"ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΕΝΩΣΗ ΓΙΑ ΤΑ ΔΙΚΑΙΩΜΑΤΑ ΤΟΥ ΑΝΘΡΩΠΟΥ":ΠΡΌΣΚΛΗΣΙΣ

Ανακοίνωση - Πρόσκληση
Μάρτυρες δημοσίου συμφέροντος (whistleblowers): Δημοσιογραφία και έννομη τάξη
Τρίτη 29/05/2018, ώρα 19.00
Αίθουσα Λόγου
Στοά του Βιβλίου
Αθήνα, 17 Μαϊου 2018
Η Ελληνική Ένωση για τα Δικαιώματα του Ανθρώπου, οι Reporters United και το Ιnvestigate Europe σας καλούν σε ανοιχτή εκδήλωση με θέμα:
«Μάρτυρες δημοσίου συμφέροντος (whistleblowers): Δημοσιογραφία και έννομη τάξη»
Εισηγήσεις θα πραγματοποιήσουν οι:
Γιάννης Παπαδόπουλος, δημοσιογράφος: Το τίμημα της αποκάλυψης της αλήθειας και η ελλιπής προστασία των πληροφοριοδοτών. Από τα Pentagon Papers στη Χρυσή Αυγή

Νικόλας Λεοντόπουλος, δημοσιογράφος: Γιατί δεν έχουμε whistleblowers στην Ελλάδα και τι να κάνουμε για να αποκτήσουμε
Φερενίκη Παναγοπούλου-Κουτνατζή, επίκουρη καθηγήτρια Συνταγματικού Δικαίου στο Πάντειο Πανεπιστήμιο: Η συνταγματική θεώρηση του μάρτυρα δημοσίου συμφέροντος
Μαρία Εφίμοβα, whistleblower: H υπόθεση της Pilatus Bank στη Μάλτα

Τη συζήτηση θα συντονίσει η Κλειώ Παπαπαντολέων, δικηγόρος, Πρόεδρος της Ελληνικής Ένωσης για τα Δικαιώματα του Ανθρώπου.

Η εκδήλωση θα πραγματοποιηθεί την Τρίτη 29 Μαΐου 2018, και ώρα 19:00 μμ, στην Αίθουσα Λόγου της Στοάς του Βιβλίου, Πεσμαζόγλου 5 και Σταδίου, Αθήνα.

Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες μπορείτε να επικοινωνήσετε:
Ελληνική Ένωση για τα Δικαιώματα του Ανθρώπου
info@hlhr.gr
Τηλ. +30 2130264975

"ΝΕΑ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ":ΒΟΥΛΕΥΤΩΝ Δραστηριότητα-Ενημέρωση

Αθήνα, 17 Μαΐου 2018  On camera Ο Τομεάρχης Εσωτερικών της Νέας Δημοκρατίας, βουλευτής Αττικής, κ. Μάκης Βορίδης, μετά τη σύσκεψη που συγκάλεσε ο Υπουργός Εσωτερικών κ. Π. Σκουρλέτης, για την κατάτμηση των μεγάλων εκλογικών περιφερειών, έκανε την ακόλουθη δήλωση: «Το εκλογικό σύστημα και ο εκλογικός νόμος δεν πρέπει να είναι αντικείμενο πολιτικής εκμεταλλεύσεως και ευκαιριακών ρυθμίσεων. Το ζήτημα της κατατμήσεως της Β’ Αθηνών είναι ένα θέμα το οποίο ούτως ή άλλως η Νέα Δημοκρατία έχει, εδώ και καιρό, θίξει, αναδείξει και συμφωνήσει. Με αυτήν την έννοια, λοιπόν, δεν υπάρχει κάτι πρόσθετο να ειπωθεί, αλλά επαναλαμβάνουμε ότι, για εμάς – και αυτό είναι ξεκάθαρο – είναι απόλυτα συνδεδεμένο με τη ρύθμιση του θέματος της ψήφου των Ελλήνων κατοίκων εξωτερικού. Είναι συνδεδεμένο γιατί αυτό είναι ζήτημα ισοπολιτείας, ισονομίας, βασικών εκλογικών δικαιωμάτων που σήμερα αποστερούνται οι Έλληνες οι οποίοι έχουν φύγει από τη Πατρίδα μας όλα αυτά τα τελευταία χρόνια, αλλά και προγενέστερα. Στο ζήτημα αυτό είμαστε ξεκάθαροι: Θέλουμε ενιαία ρύθμιση. Θα συναινέσουμε και θα συμπράξουμε, μόνο σε περίπτωση που υπάρχει ενιαία ρύθμιση και σε καμία άλλη περίπτωση».

THE WHITE HOUSE's latest news

REAL NEWS PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN'T WANT YOU TO MISS

Trump Donates First-Quarter 2018 Salary to VA

- Politico

President Donald J. Trump is donating his first-quarter salary for 2018 to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Eli Okun reports for Politico. The President has pledged to donate his salary to government agencies; most recently, he donated to the Department of Transportation.

