THE WHITE HOUSE's latest

The White House • June 1, 2018
The Day Ahead

President Donald J. Trump will preside over the Change of Command Ceremony for the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. Watch live at 11:00 a.m. ET.

Unemployment reaches lowest level in 18 years

The United States economy added 223,000 jobs in May, one of many recent indicators showing that President Trump's economic policies are paying dividends for American workers and businesses. Employment growth averaged 207,000 jobs per month in 2018- faster than the gains in both 2016 and 2017.

Job growth in goods-producing industries such as manufacturing, construction, and mining and logging have been especially robust. After averaging gains of 27,000 jobs per month during President Obama's second term, these industries have almost doubled the pace of hiring to 46,000 jobs per month since January 2017.

President Trump is overseeing a renaissance in manufacturing

More: See the headlines about the flourishing Trump Economy

What to know about steel and aluminum tariffs

Yesterday, President Trump announced steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and the European Union following months of discussions to address U.S. national security concerns stemming from global oversupply. This implementation follows the President's March 8 announcement of a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports.

In March, President Trump welcomed any country with whom the United States shares a security relationship to discuss alternative means to address the oversupply challenge. As a result, American officials reached agreements with South Korea, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil on steel, as well as Australia and Argentina on aluminum. The U.S. was unable to reach satisfactory arrangements with Canada, Mexico, or the EU.

Excessive imports threaten to impair national security, the Commerce Department reported in January, for one key reason: Closures of domestic production result in a situation where the U.S. would be unable to meet demand for national defense and critical infrastructure in a national emergency.

More on what you need to know about tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and the EU.

Get outside: June is 'Great Outdoors Month'

"Spending time in the great outdoors, especially during summer, is an American tradition," President Trump writes in his Proclamation of June 2018 as Great Outdoors Month. "Every American should take the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of our natural wonders, which stretch from coast to coast and beyond."

The Trump Administration has made access to public land a top priority. In December, President Trump stood with local communities against Federal overreach on land management, modifying the boundaries of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante national monuments in Utah. The Administration also "opened or expanded hunting and fishing access at 10 national wildlife refuges across the country," the President wrote this week.

As part of an effort to boost exercise and youth fitness, the White House also hosted a field day with several hundred children, parents, and athletes on the South Lawn this week. Watch Ivanka Trump's video from Sports and Fitness Day.

Read: President Trump proclaims June 2018 as Great Outdoors Month

More: The Administration stands with communities against Federal land overreach


Photo of the Day

Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

Marine One | May 29, 2018

The White House • May 31, 2018
The Day Ahead

President Donald J. Trump travels to Texas, where he will meet with family members and community leaders affected by this month's tragic shooting at Santa Fe High School. Read the President's May 18 Proclamation honoring victims.

Giving terminally ill patients a chance, here at home

An estimated 609,640 Americans will die from cancer alone in 2018, according to the National Cancer Institute. Before yesterday, the options for terminally ill patients who had exhausted all available treatments were extremely limited. Only 3 percent of cancer patients today are enrolled in clinical trials for new medication, for instance.

With President Trump's signature, this bleak picture changes. The "Right to Try" law he signed yesterday gives more than 1 million Americans who die each year from terminal illnesses a new tool to make potentially lifesaving treatment decisions. The act amends Federal law to allow certain unapproved, experimental drugs to be administered to terminally ill patients who have exhausted all approved treatment options and are unable to participate in clinical drug trials.

"People who are terminally ill should not have to go from country to country to seek a cure," President Trump says. "I'd see people-friends of mine, and other people I'd read about, where they'd travel all over the world looking for a cure. And we have the best medical people in the world."

President Trump fulfills his promise to expand options for terminally ill Americans.

Bonus read: "Thank Republicans for your right to try," says AEI's Marc Thiessen

250 kids join President Trump on the South Lawn

Sports participation and physical activity are crucial for child development, supporting personal and social growth, lifetime health and fitness habits, and a competitive spirit. Children that play sports have higher educational achievement, earn higher incomes as adults, and have improved mental health.

