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Call for Applications | Honor Excellence in Athletics AHEPA presents scholarships and awards to outstanding athletes, scholar-athletes, and former athletes annually at its Athletic Luncheon held at the AHEPA Family Supreme Convention. Don't miss out! Know of a standout athlete who excels in their individual sport(s) or who displays excellence in the classroom and volunteerism? Or a former athlete worthy to join the ranks of 140-plus members of the AHEPA Athletic Hall of Fame? Nominate a standout candidate today! Deadline is March 15, 2019 for both applications. Scholar-Athlete Awards Nomination Form AHEPA Athletic Hall of Fame Nomination Form ICYMI | Congress Applauded for Continued Support for U.S.-Greece Relations, Service Programs "We applaud Congress for passage of a bipartisan, comprehensive FY2019 funding bill that bolsters support for U.S.-Greece relations with a $1 million appropriation for Greece's International Military Education and Training program; a program that advances the professional military education of the Greek Armed Forces," Supreme President George E. Loucas said in a statement issued Feb. 15. He added the bill also provides robust funding for HUD's Section 202 Housing for the Elderly program.  read more Sad News | PSG John Tsimekles Passes Away AHEPA mourns the passing of Past Supreme Governor John N. Tsimekles. Brother Tsimekles, of West Palm Beach, Fla., passed away Feb. 7, 2019. He was 86. Brother Tsimekles was a 49-year member of AHEPA Chapter 18, West Palm Beach. In addition to being a Past Supreme Governor, he is a Past District 2 Governor and Past Chapter President. Brother Tsimekles was instrumental in the chapter's sponsorship of its affordable elderly housing property in West Palm Beach.    "We are deeply saddened by the news of Brother John's passing, and he will be missed," Supreme President George E. Loucas said. "He was an extremely dedicated Ahepan who was a pillar of the West Palm Beach community. Our deepest sympathies are with the Tsimekles family. May his memory be eternal."  Make Plans Today! | 2019 Supreme Convention Chicago will play host to the 97th AHEPA Family Supreme Convention, July 1 to 6, 2019. The Palmer House Hilton Hotel will be the venue.  Initial details, including hotel accommodations, can be found here. Secure the $159 plus tax per night room rate by making your reservationtoday!  National Scholarship, Journey to Greece Applications Available The AHEPA National Educational Foundation has posted applications for its National Scholarship program and Journey to Greece program.  Deadline: to apply for a National Educational Foundation scholarship is March 31, 2019. (apply now) (promo video) Deadline: to apply for the Journey to Greece program is April 20, 2019. (apply now) (promo video) Apply Today! | 2019 AHEPAcademy Session  Calling all high school juniors! Join a select group of Greek American students from across the country for AHEPAcademy, an interactive leadership and professional development program. The 2019 session will be held June 23 to 29 at George Mason University (located in northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC).  Program overview Early Application Deadline: March 15, 2019 Extended Deadline: April 15, 2019 Share: AHEPAcademy promo video (via Facebook) Apply Today! Don't forget to follow AHEPA on social media:                                  NEW!

Join AHEPA Today! In Our Own Words. What AHEPA means to us. Join AHEPA Now Upcoming Events & Deadlines   February - March 25 - 2 | Monte Kofos Memorial Golf Tournament, Amelia Island, Florida March 30 | Greek Independence Day Parade, Tarpon Springs, Fla. April  14 | Greek Independence Day Parade, New York City Greek American News Digest   Editor's Note: Editorials, commentaries, opinion pieces, and articles are shared for information purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy positions of the Order of AHEPA, its affiliated organizations, and members.     Tsipras meets with Biden, US Congress members Ekathimerini (Feb. 16) Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and former US Vice-President Joe Biden met for over an hour on the sidelines of the Security Conference in Munich. read more Greece at risk of not getting euro zone cash as reforms lag: officials Reuters (Feb. 18)   Greece is at risk of not getting some 750 million euros next month that it won under a debt relief deal with the euro zone last year because it has not completed agreed reforms, euro zone officials said on Monday. read more Greek baker who gave bread to arriving refugees dies at 77 Associated Press (Feb. 17) Dionissis Arvanitakis, a Greek baker who provided free bread to refugees who arrived on a Greek island, has died of unspecified causes. He was 77. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker released a statement Sunday expressing his respect "for an exemplary European citizen" who showed "rare generosity and sensitivity towards the hundreds of unfortunate immigrants."  read more Opinion | Athens in Pieces: In Aristotle's Garden New York Times (Feb. 18) Aristotle had slender calves. His eyes were small. And he spoke with a lisp, which - according to Plutarch - was imitated by some. He wore many rings and had a distinctive, rather exotic style of dress - a kind of ancient bling. read more Greece Receives More Than 7,000 Asylum Requests from Turks Fleeing Erdogan The Pappas Post (Feb. 19) Greece's asylum service has published data, revealing that more than 7,000 Turkish nationals have requested asylum in Greece since the failed coup attempt in their country in 2016.  read more Third baseman Mike Moustakas returning to Brewers ESPN (Feb. 18) Free-agent third baseman Mike Moustakas is headed back to the Milwaukee Brewers on a one-year, $10 million deal, a league source confirmed to ESPN's Jeff Passan on Sunday. There is a mutual option on a second year.  read more It's carnival time in Greece - let the capers begin Neos Kosmos (Feb. 18) Carnival (apokries) revelry kicked off in Greece on 17 February with fascinating traditions being revived around the country. There's everything from colourful parades and masquerades to fertility rites that allude to the pagan roots of Greek carnival time.  read more Mary Lefkowitz at the Celebration of the Classics at the Greek Consulate in Boston The National Herald (Feb.19) On the occasion of the celebration of World Greek Language Day, the Consul General of Greece in Boston, Stratos Efthymiou, organized an event at the Consulate featuring presentation by Mary Lefkowitz, Professor at Wellesley College.  read more