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Gina Haspel Confirmed As New CIA Director

- The Associated Press

Gina Haspel has been confirmed as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency after a number of Democrats joined with Republicans in a Senate confirmation vote on Thursday. Haspel, who was supported by many in the CIA rank-and-file, will be the first female director in the Agency’s history.

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U.S. Companies Seen Investing More in Business This Year After Tax Cuts

- Reuters

Because of President Trump’s massive reform of America’s tax code, more U.S. companies are investing in technology, equipment, and facilities this year. “First-quarter capital expenditures total $159 billion, up more than 21 percent from a year ago and on track to be the highest year-over-year growth since the third quarter of 2011, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices data,” Caroline Valetkevitch writes.

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Melania Trump Feels 'Great,' Going Home 'Soon' from Hospital

- USA Today

First Lady Melania Trump tweeted on Wednesday a “sincere thank you to Walter Reed Medical Unit & to all who have send good wishes & prayers.” She added that she is feeling great and looks forward to returning to the White House after a successful embolization procedure this week.

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Donald Trump: We Need Merit-Based Immigration to Fill Jobs in Growing Economy

- Breitbart

At a roundtable discussion on sanctuary cities this week, President Trump emphasized that “the United States was not opposed to immigration based on skills,” Charlie Spiering reports. “We want people to come into our country based on merit. We’re not looking to keep them out, we need to bring them in,” the President added.

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Trump: Countries Not Meeting NATO Obligations Will Be 'Dealt With'

- Reuters

The President reminded our NATO partners this week that members who do not contribute fully to the alliance will be “dealt with.” President Trump called on countries to “demonstrate leadership in the alliance by addressing its longstanding shortfall in defense contributions.”

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Mothers of the White House: Sarah Sanders, Kellyanne Conway, and Mercedes Schlapp

- The Daily Caller

Meet the working moms of the White House—Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway, and White House Director of Strategic Communications Mercedes Schlapp—who have a total of 12 children between them. They hold some of the most influential roles in our government while executing the duties that all working moms share.

Μάι 17 τις 5:41 μ.μ.

The White House • May 17, 2018
The Day Ahead

President Donald J. Trump will meet with Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg at the White House.
The community movement against ‘sanctuary’ laws

Sanctuary jurisdictions hinder Federal immigration enforcement. These jurisdictions often refuse even basic requests for information, such as notification to Federal officials before the release of dangerous criminals from custody. The consequences of such actions can be fatal.

California has passed statewide sanctuary policies that restrict cooperation between Federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement. Now, communities across the state have started coming out in opposition to the new laws. Many of these local leaders cite fidelity to the U.S. Constitution over California state law.

Yesterday, President Trump met with local officials who spoke first-hand about how these sanctuary policies jeopardize the safety of their communities. "Our people are the ones hurting," San Jacinto Mayor Crystal Ruiz said. “All of us need help getting this solved.”

What you need to know about the movement against “sanctuary” policies

Watch: President Trump’s full meeting with California community leaders

America, Uzbekistan, and a new era of partnership

President Trump hosted President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan yesterday, marking President Mirziyoyev’s historic first visit to the White House. The bilateral meeting ushers in a new era of strategic partnership between the two countries.

America has an important partnership with Uzbekistan in fighting terrorism. In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States, Uzbekistan provided crucial access and support to drive al Qaeda terrorists from Afghanistan. President Mirziyoyev reaffirmed his full support for President Trump’s South Asia strategy yesterday, including the effort to bring stability to Afghanistan.

The two leaders also committed to exploring deeper economic ties. President Mirziyoyev pledged to open Uzbek markets for American companies and investors by introducing international standards of transparency. During the visit, Uzbekistan signed more than 20 major business deals with U.S. companies.

Watch President Trump welcome President Mirziyoyev to the White House.

Learn more: A new era of strategic partnership between the U.S. and Uzbekistan

Photo of the Day

Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

President Donald J. Trump participates in a California Sanctuary State roundtable | May 16, 2018

The White House • May 18, 2018
The Day Ahead

• President Donald J. Trump will address a summit on prison reform at the White House this morning. Watch his remarks live at 11:30 a.m. ET.

• The President will meet with Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres in the Oval Office this afternoon.

‘Congratulations to our new CIA Director’

The Senate confirmed President Trump’s pick to lead the Central Intelligence Agency, Gina Haspel, in a bipartisan vote yesterday. Director Haspel drew extensive support from the CIA workforce, as well as former intelligence leaders from both Republican and Democratic administrations. She replaces Mike Pompeo, who was confirmed as America’s 70th Secretary of State last month.

“The safety and security of the American people depend on capable intelligence leadership. Gina Haspel is the right woman at the right time," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said. President Trump tweeted his congratulations shortly after the Senate’s vote.

