THE WHITE HOUSE's newest

The White House • November 6, 2018 America, then and now On Election Day 2016, the American people chose Donald J. Trump as their next President. Two and a half months later, he went right to work on his biggest campaign promise: to help give America “the strongest economy anywhere in the world.” Where are we today? There’s no shortage of headlines, but consider just these five facts about America on November 6, 2018: Four weeks ago, the World Economic Forum named the United States the world’s most competitive economy for the first time in a decade. “The United States is the closest economy to the frontier, the ideal state,” the report says.   America lost nearly 200,000 manufacturing jobs under the previous Administration. Since President Trump was elected, nearly half a million new manufacturing jobshave been added. The turnaround is clear: Manufacturing employment since President Trump was elected grew 6 times faster than it did during the final two years of the Obama Administration.   President Trump promised 3 percent GDP growth or better. Top Obama economist Larry Summers said that goal was “fair enough if you believe in tooth-fairies.” America’s GDP has grown by 3 percent over the past four quarters, including 4.2 percent in the second quarter of 2018 and 3.5 percent in the third.   The unemployment rate has dropped to 3.7 percent, its lowest point since 1969. Unemployment among African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and Americans without college degrees have all reached record lows under the Trump Administration.   The “blue-collar, middle-class Trump Economy” is the first boom in decades where blue-collar wages are growing faster than white-collar ones, lifting up working-class Americans and pulling them off the sidelines like never before. President Trump has taken bold action across the board since his Inauguration, renegotiating outdated trade agreements, withdrawing America from the disastrous Iran nuclear deal, and earning Kim Jong Un’s commitment to denuclearize North Korea. For all this progress, America’s economic turnaround is likely the most powerful story of them all. In their words: The Trump Economy keeps smashing expectations. The White House • November 8, 2018 America’s flag flies at half-staff tonight Late last night, 12 people were killed in a horrific shooting in Thousand Oaks, California. This morning, President Donald J. Trump signed a Proclamation as America mourns alongside the victims’ families and communities.    “As a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence,” President Trump writes, “I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, November 10, 2018.” President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were briefed on the shooting and the police response early this morning. “Great bravery shown by police. California Highway Patrol was on scene within 3 minutes, with first officer to enter shot numerous times. That Sheriff’s Sergeant died in the hospital,” the President tweeted. “God bless all of the victims and families of the victims. Thank you to Law Enforcement.” Read the President’s Proclamation remembering the victims in Thousand Oaks. Acts of courage: Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus “died a hero.” Our 114th Supreme Court Justice of the United States President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump joined the 114th Justice of the United States, Brett M. Kavanaugh, for his traditional investiture ceremony at the U.S. Supreme Court this morning. The investiture ceremony marks when a new Justice formally takes his or her spot on the High Court. The President and First Lady joined Justice Kavanaugh, seven of the other justices, and numerous public officials for the occasion. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the judicial oath to Justice Kavanaugh just after 10 a.m. Justice Kavanaugh was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 6, and began hearing oral arguments a few days later on October 9. See photos from today’s investiture ceremony. More: Get to know America’s 114th Supreme Court Justice, Brett M. Kavanaugh. Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Keegan Barber The American flag is flown at half-staff above the White House in memory of the victims of the tragic shooting in Thousand Oaks, California | November 8, 2018 Something to share Since President Donald J. Trump was elected, 4.5 MILLION jobs have been created! The White House • November 7, 2018 President Trump’s message on last night’s midterms Midterm elections are usually tough going for whichever party controls the White House. Over the previous 21 midterms, the president’s party has lost an average of four seats in the Senate. Only four times in that span has the president’s party gained seats in Congress’ upper chamber. Last night, President Donald J. Trump and the Republican Party defied that history and expanded their Senate majority. Here are three key takeaways: The President’s message resonates across the heartland. He held 30 rallies in the past 60 days, and “of the 11 candidates we campaigned with during the last week, nine won last night,” President Trump said today.   Across the country, in both Senate and House races, candidates who excelled embraced conservative messages of low taxes, low regulations, low crime, strong borders, and great judges. Candidates who struggled—including some Republicans—tried to distance themselves from these themes.   America’s economy is booming, and voters in working-class communities are taking notice. Record job growth, historically low unemployment, the return of American manufacturing, and renegotiated trade deals earned Republicans strong support everywhere from Florida to Ohio to North Dakota.  What’s next? President Trump made his priority clear in a press conference from the White House today. “Now is the time for members of both parties to join together, put partisanship aside, and keep the American economic miracle going strong,” he said, citing infrastructure, trade, and lowering the cost of prescription drugs as three areas he believes Democrats may want to work with Republicans. Watch President Trump’s statement on last night’s midterm results More: The President says put the American people first, not partisan politics President Trump and the free press President Trump’s unprecedented media access reveals just how important transparency is to this Administration’s success. During today’s press conference, President Trump took 68 questions—from 35 different reporters. By contrast, former President Obama took 22 questions from 10 reporters during his press conference following the 2010 midterm elections. CBS’ Major Garrett put it crisply: “There is more access to this president than Obama . . . We see him and interact with him and punch in questions with far more frequency.” ABC News Political Director Rick Klein agrees, saying President Trump is “above and beyond, far and away more accessible” than our previous two presidents. Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead President Donald J. Trump holds a press conference | November 7, 2018 President Trump Calls Mass Shooting at Club in Thousand Oaks, California, ‘Terrible,’ Says He's Been Briefed “President Donald Trump responded to a mass shooting at a Southern California music club, calling it ‘terrible’ and saying he has been ‘fully briefed’ on the incident,” Cheyenne Haslett reports for ABC News. The President commended the “great bravery shown by police,” thanking law enforcement and asking that God bless all of the victims and their families following this horrible incident. Click here to read more. “Brett Kavanaugh formally takes his seat as the 114th justice at the traditional investiture ceremony at the Supreme Court Thursday morning,” Nina Totenberg reports for NPR. “President Trump and first lady Melania Trump are scheduled to attend the ceremony.” On October 6, Justice Kavanaugh was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and he began hearing arguments on October 9.  In The Washington Post, Ed Rogers writes that by most measures, Republicans beat the odds of history and nearly everyone’s expectations for the 2018 midterms. “The instant analysis is clear: Democrats may have won the House, but Trump won the election.” President Trump and his allies “have an appeal that the elites in New York and Hollywood cannot dismiss or combat.” “Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said Wednesday that this week's midterm elections were the ‘most secure’ the U.S. has ever seen,” Anna Giaritelli writes in the Washington Examiner. “Nielsen's department took the lead on election security in early 2017. That job included helping all 10,000 state and local jurisdictions prepare for Election Day.” Giaritelli adds that “DHS has not reported any mass fraudulent voting, amended vote counts, or abnormal disruptions in the nationwide vote.”

ΔΗΛΩΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΝΟΥ ΣΚΟΥΡΟΛΙΑΚΟΥ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΣΥΜΦΩΝΙΑ ΠΡΩΘΥΠΟΥΡΓΟΥ – ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΥ

ΔΗΛΩΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΝΟΥ ΣΚΟΥΡΟΛΙΑΚΟΥ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΣΥΜΦΩΝΙΑ ΠΡΩΘΥΠΟΥΡΓΟΥ – ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΥ  Χαιρετίζουμε την σύγκλιση  απόψεων ανάμεσα στον Έλληνα Πρωθυπουργό Αλέξη Τσίπρα  και τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αθηνών και πάσης Ελλάδος κ. Ιερώνυμο,  όσον αφορά τις σχέσεις Εκκλησίας – Κράτους. Επιτέλους, μετά από σχεδόν δύο αιώνων δυσλειτουργίας  το τοπίο εξορθολογίζεται προς αμοιβαίο όφελος. Η Εκκλησία και το Κράτος πρέπει να συνομιλούν, να αλληλοκατανούνται και να συμπράττουν, χωρίς όμως να χρησιμοποιεί η μία πλευρά την άλλη. Όποτε έγινε αυτό, υπήρχαν δυσάρεστα αποτελέσματα σε βάρος του λαού, θρησκευόμενου ή μη.   Παναγιώτης (Πάνος) Σκουρολιάκος Βουλευτής Περιφέρειας Αττικής Γραμματέας Επιτροπής Μορφωτικών Υποθέσεων Βασ. Σοφίας 2 (Μέγαρο Βουλής), 10021 Αθήνα Τηλ.2103708473-4,fax:2103707576,e-mail:p.skouroliakos@parliament.gr

"ΝΕΑ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ" ενημέρωση

Ομιλία του Προέδρου της Νέας Δημοκρατίας κ. Κυριάκου Μητσοτάκη στην Κ.Ο. του Κόμματος

Αθήνα, 6 Νοεμβρίου 2018

Κυρίες και κύριοι συνάδελφοι, σε αντίθεση με αυτούς οι οποίοι κυβερνούν τη χώρα, οι πολίτες δεν έχουν αυταπάτες. Στην μεγάλη, τη συντριπτική τους πλειοψηφία πιστεύουν ότι η χώρα πηγαίνει προς τη λάθος κατεύθυνση. Δεν έχουν άδικο. Η σημερινή μας συνεδρίαση πραγματοποιείται ενώ η δημόσια σφαίρα, η δημόσια ατμόσφαιρα έχει επιβαρυνθεί ακόμη περισσότερο από κυβερνητικούς χειρισμούς εντός και εκτός συνόρων.