Each president since Dwight Eisenhower has convened a Council on Fitness to focus on various sports, nutrition, and well-being initiatives. President Trump has given his Council a clear purpose: to reverse the declining trend of youth sports participation and to ensure that all American children are given the opportunity to compete.

To introduce his intended Council appointees, the President invited several hundred children, parents, and coaches to the White House for a field day on the South Lawn. Athletes such as Mariano Rivera, Herschel Walker, and Misty May-Treanor joined youth participants in activities ranging from flag football to volleyball.

Watch President Trump host field day at the White House.

In-depth report: The potential for youth sports to improve childhood outcomes

Photo of the Day

Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

President Trump delivers remarks and participates in the White House Sports and Fitness Day | May 30, 2018

The White House • May 30, 2018

The Day Ahead

• President Donald J. Trump will sign the Right to Try Act, which will give terminally ill patients greater access to experimental treatments. Watch live at 12:15 p.m. ET.

• The White House will host a celebratory "field day" to encourage youth sports participation and introduce intended appointees to the Presidential Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. Watch live at 3:30 p.m. ET.
China has consistently taken advantage of America's economy

For many years, China has used unfair trade and industrial practices—including "dumping," discriminatory barriers, forced technology transfer, over capacity, and industrial subsidies—that champion Chinese firms and make it impossible for many U.S. firms to compete on a level playing field.

The costs of these policies to American industry keep piling up:

• China's intellectual property theft costs U.S. innovators billions of dollars each year

• China accounts for 87 percent of the counterfeit goods seized coming into America

• Beijing has banned imports of U.S. agricultural products such as poultry, cutting off America's ranchers and farmers

• The United States charges a 2.5 percent tariff on Chinese cars, while China maintains a 25 percent tariff on cars from America


President Trump has taken long overdue action to address the source of the problem. Part of the solution includes imposing a 25 percent tariff on $50 billion of goods imported from China that contain industrially significant technology, including those related to the "Made in China 2025" program. The Administration is also implementing specific investment restrictions and enhanced export controls.

More: "From now on, we expect trading relationships to be fair and to be reciprocal."

Video: Welcome home, Josh Holt!

Over Memorial Day weekend, President Trump greeted another released American. Late Saturday, the President welcomed Josh Holt to the Oval Office following Holt's return from a Venezuelan prison.

With Holt home, 17 Americans held abroad have been released during the Trump Administration. "The United States thanks the Maduro regime for releasing the unjustly detained United States citizen, Joshua Holt, and his Venezuelan wife," Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement. His return "does not change United States policy" toward Venezuela.

Watch President Trump welcome Josh Holt home in the Oval Office.

More: The President's full remarks
Federal employment must be earned, not given

Firing bad Federal employees is prohibitively difficult. It takes 6 months to a year to remove a tenured Federal employee for poor performance—plus an average of 8 more months to resolve appeals. Such employees are 44 times less likely to get fired or laid off than private-sector workers.

Through an Executive Order, President Trump is making changesto strengthen the merit system and streamline the removal of poor performers. As part of the new policy, agencies will be required to report information on the disciplinary actions and management of poor performers to the Office of Personnel Management for publication.

Learn more about how President Trump is reforming the Civil Service for the American people.
Photo of the Day

Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

President Donald J. Trump participates in a Memorial Day ceremony | May 28, 2018

"ΚΙΝΗΜΑ ΣΥΝΤΑΞΙΟΥΧΩΝ":Μπήκαν στην πόλη οι οχτροί...