Director Haspel’s biography made her an easy choice. A 33-year veteran of the CIA, she’s earned multiple high-level honors, including the George H. W. Bush Award for Excellence in Counterterrorism. Years later, with the fight against al Qaeda heating up, she requested a transfer to the CIA’s Counter Terrorism Center. Her first day on the job was September 11, 2001.

Meet Gina Hapsel, the new face of America’s intelligence community.

Think again: ‘Sanctuary’ laws aren’t pro-immigrant

America’s immigration challenge doesn’t end at our border. Because of “sanctuary city” jurisdictions—many recently emboldened by new state laws in California—law enforcement officers face dangerous obstacles to protecting our communities from the effects of a broken immigration system.

Under the guise of being pro-immigrant, these jurisdictions privilege a small group of often-violent criminals at the expense of the safety and well-being of American citizens, law enforcement, and law-abiding immigrants alike. In effect, these jurisdictions assert a special exemption from Federal law. The consequences of their decisions, of course, do not remain in their own backyards.

“They’re releasing these criminals, not by their houses. . . . They’re releasing them by our houses,” San Jacinto Mayor Crystal Ruiz said at a White House forum with community leaders this week. “Every day we’re getting more and more reports from the police department about how they can’t arrest these people.”

California’s ‘sanctuaries’ aren’t pro-immigrant—and local leaders are pushing back.

More: What you need to know about the stand against sanctuary state laws
Photo of the Day



Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead

President Donald J. Trump with U.S. Air Force SSGT Charles Edwards of Mary Esther, FL, and CAPT Mark Kobelja, Director of WRNMMC at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center | May 16, 2018

Russian-German talks

On 21 May, Dmitry Medvedev and President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev will discuss the implementation of joint projects
18 May 2018 13:25

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev will discuss current matters concerning Russian-Bulgarian trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation as well as the implementation of joint projects in energy, industry, transportation and other areas.

President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev will be in Russia on an official visit at the invitation of President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

Russian-German talks

Vladimir Putin had a meeting with German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Bocharov Ruchei residence in Sochi.
May 18, 2018
16:30
Sochi






German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives for talks with President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

The discussion focused on the development of Russian-German ties and current international affairs.

Following the talks, the President of Russia and the Federal Chancellor of Germany made statements for the press and answered journalists’ questions.

Joint news conference with Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel

May 18, 2018
16:45
Sochi

Joint news conference with German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Madam Chancellor, ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to thank Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel for accepting Russia’s invitation to come to Sochi on a working visit.

We have many subjects to discuss. We completed the first part of the talks, and after the news conference, we will continue in an extended format.

We have already exchanged views on bilateral political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties. We also discussed pressing international matters.

Russia and Germany believe that maintaining regular contacts is necessary and important, despite the challenging international environment and the diverging views we have on a number of global issues. Russia is ready to work with our German colleagues on a mutually beneficial basis, taking into consideration the interests of our peoples.

Germany has traditionally been one of Russia’s main foreign trade partners, second only to the People’s Republic of China. In 2017, bilateral trade increased by 23 percent, and was up by 13 percent in the first two months of 2018.

Investment cooperation is on the rise. Russian investment in Germany currently exceeds $8 billion, while Germany has invested more than $18 billion, almost five percent of the total direct foreign investment in the Russian economy.

Almost 5,000 German companies operate in Russia with a total turnover that exceeds $50 billion, and some 270,000 jobs. At the same time, about 1,500 Russian companies operate in Germany.

Joint news conference with German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel.

We believe that the governments of the two countries must remain proactive in their efforts to facilitate bilateral trade, as well as cooperation in industry and technology.

Energy is a priority area in terms of the partnership between our countries. We discussed all aspects of our cooperation in this field, including infrastructure projects such as Nord Stream 2.

Let me point out that we always viewed this as a purely economic project, which has always been handled by business entities, and has always been kept free from any political considerations.

I would also like to note that Russia does not intend to stop gas transit though Ukraine once Nord Stream 2 is launched. Madam Federal Chancellor and I also discussed this today, since she raised the question. Let me emphasise that transit will continue, if it makes economic sense for the economic actors involved.

I would like to mention our humanitarian and cultural cooperation. We are now completing the Year of Municipal and Regional Partnerships between the two countries. We are getting ready to hold the Year of Scientific and Educational Partnerships, and a large concert programme Russian Seasons in 2019. We continue active contacts between our civil societies, in particular, the St. Petersburg Dialogue, Potsdam Meetings and the Germany-Russia Forum.

I discussed in detail with Ms Chancellor a number of key international issues. First, we exchanged views on the situation around the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear issue after the unilateral withdrawal of the US from the agreement. We also exchanged opinions on the exacerbated situation in the Middle East.

We discussed the problem of the Syrian crisis. We stated that it is necessary to make a contribution to a political settlement, in particular at the Astana and Geneva venues, to stabilise the situation on the ground, and provide humanitarian relief to the population of Syria.

We acknowledge the striving of the Federal Republic of Germany to take a serious part in restoring the socio-economic structure of that country. It is important that any assistance be granted by agreement with the legitimate authorities.

