London Greek Radio

The military parade marking the anniversary of March 25, the Greek Independence Day, has concluded in downtown Athens.

Festivities are currently underway with traditional dances, music and high spirits, despite the rainy weather.

President of Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos attended the parade along with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Parliament Speaker Zoi Konstantopoulou and ND leader Antonis Samaras.

This year’s March 25 festivities marking Greek Independence Day and the Feast of the Annunciation are different to what Greeks are used to. The ‘alternative’ festivities resemble a Balkan feast with a number of parallel events that include Greek traditional songs and dances in downtown Syntagma.

Cyprus marks Greek National Day with island-wide celebrations

Cyprus celebrated on Wednesday the Greek National Day, with religious services and pupils` parades in all major cities throughout the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus.

Celebrations in the capital, Nicosia, centered around the Panayia Phaneromeni Church, in the old part of the town, where a commemoration service was attended in the morning by the President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades, the President of the House Yiannakis Omirou and representatives of political parties, of the military leadership and of the Greek Embassy.

The service to commemorate the begin of the Greek independence struggle, in 1821, was officiated by Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus, while MEP Costas Mavrides has addressed the panegyric of the Day.

Later on, President Anastasiades attended the pupils` parade, in front of the Embassy of Greece, in Nicosia, and afterwards he addressed a reception, hosted by the Greek Embassy to honor the Day.

Similar celebrations were also held in Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and other smaller towns.

Cyprus Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides (pictured) has expressed Nicosia’s disappointment and regret for the fact that not all fellow EU member countries offered their support regarding the violations of the country’s sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by Turkey.

“Solidarity among partners is a two-way street. On the issue of Ukraine, Cyprus has consistently participated in the EU consensus, actively supporting the EU position, even though it has entailed a significant cost for the Cyprus economy at a time when it is recovering from the blow suffered by the March 2013 Eurogroup decision. We expect the same solidarity from our EU partners on issues that are of vital importance to us,” said Christodoulides during an event held at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster on Wednesday evening.

He called on the European partners to ask themselves “what it says about the credibility of the EU and whether it is acceptable that there was such a strong reaction by the EU vis-à-vis Russia in the context of the Ukraine crisis, while the EU has opted for a very cautious approach when it comes to Turkey’s – a candidate country’s – actions in Cyprus, an EU member state.”

The Government Spokesman was addressing an audience of British parliamentarians and members of London’s Cypriot community. He started off by providing a comprehensive summary of the way the latest round of talks on the Cyprus issue has developed, strongly criticising Turkey for its actions over the EEZ of the Republic. As he noted, these actions left President Anastasiades with no other option but to suspend the Greek Cypriot side’s participation in the negotiations. “It is abundantly clear that Turkey’s actions, in the midst of the negotiations for a comprehensive settlement, serves only to seriously undermine the negotiating process and raise more serious doubts as to Turkey’s commitment to reaching a settlement, and contributing concretely to this direction,” he added.

Christodoulides stressed that the Greek Cypriot side has made it clear that it is ready to return to the negotiations provided that Turkish provocations seize. He pointed to a number of proposals by President Anastasiades that would allow the negotiations to resume, which “were unfortunately rejected by the other side.”

With regard to the recent visit by the President of the Cyprus Republic to Russia, the Government Spokesman said it was part of the long-standing practice of keeping all permanent members of the UN Security Council duly and equally informed of the latest developments. “A small country like Cyprus, with 37% of its territory under military occupation by Turkey, cannot afford to ignore any of the permanent members of the UN Security Council,” noted Nikos Christodoulides.

He also referred to the traditionally proactive and supportive role Russia assumes in the Security Council when Cyprus is discussed, contrasting this to “difficulties” Cyprus often faces with the stance adopted by other UNSC permanent members.

As for the intense media scrutiny the President’s visit received, the Government Spokesman commented that the reports “often ignored the fact that in all meetings President Anastasiades pressed the EU’s united and principled stance on the Ukraine crisis.” Referring to the agreements signed in Moscow, he said that the Agreement on Military Cooperation updates and codifies the ongoing framework of operational cooperation between the two countries, and that the MoU on Naval Cooperation spells out existing naval aspects of this cooperation in an implementing document for improved operation purposes on a case by case clearance by Cypriot authorities, already provided to the Russian fleet.

Christodoulides also spoke about Cyprus’ central and decisive role in promoting security and stability in the turbulent region of the Eastern Mediterranean, highlighting the key role the country is playing in tackling terrorism – by supporting form the very beginning the coalition against ISIS and contributing in the international community’s efforts in every possible way.

He made a special reference to regional cooperation and synergies created with Cyprus assuming an active role in building them and noted the potential of the hydrocarbon discoveries in the EEZ of the republic of Cyprus: “They have the potential of transforming the island into an important pillar for implementing the EU’s policy to enhance energy security by securing alternative supply corridors.”