Μπήκαν στην πόλη οι οχτροί... ΠΡΟΦΗΤΙΚΟΤΑΤΟΙ οι παρακάτω στίχοι:  Μπήκαν στην πόλη οι οχτροί τις πόρτες σπάσαν οι οχτροί και 'μεις γελούσαμε στις γειτονιές την πρώτη μέρα Τα μαύρα σύννεφα στην οικονομία (λόγω ανικανότητας των κυβερνήσεων, λόγω της ρεμούλας, λόγω του μεγάλου φαγοποτιού, λόγω των εμπλεκομένων συμφερόντων κλπ) σηκώθηκαν τη διετία 2007 - 2009. Εμείς τότε ΓΕΛΟΥΣΑΜΕ - γιατί δεν ξέραμε τι θα μας βρει… … Διαβάστε το άρθρο Την εποχή… της παπαγαλίνης… - Μια μέρα δράσης…. και 10 χρόνια αδράνειας! Υπάρχουν πολλές «αφιερωμένες» μέρες. Ημέρα της γυναίκας, της μάνας, του πατέρα, του περιβάλλοντος… αφιερωμένη μέρα των εργατών (έτσι κατάντησαν την πρωτομαγιά – αργία) υπάρχει η μέρα… της κρίσης…. (απίστευτο, ε;) θα μπορούσε να υπάρξει των χαμένων ευκαιριών ή των χαμένων ψευδαισθήσεων… Μας χρειαζόταν όμως και μια μέρα δράσης μετά από 10 χρόνια αφασίας και αδράνειας…. και την βρήκαμε. Είναι αύριο … Διαβάστε το άρθρο

"ΑΡΧΙΠΕΛΑΓΟΣ": Έξαρση Θανάτων Θαλάσσιων Χελωνών στο Αιγαίο

Έξαρση Θανάτων Θαλάσσιων Χελωνών στο Αιγαίο




Με ένα ιδιαίτερα ανησυχητικό γεγονός βρέθηκαν αντιμέτωποι οι ερευνητές του Ινστιτούτου Θαλάσσιας Προστασίας Αρχιπέλαγος. Από τις αρχές του 2018, σε διάστημα μόλις 3ων μηνών, οι ερευνητές εντόπισαν 18 περιστατικά εκβρασμών θαλάσσιων χελωνών, από τις οποίες οι 16 εντοπίστηκαν νεκρές, ενώ μόνο 2 ήταν ζωντανές αλλά σε ιδιαίτερα κακή κατάσταση.
Τα περιστατικά αυτά καταγράφηκαν στις ακτές του αν. Αιγαίου σε ακτίνα μόλις 10 ναυτικών μιλίων, μία θαλάσσια περιοχή την οποία παρακολουθούν καθημερινά οι ερευνητές του Ινστιτούτου. Πολυάριθμες άλλες αναφορές εκβρασμών έγιναν σε πολλές άλλες περιοχές της Ελλάδας. Ο πραγματικός συνολικός αριθμός των νεκρών χελωνών είναι άγνωστος, δεδομένου ότι σε μία χώρα όπου η ακτογραμμή που ξεπερνάει τα 18.000 χλμ., η πλειονότητα των εκβρασμών γίνεται σε δυσπρόσιτες ή απομακρυσμένες ακτές με αποτέλεσμα οι περισσότεροι εκβρασμοί να μη γίνονται ποτέ αντιληπτοί, ιδίως εκτός της τουριστικής περιόδου.


Μία από τις θαλάσσιες χελώνες που βρέθηκε ζωντανή, ήταν μπλεγμένη σε ένα πλαστικό τσουβάλι, στο οποίο είχε εγκλωβιστεί το ένα μπροστινό της πτερύγιο και ο λαιμός της, ενώ κομμάτια πλαστικού από το τσουβάλι είχαν εισχωρήσει μέσα στο στόμα και το φάρυγγά της. Η συγκεκριμένη χελώνα ήταν πολύ τυχερή, καθώς την εντόπισε εγκαίρως ένας ψαράς και έπειτα από λίγες ημέρες φροντίδας από τον κτηνίατρο του Ινστιτούτου Αρχιπέλαγος, μπόρεσε και πάλι να ελευθερωθεί στη θάλασσα.

Σύμφωνα με τα αποτελέσματα των νεκροψιών που διενεργήθηκαν στις χελώνες που εντοπίστηκαν νεκρές, στο σύνολο σχεδόν των περιστατικών καταγράφηκαν σημάδια ανθρώπινης επίδρασης (σημάδια από παλαιότερες προσκρούσεις με σκάφος, κομμάτια πλαστικού και αλιευτικών εργαλείων στο στομάχι και το γαστρεντερικό σύστημα, κ.α.).