We touched on the situation in Ukraine. We both believe that there is no alternative to the Minsk Agreements in terms of a settlement. Of course, we will continue to work together in the Normandy format and facilitate the productive activities of the Contact Group in Minsk. We instructed our foreign policy offices to seriously consider the creation of a UN mission on facilitating the protection of OSCE observers in Donbass.

Joint news conference with German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel.

In conclusion, I would sincerely like to thank Ms Federal Chancellor once again for a meaningful and open exchange of views that was timely and useful.

Thank you for your attention.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (retranslated): I am also grateful for the opportunity to be here today and to participate in the talks. Last year, around this time, I was here as well, when we discussed preparations for the G20 summit, and we enjoyed close and friendly cooperation.

We discussed bilateral cooperation. There are also economic ties, and the Petersburg Dialogue, which the President mentioned. For my part, I stressed that media issues are crucial in some cases and proposed reviewing them again, as well as issues pertaining to freedom of culture.

We always welcome Russia’s cultural institutions’ activities, such as concerts; though the Year of Science will also be important for cooperation and civil society, and we support it.

We maintain a regular and open exchange with each other to discuss differences of opinion.

Of course, we covered Ukraine extensively in our conversation. There are the Minsk Agreements, which are the only foundation that we can use to conduct our work. Unfortunately, major ceasefire violations took place today. Therefore, we need to continue to think about the UN mission.

We coordinate our actions, and our foreign ministers should continue to work on this. It would be a step forward in terms of stabilising the situation in order to carry out certain political steps, which were agreed upon in Minsk.

We also discussed the importance of gas transit for Ukraine. Germany is convinced, and Peter Altmaier, our Economics Minister also held talks this week to make sure that even after the construction of Nord Stream 2, Ukraine's role as a transit country should continue, as it is of strategic importance.

Germany is also willing to play its part and provide assistance. We also consider Nord Stream 2 an economic and commercial project, but it has other angles as well, so we need to think about guarantees for Ukraine in this regard.

We spoke about Syria; we had a very intensive exchange on Syria. I think the UN-led process presents an opportunity we must explore. There is the Astana group and the so-called small group of states.

Further steps need to be taken to work out a joint action plan that would be discussed in working groups. We are doing all we can to support the work of the UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura.

We discussed the complex situation brought about by the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. The agreement has the support of Germany, Britain, France and all our European Union colleagues. We will continue to adhere to it. An unusual situation has arisen and we on the European side are discussing it with Iran.

I do not think this agreement is perfect, but it is better than no agreement, so these negotiations with Iran should continue and we agree that the ballistic missile programme should continue to be discussed.

In general, the situation in the region is fairly tense, so everything should be done to conduct the political negotiations that would gradually lead to a political solution. Therefore, it would be good if what we have agreed upon in Sochi – the constitutional process – that representatives be appointed for it. That would create one element sought for by Mr de Mistura.

These are important negotiations. I think these major problems can only be resolved if we discuss the topics on which our opinions differ, discuss these topics, analyse them, and try to bridge the gaps, to discuss the facts together and to seek solutions; therefore, the negotiations have been important and we will continue these negotiations later.

Question (retranslated): A question for the Federal Chancellor. You spoke about a renaissance in German-Russian relations against the backdrop of problems with the US President. Ms Chancellor, German and other Western companies are complaining that the Russian Parliament is drafting a law that will require foreign companies to not abide by the sanctions and will threaten them with fines if they do. Does this not subvert the efforts of German and other foreign companies to invest in Russia? Why do you think this law makes sense?

Angela Merkel: We have a firm trans-Atlantic friendship that has endured many opinions and positions in history. I think this time it will be the same. This does not call into question the intensity of trans-Atlantic relations.

It is in our strategic interests to maintain good relations with Russia, and in the most difficult times, I have always been for the continued work of the Russia-NATO Council and EU contacts. I believe it is absolutely vital to maintain a dialogue.

Our civil societies maintain extensive ties, and this German-Russian cooperation has to withstand serious and fundamental differences. But again, I will emphasize that if we want to solve problems, we need to communicate with each other, we need to conduct a dialogue.

Joint news conference with German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Ομιλία του Προέδρου της Νέας Δημοκρατίας κ. Κυριάκου Μητσοτάκη ..

Ομιλία του Προέδρου της Νέας Δημοκρατίας κ. Κυριάκου Μητσοτάκη

 κατά τη συζήτηση στη Βουλή επί του πορίσματος

της Ειδικής Κοινοβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Προκαταρκτικής Εξέτασης

για την υπόθεση «Novartis» 

Κυρίες και κύριοι συνάδελφοι, πριν από τρεις μήνες, από το βήμα της Βουλής, είχα μιλήσει για πολιτική σκευωρία. Είχα καταγγείλει τις παρεμβάσεις των ΣΥΡΙΖΑ και ΑΝΕΛ στο Κράτος, καθώς και το παρακράτος που πάει να στηθεί στη Δικαιοσύνη. Όλα αυτά με αφορμή ένα υπαρκτό εταιρικό σκάνδαλο, και αναφέρομαι βέβαια στην υπόθεση Novartis, που η Κυβέρνηση προσπαθεί να μετατρέψει σε υποτιθέμενο πολιτικό σκάνδαλο. Πρόκειται για ωμή παραβίαση των αρχών και των κανόνων του Κράτους Δικαίου.