IHA-κ. ΛΕΩΝΙΔΑΣ ΚΟΥΜΑΚΗΣ γράφει: Ο Ερντογάν ό,τι θυμάται χαίρεται…

Ο Ερντογάν ό,τι θυμάται χαίρεται…
February 20, 2019 Capt. E.N.Rigos


Γράφει ο Λεωνίδας Κουμάκης


Δέκα μόλις μέρες μετά την επίσκεψη του Έλληνα πρωθυπουργού στην Τουρκία και την πολύωρη συζήτηση του με τον πρόεδρο της Τουρκίας, άρχισαν να έρχονται στην δημοσιότητα λεπτομέρειες της μεταξύ τους συζήτησης από (ποιόν άλλο;) τον λαλίστατο αρχηγό της «Φαμίλιας Ερντογάν» – όπως ακριβώς αναμενόταν.

Ο Ρ. Τ. Ερντογάν, μιλώντας στην Αδριανούπολη απέδειξε για μια ακόμα φορά την απρόβλεπτη συμπεριφορά του, την συνήθεια του να ανακατεύεται παντού, να πετάγεται από το ένα θέμα στο άλλο με λαϊκίστικα συνθήματα που μαγεύουν τις αμόρφωτες μάζες της ανατολής και προβληματίζουν κάθε σκεπτόμενο Τούρκο, την ικανοποίηση του να αποκαλύπτει κάτι που του ήρθε στο μυαλό και τον ενθουσίασε με την «τρομερή» του σκέψη! Με δύο λόγια: Ό,τι θυμάται χαίρεται…

Σε προεκλογική του ομιλία (16 Φεβρουαρίου 2019) στην Αδριανούπολη, ο Ερντογάν απευθυνόμενος σε φανατικούς οπαδούς που κρέμονται από τα χείλη του, ξεπέρασε τον εαυτό του, αποκαλύπτοντας φανταστικά ή πραγματικά κουτσομπολιά καφενείου «από πρώτο χέρι» για την συνάντηση του με τον Έλληνα πρωθυπουργό, χωρίς βέβαια να παραλείψει να εξαπολύσει και διάφορες λαϊκίστικες μεγαλοστομίες:

Ισχυρίστηκε ότι είπε στον πρωθυπουργό της Ελλάδας «Δείτε, ζητάτε από μας κάτι. Ζητάτε την Θεολογική Σχολή της Χάλκης. Να ανοίξουμε λοιπόν το Φετχιγέ τζαμί!».

Η Θεολογική Σχολή της Χάλκης φιμώθηκε από το 1971 χωρίς καμιά απολύτως δικαιολογία και σε προκλητική αντίθεση με όλες τις διεθνείς υποχρεώσεις της Τουρκικής Δημοκρατίας – ακόμα και με τους ίδιους τους νόμους της Τουρκίας! Από το 1971 μέχρι σήμερα, το Βαθύ Κράτος της Τουρκίας με τους πανίσχυρους εκπρόσωπους του στην εκάστοτε Τουρκική κυβέρνηση, προκειμένου να αποφύγει την αυτονόητη υποχρέωση επαναλειτουργίας της Θεολογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης, ζητάει διάφορα «ανταλλάγματα» που αλλάζουν συνεχώς. Ο σημερινός Πρόεδρος της Τουρκίας, αφού «οικειοποιήθηκε» πλήρως το Βαθύ Κράτος και υιοθέτησε όλες τις νέο – οθωμανικές φαντασιώσεις του, ξεπέρασε όλους τους κατά καιρούς «εκπροσώπους» του: Πριν από δύο εβδομάδες ζητούσε «εκλογή μουφτήδων στην Ελλάδα», τώρα ζητάει «να ανοίξουμε το «Φετχιγέ τζαμί»!

Οι μουφτήδες δεν εκλέγονται ούτε μέσα στην ίδια Τουρκία, πως θα εκλέγονται μέσα σε ένα Ευρωπαϊκό κράτος έχοντας μάλιστα και δικαστικές αρμοδιότητες; Σε ποια χώρα του εικοστού πρώτου αιώνα οι «εκλεγμένοι από τον λαό» είναι και δικαστές; Η κάθε ασυναρτησία και ο κάθε παραλογισμός έχουν και κάποια όρια. Φυσικά, αυτά δεν ισχύουν στην περίπτωση του ψευτο – σουλτάνου της Άγκυρας!

