"ΝΕΑ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ" ενημέρωση

Αθήνα, 15 Οκτωβρίου 2018 Από το Γραφείο Τύπου της Νέας Δημοκρατίας, εκδόθηκε η ακόλουθη ανακοίνωση: «Άλλη μία σκευωρία που έστησε η κυβέρνηση κατέρρευσε. Ο Γενικός Διευθυντής της Νέας Δημοκρατίας, κ. Νίκος Παπαθανάσης τον οποίον είχε στοχοποιήσει ο κ. Χρήστος Σπίρτζης για να αποκρύψει την παταγώδη αποτυχία του στα οικονομικά αποτελέσματα της ΣΤΑΣΥ Α.Ε. (Μετρό, ΤΡΑΜ, ΗΣΑΠ) αθωώθηκε ομοφώνως από το τριμελές εφετείο κακουργημάτων για το τάχα αδίκημα της παράβασης καθήκοντος που του είχε καταλογιστεί. Κάτι που αναμενόταν, βέβαια, από όσους γνωρίζουν τα οικονομικά των δημοσίων συγκοινωνιών, καθώς επί των ημερών του κ. Παπαθανάση, η ΣΤΑΣΥ, από μια ζημιογόνος εταιρεία, μετεβλήθη σε ελάχιστο χρόνο σε μια επιχείρηση με λειτουργική κερδοφορία που έγινε παράδειγμα εξυγίανσης ακόμη και για τις ευρωπαϊκές συγκοινωνίες.  Κατόπιν τούτου, ο κ. Σπίρτζης είναι που θα πρέπει να απαντήσει στα εξής καίρια ερωτήματα:    Γιατί σήμερα η ΣΤΑΣΥ επιβαρύνει τον κρατικό προϋπολογισμό με δεκάδες εκατομμύρια ευρώ, όταν επί διακυβέρνησης Νέας Δημοκρατίας η εταιρεία δεν λάμβανε καμία κρατική επιδότηση και δεν επιβάρυνε ούτε με ένα ευρώ τον Έλληνα φορολογούμενο; Γιατί σήμερα η ΣΤΑΣΥ πνίγεται στα ελλείμματα και έχει αυξήσει παράλληλα όλα τα εισιτήρια, ενώ επί διακυβέρνησης Νέας Δημοκρατίας το εισιτήριο είχε μειωθεί από 1,40 σε 1,20 ευρώ και παρ’ όλα αυτά είχε και λειτουργική κερδοφορία; Πώς εξηγείται ότι ακόμη και μετά τη λειτουργία του ηλεκτρονικού εισιτηρίου το 2017, η εταιρεία έχει μειωμένα έσοδα κατά 30,5% σε σχέση με το 2014; Τις απαντήσεις αυτές οφείλει να τις δώσει ο κ. Σπίρτζης και ο ΣΥΡΙΖΑ. Διότι είναι πρωτοφανές μια κυβέρνηση να παραλαμβάνει μια εταιρεία με λειτουργική κερδοφορία 2,7 εκατ. ευρώ (2014) και να την καταδικάζει μέσα σε μόλις ένα χρόνο σε λειτουργικό έλλειμμα 21,5 εκατ. ευρώ επειδή ο ΣΥΡΙΖΑ αποφάσισε να κάνει κυβερνητική πολιτική το “δεν πληρώνω”. Υπογραμμίζεται, μάλιστα, ότι η κατρακύλα της ΣΤΑΣΥ συνεχίστηκε και τα επόμενα χρόνια καθώς το 2016 εμφάνισε λειτουργικό έλλειμμα 25,5 εκατ. ευρώ και το 2017 32,7 εκατ. ευρώ.  Σημειώνεται, τέλος, ότι το πόρισμα βάσει του οποίου ο κ. Παπαθανάσης ταλαιπωρήθηκε στα δικαστήρια την τελευταία διετία, το συνέταξε η Γενική Επιθεωρήτρια κ. Μαρία Παπασπύρου  που διατηρεί, ως γνωστόν, σχέσεις στενής πολιτικής συγγένειας με τον ΣΥΡΙΖΑ. Θα είχε λοιπόν ενδιαφέρον να δούμε αν με τα στοιχεία που δίνει σήμερα στη δημοσιότητα η Νέα Δημοκρατία, η εν λόγω επιθεωρήτρια θα εκπονήσει ένα νέο πόρισμα για να δώσει απαντήσεις ο αρμόδιος υπουργός.  Κατά τα λοιπά, επειδή η κυβέρνηση αρέσκεται να χειραγωγεί τη Δικαιοσύνη για να πλήξει τους πολιτικούς της αντιπάλους, η σημερινή απόφαση είναι και μια απάντηση για την αμεροληψία και την ανεξαρτησία της.  Ας το λάβει αυτό υπόψιν του προσωπικά ο κ. Τσίπρας που παρακολούθησε χθες άφωνος τον ανεκδιήγητο κ. Πολάκη να προαναγγέλλει φυλακίσεις πολιτικών του αντιπάλων χωρίς να αντιλαμβάνεται ότι τέτοιες πρακτικές απαντώνται μόνο σε αυταρχικά καθεστώτα».  «Η χώρα πρέπει επιτέλους να αναπνεύσει. Η Νέα Δημοκρατία διεκδικεί μια ισχυρή λαϊκή εντολή, για να δώσει ένα τέρμα σε αυτήν την άκρως τραυματική περίοδο των τελευταίων τεσσάρων ετών» Αθήνα, 15 Οκτωβρίου 2018 Ο Πρόεδρος της Νέας Δημοκρατίας κ. Κυριάκος Μητσοτάκης, πραγματοποιεί περιοδεία στο Νομό Κορινθίας. Ύστερα από επίσκεψή του στο Κιάτο, και αφού είχε την ευκαιρία να δει από κοντά τις καταστροφές που προκλήθηκαν από τις πλημμύρες στον Νομό, έκανε τις εξής δηλώσεις: Δημοσιογράφος: Τι εικόνα πήρατε, λοιπόν, κ. Πρόεδρε από τις καταστροφές στην Κορινθία; Κ. Μητσοτάκης: Είναι μεγάλες οι καταστροφές στην Κορινθία, ως αποτέλεσμα των ακραίων καιρικών φαινομένων που χτύπησαν τη χώρα πριν από 2 εβδομάδες. Μόνο που αυτό δεν μπορεί πια να αποτελεί δικαιολογία. Διότι γνωρίζουμε ότι ως αποτέλεσμα της κλιματικής αλλαγής θα έχουμε περισσότερα ακραία καιρικά φαινόμενα, περισσότερες πλημμύρες. Και δεν αρκεί μόνο εκ των υστέρων να ερχόμαστε να διορθώνουμε τις ζημιές. Θα πρέπει να σχεδιάζουμε και να είμαστε πολύ πιο αποτελεσματικοί ως προς την πρόληψη και την προστασία της περιουσίας, αλλά και των ζωών των συμπολιτών μας απέναντι σε τέτοιου είδους ακραία καιρικά φαινόμενα. Όπως ξέρετε -και με αφορμή την πολύ μεγάλη εθνική καταστροφή που χτύπησε το Μάτι πριν από 3 μήνες- η Ν.Δ. έχει καταθέσει ένα συγκροτημένο συνολικό σχέδιο για το πώς πρέπει να αναμορφωθεί η πολιτική προστασία στη χώρα μας, δίνοντας μεγάλη έμφαση στις φυσικές καταστροφές που ξέρουμε ότι θα βρούμε απέναντί μας. Και βέβαια ανάμεσα σε αυτές είναι και τα ακραία πλημμυρικά φαινόμενα. Ακραία πλημμυρικά φαινόμενα απέναντι στα οποία η Κορινθία και ειδικά οι παραθαλάσσιες πόλεις της Κορινθίας είναι απολύτως εκτεθειμένες. Δημοσιογράφος: Δυο λόγια σχετικά με τη στήριξη προς το πρόσωπο του νυν δημάρχου Καλαμάτας κ. Παναγιώτη Νίκα; Κ. Μητσοτάκης: Εγώ χαίρομαι πάρα πολύ που έχουμε σήμερα μαζί τον Παναγιώτη Νίκα, ο οποίος και θα έχει τη στήριξή μας για να διεκδικήσει την περιφέρεια Πελοποννήσου. Ο Παναγιώτης είναι ένας εξαιρετικός δήμαρχος, ένα στέλεχος με πολύ μεγάλη αυτοδιοικητική εμπειρία. Έχει κάνει εξαιρετική δουλειά στην Καλαμάτα. Και επειδή εμείς πιστεύουμε πραγματικά ότι η Αυτοδιοίκηση πρέπει να υπηρετείται από στελέχη τα οποία έχουν αυτοδιοικητική εμπειρία, γι’ αυτό και αποφασίσαμε να στηρίξουμε τον κ. Νίκα για να μπορέσει να διεκδικήσει την περιφέρεια Πελοποννήσου. Είμαι απολύτως σίγουρος ότι είναι η καλύτερη δυνατή επιλογή την οποία μπορούσαμε να κάνουμε. Και είμαι επίσης απολύτως σίγουρος ότι και οι κάτοικοι της Πελοποννήσου θα εμπιστευτούν αυτόν και την ομάδα του, ώστε η επόμενη μέρα για την Πελοπόννησο να είναι μια μέρα πιο αισιόδοξη και πιο χαμογελαστή. Δημοσιογράφος: Πολλά στελέχη της Ν.