London Greek Radio

Greece’s culture minister Nikos Xydakis (pictured) announced on Wednesday that diplomacy and political dialogue rather than legal action is the government’s preferred strategy for the return of the Parthenon marbles from the British museum.

“On the one hand, you can’t file a suit over any issue, and, on the other, the outcome in international courts is never certain,” Xydakis told journalists during an interview he gave to one of the country’s private TV networks, Mega Channel.

“The way to winning back the Marbles is diplomatic and political,” the minister said following the publication of a 150-page report by the British firm of cultural heritage lawyers Norman Palmer and Geoffrey Robertson, urging Greece to take swift legal action.

Regarding Amphipolis, he said that the finds at the site were significant but  the previous government’s approach of media overexposure  had turned a purely scientific process into a media “circus”. He said that work is now taking place at a much more discrete level and is focused on preserving and restoring the site.

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Attorney General Costas Clerides has filed an application to the Supreme Court seeking the dismissal of his deputy Rikkos Erotokritou (pictured) from his post as a Deputy Attorney General because of misconduct.

In his application, Clerides also asks for Erotokritou to be suspended or ordered to abstain from his duties until the hearing and the completion of the application.

According to an announcement issued today by the Law Office, Erotokritou`s misconduct refers to activities, actions and statements by the Deputy Attorney General during the period between 14.4.15 – 23.4.15 as well as the handling of criminal cases concerning VAT under circumstances that suggest a conflict of interest in an earlier period.

The Supreme Court will sit in full plenary session on 25th of May to hear the case.

The Attorney General is being represented by private lawyers George Triantaphyllides, Christos Clerides and Achilleas Emilianidou.

The investigation of the case, which was initially assigned to Panayiotis Kallis and then to two other independent criminal investigators, is expected to conclude within the next few days.

An independent criminal investigation report indicates that Erotokritou could be guilty of bribery and corruption. These allegations were attributed to Central Bank Governor Chrystalla Georghadji by CBC board member Stelios Kiliaris, during a House Ethics committee session.

Shortly after Clerides` announcement, Deputy Attorney-General announced that he will also file an application to the Supreme Court in the coming days, asking for the dismissal of the Attorney General.

In his announcement, Erotokritou says that a request on his behalf will be registered in the next 24 hours with the Supreme Court, asking for the dismissal of Costas Clerides from his position because of misconduct.

Erotokritou requests also for Clerides to be suspended or ordered to abstain from his duties until the hearing and completion of the application.

Article written by CNA

Δύο αγωνιστικές πριν την ολοκλήρωση του Πρωταθλήματος και εκτός από τη διεκδίκηση του τίτλου και των θέσεων που οδηγούν στην Ευρώπη, υπάρχει άλλη μια «μάχη» η οποία ακόμη δεν έχει κριθεί.

Οπως αναφέρει ανακοίνωση της ΚΟΠ, πρόκειται για την πρώτη θέση στον πίνακα των σκόρερ την οποία διεκδικούν αρκετοί ποδοσφαιριστές, με δύο εξ αυτών όμως να έχουν προβάδισμα.

Πρόκειται για τον Μίκαελ Ποτέ της Ομόνοιας και τον Ονίλο του Ερμή που έχουν πετύχει από 15 τέρματα. Στα 13 βρίσκεται ο Φώτης Παπουλής του Απόλλωνα και στα 12 ο Ανδρέας Μακρής της Ανόρθωσης και ο Ράφικ Τζιμπούρ του ΑΠΟΕΛ.

Οι δύο τελευταίες αγωνιστικές θα καθορίσουν τον ποδοσφαιριστή που θα πάρει τον τίτλο του πρώτου σκόρερ ενώ, υπάρχει πάντα και το ενδεχόμενο της συγκατοίκησης στην κορυφή, κάτι που έγινε πέρσι με τρεις ποδοσφαιριστές, τον Μοντέιρο, τον Τακμπατζουμί και το Σανγκόι που ειχαν πετύχει από 18 τέρματα.