Ωστόσο, ενώ η άμεση ανθρωπογενής επίδραση δεν προκάλεσε τον θάνατο των θαλάσσιων χελωνών, τo σίγουρο είναι ότι η πλαστική ρύπανση έχει σημαντικό και αυξανόμενο ρόλο στις θανατώσεις αυτών των χαρισματικών ζώων, που κατάφεραν να επιβιώσουν στις θάλασσές μας για χιλιάδες χρόνια.






Αξιοσημείωτο είναι ότι από τα 18 περιστατικά εκβρασμού, 8 χελώνες ήταν του είδους Caretta caretta και 8 ήταν πράσινες χελώνες Chelonia mydas, ένα είδος θαλάσσιας χελώνας που συνήθως προτιμάει θερμότερα νερά. Και από τα δύο είδη οι χελώνες ήταν διαφόρων ηλικιών, μεγεθών και φύλων.
Οι πληθυσμοί αυτών των 2 ειδών θαλάσσιας χελώνας μειώνονται με ανησυχητικούς ρυθμούς στην υπόλοιπη Μεσόγειο, ενώ οι ελληνικές θάλασσες ακόμα στηρίζουν σημαντικά οικοσυστήματα για αυτές, καθώς εδώ ζουν μεγάλο μέρος της ζωής τους, βρίσκουν τροφή και χώρο αναπαραγωγής.

Όπως αναφέρει ο κτηνίατρος του Ινστιτούτου Αρχιπέλαγος, Dr Guido Pietroluongo «Αυτά τα ασυνήθιστα περιστατικά μαζικής θνησιμότητας στις ακτές του ανατολικού Αιγαίου, είναι σαν μία κραυγή αγωνίας της θαλάσσιας βιοποικιλότητας που ζητάει τη βοήθειά μας».

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Αναστασία Μήλιου, Διευθύντρια Έρευνας, Ινστιτούτο Θαλάσσιας Προστασίας "Αρχιπέλαγος"

CANADA latest

World leaders coming together at the G7 Summit to protect our oceans, seas and coastal communities

June 1, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Healthy oceans, seas and coasts are essential to our way of life. They are a vast source of food and energy, and form the economic bedrock of countless communities and entire countries. They drive growth, create jobs and sustain people’s livelihoods around the world.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Canada will welcome several world leaders and heads of international organizations to the G7 Summit to take part in a special outreach session, which will focus on healthy oceans and resilient coastal communities. It will be held on June 9, 2018.

The following leaders and heads of international organizations have been invited to the Outreach Session of the G7 Summit:

• Mauricio Macri, President of Argentina and Chair of the G20
• Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh
• Jovenel Moïse, President of Haiti and Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
• Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica
• Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya
• Hilda Heine, President of the Marshall Islands
• Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway
• Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda and Chair of the African Union
• Macky Sall, President of Senegal
• Danny Faure, President of Seychelles
• Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa
• Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, Prime Minister of Vietnam
• Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund
• José Ángel Gurría, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
• António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
• Kristalina Georgieva, Chief Executive Officer of the World Bank

These leaders and heads of international organizations will meet with G7 leaders to discuss how to build resilient coasts and communities, share ocean knowledge and science, and support sustainable oceans and fisheries. They will also explore how to best address pressing challenges, including plastics in our oceans and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Canada is committed to working with others in the G7 and beyond to strengthen resilience, fight climate change, and protect our oceans for generations to come. As with all work under Canada’s G7 presidency, these discussions will include a focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Quote

“Our oceans and coasts are under considerable threat – from increases in plastic pollution, more frequent and severe weather events, and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Resilient coastal communities and healthy oceans are vital to growing economies that work for everyone and that is why we are committed to working with others to protect the world’s oceans.”