Στο Σκοπιανό, η Συμφωνία των Πρεσπών συσσωρεύει διαρκώς αρνητικά τετελεσμένα, όπως φαίνεται από την αναθεωρητική διαδικασία στη γειτονική χώρα. Όσα προωθούνται προς αναθεώρηση στο νέο Σύνταγμα των Σκοπίων είναι ακόμη χειρότερα και από την ίδια τη Συμφωνία των Πρεσπών. Για να το πω πολύ απλά: Με τις επιλογές της η κυβέρνηση επέτρεψε στα Σκόπια να εμπαίζουν πλέον την Ελλάδα. Όλα αυτά, ενώ στην Αθήνα, η κοινή γνώμη παρακολούθησε και παρακολουθεί άναυδη όσα ειπώθηκαν μεταξύ του κ. Κοτζιά και του κ. Καμμένου, για μυστικά κονδύλια, για ύποπτες χρηματοδοτήσεις. Αυτά ειπώθηκαν εντός του υπουργικού Συμβουλίου. Το  αποτέλεσμα ποιο ήταν;  Η έξοδος του κ. Κοτζιά από την κυβέρνηση. Και είναι πρωτοφανές -και θέλω να το τονίσω αυτό- στην ιστορία της μεταπολίτευσης να διερευνά η Δικαιοσύνη εκατέρωθεν κατηγορίες δύο υπουργών της ίδιας κυβέρνησης, εντός του υπουργικού Συμβουλίου.

Κωνσταντίνος Κατσίφας:ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΗ ΤΩΝ ΠΑΜΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΙΚΩΝ ΕΝΩΣΕΩΝ ΥΦΗΛΙΟΥ

Κωνσταντίνος Κατσίφας

ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΗ ΤΩΝ ΠΑΜΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΙΚΩΝ ΕΝΩΣΕΩΝ ΥΦΗΛΙΟΥ

Οι απανταχού Μακεδόνες καταδικάζουμε ευθαρσώς την εν ψυχρώ δολοφονία του Βορειοηπειρώτη Έλληνα Κωνσταντίνου Κατσίφα από την αλβανική αστυνομία στις 28 Οκτωβρίου 2018. 

Ο Κωσταντίνος Κατσίφας ύψωσε την ελληνική σημαία στο νεκροταφείο του  χωριού Βουλιαράτες, όπου φιλάσσονται οστά Ελλήνων στρατιωτών από το Β’ Παγκόσμιο Πόλεμο. Η εκεί Εθνική Ελληνική μειονότητα γιορτάζει κάθε χρόνο την ηρωική αντίσταση των Ελλήνων κατά της εισβολής των Ιταλών την ημέρα αυτή.

Οι  Μακεδόνες γνωρίζουν πως στα μεγαλειώδη συλλαλητήρια της Θεσσαλονίκης και Αθήνας για την Μακεδονία ο Κωνσταντίνος  ήταν ΠΑΡΩΝ. Είχε διαθέσει τον μισθό ενός μηνός για να αγοράσει τα υλικά για να ράψει ο ίδιος την τεράστια ελληνική σημαία την οποία μετέφερε ο ίδιος με τους φίλους του στα συλλαλητήρια. Ο σεβασμός μας και η αγάπη μας θα τον συνοδεύουν στο ύστερό του ταξίδι.

Καλούμε για διεθνούς εποπτευόμενη έρευνα προκειμένου να διερευνηθεί η αιτία του θανάτου του. Η ελληνική μειονότητα στην Αλβανία πρέπει να προστατεύεται σύμφωνα με τις διεθνείς συμφωνίες, η δε διεθνής κοινότητα πρέπει να λάβει θέσεις.

Οι απανταχού Μακεδόνες εκφράζουν τα πιο θερμά τους συλλυπητήρια στην οικογένεια του Κωνσταντίνου Κατσίφα και την συμπαράστασή τους στην ομογένεια της Αλβανίας.

Πηγή INTERNATIONAL HELLENIC ASSOCIATION

-- 

"Η ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΙΑ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ - ΔΕΝ ΠΩΛΕΙΤΑΙ - ΔΕΝ ΧΑΡΙΖΕΤΑΙ"
Capt. Evangelos N.M. Rigos
IHA Director www.professors-PhDs.com
HEC Life Director www.greece.org