Ζήτησε ποτέ η Ελλάδα κάποιο από τα εκατοντάδες Βυζαντινά ή Ελληνικά μνημεία που υπάρχουν μέσα στην Τουρκία να μετατραπεί σε εκκλησία; Πως ζητάει ο πρόεδρος της Τουρκίας να θέσουμε σε λειτουργία ένα τζαμί που φέρει την συμβολική ονομασία «Φετχιγέ τζαμί», δηλαδή «Τζαμί του κατακτητή», για να θυμίζει μια πρόσκαιρη, κατάμαυρη περίοδο κατοχής της Ελλάδος στην μακραίωνη ιστορία της; Η ασυναρτησία, η υπεροψία και ο φτηνός λαϊκισμός σε αμόρφωτες μάζες, πόση διαχρονική αξία μπορούν να έχουν;

Ο πρόεδρος της Τουρκίας «εκμυστηρεύτηκε» στο αλαλάζων πλήθος των αμόρφωτων οπαδών του, την παρατήρηση που έκανε στον Έλληνα πρωθυπουργό «γιατί το τζαμί στην Αθήνα δεν έχει μιναρέ». Πρόσθεσε μάλιστα σε ένα μοναδικό ρεσιτάλ λαϊκισμού «Εκκλησία χωρίς καμπαναριό γίνεται; Εμείς τους είπαμε αν θες να κάνεις καμπαναριό έλα κάνε. Στα δικά μας τα τζαμιά όμως ποιο είναι το αναπόσπαστο; Οι μιναρέδες που υψώνονται προς τον ουρανό!».

Ο αθεόφοβος, ο υποκριτής πρόεδρος της Τουρκίας κάνει πως δεν ξέρει πως στην Ελλάδα λειτουργούν περισσότερα από τριακόσια τζαμιά με μιναρέδες, πως δεν είναι δυνατό να αλλάξουμε τους πολεοδομικούς κανόνες της Αθήνας για να ικανοποιήσουμε την αχαλίνωτη και ανεξέλεγκτη μανία του να ανακατεύεται παντού. Επί πλέον δεν υπάρχουν Τούρκοι στην Αθήνα για να δικαιολογείται οποιοδήποτε ενδιαφέρον του– εκτός βέβαια από αυτούς που καταδιώκει μανιωδώς σαν «τρομοκράτες»! Οι μουσουλμάνοι λαθρομετανάστες που μας στέλνει εδώ και δεκαετίες θησαυρίζοντας ή οι πρόσφυγες πολέμου που κατέφθασαν στην Ελλάδα αφού θυσίασαν το βιός τους στους υπαλλήλους του «σουλτάνου» για να περάσουν στην Ελλάδα, δεν του έχουν δώσει κανένα απολύτως δικαίωμα να παριστάνει τον πολιτικό ή θρησκευτικό «προστάτη» τους!

Το αποκορύφωμα της παράστασης Ερντογάν στην Αδροιανούπολη κορυφώθηκε με μνημειώδη, ασύστολα και προκλητικά ψεύδη: «Οι θρησκευτικές μειονότητες κατά τη δική μας περίοδο χρησιμοποίησαν ευρέως τα δικαιώματα τους. Εμείς είμαστε που επιστρέψαμε τα ακίνητά τους. Στην Δύση δεν έγιναν τα ίδια σε εμάς. Το αντίθετο, στα τζάμια μας μπαίνουν βόμβες και τα πυρπολούν. Τα ίδια συμβαίνουν στην Γερμανία και στην Δυτική Θράκη….. Στην Δυτική Θράκη δεν ανέχεστε ούτε καν το όνομα Τούρκος … Εμείς όμως δεν έχουμε τέτοιο ντέρτι όσο θέλεις χρησιμοποίησε όπου θέλεις το όνομα Ρωμιός».

Το κατά πόσο οι θρησκευτικές μειονότητες, την «δική του» περίοδο, χρησιμοποίησαν ευρέως τα δικαιώματα τους, φαίνεται με την πρώτη ματιά από την πεισματική άρνηση της αυτονόητης υποχρέωσης «της δικής του περιόδου» να επαναλειτουργήσει η Θεολογική Σχολή της Χάλκης. Οι «επιστροφές ακινήτων» που έγιναν με το πιστόλι στον κρόταφο από αποφάσεις Ευρωπαϊκών δικαστηρίων, αποτελούν μια σταγόνα στον ωκεανό του εκτεταμένου πλιάτσικου ελληνικών περιουσιών ανεκτίμητης αξίας, για ολόκληρες δεκαετίες, από το Τουρκικό κράτος.

Οι «βόμβες» που βλέπει στην Ελληνική Θράκη ο Ερντογάν είναι εκείνες που βάζουν οι υπάλληλοι της Τουρκικής ΜΙΤ, όπως ο Οκτάυ Εγκίν ή ο Σαμπρί Γιρμιμπέσογλου, για να ξεσηκώσουν αμόρφωτους πληθυσμούς στους οποίους απευθύνεται ο ίδιος!