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Συνεδριάζει αύριο το μεσημέρι το Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο της Super League, κατά τη διάρκεια του οποία θα συζητήσει ζητήματα εκ της θέσπισης του νέου νόμου «Επείγοντα μέτρα για την αντιμετώπιση της βίας στον αθλητισμό και άλλες διατάξεις».

Όπως αναφέρεται στην ιστοσελίδα της Super League, τα θέματα της ημερήσιας διάταξης έχουν ως ακολούθως: Επικύρωση βαθμολογίας (ολική ή μερική) κανονικής περιόδου Πρωταθλήματος Super League 2014 – 15, Σύμβαση ανταποδοτικής χορηγίας του Συνεταιρισμού, Θέματα συμβάσεων του Συνεταιρισμού για τα επόμενα έτη – Σύσταση Επιτροπής, Διάφορα.

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The leaders of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities will resume talks for the reunification of Cyprus on Friday May 15th, as the Special Advisor of the UN Secretary General for Cyprus Espen Barth Eide announced on Monday night.

Speaking to the press following a dinner with the two leaders, President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, Eide said that the meeting took place in a very positive atmosphere, adding that both leaders shared their vision for the future of Cyprus.

“In the spirit of the joint declaration of the 11th of February 2014 they agreed that it was important to use the momentum created and this new opportunity to move forward without delay,” he said.

The leaders expressed their strong, joint commitment to move forward in a constructive and dedicated manner and for that reason they agreed to hold the first leaders` meeting on Friday the 15th of May to go through a general exchange of views and to agree on the modalities for the structuring and the frequency of the meetings, Eide added.

“I want to add from my side that I think this is a unique opportunity, an opportunity that will be grasped and it is truly rewarding to work with two leaders with such a strong commitment to seeing a sheer challenge that can only be solved through a shared effort to find a shared solution”.

He also said that he is very much looking forward to the continuation of the talks. “As you have understood, we will start working and working hard already in the morning of the 15th of May, this coming Friday”.

The Special Adviser had a meeting with the leaders that lasted approximately half an hour which was followed by a dinner in the presence of the negotiators of the two sides, Andreas Mavroyiannis and Ozdil Nami and UNSG Special Representative in Cyprus Lisa Buttenheim.

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There were no positive or negative surprises at Monday’s Eurogroup for Greece as eurozone finance ministers confirmed in writing that there had been progress in talks between Athens and its lenders but that intensive work needs to be done over the next few days.

“We welcomed the progress that has been achieved so far,” said the ministers in a joint statement after the meeting in Brussels. “We note that the reorganization and streamlining of working procedures has made an acceleration possible, and has contributed to a more substantial discussion,” they added in reference to recent changes in Greece’s negotiation team and its style.

“At the same time, we acknowledged that more time and effort are needed to bridge the gaps on the remaining open issues,” the statement added, calling for an acceleration in the Brussels Group negotiations.

The euro-area finance ministers also made it clear that more loans would be disbursed to Greece only if there is a “staff-level agreement” on the conclusion of the program review. Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem indicated in comments afterward that Greece’s lenders might agree to break up the 7.2 billion euros in bailout funding into smaller tranches based on the gradual implementation of whatever is included in any final agreement.

“There are time constraints and liquidity constraints and hopefully we will reach an agreement before time runs out and before money runs out,” said Dijsselbloem.

Speaking in a separate news conference, Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said he felt there has been “considerable convergence” between Athens and its creditors and that they would try to wrap up an agreement in the next couple of weeks, before the government’s liquidity problems become “binding.”

The Greek minister said there had been “substantive progress” in talks on issues such as settling nonperforming loans (NPLs), reforming value-added tax (VAT) and bolstering the independence of Greece’s tax authority. However, he suggested that there were still differences over pension and labor reforms. “Just cutting pensions is not a reform,” he said.

Varoufakis confirmed that Greece would today meet a repayment of around 750 million euros to the International Monetary Fund.

