA on social media:


The Ahepan

Check out the spring 2018 edition of The Ahepan. Catch a recap of from the Third International Leadership Mission, highlights from veterans being honored across the country, and preview the 96th Annual Supreme Convention in Atlantic City, N.J.! And see what our chapters are doing around the world in service to their communities in the Chapter News section! read it here

Upcoming Events & Deadlines

May
16 | AHEPA Family Capitol Hill Day
20 | AHEPA Sunday (AHEPA Legacy promo video)

June
22 | Supreme Convention Registration Deadline

July
22 - 28 | 96th AHEPA Family Supreme Convention, Atlantic City, N.J.

Join AHEPA Today!




In Our Own Words. What AHEPA means to us.

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Greek American News Digest

Editor's Note: Editorials, Commentaries, and Opinion pieces are shared for information purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy positions of the Order of AHEPA, its affiliated organizations, and members.

Greek president asks Prince Charles to return Elgin marbles
The Times UK (May 10)



The Prince of Wales has deftly deflected a Greek appeal for the return of the Elgin marbles during an official visit to the country. "We are all Greeks," Prince Charles told President Pavlopoulos, after hearing his appeal for the return of the marbles at the start of a state dinner held in his honour last night. read more


Pelion: the guide to Greece's secret peninsula
The Times UK (May 13)

Midway between Athens and Thessaloniki, the 23-mile-long Pelion peninsula, hook-tailing into the Aegean from Mount Pelion, has the holiday essentials - ravishing beaches, turquoise waters - but also beech and oak forests, splashing waterfalls and gurgling springs. The homeland of the centaurs, it's where the Greek gods themselves went for their summer holidays. read more

Greece races to meet bailout demands as inspectors return
Boston Herald (May 13)

Bailout inspectors have returned to Athens as Greece races to comply with the final terms of its rescue program, which ends in August. Negotiations resumed Monday, with Greece still facing dozens of measures to address in the next ten days to remain on track for an agreement next month on the terms of bailout debt repayment after the program ends. read more

UN 'frustrated' over Turkey's reluctance to confirm Lute envoy to Cyprus
Cyprus Mail (May 13)



Ankara's reluctance to give the green light for the arrival of Jane Holl Lute in Cyprus, as the Secretary-General's personal envoy to probe the potential resumption of settlement talks, is causing frustration at the United Nations, CNA has learnt. According to a well-informed source, Greece and Great Britain already gave their go-ahead for the mission, as Lute is expected to hold contacts with the two communities and the three guarantor powers. read more

Prosecutor Brings Experience to Schneiderman Inquiry
New York Times (May 13)





When Madeline Singas, then the acting Nassau County district attorney, was campaigning to keep the top job in 2015, her message to Long Island voters was clear: She was a career prosecutor, not a politician. Now, Ms. Singas has been thrust onto the national stage as the prosecutor appointed to investigate Eric T. Schneiderman, the state's former attorney general accused of physically assaulting four women with whom he was romantically involved. read more

American School of Classical Studies Athens Annual Gala in NYCThe National Herald (May 11)

The American School of Classical Studies at Athens (ASCSA) hosted their Annual Dinner Gala at Capitale in New York City on May 9. Each year the event gathers over 350 prominent philanthropists, philhellenes and scholars, to celebrate the extraordinary 137-year history of the American School. read more

ΧΑΪΔΑΡΙ:ΗΜΕΡΑ ΥΙΟΘΕΣΙΑΣ ΖΩΩΝ

Ε.Ε.Κ.Ε.: Σας εφιστά την προσοχή για τις εταιρείες τηλεπικοινωνιών

Την προηγούμενη χρονιά, για τον εορτασμό της παγκόσμιας ημέρας  «Τηλεπικοινωνιών και Κοινωνίας της Πληροφορίας», οι εταιρείες τηλεπικοινωνιών, ανακοίνωσαν προσφορές και σημαντικές εκπτώσεις στα προϊόντα και τις υπηρεσίες τους. Στον αντίποδα της πολιτικής αυτής, η Ένωση Εργαζομένων Καταναλωτών Ελλάδας επιλέγει την ημέρα αυτή, να επικεντρωθεί στην προστασία των καταναλωτών από πιθανούς κινδύνους και «παγίδες» που θα αντιμετωπίσουν κατά τις συναλλαγές τους. Αφορμή αποτέλεσε το μεγάλο ποσοστό καταγγελιών που έχουμε διαχειριστεί έως σήμερα και οι οποίες αφορούσαν εταιρείες τηλεπικοινωνιών. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, η ΕΕΚΕ έχει δεχτεί δεκάδες τηλεφωνήματα και έχει διαχειριστεί πληθώρα καταγγελιών από καταναλωτές κατά εταιρειών τηλεπικοινωνιών, σχετικά με υπηρεσίες σταθερής-κινητής τηλεφωνίας και παροχής Internet. Συνηθέστερες περιπτώσεις, αφορούσαν παράτυπες χρεώσεις, παραπλανητικές πρακτικές και καταχρηστικούς όρους. Σημειώνουμε πως η κατηγορία «Τηλεπικοινωνίες» συγκέντρωσε, για το έτος 2017, τις περισσότερες καταγγελίες καταναλωτών, αγγίζοντας το 30,4% επί του συνόλου των καταγγελιών, ξεπερνώντας ακόμα και τις καταγγελίες σχετικά με τραπεζικές συναλλαγές (21,4%).