Με βάση καταθέσεις άφαντων μαρτύρων και πρωτοφανείς μεθοδεύσεις στοχοποιήθηκαν και συκοφαντήθηκαν δύο τέως Πρωθυπουργοί, ο Ευρωπαίος Επίτροπος, ο Διοικητής της Τράπεζας της Ελλάδας και έξι Υπουργοί. Ήρθαν για δεύτερη φορά, μέσα σε τρεις μήνες, σε αυτήν την αίθουσα να υπερασπιστούν την αθωότητα τους. Και για δεύτερη φορά, ο κ. Τσίπρας, ο ενορχηστρωτής αυτής της σκευωρίας, δεν είχε το θάρρος να καθίσει στο έδρανο του Πρωθυπουργού να τους ακούσει. Κρύφτηκε στο γραφείο του.

Πριν από τρεις μήνες είχα επισημάνει αναλυτικά πώς παραβιάζεται το Σύνταγμα και ο Κανονισμός της Βουλής. Είχα μιλήσει για θεσμική εκτροπή. Είχα εξηγήσει ότι με τους χειρισμούς της Κυβέρνησης ουσιαστικά συγκαλύπτεται το ελληνικό σκέλος ενός αναμφισβήτητου οικονομικού σκανδάλου με διεθνή διάσταση. Είχα καταθέσει μια σειρά από συγκεκριμένες προτάσεις για περαιτέρω εξυγίανση του φαρμακευτικού κυκλώματος, μια προσπάθεια που ξεκίνησε και απέδωσε καρπούς την περίοδο 2012-2015. Αλλά σε αυτές τις  πολύ συγκεκριμένες προτάσεις δεν βρήκα, για άλλη μια φορά, καμία ανταπόκριση. Αντίθετα οι άθλιες συμμορίες συνεχίζουν τη δράση τους, εκμεταλλευόμενες τον πόνο των πιο αδύναμων συμπολιτών μας και κυρίως την αδιαφορία και την ανικανότητα της σημερινής κυβέρνησης. Κάτι που επιβεβαίωσε και η πρόσφατη τραγική ιστορία με τα αντικαρκινικά φάρμακα.

Είχα επίσης προβλέψει ότι η στημένη αυτή υπόθεση θα καταλήξει σε ένα θλιβερό σκηνικό με δέκα κάλπες ντροπής. Και είχα πει με καθαρά λόγια ότι πρόκειται για χυδαία απόπειρα της Συμπολίτευσης να σπιλώσει τους πολιτικούς της αντιπάλους. Σήμερα δικαιωνόμαστε πλήρως.

CANADA news..

Statement by the Prime Minister on the wedding of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and Ms. Meghan Markle

May 19, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the wedding of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and Ms. Meghan Markle:

“Today, Canadians joined in celebration as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

“To celebrate their union, Canada will donate $50,000 to Jumpstart, a Canadian charity dedicated to making play and sports more accessible to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Since 2005, Jumpstart has helped more than 1.6 million children of all abilities get out on the field and be part of a team.

“Sophie and I congratulate the newlyweds on behalf of the Government of Canada. We wish Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Sussex a lifetime of happiness, and all the best as they start this new chapter together. We look forward to welcoming them on a future visit to Canada.”

Itinerary for Saturday, May 19, 2018

May 19, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Note: All times local

Vermont, U.S.

Personal 

Prime Minister concludes visit to the United States

May 18, 2018
Boston, United States

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded his visit to the United States, which included stops in New York City and Boston.

During his visit, the Prime Minister met with several business leaders to underscore the importance of the Canada-U.S. partnership, promote Canada as one of the best places to invest, and create more jobs for Canada’s middle class.

In New York City, the Prime Minister addressed graduates at New York University’s 186th commencement ceremony. During his remarks, he encouraged graduates to embrace diversity, including diversity of opinion, and stressed that the leadership we need most today is leadership that brings people together. He also met with Canadian graduating students and was awarded an honourary Doctor of Laws degree.

At the Economic Club of New York, the Prime Minister participated in an armchair discussion and underscored how the Canada-U.S. partnership creates good, middle class jobs on both sides of the border, and that Canada is open for business and an outstanding place to invest.

In Boston, he took part in a roundtable discussion with members of the Canadian Technology Accelerator Boston-Cambridge, where research and innovation were at the forefront of discussions.

On the last day of his visit, the Prime Minister participated in the annual Solve at MIT meeting, an event that brings together hundreds of leaders and innovators from various fields, to explore groundbreaking solutions to global challenges. He then visited the MIT Media Lab and Innovation Exhibition for a first-hand account of the innovative research and technological advances that are defining the future.