Δ. δεν είναι σήμερα εδώ, που είναι με τον κ. Τατούλη. Κ. Μητσοτάκης: Κοιτάξτε, όλοι είναι ελεύθεροι να κάνουν τις επιλογές τους. Εμείς ως Νέα Δημοκρατία έχουμε πει από την πρώτη στιγμή ότι θα παρέχουμε ξεκάθαρη πολιτική στήριξη στις αυτοδιοικητικές εκλογές του 2ου βαθμού. Άρα, οι περιφερειακές εκλογές είναι εκλογές που έχουν μια έντονη πολιτική διάσταση για τη Νέα Δημοκρατία. Και αυτό συμβαίνει διότι οι περιφέρειες σε μεγάλο βαθμό είναι αναπτυξιακός βραχίονας και θα πρέπει οι περιφερειάρχες που θα εκλεγούν την επόμενη μέρα, να μπορούν να συμμερίζονται το δικό μας συνολικό αναπτυξιακό σχέδιο για τη χώρα. Από εκεί και πέρα, είναι αναμενόμενο να υπάρχουν επί μέρους διαφοροποιήσεις. Εμείς έχουμε κάνει την επιλογή μας. Θα τη στηρίξουμε και είμαστε απολύτως πεπεισμένοι ότι θα είναι, όχι απλά η σωστή επιλογή, αλλά θα είναι και η νικηφόρα επιλογή. Δημοσιογράφος: Κύριε Πρόεδρε, για τους δήμους θα υπάρξει κάποια αντίστοιχη στήριξη; Κ. Μητσοτάκης: Έχουμε πει ότι ως προς την αυτοδιοίκηση του 1ου βαθμού οι δημότες θα πρέπει να είναι ελεύθεροι να επιλέξουν τους καλύτερους τοπικούς άρχοντες, με γνώμονα το ποιος είναι καλύτερος για να αντιμετωπίσει τα τοπικά προβλήματα. Η Νέα Δημοκρατία δεν πρόκειται να δώσει χρίσματα στις αυτοδιοικητικές εκλογές 1ου βαθμού. Θα περιοριστούμε στη στήριξη την οποία έχουμε δώσει στις περιφέρειες. Θα ακούσουμε τις απόψεις και τις προτάσεις των τοπικών κοινωνιών, αλλά όπως έχω πει πολλές φορές, όσο απομακρυνόμαστε από την κεντρική εξουσία, τόσο οι δημότες πρέπει να είναι ελεύθεροι να κάνουν τις καλύτερες δυνατές επιλογές για τους δήμους τους. Δημοσιογράφος: Ακόμα και για τις πρωτεύουσες των νομών; Κ. Μητσοτάκης: Κάντε λίγο υπομονή. Δημοσιογράφος: Κύριε Πρόεδρε, το πρωί σήμερα στην Ε.Ρ.Τ. ο κυβερνητικός εταίρος και πρόεδρος των ΑΝΕΛ, ο κ. Καμμένος επέμεινε στη θέση του πως αν περάσει η συμφωνία των Πρεσπών από τη σκοπιανή βουλή θα άρει την εμπιστοσύνη του στην κυβέρνηση. Το σχόλιό σας θα ήθελα. Κ. Μητσοτάκης: Ο κ. Καμμένος είχε την ευκαιρία να άρει την εμπιστοσύνη του στην κυβέρνηση, όταν καταθέσαμε τον Ιούνιο πρόταση δυσπιστίας με αφορμή την άκρως προβληματική συμφωνία των Πρεσπών. Από κει και πέρα νομίζω ότι όλοι οι Έλληνες έχουν αντιληφθεί ότι έχουμε να κάνουμε με έναν κυνικό συνεταιρισμό εξουσίας. Με ένα ετερόκλητο δίδυμο, που το μόνο που το ενδιαφέρει, είναι να παραμείνει λίγους μήνες ακόμα στις καρέκλες της εξουσίας. Δεν έχω να σχολιάσω κάτι παραπάνω γι’ αυτό, θα πω μόνο ότι όσο παρατείνεται αυτή η άτυπη προεκλογική περίοδος, και όσο η χώρα είναι εγκλωβισμένη, στις αντιφάσεις των κυβερνητικών εταίρων, τόση μεγαλύτερη ζημιά θα γίνεται στα εθνικά συμφέροντα. Κατά συνέπεια, όσο νωρίτερα γίνουν εκλογές, τόσο καλύτερα θα είναι για τη χώρα. Η χώρα πρέπει επιτέλους να αναπνεύσει. Η Νέα Δημοκρατία διεκδικεί μια ισχυρή λαϊκή εντολή, για να δώσει ένα τέρμα σε αυτήν την άκρως τραυματική περίοδο των τελευταίων σχεδόν τεσσάρων ετών. Για να μπορέσουμε, επιτέλους, ενωμένοι, να  φύγουμε μπροστά, να διεκδικήσουμε το δικαίωμα στην ανάπτυξη και να μπορέσουμε να εξασφαλίσουμε σε όλες τις Ελληνίδες και σε όλους τους Έλληνες ένα καλύτερο αύριο.

RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT latest news

Dmitry Medvedev's meeting with Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China Li Keqiang
12 October 2018 13:30 Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan


The meeting took place on the sidelines of the SCO Heads of Government Council Meeting.

Excerpts from the transcript:





Meeting with Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China Li Keqiang

Dmitry Medvedev: It is a pleasure to meet with you, Mr Prime Minister. These are our traditional meetings, but you and I have not met for a long period; the last meeting took place in December 2017. Now we hope we will meet soon in Brussels and then in Beijing.

I would like to convey President Putin's best regards to you. We are having reciprocal years of inter-regional cooperation, which also defines the short-term agenda. I look forward to attending the first China International Import Expo, which will take place in Shanghai.

Let us address a few other issues.

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The SCO Heads of Government Council Meeting

Li Keqiang (via interpreter): Mr Medvedev, I am very glad to meet with you again. Last December, we attended the SCO Heads of Government Council Meeting in Sochi; the memories are still fresh. I remember the wonderful architecture and the resort landscapes, unique beauty.

I would like to take an opportunity and extend an invitation to you. I will be glad to see you during your visit to China in November.

We will also hold a regular meeting of heads of government of China and Russia.

Dmitry Medvedev: Thank you.

The SCO Heads of Government Council Meeting
12 October 2018 09:40 Dushanbe, Tajikistan


Dmitry Medvedev: “This organisation is the best platform for aligning our national development strategies and trans-border projects. Our intention is to develop our cooperation across all areas. In 2017, Russia’s trade with the SCO member states increased to $120 billion. The positive trend has continued this year.”