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION latest

PRESS

European Council     8/11/2018  Speech by President Donald Tusk at the EPP Helsinki summit 2018 The migration crisis has given an impulse to a debate on the identity of European Christian Democracy. From its very beginning I was warning against two threats. First, that the powerlessness regarding the wave of illegal migration, to effectively control our external border would provoke a crisis of trust of our citizens in the liberal state and the European Union as a whole. Because people value freedom and openness only as long as they feel safe. The second threat is the emergence of the politicians on the main stage who, by taking advantage of the chaos triggered by the new migration period, started to set security and order against openness and freedom. Yes, it took us too much time, but finally we managed, thanks to our common efforts, to abandon the logic of powerlessness, and to concentrate on the protection of the external border. There is still a lot of work ahead of us, but at least one thing is obvious: that our priority is to stop illegal migration. I heard this from all the leaders during our last European Council. When it comes to the second threat which has not yet disappeared. I want to say it very bluntly that no-one has the right, at least in our political family, to attack liberal democracy and its foundations. We cannot agree with an argument that the effective protection of the European border, of our territory and identity, means to defy the rules of liberal democracy. Let me be absolutely clear: If you are against the rule of law and independent judiciary, you are not a Christian Democrat; If you don’t like the free press and NGOs, if you tolerate xenophobia, homophobia, nationalism and anti-Semitism, you are not a Christian Democrat; If you place the state and the nation against, or above, the freedom and dignity of the individual, you are not a Christian Democrat; If you wish for conflict and divisions globally and inside the European Union, you are not a Christian Democrat; If you support Putin and attack Ukraine, if you are in favour of the aggressor and against the victim, you are not a Christian Democrat;   If you want to replace the Western model of liberal democracy with an Eastern model of “authoritarian democracy”, you are not a Christian Democrat. I would like to believe that all of us here wish to remain faithful to the ideals of the true Christian Democracy. We all want to win the upcoming elections. But let us remember that at stake in these elections are not benefits and jobs, but the protection of our fundamental values. Because without them, our victory will make no sense. Thank you very much. Council of the European Union     6/11/2018 | PRESS RELEASE 2018 ECOFIN Climate Finance Conclusions THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION REAFFIRMS the strong support of the EU and its Member States for the timely implementation of the Paris Agreement together with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Addis Ababa Action Agenda. EMPHASISES the EU’s commitment to develop a robust and fully functioning set of rules as the outcome of the Paris Agreement Work Programme at COP24, which is essential for laying the groundwork for enhanced ambition, support and investment to enable the achievement of the Paris Agreement’s objectives. REITERATES the importance of making swift and ambitious progress on making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development. UNDERLINES that progress towards this objective is necessary to meet the long-term mitigation and adaptation objectives of the Paris Agreement and that it should be given due consideration within the UNFCCC architecture. STRESSES the need to encourage and effectively assess collective progress towards the objective of Article 2.1c of the Paris Agreement, including, but not limited to, through the global stock-take, and to undertake further work to develop methods and modalities towards this end.

AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION

AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL  PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION

A message from the AHEPA Headquarters November 7, 2018 AHEPA Congratulates Legislative Champions WASHINGTON, DC - Supreme President George E. Loucas issued the followingstatement on the outcome of the 2018 midterm election:  "We congratulate the champions of the American Hellenic community who won re-election to Congress, including: Hellenic Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Carolyn Maloney; Hellenic Caucus members U.S. Representatives Charlie Crist, John Sarbanes, and Dina Titus; and Congressional Hellenic Israeli Alliance Co-Chair Ted Deutch.  We look  forward to their continued strong support of our public policy priorities in the 116th Congress. "Further, we congratulate and welcome Representatives-elect Chris Pappas of New Hampshire and Michael Waltz of Florida.  We look forward to working with them in the new Congress. "Finally, we congratulate all Greek Americans, Ahepans and philhellenes who sought public office at the federal, state and local levels-whether or not they were successful in their bids-because we commend their passion and dedication to public service." # # #  AHEPA Receives Major Gift from E. John & Cleo Rumpakis Donation kicks-off "Century Capital Campaign" WASHINGTON, DC -  The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association E. John and Cleo Rumpakis (Order of AHEPA) is elated to be the recipient of a $100,000 gift from E. John and Cleo Rumpakis of Portland, Oregon, announced Supreme President George E. Loucas.  The donation, made in October 2018, officially launches AHEPA's "Century Capital Campaign" - a development campaign to raise $6 million by the organization's 100th anniversary in 2022.  For their generous donation, the lobby of AHEPA's Global Headquarters will be dedicated and named in honor of E. John and Cleo Rumpakis. E. John is a Past Supreme Governor and a Past President of Mount Hood Chapter 154, Portland.  He also has served on AHEPA's Cyprus & Hellenic Affairs Committee.  In March 2010, then-Supreme President Nicholas Karacostas presented him with the Supreme President's "Award for Excellence in the Preservation and Promotion of Hellenism" at AHEPA's Western Regional Banquet.  He has been a benefactor of Hellenic Classics for:  Portland State University, University of Washington, University of Portland, Reed College, and most recently, Willamette University.   Former Oregon Governors John Kitzhaber and Ted Kulongoski appointed E. John to Oregon's Heritage Commission, where he served for a decade.  He is a Realtor Emeritus, a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and a member of the American Hellenic Institute and Leadership 100. Cleo, a member of Daughters of Penelope Troy Chapter 32, is a DOP Past District 22 Governor and DOP Past Grand Governor.  She recently authored Hellenic Tour USA, a guide book of the Greek American experience covering all 50 states beginning in the year of 1528. "We are deeply grateful to E. John and Cleo Rumpakis for their unselfish gift to our capital campaign," Supreme President Loucas said. "The Rumpakises have been extraordinary leaders of the American Hellenic community and continue to set an outstanding example for all to emulate.  Thanks to their kindness, we are confident our ambitious capital campaign will be a success." "For nearly 100 years, the Order of AHEPA has upheld Hellenic ideals, fostered good citizenship and Brotherhood, and given back admirably to our communities through service, volunteerism, and financial contributions," E. John Rumpakis said. "We are proud members of the AHEPA family, and it is our earnest wish for it to continue to meet its worthy mission for the next century." Founded in 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, on the principles that undergirded its fight for civil rights and against discrimination, bigotry, and hatred felt at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan, AHEPA is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Europe.   AHEPA's mission is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence through community service and volunteerism.  For more information, please visit www.ahepa.org.  Fifth District Raises $60K for Cancer Research The Fifth District AHEPA Cancer Research Foundation did it again! The foundation donated $60,000 to researchers working toward a cure for cancer at its 29th annual gala, November 3. Fox Chase Cancer Center, Weill Medical College of Cornell University/Children's Blood Foundation and the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey each received a $20,000 grant from the foundation. The 30th annual gala is already in the works -- save the date of November 2, 2019. Since its inception, the foundation has donated $1.125 million to cancer research.  CosmosPhilly coverage   "Like" the foundation's Facebook page for photo galleries and updates!