As for the country’s economy, he said that the full implementation of an ambitious economic reform and consolidation program, along with the sacrifices by the resilient Cypriot people, is yielding tangible and positive results sooner than expected. “We have not yet reached the end of the road, but we are certainly approaching the end of the economic crisis,” said the Government Spokesman.

The event was hosted by a number of MPs from all major parties in association with the President of National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, Peter Droussiotis.

Droussiotis said in his introductory speech that Turkey remains defiant – “an occupying force unwilling to take the steps which will bring unity to Cyprus as well as stability to the island and the wider region.” He added that Turkey seems intent to undermine the settlement efforts, as demonstrated by its illegal incursions into Cyprus’s EEZ. He also accused the international community of applying double standards in reference to the reaction over the Ukraine crisis and in comparison to the reaction against Turkey.

Labour MP Gareth Thomas praised the Cypriot government for the way it has approached the talks and said that although Turkey has an important role to play in terms of regional security, it has to do its bit to help reunify the island.

David Burrowes, a Conservative MP in north London, said that the UK has a heavy burden and responsibility to try and find practical ways in seeking a solution to the Cyprus issue, and he also highlighted the importance of returning Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants.

Jim Sheridan from the Labour Party raised the question of the contrast in the international response to the situation in Ukraine and the one in Cyprus and Sir Alan Meale, also a Labour MP, wondered what is the point of being part of the EU family if the rights of one member are not safeguarded by the rest.

The UK Minister for Europe has reiterated his government’s full support for all UN Security Council resolutions relevant to the return of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants.

David Lidington was responding to a question posed by the north London Conservative MP David Burrowes, a long-standing friend of Cyprus, regarding steps taken by the Foreign Secretary “to support the return of Famagusta in accordance with the UNSC Resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992).”

In his written answer the Foreign Office minister stated that he understands the strength of feeling about Varosha, the present state of which reflected the consequences of the continued division of Cyprus.

“We fully support all relevant Security Council resolutions, including Resolutions 550 and 789. We have raised this issue with the Turkish Cypriots and with the Turkish authorities,” read Mr Lidington’s answer.

He added that he remains convinced that, ultimately, a comprehensive settlement is the best chance of resolving these complex issues. “The UK will continue to support the UN-led negotiations which will address the questions of Varosha, Famagusta and other issues related to a comprehensive settlement,” he continued.

He also stated that the British government welcomes confidence building measures between the two communities, as they can have great value in fostering reconciliation and facilitating a comprehensive settlement.

He specifically referred to a meeting he hosted at the Foreign Office on 2 March at which Chambers of Commerce of both Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities were represented by their Presidents, both of whom spoke about the way in which a settlement would increase the prosperity of everyone on the island.

The UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond will address the Cypriot community at an event hosted by the Conservative Friends of Cyprus on Tuesday 24 March in north London.

The free event, which is open to supporters of CFCyprus, will include a speech from Philip Hammond outlining the Government`s position on Cyprus and highlighting the steps taken since David Cameron became Prime Minister to strengthen bilateral ties with the Republic of Cyprus.

Many Parliamentary friends of Cyprus, including Theresa Villiers, David Burrowes, Nick de Bois, Mike Freer, Matthew Offord, Sir Roger Gale and Sir David Amess, will also speak at the event.

Jason Charalambous, Chairman of CFCyprus, has said “this will be an exciting opportunity to hear from the Foreign Secretary and MPs about Britain`s strengthening relationship with Cyprus and the steps the Conservative Party proposes to take to improve bilateral ties if they win the General Election in May.”

CFCyprus is a member-led organisation that was founded in 1991. It seeks to promote the Conservative Party across the UK and to strengthen the relationship between the Conservative Party and the Republic of Cyprus.

A charismatic and inspiring man walks around London with one mission and one message: To forward the smile. Angelo Pangalos inspires and encourages people to share a smile with strangers.

Some years back, Angelo’s whole life was turned upside down due to illness and it was these hard times which led to and fuel his current ethos. He reflects: “I remember I was hitting my head on the wall and I was so down that I took my pen and I wrote on my wall really big, I just want to die.”

Now, his mission is to lighten the day of total strangers. Part of this involves transforming typical tube journeys into fun sing-along experiments. With a deck of cards and a guitar he brings light to the tube journeys and engages with strangers, recognizing the importance of social interactions. Angelo finds fulfillment through this project and by sharing smiles and stories with strangers.

“When you are broken, you have nothing else to lose” he exclaims. Angelo’s purpose is not recognition or fame, nor to receive money from strangers. Simply, he aims to spread happiness around him and paint the world with smiles.