—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• These leaders and heads of international organizations will also attend a dinner hosted by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, at the Citadelle of Québec.
• Canada holds the G7 presidency for 2018. Part of this role includes setting the agenda for the year, as well as organizing and hosting the Leaders' Summit, ministerial meetings, and other associated events.
• Canada is advancing domestic and international priorities framed under the following five key themes:

• Investing in growth that works for everyone
• Preparing for jobs of the future
• Advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment
• Working together on climate change, oceans, and clean energy
• Building a more peaceful and secure world

Associated Links

• Road to the 2018 G7 Summit in Charlevoix
• Canada to host 2018 G7 Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec
• Prime Minister unveils themes for Canada’s 2018 G7 Presidency

Prime Minister announces the appointment of a Senator

June 1, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General appointed Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia as an independent Senator to fill a vacancy in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Dr. Ravalia is a community leader, family physician, and senior medical officer at the Notre Dame Bay Memorial Health Centre in Newfoundland and Labrador. He is also an Associate Professor of Family Medicine and the Assistant Dean of Rural Medical Education Network at Memorial University.

Dr. Ravalia was recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments and chosen using the merit-based process open to all Canadians. This process ensures Senators are independent, reflect Canada’s diversity, and are able to tackle the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing the country.

Quote

“I am pleased to welcome Parliament’s newest independent Senator, Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia. Dr. Ravalia’s vast knowledge and experience have earned him high respect in the medical field, and I am confident that he will be a great ambassador in the Senate, not just for Newfoundland and Labrador, but for all of Canada.”

—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• There have been 34 appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
• Under the Canadian Constitution, the Governor General appoints individuals to the Senate. By convention, Senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
• Since 2016, the selection process for Senators has been opened to allow all Canadians to apply. Candidate submissions are reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provides the Prime Minister with recommendations. From the recommended pool of candidates, the Prime Minister selects the individuals he then recommends to the Governor General for appointment to the Senate.
• The Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments is guided by public, transparent, non-partisan, and merit-based criteria to identify highly qualified candidates.
• Once appointed by the Governor General and summoned to the Senate, the new Senators join their peers to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial, and minority interests – important functions in a modern democracy.

Biographical Notes

• Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia

Associated Links

• Frequently Asked Questions – Senate appointments process
• Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments
• Minister of Democratic Institutions announces improvements to the Senate appointments process and launches call for applications
• Minister of Democratic Institutions announces launch of the permanent phase of the Independent Senate Appointments Process
• Minister of Democratic Institutions announces establishment of the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments
• Government announces immediate Senate reform

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico

May 31, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, spoke with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico.

The leaders expressed their strong concerns and deep disappointment with the imposition of U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican steel and aluminum exports.  They also discussed the North American Free Trade negotiations and agreed to continue working toward a mutually beneficial outcome.

The Prime Minister and President committed to stay in close contact on these and other issues of shared concern. 

AHEPA Honors America's Fallen Heroes

AHEPA Honors America's Fallen Heroes


AHEPA paid its respects on behalf of the American Hellenic community to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, democracy, and liberty at Arlington National Cemetery this week. Ahepans placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on May 24 (a tradition since 1924) and AHEPA family members from the metro Washington, DC area placed wreaths at nearly 600 gravesites on May 26 (a ceremony performed since 1949). read press release


Arlington National Cemetery Thanks AHEPA




Media Share | Ethnikos Kyrix Editorial Lauds AHEPA

We are pleased to share an editorial published in Ethnikos Kyrix, May 11, 2018 that is complimentary of AHEPA's recent overseas Leadership Excursion and the relationships the Order has forged over recent years in addition to commenting on the Order's relevance.

AHEPA on Twitter | Congressional Measures on Turkey Viewed Positively

Show Entire Thread of Twitter Post


Register Today! | AHEPA Family Supreme Convention



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

Upcoming Events & Deadlines
June
1 | Supreme Convention Delegate/Alternate Reporting Form Deadline
22 | Supreme Convention Registration Deadline
July
22 - 28 | 96th AHEPA Family Supreme Convention, Atlantic City, N.J.