CANADA's latest news

Statement by the Prime Minister on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas

November 7, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas:

“Today, we join Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities in Canada and around the world to celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.

“This holiday – known as the Festival of Lights – symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.

“Families and friends will gather to pray, exchange gifts, share meals, and light diyas in a spirit of hope. Diwali is also a chance to honour the many communities that celebrate this occasion.

“Canadians of Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist faiths, as well as the larger South Asian diaspora, shape our country for the better every day.

“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating a happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.”

Prime Minister delivers apology regarding the fate of the passengers of the MS St. Louis

November 7, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today delivered a formal apology in the House of Commons regarding the fate of the MS St. Louis and its passengers. The Prime Minister apologized to the passengers, their families, and Jewish communities in Canada and around the world.

In May 1939, the MS St. Louis departed Germany with close to a thousand passengers, including over 900 German Jews, who were desperate for safety and refuge from persecution at the hands of the Nazis.

After Jewish refugees on board were denied entry to Cuba, the United States, and Canada, they were forced to return to Europe, where the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands agreed to take them in. When the Nazis conquered Belgium, France, and the Netherlands in 1940, 254 MS St. Louis passengers were murdered in the Holocaust.

The Prime Minister apologized to Jewish refugees Canada turned away, and for the anti-Semitic, ‘none is too many’ immigration policy that led to the MS St. Louis incident. He also apologized to the Jews who were falsely imprisoned during the Second World War, to the members of Canada’s Jewish community whose pleas were ignored, and to all others who paid the price of Canada’s inaction.

Quotes

“Today, I rose in the House of Commons to issue a long overdue apology to the Jewish refugees Canada turned away.By issuing this apology, it is my sincere hope that we can shine a light on this painful chapter of our history and ensure that its lessons are never forgotten. Anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and hatred have no place in this country, or anywhere in this world. Recent attacks on the Jewish community attest to the work we still have to do. We must always stand up against xenophobic and anti-Semitic attitudes and hate in all its forms.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“Every year, thousands of people from around the world choose to settle in Canada and are warmly welcomed by our dynamic, inclusive and open country. The memory of the MS St. Louis reminds us of how far we have travelled since 1939 and rekindles our commitment to fight anti-Semitism everywhere. The atrocities that have been and continue to be committed against the Jewish people cannot be forgotten, and we must continue to stand together against hatred and discrimination.”
—The Hon. Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism

RUSSIA's latest news

CSTO Summit


The President of Russia attended the CSTO Collective Security Council meeting in Astana.
November 8, 2018
18:00
Astana






Participants in the CSTO Collective Security Council meeting. From left to right: Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, Vladimir Putin, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and Acting Secretary General of the CSTO Valery Semerikov.

Vladimir Putin, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and Acting Secretary General of the CSTO Valery Semerikov met in restricted format, followed by expanded talks attended by members of the delegations.

During the meeting, the participants exchanged views on the CSTO’s work in the context of ensuring international and regional security. They adopted a series of decisions, including a regulation codifying partner and observer status in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation.