Quotes

"Over the past few days, I have had the opportunity to meet with inspiring graduates and business leaders who are finding solutions to age-old problems and shaping our future in ways we couldn’t have imagined even five years ago. We talked about the importance of collaboration and how Canada and the United States can bring innovators together to create more opportunities for Canadians and Americans alike.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

"Canada leads the G7 in economic growth, and has become a top destination for businesses to create jobs, invest, and grow. We will continue to make bold investments in innovation and skills training, and secure Canada’s place as a centre of global innovation, where the next generation of technologies and businesses thrive.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick facts

• Prime Minister Trudeau last visited the United States in February 2018.
• During the visit to New York City and Boston, the Prime Minister met with the senior corporate leadership of the following companies: Honeywell, AppNexus, PepsiCo, WeWork, Wayfair and Etsy.
• Wayfair announced today that it will open its first Canadian warehouse, creating 200 jobs in Mississauga, Ontario.
• Etsy announced on Thursday that it will open an artificial intelligence centre in Toronto, Ontario. This will be company’s third centre and first in Canada. The other two centres are located in San Francisco and at Etsy’s headquarters in Brooklyn.
• Canada and the United States share one of the largest trading relationships in the world. Bilateral trade in goods and services between the two countries was valued at more than $918 billion in 2017, and Canada is the largest secure supplier of energy to the U.S.
• Canada buys more goods from the United States than China, Japan, and the UK combined.
• A total of 680,900 jobs in New York and 211,000 jobs in Massachusetts depend on Canada-U.S. trade and investment.

Associated links

• Prime Minister to travel to the United States
• Canada and United States relations

Statement by the Prime Minister on the ninth anniversary of the end of the war in Sri Lanka

May 18, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the ninth anniversary of the end of the war in Sri Lanka:

“Today, we mark the ninth anniversary of the end of the war in Sri Lanka. The war – which lasted over 26 years – resulted in immeasurable injuries, loss of life, and displacement. The wounds of this war linger as the survivors seek answers for their loss, including family members and loved ones who have disappeared.

“Over the past nine years, I have met many Tamil-Canadians personally affected by the war. Their stories are a solemn reminder of the need to attain lasting peace and true reconciliation.

“I reiterate my call to the Government of Sri Lanka to establish a process of accountability that has the trust and confidence of the survivors. Canada offers its full support to the Government of Sri Lanka and those working to ensure that efforts towards reconciliation, non-recurrence, peace, and justice on the island are realized, and that international and domestic commitments on accountability, transitional justice, and ending impunity are met.

“On this anniversary, I extend my deepest sympathy to Canadians of Tamil descent, and all victims of the armed conflict and their families. I also invite all Canadians to take time to recognize the important contributions that Tamil-Canadians make to our country and the adversity they have overcome.”

Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

May 17, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia:

“On the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, we join Canadians and people everywhere to call for a world free of stigma, persecution, and discrimination. Everyone deserves the same rights and opportunities in life no matter who they love or how they identify.

“This year’s theme is Alliances for Solidarity. Change may start with an individual, but progress is paved when people stand together, proud and strong. Thanks to the brave and tireless efforts of LGBTQ2 advocates and allies alike, Canada is a more just, compassionate country – but we still have a ways to go.

“Members of LGBTQ2 communities continue to face daily harassment, discrimination, and violence simply for being who they are. Inequality has no place in our society, and Canada gets stronger every day that we choose to embrace diversity.

“In the last year, the Government of Canada, working with Member of Parliament Randy Boissonnault, Special Advisor on LGBTQ2 issues, has taken many important steps to recognize and protect the rights of LGBTQ2 individuals.

“Last June, we passed legislation that provides Canadians with explicit protection from discrimination and hate crimes based on their gender identity or expression. A few months later, we apologized to those harmed by federal legislation, policies, and practices that led to the oppression of and discrimination against LGBTQ2 people in Canada.

“We have also put forward several initiatives that will make a difference for LGBTQ2 communities. In Budget 2017, we introduced a $101-million Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence – the first-ever federal strategy of its kind – to help fill gaps in support for diverse populations, including LGBTQ2 communities. Budget 2018 proposes another $86 million over the next five years to expand the Strategy and help end the ongoing discrimination, harassment, and the other harms that affect LGBTQ2 individuals and other vulnerable groups.

“We know there is a need to close data gaps to better understand critical socioeconomic issues facing LGBTQ2 Canadians. To that end, Budget 2018 provides $6.7 million over the next five years for Statistics Canada to establish a Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics.

“On the international stage, Canada continues to advance LGBTQ2 rights. As the current co-chair of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC), we are working alongside states, civil society, and international organizations to combat discrimination and violence against LGBTQ2 people. We look forward to hosting the ERC Global Conference on LGBTI Rights and Inclusive Development in Vancouver this August.