Dmitry Medvedev’s remarks at the SCO Heads of Government Council Meeting

Documents signed following the meeting


The heads of delegations of the SCO Member States, the heads of delegations of SCO observer states, and guests representing international organisations

12 October 2018


The SCO Heads of Government Council restricted-format meeting

12 October 2018


SCO Heads of Government Council expanded-format meeting

12 October 2018


Dmitry Medvedev speaks at the SCO Heads of Government Council expanded-format meeting

12 October 2018


Meeting between Heads of Delegations of the SCO Member States and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon

12 October 2018
Следующая новость


The heads of delegations of the SCO Member States, the heads of delegations of SCO observer states, and guests representing international organisations

Heads of delegations of SCO member states:

Foreign Minister of India Sushma Swaraj;

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Bakhytzhan Sagintayev;

Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China Li Keqiang;

Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Mukhammedkalyi Abylgaziev;

Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi;

Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev;

Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda;

Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov.

Dmitry Medvedev’s remarks at the SCO Heads of Government Council Meeting

Retrospective


Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, 1 Desember 2017


Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, 3 November 2016


Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, 15 December 2015


Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, 15 December 2014


Meeting of the Council of SCO Heads of Government, 29 November 2013


Meeting of the Council of SCO Heads of Government, 5 December 2012

Mr Rasulzoda,

Ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to thank our colleagues from Tajikistan for their hospitality and the comfortable working conditions.

We have completed the work in a restricted format. We exchanged opinions on what is necessary to do to update the agenda of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. We talked about trade, investment, the digital agenda, high technology, transport, industrial production and energy. It is important to use all our resources to achieve the best results.

The external environment remains complicated and can hardly be called comfortable. The strategic stability system has undergone major tests. To retain their dominant positions, individual states are resorting to unfair competition. Protectionist measures and illegal unilateral sanctions are being introduced. Occasionally, things go as far as political blackmail. The bulk of the attacks are directed against Russia and China as key members of the Shanghai organisation, as well as our long-term partner Iran.

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Dmitry Medvedev's meeting with Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China Li Keqiang

Economic risks are further aggravated by mounting threats to security. Terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking are serious challenges that are of concern for all of our countries. As is known, Afghanistan with its ongoing hostilities and terrorist acts is faced with the most acute problems. We support efforts that lead to national reconciliation and economic recovery in that country.

Despite the known restrictions, the Russian economy is developing steadily and is largely in the black – that’s true of all key macroeconomic indicators - which makes us optimistic about our future.

Our organisation is the best available platform for merging our national development strategies and cross-border projects. Harmonising integration within the Eurasian Economic Union and the Belt and Road project is a case in point. An agreement on trade and economic cooperation between the Eurasian Union and China was signed in May. Several agreements between Russia and China have been concluded.





SCO Heads of Government Council expanded-format meeting

We are determined to strengthen our cooperation across the board. As a matter of fact, this is what is actually happening. In 2017, Russia's trade with the countries members of this organisation grew to $120 billion. The positive trend continues this year. Overall, this is a good result.

Sons of Pericles - New Website is Live!

Brothers, Sisters and friends of the AHEPA Family,     I hope you all are having a wonderful start to fall. I want to extend a warm invitation to visit our newly designed website, sonsofpericles.org.     Our new web design streamlines our mission and activities and improves accessibility. I want to give credit to our web design team, Supreme Secretary Paul Pavlakos and Supreme Treasurer Tim Noitsis, who did a fantastic job over the past months working to bring you all and our members a great product.     Our design features enhanced communications and resources for our members while quickly giving new viewers/visitors an efficient story and history of the Sons of Pericles. I hope you enjoy navigating our new website and thank you for your continued support of the Sons of Pericles.     Be sure to follow us on Instagram & give our Facebook page a like!   Fraternally,   Brother Gregory Vourloumis Supreme President Order of the Sons of Pericles

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CANADA latest news

Prime Minister of the Netherlands to visit Canada

October 16, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, will visit Ottawa on October 25, 2018.

Canada and the Netherlands share a rich history and deep friendship rooted in decades of cooperation and generations of people-to-people bonds.

During their meeting, Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Rutte will underline our countries’ common commitment to build economies that benefit everyone, promote international peace and security, champion free trade, advance gender equality, and fight climate change. They will also explore how to further leverage the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is creating good jobs, growth for the middle class, and new opportunities for people and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

Prime Minister Trudeau will then host a lunch with Prime Minister Rutte and representatives from Canadian and Dutch companies to identify opportunities for increased trade and collaboration between our two countries.