Στην Ελληνική Θράκη η Τουρκία επέμενε φορτικά, κατά την υπογραφή της Συνθήκης της Λωζάνης του 1923, να μην υπάρχουν «Τούρκοι», αλλά μουσουλμάνοι το θρήσκευμα, Έλληνες πολίτες. Αντίστοιχα, η ορολογία που συμφωνήθηκε για τους Ρωμιούς της Πόλης, της Ίμβρου και της Τενέδου ήταν «Έλληνες».

Σήμερα, ο μεγαλομανής πρόεδρος της Τουρκίας βλέπει στην Ελληνική Θράκη μόνο «Τούρκους» – ακόμα και αν είναι Ρομά ή Πομάκοι, γιατί χρειάζεται απεγνωσμένα ένα «φερετζέ» στα επεκτατικά, νέο – οθωμανικά του σχέδια. Έχει μάλιστα το απύθμενο θράσος να μας κατηγορεί γιατί εφαρμόζουμε αυτό που η ίδια η Τουρκία πιεστικά επέβαλε κατά την υπογραφή της Συνθήκης της Λωζάνης! Προσθέτει μάλιστα υποκριτικά πως «εμείς δεν έχουμε τέτοιο ντέρτι – όσο θέλεις χρησιμοποίησε όπου θέλεις, το όνομα Ρωμιός».

Αλήθεια, πώς να έχετε σήμερα ντέρτι για το πως θα ονομάζεται μια χούφτα μερικών χιλιάδων Ελλήνων της Κωνσταντινούπολης σε μια πόλη 17 εκατομμυρίων;

Μήπως εσείς δεν ήσασταν που κάνατε εκστρατείες «μιλάτε Τουρκικά» στους Έλληνες της Κωνσταντινούπολης τις δεκαετίες του 1960 και 1970, εσείς δεν κάνατε μποϊκοτάζ σε Ελληνικής ιδιοκτησίας καταστήματα την ίδια περίοδο, εσείς δεν κάψατε δεκάδες εκκλησίες, χιλιάδες Ελληνικά σπίτια και καταστήματα στο πογκρόμ της 6ης προς την 7η Σεπτεμβρίου 1955, εσείς δεν επιβάλλατε το 1942 επιλεκτικά σε χριστιανούς και εβραίους της Κωνσταντινούπολης το ρατσιστικό βαρλίκι για να αρπάξετε τις περιουσίες τους, εσείς δεν εκδιώξατε με συνοπτικές διαδικασίες και μια βαλίτσα στο χέρι 40.000 Έλληνες της Κωνσταντινούπολης το 1964 κατάσχοντας όλη την κινητή και ακίνητη περιουσία τους;

Εσείς δεν ήσασταν που με απάνθρωπες διώξεις πέρα από κάθε φαντασία μειώσατε τον Ελληνισμό της Κωνσταντινούπολης, της Ίμβρου και της Τενέδου από 120.000 που συμφωνήσατε το 1923 να παραμείνουν στην Τουρκία σε μόλις λίγες χιλιάδες που μετριούνται στα δάκτυλα του ενός μόνο χεριού; Και μην μας λέτε τώρα πως «δεν σας ενδιαφέρει πως θα ονομάζονται», γιατί η καταπίεση της μικρής πλέον Ελληνικής μειονότητας συνεχίζεται ασταμάτητα με χαρακτηριστικό παράδειγμα την συνεχιζόμενη φίμωση της Θεολογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης!

Σ Υ Μ Π Ε Ρ Α Σ Μ Α : Το καθεστώς της «Φαμίλιας Ερντογάν» που ελέγχει την σημερινή Τουρκία, «ενδιαφέρεται» για μια χούφτα «Τούρκων» οπουδήποτε εκτός Τουρκίας σαν φερετζέ στον νέο – οθωμανικό επεκτατισμό της, αλλά δεν δίνει δεκάρα τσακιστή για τα 25 εκατομμύρια Κούρδων μέσα στην ίδια την Τουρκία που δολοφονούνται, φυλακίζονται και καταδιώκονται εδώ και ολόκληρες δεκαετίες με ποικίλες «αφορμές». Πιο πρόσφατη, (15 Φεβρουαρίου 2019) η σύλληψη 735 Κούρδων, σε 156 διαφορετικές επιχειρήσεις της Τουρκικής αστυνομίας, με την αόριστη κατηγορία ότι «παρείχαν στήριξη σε Κούρδους τρομοκράτες».

Η υποκρισία, ο λαϊκισμός, το ψέμα και η απροκάλυπτη βία είναι τα εργαλεία που χρησιμοποιεί καθημερινά ο ψευτο – σουλτάνος της Άγκυρας για να παραμείνει στην εξουσία. Ένα ακόμα κορυφαίο παράδειγμα, ο ισχυρισμός του σε συνέντευξη προς ελεγχόμενα κρατικά κανάλια (16 Φεβρουαρίου 2019), ότι «Δεν μας θέλουν στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση γιατί είμαστε μουσουλμάνοι!»