Join AHEPA Today!




In Our Own Words. What AHEPA means to us.

Join AHEPA Now
Greek American News Digest

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

Godly giants in kilts: Meet Greece's best known soldiers
Associated Press (May 23)




It might be the short, pleated kilts, tasseled black garters and pompom-tipped shoes, but there's something more endearing than intimidating about Greece's best-known military unit, the Presidential Guard. Which helps explain why they are one of Athens' most popular tourist attractions, vying for camera clicks with the millennia-old ruins of Greece's Golden Age. read more

Kotzias and Dimitrov conclude their mission; final agreement in the hands of the Prime Ministers
ANA-MPA News (May 28)




Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias stated on Monday, on the negotiations on the FYROM name issue, that the two countries' foreign ministers have concluded their negotiations, while leaving EU's Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels.
"Possibly today or tomorrow, the negotiation will continue on technical and legal issues which must be clarified." Kotzias also said that "when the technical and legal issues have been solved, then the texts made at Foreign Ministers' level will be given to the two Prime Ministers that will discuss and reach the final agreement." read more

The Legend of the Marble King and Other Facts and Stories about The Fall of Constantinople
The Pappas Post (May 29)


May 29, 1453 is known throughout the Greek world as a black anniversary - the day the Byzantine capital city of Constantinople fell to the invading Ottoman Turks. A turning point in Western history, the fall of Constantinople was devastating to the Greek world and the beginning of centuries of occupation and enslavement. read more

Top Greek court grants Turkish soldier asylum, rejects government appeal
Reuters (May 23)

A Turkish soldier who fled with seven others to Greece after a failed coup attempt against President Tayyip Erdogan in 2016 should be granted asylum, a Greek court ruled on Wednesday, prompting an angry response from Ankara. read more

'People just have less time now': is the Mediterranean diet dying out?
The Guardian (May 25)



Possible suspects in the demise of the Mediterranean diet are not hard to find in the food court of Plenilunio, a giant mall not far from Madrid airport that offers customers 138 shops, a multiscreen cinema and dozens of restaurants. If visitors are not in the mood for a McDonald's, Burger King or Subway, there's a KFC, a kebab restaurant, a noodle place, a sandwich bar, a tex-mex joint, a US-style diner or two Italian chains. read more


Why are US drones being based in Greece for the first time?
Defense News (May 24)



For the first time, American military drones are operating from a Greek airfield. But don't expect a permanent stay. The U.S. Air Force has begun using MQ-9 Reaper drones out of Larisa Air Force Base, located halfway down Greece's eastern side, near the Aegean Sea. read more

Commentary | How Greece saved Europe in the aftermath of WWII
Ekathimerini (May 28)



Greece could have become a communist country in 1947 and stayed that way until at least 1989, even though many believe that on October 9, 1944, at the Moscow Conference, Winston Churchill gave Joseph Stalin a napkin saying that Great Britain wanted 90 percent of Greece and we all - including the Americans - lived happily ever after. read more

Europarliament event on press freedom commemorates death of CBS journalist George Polk

ANA-MPA News (May 25)

An event focusing on the unsolved murder of CBS journalist George Polk in Thessaloniki in 1948 was held at the European Parliament office in Athens on Friday. Office director Leonidas Antonakopoulos said that "George Polk represents investigative journalism. He came to Greece to cover the civil war and ended up floating in the Thermaikos Gulf with a bullet in his head." read more

CANADA interesting latest

Remarks by the Prime Minister of Canada on steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by the United States

May 31, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today delivered the following remarks in response to the decision by the United States to impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum:

Good afternoon everyone. Thank you for joining us.

Today we find ourselves the target of punitive tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel, under pretext of a 232 national security provision.

Let me be clear: These tariffs are totally unacceptable.

For 150 years, Canada has been America’s most steadfast ally.

Canadians have served alongside Americans in two world wars and in Korea.

From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, we have fought and died together.

Canadian personnel are serving alongside Americans at this very moment. We are partners in NORAD, NATO, and around the world.