Αξίζει να σημειωθεί ότι η πλειοψηφία των καταγγελιών που έχει διαχειριστεί η Ένωση, είχαν επιτυχή έκβαση. Με την παρέμβασή μας, οι εταιρείες διευθέτησαν τις διαφορές τους με τους καταναλωτές, πιστώνοντας ή επιστρέφοντας τα ανάλογα ποσά, που παρανόμως απαιτήθηκαν ή καταβλήθηκαν, απαλλάσσοντας τους από παράνομες και υπερβολικές δεσμεύσεις και μεταβάλλοντας, υπέρ των καταναλωτών, τους καταχρηστικούς όρους συμβάσεων. Χαρακτηριστικές περιπτώσεις καταγγελιών, που επιλύθηκαν υπέρ των καταναλωτών, είναι οι εξής: • Καταναλωτής κατάφερε να υπαναχωρήσει από σύμβαση για παροχή υπηρεσιών σταθερής τηλεφωνίας και Internet,  την οποία είχε συνάψει τηλεφωνικά. Η εταιρεία απάλλαξε επίσης τον καταναλωτή από το ποσό των 189,50€, το οποίο απαιτούσε παρανόμως, ως τέλος πρόωρης διακοπής συμβολαίου. • Εταιρεία πίστωσε σε λογαριασμό καταναλωτή το ποσό των 393,15€, το οποίο απαιτούσε ως επιστροφή ποσού έκπτωσης στο μηνιαίο πάγιο που είχε χορηγηθεί, λόγω πρόωρης λύσης της συνεργασίας. Ο καταναλωτής ωστόσο, δεν έλαβε ποτέ γνώση των όρων της σύμβασης, επομένως ούτε και της διάρκεια ισχύος της Επιπρόσθετα, η εταιρεία δεν παρείχε τις υπηρεσίες της, όπως είχε συμφωνηθεί. • Εταιρεία απάλλαξε καταναλωτή από το ποσό των 331,07€  το οποίο απαιτούσε και αφορούσε σε κλήσεις οι οποίες εμφανίζονταν στην ανάλυση του λογαριασμού, αλλά ουδέποτε πραγματοποιήθηκαν. Η προάσπιση των συμφερόντων των καταναλωτών και η τήρηση της αρχής των συναλλακτικών ηθών, είναι μακράν σημαντικότερα από προσφορές και εκπτώσεις. Εφιστούμε  την προσοχή των καταναλωτών,  ώστε να είναι ιδιαιτέρως επιφυλακτικοί  και να μην πέφτουν «θύματα»  πιθανών αθέμιτων εμπορικών πρακτικών ή καταχρηστικών όρων. Τέλος, θα θέλαμε να τονίσουμε πως οι παγκόσμιες ημέρες εορτάζονται με ουσιαστικές δράσεις και όχι με προωθητικές ενέργειες που σκοπό έχουν την κερδοφορία.  • Τel : 210-8817730 • Web: www.eeke.gr • e-mail: info@eeke.gr • fb: www.facebook.com/enosikatanaloton/

ΑΧΑΡΝΕΣ:Επιστολή αναγνώστριας με εύλογο ερώτημα προς απάντησιν

Δημοσιεύεται επιστολή αναγνώστριας από τις Αχαρνές.Είμαι βεβαία οτι η κ. Ναυροζίδου θα επιληφθεί δεόντως

Μ.Χ.Β

"Καλησπέρα. Είμαι μητέρα μαθήτριας του τμήματος ζωγραφικής του εφηβικού τμήματος της ΔΗΚΕΑ, όπου κάθε χρονιά αντιμετωπίζουμε προβλήματα με τις εκθέσεις των παιδιών μας........όμως το φετινό......δεν καταπίνεται.......η Κα. Ναυροζίδου, πρόεδρος της ΔΗΚΕΑ. αποφάσισε να δώσει τον εκθεσιακό χώρο του δημαρχείου...... τις καταλληλότερες ημέρες σε περιφερειακούς καλλιτέχνες......ακόμη και σε ομάδα που η ίδια δημιουργεί.......προκειμένου να εκτεθούν τα δικά τους έργα......αφήνοντας των παιδιών μας για τέλη Ιουνίου.......όπου οι περισσότεροι θα λείπουν......και δίνοντας έναν τοίχο μόνο για τα έργα όλων των παιδιών και του παιδικού και του εφηβικού τμήματος......!!!! Πέραν το ότι αυτό είναι απαράδεκτο........είναι και ακατανόητο.....καθώς είθισται......να προβάλλουμε τα έργα των τμημάτων που διοικούμε προκειμένου να επιβεβαιώνουμε το έργο που κάνουμε .......για να έχουμε ελπίδες επανεκλογής.....εδώ όμως βλέπουμε οτι η υστεροφημία είναι πέρα από κάθε λογική. Προς επιβεβαίωση των ισχυρισμών μου ......δεν έχετε παρά να ζητήσετε το πρόγραμμα των εκθέσεων για να δείτε οτι η Εικαστική Ρήξη είναι ομάδα στην οποία μέλος είναι η ίδια η πρόεδρος.....

Σας ευχαριστώ εκ των προτέρων για το ενδιαφέρον που θα δείξετε προκειμένου να προβληθεί το θέμα.

Με εκτίμηση,

(όνομα)"

To όνομα και τα τηλέφωνα της αναγνώστριας, παραμένουν στην διάθεση της εφημερίδας για όποιον τα χρειαστεί.