The two leaders – who have both worked as teachers – will then take part in a town hall event with local high school students. They will discuss the importance of education, civic engagement, and how best to prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

During his visit, Prime Minister Rutte will deliver an address to Parliament. This will be the first time that a Dutch prime minister addresses the Canadian Parliament. He will also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the presence of Canadian veterans who served during WWII.

Quote

“Canada and the Netherlands are dear friends who share a rich history, common values, and many shared goals. I look forward to meeting again with Prime Minister Rutte to deepen our friendship and advance the good work we are already doing to create new opportunities for Canadians and Dutch alike.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Rutte last met during the NATO Summit in Brussels, Belgium, in July 2018.
• In 1988, the Queen of the Netherlands, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix, addressed the Canadian Parliament.
• Canada and the Netherlands share a dynamic and forward-looking relationship, based on common values, and a rich military and royal history. Today, about one million people of Dutch origin reside in Canada.
• The Netherlands and Canada are active members of the UN, WTO, NATO, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the various international judicial institutions headquartered in The Hague. The two countries also work together in various multilateral peace and security operations, including the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, NATO’s Enhanced Foreign Presence in the Baltics and the Global Coalition against Daesh in Iraq.
• In 2017, Canada's merchandise exports to the Netherlands totaled $3.1 billion and merchandise imports from the Netherlands reached over $4 billion, making the Netherlands Canada's fifth-largest merchandise trading partner in the EU.
• In 2017, Canadian direct investment in the Netherlands was valued at $32 million and Dutch direct investment in Canada was valued at nearly $92 million.

Associated Links

• Canada-Netherlands Relations
• Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
• The Prime Minister concludes a successful visit to Armenia and his participation at the XVII Francophonie Summit
  
  October 13, 2018
  Yerevan, Armenia
  
  Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau concluded his official visit to Armenia, where he also took part in the XVII Francophonie Summit.
  At the Summit, together with the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s continued commitment to the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) and its values, including peace, democracy, gender equality, inclusion, and respect for rights and freedoms.
  The Prime Minister had discussions with his counterparts from various Francophonie member countries on issues related to the Summit’s theme, “Living together in solidarity, shared humanistic values and respect for diversity: a source of peace and prosperity in La Francophonie.” During the discussions, he emphasized the importance of working together to address shared challenges, including building economies that benefit everyone, fighting climate change, and strengthening democratic institutions.
  In line with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Prime Minister also announced that the Government of Canada will contribute $43 million to support international assistance projects in several African countries, including Mali, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These funds will help advance women’s empowerment, promote sexual and reproductive rights, and increase access to sexual and reproductive health services.
  The Prime Minister also highlighted the exceptional work of Secretary General Michaëlle Jean as head of La Francophonie. He underscored her many achievements, serving as a strong voice for women and girls and as an advocate for young people and human rights. The Prime Minister also congratulated the new Secretary General of the OIF, Louise Mushikiwabo, who will officially take office in 2019.
  The Prime Minister also spoke with Quebec’s premier-designate François Legault. The two leaders agreed to work together to address common challenges, attract foreign investment, and create new opportunities for all Canadians.
  The Prime Minister announced that the OIF members adopted the Francophonie strategy for the promotion of gender equality and the rights and empowerment of women and girls. Canada took a leadership role in developing this strategy, which will make gender equality a priority in La Francophonie’s work in the coming years. At the Summit, members also reached a consensus in favour of the seven new applications for membership in the OIF, namely Ireland, Malta, Gambia, and Louisiana, which requested observer status, and Kosovo, Serbia, and the United Arab Emirates, which requested associate membership.
  During his official bilateral visit, Prime Minister Trudeau met with Armen Sarkissian, President of the Republic of Armenia, and Nikol Pashinyan, Armenian Prime Minister, to further strengthen the strong relationship between Canada and Armenia. The leaders discussed their intention to begin talks on expanding air services between Canada and Armenia, which would facilitate travel, tourism, and trade, and strengthen the ties between the people in both countries.
  Prime Minister Trudeau also launched the Arnold Chan Initiative for Democracy in Armenia. He made the announcement in the company of Member of Parliament Jean Yip, in memory of her husband, Member of Parliament Arnold Chan, who passed away last year and was the former co-leader of the Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group. The initiative will help develop democratic institutions and strengthen the democratic process in Armenia. It will also support various projects aimed at protecting the right to education and the empowerment of women and girls, encouraging young people’s participation in the democratic process, and promoting the sustainable development of communities through environmental education.
  