We came to America’s aid after 9/11 – as Americans have come to our aid in the past.

We are fighting together against Daesh in Northern Iraq.

The numbers are clear: The United States has a $2 billion US dollars surplus in steel trade with Canada – and Canada buys more American steel than any other country in the world, half of U.S. steel exports.

Canada is a secure supplier of aluminum and steel to the U.S. defence industry, putting aluminum in American planes and steel in American tanks.

That Canada could be considered a national security threat to the United States is inconceivable.

These tariffs will harm industry and workers on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border, disrupting linked supply chains that have made North American steel and aluminum more competitive around the world.

Beyond that, these tariffs are an affront to the long-standing security partnership between Canada and the United States, and in particular, to the thousands of Canadians who have fought and died alongside American comrades-in-arms.

The ties of commerce, friendship and, in many cases, family between Americans and Canadians are undiminished – indeed, they have never been stronger.

The Government of Canada is confident that shared values, geography and common interests will ultimately overcome protectionism.

As we have consistently said, we will always protect Canadian workers and Canadian interests.

Minister Freeland is here to outline retaliatory measures. This morning, I called the Opposition leaders to notify them of our response.

In closing, I want to be very clear about one thing: Americans remain our partners, friends, and allies. This is not about the American people. We have to believe that at some point their common sense will prevail.

But we see no sign of that in this action today by the US administration.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Premier Wynne, Premier Couillard, and Premier Moe on Canada-U.S. trade issues

May 30, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke today with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, to discuss Canada-U.S. trade issues, including the upcoming decision by the United States on whether to impose tariffs on exports of Canadian steel and aluminum.

The Prime Minister underscored the strong collaboration between the Government of Canada and the three provinces on Canada-U.S. trade issues and thanked them for their ongoing cooperation. He noted the importance of the steel and aluminum sector, specifically in Hamilton, Sault Ste. Marie, the Saguenay—Lac-St-Jean region, and Regina.

They all agreed to continue to defend the Canadian steel and aluminum industry from unwarranted tariffs and to stand up for the best interests of all Canadian workers and businesses. 

French President Emmanuel Macron to visit Canada

May 30, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Emmanuel Macron, President of France, will travel to Canada from June 6 to 9, 2018, for a working visit and to attend the 2018 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec.

During the visit, President Macron will meet with Prime Minister Trudeau to discuss ways to work even more closely together on global issues, including strengthening multilateralism, advancing progressive trade, and defending and promoting our shared democratic heritage. They will also exchange views on how to leverage opportunities created by the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is already creating economic growth and good, middle class jobs for people on both sides of the Atlantic.

Additionally, the two leaders will discuss how our two countries can work together to further promote gender equality, fight climate change, advance peace and security, and create economic growth that benefits everyone – themes that will be at the forefront of the 2018 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec.

President Macron will also meet with Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard. On June 7, President Macron with travel to Charlevoix to participate in the G7 Leaders’ Summit.

Quote

“Canada and France are historic partners and longtime friends, who share a common language, history, and set of values. As G7 partners, we share a responsibility to ensure that everyone benefits from our global economy, and that we leave a healthier, more peaceful, and more secure world for our children and grandchildren. I look forward to working with President Macron to build on our exceptional relationship, and create more opportunities for the middle class on both sides of the Atlantic.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, NATO, the G7 and G20, a founding nation of the European Union (EU) and a leading partner in La Francophonie, France is a key ally for Canada on the international stage.
• France is Canada’s ninth-largest merchandise trading partner globally and fourth-largest export market in the EU, with Canadian merchandise exports to France of $3.4 billion, and total bilateral merchandise trade of $9.6 billion, in 2017.
• Canadian direct investments in France were valued at $8.0 billion at the end of 2017, and French direct investments in Canada were valued at $8.2 billion.
• Canada assumed the presidency of the G7 on January 1, 2018, and will host the G7 Leaders' Summit in the Charlevoix region of Quebec from June 8-9, 2018.

Associated Links

• Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

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