The President of Russia updated the audience on the strategic stability and arms control situation in the context of the unilateral decision of the United States to withdraw from the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles; the prospects for possible negotiations with the US side on the INF Treaty; the dialogueof participants of the Astana process and the so-called Small Group on Syria that began in Istanbul.

The summit participants devoted considerable time to selecting a candidate for the next Secretary General of the CSTO and agreed to make a final decision on December 6 in St Petersburg.

A range of documents were adopted following the meeting. The heads of delegations of the CSTO member states signed the CSTO Collective Security Council Declaration.

They also signed the Statement of the Heads of CSTO Member States on coordinated measures against parties to armed conflicts on the side of international terrorist groups.

In particular, the documents signed amend the Collective Security Treaty of May 15, 1992, and the Charter of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation of October 7, 2002; make personnel changes to the military contingents and special task units of the CSTO Collective Rapid Reaction Forces; regulate the development of the collective system for controlling illegal migration until 2025; and promote a coordinated information policy in the interests of the CSTO member states.

Vladimir Putin arrived in Astana


The President of Russia has arrived in the Republic of Kazakhstan for a two-day working visit.
November 8, 2018
14:00
Astana



Arrival in Astana.

On November 8, Vladimir Putin will attend a session of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). The participants will discuss key international and regional issues and the further promotion of cooperation between CSTO members. They are to sign about 20 documents, including the CSTO Collective Security Council Declaration.

On November 9, Vladimir Putin and Nursultan Nazarbayev will address the plenary session of the 15th Russia-Kazakhstan Interregional Cooperation Forum in Petropavlovsk and will visit an exhibition of promising joint tourism programmes. A number of bilateral agreements have been drafted for signing.

Also on the second day of the visit, the two presidents are to hold talks and attend a presentation of the Baiterek space centre project.

Συμμετοχή Σπύρου Πάντζα, στη συνέντευξη τύπου για τον 36ο Αυθεντικό Μαραθώνιο της Αθήνας

Συμμετοχή του Εντεταλμένου Περιφερειακού Συμβούλου σε θέματα  Αθλητισμού Σπύρου Πάντζα, στη συνέντευξη τύπου για τον 36ο Αυθεντικό Μαραθώνιο της Αθήνας

Χαιρετισμό  απηύθυνε  ο Εντεταλμένος Περιφερειακός Σύμβουλος σε θέματα Αθλητισμού Σπύρος Πάντζας, κατά τη συνέντευξη τύπου για τον 36^ο Αυθεντικό Μαραθώνιο της Αθήνας που πραγματοποιήθηκε στο Γήπεδο του TAE KWON DO στο Π. Φάληρο.

Συγκεκριμένα, ο Εντεταλμένος Περιφερειακός Σύμβουλος Αθλητισμού  είπε τα εξής:

«Εκπροσωπώντας την Περιφερειάρχη Αττικής, θέλω να χαιρετίσω την έναρξη των τετραήμερων εκδηλώσεων του Μαραθωνίου της Αθήνας, που θα κορυφωθούν την Κυριακή 11 Νοεμβρίου με τον Αυθεντικό αγώνα.

Ο Μαραθώνιος της Αθήνας αποτελεί ένα από τα σημαντικότερα αθλητικά, πολιτιστικά και κοινωνικά γεγονότα οικουμενικής εμβέλειας και συμβάλλει στην τουριστική προβολή της Αττικής, καθώς την καθιστά αθλητικό και πολιτιστικό προορισμό σε μια περίοδο που ο τουρισμός αποδεικνύεται κρίσιμος παράγοντας για την αναπτυξιακή προοπτική της Ελλάδας.

Είναι μια γιορτή του κλασικού αθλητισμού στην οποία κάθε χρόνο συμμετέχουν χιλιάδες πολίτες από όλο τον κόσμο και την Αττική.

Η Αυθεντική Μαραθώνια διαδρομή, η οποία είναι αφιερωμένη στη μνήμη του Γρηγόρη Λαμπράκη, αποτελεί για τους συμμετέχοντες έναν αγώνα ιστορίας, μνήμης και πολιτισμού, ο οποίος διατρανώνει το μήνυμα για ειρήνη, Δημοκρατία και εξάλειψη κάθε είδους διακρίσεων και ρατσισμού. Ειδικότερα  το  τελευταίο  χρονικό  διάστημα που  βιώνουμε την  άνοδο φασιστικών μορφωμάτων στην Ευρώπη αλλά και σε όλο τον κόσμο, οι αξίες του Μαραθωνίου είναι πιο επίκαιρες από ποτέ.  