He also insisted that his relations with German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble are excellent. “Our meetings are always friendly, particularly interesting and constructive,” said the former economics professor. “Today we had our friendliest meeting yet,” he added.

Ahead of the meeting, Schaeuble suggested that he would support Athens if it decides to hold a referendum on any deal agreed with creditors.

“If the Greek government thinks it must hold a referendum, then let it hold a referendum,” he said. “That might even be a helpful measure for the Greek people to decide whether it is ready to accept what is necessary, or whether it wants something different.”

Article written by ekathemerini

John Karayiannis will fly the Cyprus flag at this May’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with his sweet melody ballad ‘One Thing I Should Have Done‘.

Mike Connaris a London Cypriot song-writer penned #Otishd and to keen fans he earns folklore status, by way of his Eurovision’s Top 5th with 2004’s Lisa Andreas ‘Stronger Every Minute’ to equal our nation’s best ever result.

The review by Tony Neophytou supports our tune with the force of a patriotic/proud fellow Cypriot in London.

John’s likeability with the useful hook in #Otishd adding to the strong vocals and clear tone, and it’s that clarity of verse makes sure we are bought into his introspective thoughts, and sold on his tune.

John reveals to LGR the live song/performance has captivating/intimate feel to a great effect on the screens, with good camera-work and lighting. “It’s a very simple ballad, and the simplicity is what we want to convey, what I want to say, is that I want to create the atmosphere that will appeal to the viewer’s attention”.

His signature look are the black thick framed spectacles and when asked exactly, how many pairs of glasses he owns, the answer was five.

He is a Cypriot born Limassol who at 20 years-old is a singer and song-writer fully realising his goal to represent his island.

“As soon as Mike played me the song, I knew this was for me. I just loved the simplicity in the track and beautiful melody… and lyrics… well that was me!”

“Winning the Cyprus Final was the highlight of my career so far. I remember the feeling of not winning the Cyprus JESC and I was really disappointed. But if I’d known then I was going to win the adult Final in a few years time… I would have soon cheered up!”

He reckons qualifying is the main goal “I want to do well in Vienna for Cyprus and get them into the Final proper. If I can achieve that… well, let’s take it from there!”

John and Mike went to Bratislava to record the final mix of #Otishd with orchestra and real guitars, adding sparkle to the track. There’s even the official Euroclub remix by Pepperoni Mohawk the dance-floor filler which speed’s up Eurovision’s buzz this month.

John was introduced to Mike by Christos Kyriakides, who runs a successful music school of the same name in Limassol. Mike was very impressed with John’s voice and invited him to London. After getting to know John, and working closely in the studio with him, Mike set about writing a song especially for John. The song is about regret, but with a twist because it’s not until the end of the song that the real truth comes out. It makes you realise that in a relationship you should look back with no regrets, and always be honest.

#Otishd was to win the Cypriot’s Eurovision Song Project airing on 1st February on CyBc after a lengthy process of live audition and semi-finals chose the outright song.

Mike clearly very elated at his chance at Eurovision explained how he’s feeling up-beat about his adventure ahead he puts it to lgr.co.uk. “Having my song chosen to represent Cyprus again was awesome. I’ve tried since 2004 with different singers but had no luck, so John winning the Final at the beginning of Feb with “One thing I should have done” was amazing. I think the hardest part is over and I now believe John can actually win ESC for Cyprus. He is such a young talent with an incredible voice – so cool and calm on stage – nothing fazes him… and if we can get the staging right, there’s no reason why Cyprus can’t be hosting ESC in 2016! Now wouldn’t that be something!”

My guess it’s a potential qualifier and if we point out the constant struggle to qualify, that’s a huge feat. The sums suggest that only 33% of all Cypriot tunes qualified in recent years, but you can sense the genuine intent of the Cypriot delegation to beat the tough task at qualifying… well, fingers crossed to beef-up our island’s fortunes and the best of luck to Cyprus and John and Mike for achieving the best type of positive outcome this month.