Δεν βλέπει η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση τις πλημμυρισμένες από «αντιφρονούντες» Τουρκικές φυλακές, δεν βλέπει τον στραγγαλισμό της ελευθερίας σε όλα τα επίπεδα, δεν βλέπει την καθημερινή, αιματηρή εξόντωση Κουρδικών πληθυσμών μέσα στην Τουρκία, βλέπει το «μουσουλμανικό θρήσκευμα» και δεν θέλει την Τουρκία στην ΕΕ!

Η παραμόρφωση της αλήθειας και της πραγματικότητας, αποτελεί μόνιμο χαρακτηριστικό της ταραγμένης προσωπικότητας του σημερινού προέδρου της Τουρκίας και της αυλής του. Το αιματηρό τέλος όλων τους θεωρείται βέβαιο, με μοναδική αβεβαιότητα τον χρόνο που θα επέλθει…

πηγή

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"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

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The White House • February 19, 2019 Socialism is about power, not equality A crowd of Venezuelan Americans stood before President Donald J. Trump in Miami yesterday, cheering as he put America squarely on the side of those fighting for freedom. “We’re here to proclaim a new day is coming in Latin America,” he said. “In Venezuela and across the western hemisphere, socialism is dying and liberty, prosperity, and democracy are being reborn.” His message to Nicolas Maduro: “Let your people go.” American leadership is making the difference. The United States and more than 50 countries across the world have recognized the rightful government of Venezuela. “Within 30 minutes, the United States was proud to be the first nation in the world to recognize President [Juan] Guaido” as the country’s interim leader, President Trump said. Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua offer a lesson to the world: Socialism always promises unity but delivers division and hatred. It promises a better future—and inevitably returns to the darkest chapters of the past. Not long ago, Venezuela was the richest country in South America. Today, after its tyrannical government nationalized industries and took over private business, nearly 90 percent of Venezuelans live in poverty.  Americans know this history well, having witnessed socialism destroy countries throughout the 20th century. Nearly three-fifths of Americans have an unfavorable view of socialism; a majority have a favorable view of capitalism. Support for far-left schemes such as Medicare-for-All has plummeted as voters learn more about what’s in it. The extremist “Green New Deal” is beginning to suffer the same fate. “We know that socialism is not about justice. It’s not about equality; it’s not about lifting up the poor,” President Trump said yesterday. “Socialism is about one thing only: power for the ruling class. And the more power they get, the more they crave . . . All of us here today know that there is nothing less democratic than socialism.” Watch: “The United States of America is standing right by their side.”  Worth sharing: “We are born free, and we will stay free—now and forever.” The Space Force is here President Trump signed Space Policy Directive-4 this afternoon, marking a bold step toward American space dominance by setting in motion the process of creating a U.S. Space Force as the sixth branch of our Armed Forces. The Directive calls on the Secretary of Defense to develop a legislative proposal for the Space Force, embodying President Trump’s vision for keeping Americans safe: Strengthen America’s ability to compete—and win—in an increasingly contested domain   Organize, train, and equip our space warfighters with next-generation capabilities   Maximize successful warfighting capability while minimizing bureaucracy   Peace through strength has been President Trump’s foreign policy since day one, and this newest frontier is no exception. The United States is the best in space, and our adversaries know it. They want to restrict our access there to undermine our strategic advantage. With the U.S. Space Force up and running, that won’t happen. Get the facts: America’s destiny in space is secure. Watch: President Trump signs the Space Force directive Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks to the Venezuelan-American community at Florida International University | February 18, 2019

President Trump Vows ‘New Day’ for Venezuela

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Council of the European Union     19/2/2019  Basic air connectivity in the event of no-deal Brexit – provisional agreement with the Parliament Today, the Romanian presidency reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on measures to mitigate the severe disruption to air connectivity for passengers and freight between the EU and the United Kingdom in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal. The agreement will enable UK-licenced carriers to provide basic air transport services between the UK and the remaining 27 member states. These rights will be conditional on equivalent rights being conferred by the UK and subject to conditions ensuring fair competition. The agreement will now be submitted for approval by member states' ambassadors in the Council's Permanent Representatives Committee. A special provision ensures the right to continue to provide scheduled flights under public service obligations for 7 months after the date of application of the Regulation, in order to ensure continuity of the public services while national authorities make the necessary adaptations to the new situation. Limited code-sharing and aircraft leasing arrangements, including wet lease, will be allowed under certain conditions. If, as a result of Brexit, an air carrier holding an operating licence issued by an EU member state ceases to comply with EU ownership and control requirements, it will have 6 months after the date of application of the Regulation to fully meet all those requirements. To be able to benefit from this exception, air carriers will have two weeks from the entry into force of the regulation to submit a precise and complete plan presenting the measures intended to achieve full compliance with the ownership and control requirements as from 6 months after the date of application of the Regulation at the latest. The regulation still needs to be formally adopted by both Parliament and the Council. It would apply until an air transport agreement with the UK enters into force or 30 March 2020, whichever is the sooner. Background According to the overall principles for non-deal Brexit contingency measures, all such measures consist of unilateral EU-level action, on the assumption that the UK will reciprocate. The measures are exceptional in nature and strictly time-limited. The transport connectivity measures are not intended to replicate the status quo under EU law, but rather to preserve basic connectivity between the EU and the UK Council of the European Union     19/2/2019  Persistent organic pollutants: Provisional agreement on the world's most dangerous pollutants The EU is toughening the rules on the most lasting and polluting chemicals. The Romanian presidency of the Council today reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on updating the regulation on persistent organic pollutants, the UN-agreed list of dangerous substances. This regulation will help protect people and the environment against these chemicals.

Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko answered media questions..

Answers to media questions


Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko answered media questions following a meeting on the development of the Russia-Belarus cultural and humanitarian ties, during which they discussed bilateral cooperation in culture, education and sports.
February 15, 2019
15:00
Sochi



Answers to media questions following a meeting on the development of the Russia-Belarus cultural and humanitarian ties.

Question: Mr Lukashenko, Mr Putin,

You have been working for the past three days, and everyone wants to know how the problem related to Russia’s tax manoeuvre was solved…

President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko: The President and I just a moment ago said that this question would be asked right after the meeting. I felt that this question would be asked as if it was the biggest problem in relations between Russia and Belarus.

This problem does exist, but I am honestly and sincerely telling you, and the President will confirm this, I believe that we have not even mentioned this subject during these three days.

Do you know why? Before the new year, and you monitored the situation too, we agreed with the President (and you did not believe in it much) that we would begin a revision of our relations from the bottom up, starting with the issues of the various directions of our cooperation.

You may have noticed that today, alongside ministers, our colleagues, we reviewed our cooperation in culture, because this area has so far not been given much attention by us presidents. The President of Russia and I tend to speak more about finance, the economy, industry, deliveries, exports, imports, and neglect cultural and humanitarian cooperation. And, as the President just said, a person cannot live without this, nor can the problems that need to be solved be solved. There are several areas of cooperation.

Earlier, we met with the bloc of ministers of the economy, finance, etc. First they discussed their issues face to face, and then we did the same.

We also agreed with the President long ago that we need to assess the development of our allied relations within the framework of Belarus and Russia and to review the Union Treaty and to see what we have failed to implement in the past few years.

We are honestly telling each other that we are not eternal, and that we will be gone someday. As politicians, we cannot help but feel concerned about the legacy that we will leave behind to our children, and how they will continue our policy.

We discussed an entire range of matters before New Year’s Eve, and we are continuing to do this today; I would like to point out that we are doing this from the bottom up. No one prevents us from meeting, while at the same time gathering substantial knowledge …

Today, after hearing what Russian and Belarusian ministers said, I admitted that I don’t know a lot of things; this concerns our joint cultural and sports events, as well as education, etc.; I know a bit more about sports which is in the spotlight. The people of Russia and Belarus have ploughed through a huge layer, while cooperating in all these spheres.

Therefore we saw this and enriched our knowledge in many fields. Before taking serious steps, including the development of the Union State, we should not only know all this as presidents, but we need to assimilate this, so that we could feel convinced about this.

Therefore we have been working in various areas for three days. Yesterday, my colleague invited me to attend the final event of the summit on Syria; and I am grateful to him for this. We are not involved in these events; nevertheless, I found it very useful to attend the presidents’ meeting. And I noticed (addressing Vladimir Putin), and you probably noticed that we reviewed the entire agenda of international relations yesterday, and each president set forth his viewpoint. It is also very useful to know this.

Therefore, we will come to discuss the tax manoeuvre; but, apart from this, we face many other matters that no one will resolve except us. In any event, we should launch this process, and we are doing this. We are doing this not only while sitting at the table, but we are also carrying this out in sports. Mr President and I went mountain skiing and we will visit some other sports facility today. Tomorrow, I am planning to go to Domracheva’s track with a rifle, etc. In effect, practice is also important here.

The Lord did not endow us with the talent of painting pictures; we will not do this, but we will look at them.

I am grateful to the President for this centre. He was thinking what should be done here right in my presence, and I was watching closely. And we are already repeating the Russian Federation’s experience; therefore we have gathered here at Sirius.

Just look, how many topics we have raised. I am making impromptu remarks. You would be even more surprised if we sat down and listed all our activities in the past three days. Therefore manoeuvres are not the only thing that keeps people going.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: I fully support what Mr President has said.

I just want to remind you that we will mark the Union Treaty’s 20th anniversary in December. The President of Belarus and I have agreed to analyse everything we have done recently and coordinate our positions on the integration agenda, keeping in mind that other integration processes are being developed in parallel, including the EAEU.

We must determine where we are ahead and where we are lagging behind what is happening within the EAEU. After all, the momentum for the establishment and development of the EAEU was initially provided by President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, but it was based on the understandings reached within the framework of the Union State. The Union State was to a certain degree a locomotive of integration in the post-Soviet space.

Now the EAEU has even surpassed it and some of the things contemplated by the Union Treaty of 1999 are no longer relevant. Some things are not relevant anymore while others, on the contrary, are gaining momentum and have become very important.