Ο 36^ος Μαραθώνιος της Αθήνας, βρίσκει την Αττική γη, η οποία έχει το προνόμιο και την τιμή να αποτελεί τον τόπο διεξαγωγής του πολύτιμου αυτού θεσμού, πληγωμένη από την καταστροφική πυρκαγιά της 23^ης Ιουλίου σε Ραφήνα και Μαραθώνα, που στοίχησε εκτός από την περιβαλλοντική καταστροφή και την απώλεια 99 συνανθρώπων μας. Η ανακούφιση  των πληγέντων και η επαναφορά των περιοχών στην κανονικότητα αποτελεί για μας άμεση προτεραιότητα. 

Όπως άμεση προτεραιότητα, αποτελεί επίσης και η διεύρυνση της χωρητικότητας και ασφάλειας της ιστορικής αφετηρίας του  Μαραθωνίου, ώστε να μπορεί να φιλοξενήσει περισσότερους δρομείς από την Ελλάδα και το εξωτερικό. Το αδιευκρίνιστο ιδιοκτησιακό καθεστώς είναι ένα σημαντικό εμπόδιο στην υλοποίηση του στόχου αυτού, αλλά με τις ενέργειές μας προσπαθούμε να ξεπεράσουμε κάθε δυσκολία και να διασφαλίσουμε την  περαιτέρω ανάπτυξη του αθλητικού αυτού γεγονότος.

Η Περιφέρεια Αττικής στέκεται αρωγός σε κάθε προσπάθεια εξέλιξης του κορυφαίου αυτού αγώνα και όπως κάθε χρόνο στηρίζει και φέτος τη διοργάνωση του 36^ου Αυθεντικού Μαραθωνίου, τη διεξαγωγή του 12^ου Συμποσίου της ΑΙΜΣ και τις βραβεύσεις των καλύτερων Μαραθωνοδρόμων, με  280.000€, ενώ για πρώτη φορά η Διεύθυνση Τουρισμού της Περιφέρειας υπό την καθοδήγηση της Εντεταλμένης Περιφερειακής Συμβούλου σε θέματα Τουρισμού Δημοπούλου Ελένης, αναλαμβάνει τη φιλοξενία σπουδαίων προσωπικοτήτων από το δημοσιογραφικό κόσμο του αθλητισμού, οι οποίοι θα προβάλλουν τον Αυθεντικό Μαραθώνιο και την Αττική σε όλο τον κόσμο.  

Τέλος, θα ήθελα να συγχαρώ όλους όσοι συμβάλλουν κάθε χρόνο στην προσπάθεια υλοποίησης αυτού του τεράστιου εγχειρήματος και να ευχηθώ κάθε επιτυχία στους πολίτες που θα δώσουν ένα ηχηρό μήνυμα με τη συμμετοχή τους, δίνοντας τον αγώνα που υπερβαίνει τη μάχη των επιδόσεων».

Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες :

spantzas@patt.gov.gr

spantzas@gmail.com

www.dinamizois.gr     

 

ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΡΙΟ των Οργανώσεων της Κοινωνίας των Πολιτών..ενημέρωση

ΠΑΝΕΛΛΗΝΙΟ ΚΕΝΤΡΟ ΟΙΚΟΛΟΓΙΚΩΝ ΕΡΕΥΝΩΝ
ΚΕΚ ΠΑΚΟΕ 

ΟΙΚΟΣΥΣΤΗΜΑ ΕΛΛΑΣ 

OIKOEN 

ΟΙΚΟ-ΓΗ
Νικολάου Φλώρου 8, 115 24 Αθήνα, Tηλ.: 210 8100805, 210 7230505, Fax: 210 8101609
e-mail: pakoe@pakoe.gr, www.pakoe.gr
Members of: United Nations Environment PROGRAM - ECOROPA - IUCN - IFOAM


ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΡΙΟ των Οργανώσεων της Κοινωνίας των Πολιτών
A.Καμάρα 6 τκ. 54621 τηλ. 6998 282382 Θεσσαλονίκη
ΠΑΝΕΥΡΩΠΑΪΚΟ ΣΩΜΑΤΕΙΟ ΑΝΑΠΗΡΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΑΤΟΜΩΝ ΜΕ ΕΙΔΙΚΕΣ ΑΝΑΓΚΕΣ - ΣΥΝΕΡΓΑΣΙΑ - ΔΗΜΙΟΥΡΓΙΑ
ΠΑΝΕΛΛΗΝΙΑ ΟΜΟΣΠΟΝΔΙΑ ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΤΙΚΩΝ ΚΡΗΤΙΚΩΝ ΣΩΜΑΤΕΙΩΝ
ΟΜΟΣΠΟΝΔΙΑ ΔΩΔΕΚΑΝΗΣΙΑΚΩΝ ΣΩΜΑΤΕΙΩΝ

ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΥΠΟΥ 314/ 08-11-2018
Από χθες άνοιξε διάπλατα της «πύλες» της η ΕΚΘΕΣΗ των φορέων Κ.ΑΛ.Ο. (Κοινωνική Αλληλέγγυα Οικονομία) με οργανώτρια μια Κ.Ο. (Κυβερνητική Οργάνωση), η οποία ΕΒΓΑΛΕ ανακοίνωση - πρόσκληση στην Δημοσιότητα στις 3/10/2018 προς τους φορείς Κ.ΑΛ.Ο.δίχως να έχει την συγκατάθεση αρκετών φορέων Κ.ΑΛ.Ο. αφενός και αφετέρου επίσημη ανάθεση μετά από διαγωνισμό του Υπουργείου Εργασίας, με αποτέλεσμα μετά από την καταγγελία του ΠΑ.Κ.Ο.Ε. στις 25/10/2018 (ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΥΠΟΥ 307) και άλλων φορέων, να υπογραφούν οι παράνομες και καταχρηστικές αναθέσεις από το Υπουργείο, από τον Υφυπουργό Ηλιόπουλο στις 26/10/2018 μετά την ανάδειξη των σκανδάλων που ακολουθούν.

Μάλιστα για να μας κλείσουν τα «μάτια» το Υπουργείο στις 05/11/2018 εξέδωσε μια Προδημοσίευση - όπως και τα προηγούμενα χρόνια - προκήρυξης για την χρηματοδότηση φορέων Κ.ΑΛ.Ο.

Για όλα τα παραπάνω και μετά την ανοικτή Πρόσκληση προς όλους τους Φορείς Κ.ΑΛ.Ο. στα γραφεία του ΠΑ.Κ.Ο.Ε. στις 07/11/2018 μετά από συζήτηση των εκπροσώπων των φορέων που συμμετείχαν αποφασίστηκαν τα παρακάτω:

1. Να διανεμηθεί σ' όλους τους συμμετέχοντες στην έκθεση το Δελτίο Τύπου 314/ 08-11-2018

2. Να κατατεθεί αίτηση ακύρωσης των επίδικων αναθέσεων στο Ελεγκτικό Συνέδριο

3. Να πραγματοποιηθεί άμεση ανοικτή συνάντηση και συζήτηση με τους πολιτικούς υπεύθυνους του Υπουργείου (Υφυπουργό, Γενικό Γραμματέα με εκπροσώπους των φορέων Κ.ΑΛ.Ο.)

4. Την μεθόδευση των απαραιτήτων κινήσεων ώστε άμεσα να ενισχυθούν οι φορείς της Κοινωνικής Αλληλέγγυας Οικονομίας με ένα τουλάχιστον εργαζόμενο από το Υπουργείο Εργασίας

5. Την μεθόδευση άμεσης οργάνωσης ενός αντιπροσωπευτικού Συνεδρίου που θα οργανώσουν όλοι ανεξαρτήτως οι φορείς της Αλληλέγγυας Κοινωνικής Οικονομίας

Οι φορείς που συζήτησαν και αποφάσισαν:

1 Πανελλήνιο Κέντρο Οικολογικών Ερευνών

2 ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΡΙΟ των Οργανώσεων της Κοινωνίας των Πολιτών

3 Πανευρωπαϊκό Σωματείο Αναπήρων και ατόμων με Ειδικές Ανάγκες - Συνεργασία - Δημιουργία

4 Πανελλήνια Ομοσπονδία Πολιτιστικών Κρητικών Σωματείων

5 Ομοσπονδία Δωδεκανησιακών Σωματείων

ΓΙΑ ΤΟ ΠΑ.Κ.Ο.Ε.

Παναγιώτης Χριστοδουλάκης

ΓΙΑ ΤΟ ΠΑΝΕΛΛΗΝΙΟ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΡΙΟ

Δημήτριος Μιχαηλίδης

ΓΙΑ ΤΟΝ ΠΑΝΕΥΡΩΠΑΪΚΟ ΣΩΜΑΤΕΙΟ ΑΝΑΠΗΡΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΑΤΟΜΩΝ ΜΕ ΕΙΔΙΚΕΣ ΑΝΑΓΚΕΣ - ΣΥΝΕΡΓΑΣΙΑ - ΔΗΜΙΟΥΡΓΙΑ

Γεώργιος Ρεθυμιωτάκης

ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΝΕΛΛΗΝΙΑ ΟΜΟΣΠΟΝΔΙΑ ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΤΙΚΩΝ ΚΡΗΤΙΚΩΝ ΣΩΜΑΤΕΙΩΝ

Εμμανουήλ Πατεράκης

ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΟΜΟΣΠΟΝΔΙΑ ΔΩΔΕΚΑΝΗΣΙΑΚΩΝ ΣΩΜΑΤΕΙΩΝ

Ιωάννης Φραγκούλης