  Quotes

  “Canada is a proud member of the International Organisation of La Francophonie and will continue to work actively to promote and protect the French language and francophone culture. At this year’s Summit, we made significant progress to advance our shared values of peace, democracy, inclusion, diversity, gender equality, and respect for human rights.”
  —The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

  “I was very pleased to meet the President and the Prime Minister of Armenia during my official visit. We had productive discussions and showcased the close ties between our two countries. Canada will continue to support Armenia’s efforts to strengthen its democratic progress.”
  —The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

  “Canada's commitment to La Francophonie runs deep and is rooted in the French language and the values we share. An integral part of that means promoting peace, democracy, and human rights – and we will never stop defending those values. As Minister responsible for La Francophonie, my mandate is to defend, strengthen, and promote our official language communities, and the French language throughout the world. That is why, as part of the XVII Francophonie Summit, and with support from France and other partners, Canada is committed to support dynamic francophone culture and protect its place in the digital world in a meaningful way.”
  —The Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

  Quick facts

  • The International Organisation of La Francophonie is made up of 84 member states and governments; of these, 54 are full members, 4 are associate members, and 26 are observers.
  • Armenia joined the International Organisation of La Francophonie in 2004 as an observer, and became an associate member in 2008.
  • Armenia obtained full member status in the IOF in 2012.
  • The 18th Francophonie Summit will take place in Tunis, Tunisia, and will coincide with celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of La Francophonie.

  Related product

  • Backgrounder: The Prime Minister announces significant support while attending the 17th XVII Francophonie Summit

  Associated links

• 18th Francophonie Summit
• International Organisation of La Francophonie
• Canada and La Francophonie

• Prime Minister Trudeau meets with President Déby Itno of Chad
  
  October 12, 2018
  Yerevan, Armenia
  
  Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad, on the margins of the XVII Summit of La Francophonie in Yerevan, Armenia.
  The Prime Minister and the President discussed the importance of empowerment of women and girls, including through access to education, ending child, early and forced marriage and greater participation in all aspects of public life.
  The two leaders also discussed the security situation in the Sahel and the Canadian contribution to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister Antoni Martí Petit of Andorra
  
  October 12, 2018
  Yerevan, Armenia
  
  Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Prime Minister Antoni Martí Petit on the margins of the Summit of La Francophonie in Yerevan, Armenia.
  The two leaders shared perspectives on key issues facing la Francophonie and looked forward to cooperating on efforts to strengthen the organization.
  
  Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Martí Petit committed to deepening relations between Canada and Andorra and finding new avenues of collaboration on shared interests.
• Prime Minister Trudeau meets with Président Keïta of Mali
  
  October 12, 2018
  Yerevan, Armenia
  
  
  Prime Minister Trudeau met today with President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta of the Republic of Mali on the margins of the Francophonie Summit in Yerevan.
  The Prime Minister congratulated President Keïta on his recent election and encouraged transparency for the upcoming legislative elections later this year.
  The two leaders also exchanged views on regional security challenges, with the Prime Minister reaffirming Canada’s engagement through its contribution to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). They discussed progress made on the 2015 Peace Agreement, noting the need for continued positive momentum.
  The Prime Minister and President welcomed the longstanding bilateral relationship between Canada and Mali, which in 2019 will mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION latest news