The purpose of our meetings over the past three days was to analyse what has been achieved, what has not been done and what needs to be done, and to consult our colleagues from different fields: the economy, finance, industry, humanitarian sphere, sports, culture and education.

We wanted to listen to them, to find out what they think of the current state of affairs and interaction prospects and determine together with Mr President what we see as most important, promising and possible to accomplish in the near future, in the mid-term and in a more remote perspective. It seems to me that we have done this.

Apart from that, I invited Mr President in the hope that he will be able to take a break for two or three days and ski down these wonderful slopes. Maybe we will also play hockey today.

So, it seems to me that the objectives we set ourselves in planning these meetings have been achieved.

Question: Mr Putin, Mr Lukashenko, I have a question about the Union State: how far will the integration go? In December, when talking to the Russian media and answering a question from my friend, Mr Lukashenko expressed concern over Belarus’ sovereignty. Did you touch upon this issue?

Alexander Lukashenko: Listen, why would we discuss the sovereignty of Russia or Belarus? It is a sacred thing, an icon. You are a Russian citizen, an ordinary individual, so I can ask you: are you ready to give up or trade your sovereignty? I am not talking about independence.

To me, independence is a relative term, while sovereignty is everything within our borders. No one, not any state – and China is an example –would ever discuss sovereignty. Therefore, we do not have any problems with it and do not discuss it even in this context.

We presume that there are two states today. You know how they were formed: it was not me or the President who initiated the collapse of that state, and we share a common opinion on this issue. It so happened that there are two states.

If you were there to hear our ministers today, you would be pleased: we did not disagree on anything. Honestly, I thought when listening to their reports, look at Ukraine, another Slavic state, there appeared a huge gap in the past few years [between it and Russia and Belarus]. And we speak the same language and have a common approach to problems.

Vladimir Putin: And there are results.

Alexander Lukashenko: Exactly, results…

You had a head start on Sirius. I remember thinking, “So we have built it all, and what will we do now and how?” I asked, “What are you going to do with these [Olympic] facilities?” He said, “No worries.” And he gave me a tour around, explaining what he would do here and there. I thought, yes, it would be good but it is not that easy. And he did it! So I say we will do the same.

Therefore this is what is key for us, so it is not about sovereignty. In my opinion, and I think my colleague and friend will agree, we are ready to go as far as you are ready to go in uniting our efforts, states and peoples.

Listen, we could unite tomorrow, we have no problems with that. But are you, Russians and Belarusians, ready for this? This is the question. So you should ask yourself this question. We will execute your will to the extent you want us to. If you are not ready, then however powerful and large Russia is, it cannot impose its will on anyone. And we certainly will not do that, and we do not need to do it.

So you should be ready in your mind. You, I mean the people of Russia and Belarus, should set goals and we will implement them, we are your servants.

Vladimir Putin: Sovereignty and independence are closely related, of course. But we discussed yesterday and two days ago what the President just said: there are no absolutely independent states in the world.

Alexander Lukashenko: I would immediately add, not even Russia.

Vladimir Putin: All countries, including the largest and smallest ones. The contemporary world is a world of interdependency.

Look at, say, Western Europe. The European Parliament has adopted more obligatory decisions for all EU members than the USSR Supreme Soviet adopted for its republics. Would you call that independence?

Or, say, military alliances, such as NATO. Do you think that any European country would want the US’s intermediate-range missiles to appear in Europe? Nobody wants that, but they keep quiet. Where is their sovereignty? But, apparently, they believe that in general, they are interested in such an organisation where they put some of their sovereignty.

We have already created supranational bodies within the EAEU – such as the EAEU Commission – and have given it some national powers. But even within the EAEU there is interdependency. And we gave it part of our sovereignty and independency because we understand that it will provide our countries with greater competitiveness.

We should also sort out in a business-like and friendly manner in what direction we can move forward within the Union State without hurting any country or people, but on the contrary, creating better conditions for the future of our countries.

AHEPA latest

AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL  PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION

Friday, February 15, 2019  Contact: AHEPA Headquarters Phone: (202) 232-6300 Email: press@ahepa.org Congress Applauded for its Support for U.S.-Greece Relations; Service Programs Vital to AHEPA's Mission WASHINGTON, DC -  Supreme President George E. Loucas has issued the following statement:   "We applaud Congress for passage of a bipartisan, comprehensive FY2019 funding bill that bolsters support for U.S.-Greece relations with a $1 million appropriation for Greece's International Military Education and Training program; a program that advances the professional military education of the Greek Armed Forces. A strong IMET program will ensure relationships are cultivated, and it will have a lasting beneficial impact toward the strengthening of United States-Greece military-to-military relations.   "In addition, we commend Congress for providing robust funding for the Department ofHousing and Urban Development's Section 202 Housing for the Elderly program that includes funding to renew all contracts for Section 202 Housing. This is much needed relief for providers and residents following the 35-day partial government shutdown. Further, the bill provides $51 million for the construction of new units.   "We thank congressional appropriators and their staffs, congressional leadership, and our champions, for substantial investment in a multitude of federal programs important to our mission and U.S.-Greece relations."   "Finally, we are pleased Congress addressed Turkey's provocative and counterproductive behavior in this bill. The bill contains provisions and report language that address: Turkey's purchase of Russia's S-400 missile defense system, the transfer of the F-35 jet fighters to Turkey, and the 'wrongful or unlawful prolonged detention' of American citizens and locally-employed State Department or USAID staff in Turkey.  Further, the bill also aims to bring to justice the members of the Turkish Presidential Protection Directorate responsible for the May 2017 brutal attack on peaceful protesters in Washington, DC." # # #     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.