Cyprus competes with the top 10 qualifying from semi-final two on Thursday 21st of May, you can tune in to BBC 3 to catch the event and the UK will be tele-voting at 50%, plus 50% jurors.

Cypriot entry has potentially good draw at 15th in the full line-up of 17 songs and maybe that kind of ‘late draw’ will be an advantage, to win people’s votes.

The grand final will be airing on Saturday 23rd May at the Wiener Stadthalle in host city Vienna.

Article written by Tony Neophytou

 The National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom welcomes the recent choice of Mr Mustafa Akinci as the new leader of the Turkish Cypriot community in Cyprus as a positive sign which gives hope to all Cypriots that the island may at long last be free and reunited.

Mr Akinci has a history of campaigning for the reunification of Cyprus and his sweeping victory was achieved on the back of a promise made to the Turkish Cypriot community that, if chosen as its leader, he would work hard to inject fresh urgency into the quest to end the division of the island.

There is no doubt, however, that the question as to whether or not Cyprus can turn a new page will depend on Turkey’s willingness to remove its army of occupation from the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, and on its sincere engagement with the UN-facilitated process the purpose of which is to bring about an end to the island’s division and the country’s real unity and independence within the European Union.

The National Federation of Cypriots in the UK will redouble its efforts and will work with all Cypriots in the UK and in Cyprus who share the vision of a free and truly united Cyprus for the benefit of all of the legitimate inhabitants of the island, irrespective of ethnic origin or religious affiliation.

Article written by LGR

Η Μαρία-Έλενα Κυριάκου και ο Ευθύβουλος Θεοχάρους βρέθηκαν στο Ελληνικό Ραδιόφωνο του Λονδίνου στα πλαίσια προώθησης της ελληνικής συμμετοχής ‘One Last Breath‘.

Η Μαρία Έλενα, γεννήθηκε και μεγάλωσε στην Λάρνακα. Δασκαλα στο επαγγελμα ειχε πάντοτε αγάπη για την μουσική και το τραγούδι.

Δήλωσε συμμετοχή στο ελληνικό ‘The Voice’ απο προτροπή του αδερφού της και τελικά κατάφερε να βγει νικήτρια.

Πλέον μένει μόνιμα στην Αθηνα και έχει την τιμή να τραγουδήσει με τα ελληνικά χρώματα στην 60η Eurovision, στη Βιέννη.

Για την σκηνή της Βιεννης δήλωσε: δεν μπορώ να αποκαλύψω τι ετοιμάζουμε, αυτο πάντως που ειναι σίγουρο ειναι ότι θα ειναι πολύ κοντά στο video clip, αλλα με πολύ αίσθηση στον στίχο και στη συγκίνηση που βγάζει το τραγούδι και η ερμηνεία. Με αυτο τον τροπο θα μπορέσουμε να το μεταδώσουμε κατάλληλα στους τηλεθεατές.

Ευχαρίστησε το LGR και όλους τους ανθρώπους του για την ζέστη και χαμογελαστή υποδοχή και ζήτησε την στήριξη μας για την μεγάλη βραδιά.

Μαζί με την ερμηνεύτρια και τον συνθέτη βρεθηκε και η Μόνικα Παπαδάτου, που κάθε χρόνο και για λογαριασμό της Νεριτ και φέτος και για την Minos Emi αναλαμβάνει μέρος του προγραμματισμού της ελληνικής αποστολής.

Η Ελλάδα διαγωνίζεται στον πρώτο ημιτελικό Τρίτη 19 Μαΐου.

Αν όλα πάνε καλα όπως ευχόμαστε, θα έχουμε την ευκαιρία να δούμε Ελλάδα στους δεκτές μας, το Σάββατο 23 Μαΐου στον μεγάλο τελικό της Ευρώπης.

Τοτε λοιπόν θα έχουμε την ευκαιρία να ψηφίσουμε και να στηρίξουμε την ελληνική συμμετοχή στο tele-voting.

Ας στείλουμε απο τωρα, καλή επιτυχία στα παιδιά!

Article written by Tony Neophytou