“Today, we rededicate ourselves to a future where every single one of us – regardless of our gender expression, gender identity, or sexual orientation – is free to be true to who we are and achieve our fullest potential.”

ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΟΥ ΒΕΝΙΖΕΛΟΥ ομιλία στην Βουλή..

Ομιλία Ευ. Βενιζέλου στη Βουλή κατά τη συζήτηση επί του πορίσματος της Ειδικής Κοινοβουλευτικής Επιτροπής Προκαταρκτικής Εξέτασης για τη Novartis (18.5.2018)



Κυρίες και κύριοι βουλευτές, πριν από τρεις μήνες, στις 21 Φεβρουαρίου, συζητήσαμε ξανά στην αίθουσα αυτή, την υπόθεση Novartis, τη σκευωρία που έχει στηθεί με ωμό και κυνικό τρόπο πάνω σε ένα υπαρκτό διεθνές ιατροφαρμακευτικό σκάνδαλο που σε καμία χώρα δεν εμφάνισε πολιτικές διακλαδώσεις. Αυτές κατασκευάστηκαν μόνον στην Ελλάδα. Τι μεσολάβησε πολιτικά από τις 21 Φεβρουαρίου έως σήμερα; Αυτούς τους τρεις μήνες. Μεσολάβησαν γεγονότα και καταστάσεις που δημιουργούν για την κυβέρνηση, δυστυχώς και για τη χώρα, το απόλυτο αδιέξοδο σε όλα τα μέτωπα.

Το πρώτο που συνέβη τους τρεις αυτούς μήνες είναι η παταγώδης κατάρρευση του αφηγήματος της δήθεν καθαρής εξόδου. Στη συζήτηση για τον προϋπολογισμό το Νοέμβριο του 2017, είπα από το βήμα αυτό, «συνεχίστε τη δική μας πολιτική, της προληπτικής πιστωτικής γραμμής που είχε εγκριθεί από το Eurogroup το Νοέμβριο του 2014, οτιδήποτε άλλο επιχειρήσετε, θα είναι τρισχειρότερο, βλαπτικό για τη χώρα, για την οικονομία, για την προοπτική των Ελλήνων πολιτών». Κι αυτό, δυστυχώς, επαληθεύεται. Διότι αυτό το οποίο συμβαίνει είναι να βγαίνουμε από το δάνειο, να μένουμε σε επιτήρηση, να μένουμε σε αυστηρούς δημοσιονομικούς όρους. Να μπαίνουμε σε μία νέα περίοδο που είναι ναρκοθετημένη, υπονομευμένη, μία περίοδο αναιμικής, ανεπαρκούς ανάπτυξης, στασιμοχρεοκοπίας, υψηλής ανεργίας, δυσπραγίας, μία περίοδο αβεβαιότητας χωρίς δυνατότητα πραγματικής πρόσβασης στις αγορές, χωρίς δυνατότητα αναχρηματοδότησης του χρέους μας και κάλυψης των χρηματοδοτικών αναγκών από τις αγορές. Όλοι λένε τώρα, προληπτική πιστωτική γραμμή. Αρνούνται βεβαίως τα μεγάλα ευρωπαϊκά κράτη και πρωτίστως η Γερμανία, διότι δεν θέλει να υφίσταται εσωτερική φθορά στο κοινοβούλιό της, γιατί υπάρχει γερμανική αντιπολίτευση που το αρνείται.

Άρα έχουμε έξοδο στο πουθενά, έχουμε απόλυτη αβεβαιότητα, έχουμε μία περίοδο η οποία όχι μόνον δεν είναι καθαρή αλλά είναι δυστυχώς απολύτως βρώμικη από πλευράς προοπτικών. Και βέβαια, όλα αυτά θα τα διαχειριστεί μία επόμενη κυβέρνηση, της οποίας περιορίζονται οι δυνατότητες, οι διακριτικές ευχέρειες. Στην πραγματικότητα δηλαδή, εγκλωβίζεται η βούληση του ελληνικού λαού. Αναλαμβάνονται υποχρεώσεις οι οποίες δεσμεύουν για πολλές δεκαετίες τους Έλληνες, μέχρι το 2060.

Δυστυχώς όμως, υπάρχει αδιέξοδο και στον πιο ευαίσθητο χώρο που είναι η εξωτερική πολιτική και η πολιτική ασφάλειας και άμυνας. Να μιλήσω για τα ελληνοτουρκικά; Να μιλήσω για το γεγονός ότι δυστυχώς για πρώτη φορά έχουμε αναβάθμιση των μονομερών διεκδικήσεων και από γκρίζες ζώνες έχουμε ανοιχτή επίκληση τουρκικής κυριαρχίας σε νησιά και βράχους του Αιγαίου; Να μιλήσω για τις νέες προσφυγικές και μεταναστευτικές ροές στον Έβρο και τα νησιά; Να μιλήσω για την υπόθεση των φρεγατών; Να μιλήσω για το γεγονός ότι έχουμε ήδη για τρεις μήνες κρατούμενους τους δύο στρατιωτικούς μας στις φυλακές της Αδριανούπολης;