CANADA latest news

Statement by the Prime Minister on National Flag of Canada Day

February 15, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Flag of Canada Day:

“Today, I join Canadians across the country and abroad to celebrate the 54th anniversary of our national flag.

“Fifty-four years ago, the National Flag of Canada was first flown on Parliament Hill and proudly raised in communities across Canada and diplomatic missions around the world.

“Wherever it flies, the Maple Leaf embodies the values we hold dearest – peace, diversity, openness, and freedom. Although young, like the country it represents, the Maple Leaf has traversed the world over and stood centre-stage for moment after moment in Canadian history.

“A rich history, a bold future – the Maple Leaf captures both thanks to generations of Canadians who have worked hard for a better life, and created more opportunity for all.

“Beyond our borders, our flag has become an emblem that garners respect and admiration, whether waving outside an embassy, adorning a backpack, or soaring into orbit.

“Today, I encourage Canadians to reflect on what the Maple Leaf means to them, how it has shaped our identity as a country, and what it stands for around the world.”

Investment in automotive innovation to make vehicles safer and create jobs for Canadians

February 15, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario

Self-parking, automatic breaking, driverless – the vehicles of tomorrow are bound not only to be autonomous, but also connected to one another. That is why the Government of Canada is making bold investments to establish Canada as a global leader in cybersecurity and automotive software for connected and autonomous vehicles.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced an investment of $40 million in BlackBerry QNX, a business unit of BlackBerry Limited, to develop safe and secure software systems for the next generation of connected and autonomous vehicles.

The company will create more than 800 new middle class jobs in Canada over the next ten years, and maintain nearly 300 more. They will also provide new skills development and learning opportunities to help train Canadians for the jobs of tomorrow and keep Canada competitive in today’s global economy.

With this funding, BlackBerry QNX will develop new automated control systems, upgrade and secure communications in vehicles, and improve vehicle safety and security by expanding its advanced driver-assistance system. BlackBerry QNX will also develop and use concept cars as labs for technology and software development.

The Government of Canada will continue to invest in new automotive technologies that make our vehicles safer and more secure, and position our country as the place where cars of the future are designed and built.

Quotes

“The race for a top spot in the new economy has already begun, and if we want to see Canadians take the lead, we need to have their backs. That is why our government is investing $40 million in BlackBerry QNX to design and develop a new software platform for the cars of today and tomorrow. This investment will create 800 good, middle class jobs for Canadians, make our cars safer and more secure, and further position Canada as a global hub for innovation.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“We are betting on innovation driving our success at home and abroad. Our government is proud to invest in BlackBerry QNX’s exciting project and to position Canada as a global leader in automotive innovation. That’s how our investments today are creating new middle class jobs of tomorrow.”
—The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“BlackBerry is trusted by automakers and Tier 1s around the world to protect hardware, software, applications, and end-to-end systems from cyberattacks. Thanks to the Canadian government’s commitment we’re now in an even stronger position to deliver on the demand for BlackBerry’s safe and secure QNX software. Together we will spur innovation, create great jobs, educate the workforce of tomorrow, and solidify Canada as a world leader in automotive technology.”
—John Chen, Executive Chairman and CEO, BlackBerry

Quick Facts

• BlackBerry will invest $310.5 million in the project, as well as commit $5 million to cybersecurity to collaborate with government, post-secondary institutions, and private sector firms.
• The Government of Canada’s $40 million investment is made through the Strategic Innovation Fund, a program designed to attract and support high-quality business investments across all sectors of the economy by encouraging research and development that will accelerate technology transfer and the commercialization of innovative products, processes and services, and will facilitate the growth of innovative firms.
• In 2017, Canada’s automotive industry – one of our country’s largest export industries – produced 2.2 million vehicles, contributed over $18 billion in GDP, and directly and indirectly employed over 500,000 people in well-paying, middle class jobs.
• BlackBerry’s pedigree in safety, security, and continued innovation has led to its QNX technology being embedded in more than 120 million vehicles on the road today. It is used by the top seven automotive Tier 1s, and by 40+ OEMs including Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, KIA, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen. The company partners with automotive Tier 1s, like Aptiv, Bosch, Denso, Panasonic and Visteon, and silicon partners, such as Intel, Qualcomm, Nvidia, and Renesas.
• BlackBerry employs nearly 2,000 people in Canada.

Associated Links

• Strategic Innovation Fund
• BlackBerry QNX

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Ενημερωτικό Δελτίο Α.Σ.Ε.Π.                                                                                                                               15/02/2019
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