PRESS

Council of the European Union 15/10/2018  Baltic Sea: Council decides on how much can be fished in 2019 On 15 October 2018 the Council agreed on next year's total allowable catches (TACs) and member states' quotas for the ten commercially most important fish stocks in the Baltic Sea. The Council decided to increase fishing opportunities for plaice (+43%), sprat (+3%), Western cod (+70%), and herring in the Gulf of Riga (+7%). The Council also rolled-over the TACs for main basin salmon, and decided to decrease the future amounts to be fished for Central herring (-26%), Bothnian herring (-7%), Western herring (-48%), Eastern cod (-15%), and salmon in the Gulf of Finland (-3%). Thanks to this agreement, 7 out of 8 stocks for which complete scientific advice was available will be fished in line with the principle of maximum sustainable yield (MSY), covering 98% of fish landings in volume. "The 2020 deadline we set ourselves for achieving the sustainability of our fisheries resources is getting closer. Today's decision is another important step towards meeting this goal, whilst at the same time respecting the socioeconomic viability of our coastal communities." Elisabeth Köstinger, Austrian federal minister for sustainability and tourism and president of the Council Press release Horizon Europe: Next steps for Missions and Partnerships Published 15 Oct 19:43 Informal Lunch of EU Research Ministers and Commissioner Moedas on 15 October 2018 By joint invitation of Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, and Heinz Faßmann, Austrian Federal Minister for Education, Science and Research and current President of the Council Competitiveness for the part Research, representatives of the 28 members states met in the Berlaymont Building in Brussels for an informal lunch to discuss the issues of Research and Innovation (R&I) Missions and large partnership initiatives in Horizon Europe. The meeting took place two weeks after the Council had decided to include the areas of Missions and institutional Partnerships in the legal text of Horizon Europe. As promised by Commissioner Moedas at the Council meeting on 28 September 2018, the European Commission presented a non-paper, containing a list of areas which the Commission believes to have the greatest potential to be the basis of the first Missions and of the large Partnership Initiatives (both public-public/Art. 185 TFEU and public-private/Art. 187 TFEU) within Horizon Europe.

U.S.A.'s interesting news

News: October 12, 2018

Hurricane Recovery Assistance The U.S. Department of Labor is making available National Dislocated Worker Grant funding to help Floridaand Georgia assess workforce needs in the wake of Hurricane Michael. "As Americans come together to help each other, the Department of Labor is committed to supporting recovery efforts," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta.

Record Wages Recovered The Department's Wage and Hour Division recovered a record $304 million in wages owed to workers in fiscal year 2018, and hosted a record-high 3,643 compliance assistance events to help job creators understand their responsibilities under the law.

Helping Americans Get Back To Work Secretary Acosta and U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams discussed how the Trump Administration is helping Americans sidelined by opioid addiction and drug use get back to work in an op-ed published in the Salt Lake Tribune.

More Apprenticeships for Workers with Disabilities The Department announced $1.9 million in new investments to improve apprenticeship opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities in high-growth industries.

In Case You Missed It

Visa Enforcement

A North Carolina landscaping companywill pay workers nearly $1.3 million to resolve work visa program and wage violations.

New Safety Alliance

OSHA and craft brewer organizations in Ohiohave established a two-year alliance to promote workplace safety in Ohio breweries.

Hurricane Wages

The Department recovered more than $1.1 million in back wages for workers involved in Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts.



Lockout/Tagout

OSHA cited a New Jersey pet food manufacturer for failing to correct workplace safety and health hazards, and proposed $152,829 in fines.

Overtime Wages

An Indiana manufacturer will pay $338,151 in back wages and damages to resolve overtime violations at 53 plants nationwide.

Safety Settlement

A Wisconsin machine operator received $100,000 in back wages and damages after his employer fired him for reporting workplace injuries.

Stat of the Week


Manufacturing Continues To Grow

408,000 new manufacturing jobs have been added to the U.S. economy since November 2016, according to the Bureau of Lab

or Statistics. Lower Your Risk of Breast Cancer Did you know the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program catered to over 285,000 women across the U.S. in 2017? Breast cancer is one of the common cancers and you can take steps to reduce the risk of being harmed by the disease. Learn about early signs of breast cancer, what you can do to lower your risk, and if you are eligible to get a free screening.  Learn How to Submit a Consumer Complaint Have you ever experienced frustration over a misleading product, phone call, or company? Take action by filing a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). By reporting sweepstake scams, identity theft, or other unfair business practices, you can help the agency stop future consumer fraud.   MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program A new MedWatch Safety Alert recall: AFX Endovascular AAA Systems by Endologix: Recall - Due to Risk of Type III Endoleaks was just added to the FDA Recalls webpage.   You can read the complete recall alert at: https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ListofRecalls/ucm623439.htm