Γιώργος Πάντζας Κοσμήτορας ΒτΕ Βουλευτής ΣΥΡΙΖΑ Αττικής: δελτίον τύπου

Τα εγκαίνια της σφαγής και της θυσίας…

Υπάρχουν στιγμές και γεγονότα στο διάβα της ζωής που απλά σε αφήνουν άφωνο και αποσβολωμένο. Είναι αυτές οι στιγμές που η σκέψη σταματά και νιώθεις ανίκανος να εξηγήσεις και να ερμηνεύσεις έστω από μια πιο στοχαστική οπτική αυτά που συμβαίνουν γύρω σου. Είναι τα γεγονότα που σε αφήνουν παγωμένο και ταυτόχρονα αποδεκατισμένο ψυχικά, ακόμα και στα 81 σου χρόνια, όταν μάλιστα αντικρίζεις την εικόνα ενός οκτάμηνου βρέφους που κατέληξε από εισπνοή χημικών… Πόση φρίκη ακόμα..; Πόση αδίστακτη υποκρισία κρύβει μέσα της η ανθρώπινη ύπαρξη..; Πόση κατάντια του είδους, δημιουργεί και εκτρέφει ο ανθρώπινος νους.. ;Για το χρήμα..; Για την κυριαρχία των λαών..;

Παραδοσιακά, σε κάτι καινούργιο, σε μια επιτυχία, σε κάποια εγκαίνια, οι ανατολίτικοι λαοί, η κάθε οικογένεια στην επαρχία, ακόμα και εμείς.., έσφαζαν και σφάζουν κάποιο ζωντανό για να γιορτάσουν το νέο, το καινούργιο, την επιτυχία. Αποκρουστικό θέαμα και αυτό.. Γιορτή μεγάλη σου λέει, καλείται πλήθος κόσμου και το γλέντι ξεκινά..

Αυτό έγινε και στην Ιερουσαλήμ. Γιορτή μεγάλη. Από μέρες είχαν προγραμματιστεί και ανακοινωθεί τα εγκαίνια της νέας πρεσβείας. Με τον «πλανητάρχη» σε ρόλο οικοδεσπότη, από τα μόνιτορ όμως.. Με την παρουσία υψηλών προσκεκλημένων και με μια χαζοχαρούμενη διάθεση να ξεχειλίζει. Όλα ήταν έτοιμα για το μεγάλο γλέντι. Για τον μεγάλο εορτασμό. Έλειπε όμως η θυσία. Η σφαγή.. Και αυτή δεν άργησε να έρθει..

Την ώρα που χασκογελούσαν γελοία σαν να ήσαν σε κάποιο χαμαιτυπείο, την ώρα που κοβόταν η κορδέλα δόθηκε το έναυσμα για την μεγάλη ‘’θυσία’’- σφαγή. Παιδιά, γυναίκες, άντρες, άμαχοι, αδιακρίτως όλοι στον βωμό. Στον βωμό της υποκρισία, της απέχθειας και της φρίκης. Της νοσηρότητας και της αηδίας. 60 και πλέον ψυχές δολοφονήθηκαν. Γιατί τάχα παραβίασαν τα σύνορα. Γιατί τόλμησαν να αμφισβητήσουν και να διεκδικήσουν τα εδάφη των προγόνων τους, όταν εκδιώχτηκαν πριν από δεκαετίες.

Το θλιβερό σε αυτή την τραγωδία; Οι ‘’καθώς πρέπει’’ ανακοινώσεις της ΕΕ, που έκαναν λόγο για αυτοσυγκράτηση.. και απλά καταδίκασαν τις δολοφονίες.. Η Ευρώπη των λαών, της αλληλεγγύης και της συνοχής ως νέος πόντιος Πιλάτος ένιψε.. τα οπίσθιά της.. Κατάντια και υποκρισία των ισχυρών.. Απλά γιατί τα συμφέροντά τους είναι με αυτούς που έδωσαν την ‘’εντολή’’.

Αυτό είναι το διαχρονικό δόγμα στην σκακιέρα της παγκόσμιας επιρροής των ισχυρών. Το δόγμα που δεν υπολογίζει ανθρώπινες ζωές φτάνει να προωθούνται τα συμφέροντά του. Με χαρακτηριστικό το μίσος και την δυσωδία στον πυρήνα των αποφάσεών του. Με όχημα την ισοπέδωση των αξιών και του υπέρτατου αγαθού που είναι η ανθρώπινη ύπαρξη.. Ντροπή και αίσχος..

Γιώργος Πάντζας Κοσμήτορας ΒτΕ Βουλευτής ΣΥΡΙΖΑ Αττικής
Δ/νση: Βασ. Σοφίας 2, Μέγαρο Βουλής των Ελλήνων 10021, Αθήνα Τηλ: 2103708387, Fax: 2103708391

gpantzas@parliament.gr