And so, we share a smile with Angelos and also share his story with you, in hope that he inspires each and every one of you, to forward a smile today.

David Burrowes, a north London Conservative MP and long standing friend of Cyprus, raised the Cyprus question during a foreign policy session at the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon.

“There is a country in Europe which is occupied and divided for over 40 years; that’s Cyprus. What priority is the Government giving to solving the Cyprus problem?” was the question Mr Burrowes addressed to the Foreign Office heads.

The response was given by the Minister for Europe David Lidington: “We continue to give strong support to the UN envoy Espen Eide and his efforts to bring the two communities in Cyprus together. A settlement would be in the interest of all communities in Cyprus.”

Lidington added that he welcomed the meeting hosted at the Foreign Office on Monday at which the Chambers of Commerce from both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities were represented by their presidents. “They both spoke eloquently about how a settlement would help the prosperity of everybody on the island,” commented the Minister.

An opinion survey has found that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots feel Cypriots above all and they are positive to establishing a Cypriot identity as an element that would bring the inhabitants of the divided island of Cyprus together, Chairman of the University of Nicosia Board Nicos Peristianis told a press conference on Wednesday.

Peristianis presented the results of the survey conducted by IMR/University of Nicosia on behalf of the New Cyprus Association, according to which the fulfillment of this desire is not easy due to the lack of a collective identity and substantive communication between the two sides as well as because Cypriots find it difficult to imagine ways of building a “joint roof” and a common future.

Invited to determine their identity, Greek Cypriots responded: 48% Cypriot, 43% more Cypriot than Greek/equally Cypriot and Greek, 9% Greek/more Greek than Cypriot. Responds from the Turkish Cypriot side were: 88% Cypriot, 6% equally Cypriot and Turk, 6% Turk/Turkish Cypriot.

Asked how useful it would be to have a common Cypriot identity, Greek Cypriots replied: 67% very useful/quite useful and Turkish Cypriots 80% very useful/quite useful.

Moreover, 27% of the Greek Cypriots said that it would be better for a Cypriot identity to be established prior to a solution to the Cyprus problem, 26% both prior and after a solution and 24% after a solution, while 23% responded negatively. Turkish Cypriots replied 76% before a solution, 16% both before and after a solution and 8% after a solution

With regard to the type of the solution 44% of the Greek Cypriots and 15% of the Turkish Cypriots were in favour of a united state, 24% of the Greek Cypriots and 30% of the Turkish Cypriots in favour of a federation, 14% of Greek Cypriots and 29% of Turkish Cypriots in favour of two separate states, 8% of the Greek Cypriots and 19% of the Turkish Cypriots in favour of the current situation and 4% of the Greek Cypriots and 5% of the Turkish Cypriots in favour of a confederation.

The survey involved 500 telephone conversations and was conducted using a structured questionnaire for each of the two communities during the period of November to December 2014.

The Greek government formally submitted a request on Thursday for a six-month extension of the country’s EU loan programme in a last-ditch attempt to break the deadlock with its creditors and partners in the euro zone area. However, the biggest creditor, Germany, has rejected Greece’s application, arguing that it doesn’t represent “a substantial proposal for a solution”. A development that has substantially lowered expectations for an agreement to be reached in tomorrow’s meeting of eurozone finance ministers.

Read below the text of the letter sent by Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis to his Dutch counterpart Jeroen Dijsselbloem, president of the Eurogroup of eurozone finance ministers, requesting an extension of the debt stricken country’s current aid programme.

The letter was seen by Reuters on Thursday:

“Athens, February 18, 2015

Dear President of the Eurogroup,

Over the last five years, the people of Greece have exerted remarkable efforts in economic adjustment. The new government is committed to a broader and deeper reform process aimed at durably improving growth and employment prospects, achieving debt sustainability and financial stability, enhancing social fairness and mitigating the significant social cost of the ongoing crisis.

The Greek authorities recognise that the procedures agreed by the previous governments were interrupted by the recent presidential and general elections and that, as a result, several of the technical arrangements have been invalidated. The Greek authorities honour Greece’s financial obligations to all its creditors as well as state our intention to cooperate with our partners in order to avert technical impediments in the context of the Master Facility Agreement which we recognise as binding vis-a-vis its financial and procedural content.

In this context, the Greek authorities are now applying for the extension of the Master Financial Assistance Facility Agreement for a period of six months from its termination during which period we shall proceed jointly, and making best use of given flexibility in the current arrangement, toward its successful conclusion and review on the basis of the proposals of, on the one hand, the Greek government and, on the other, the institutions.

The purpose of the requested six-month extension of the Agreement’s duration is:

(a) To agree the mutually acceptable financial and administrative terms the implementation of which, in collaboration with the institutions, will stabilise Greece’s fiscal position, attain appropriate primary fiscal surpluses, guarantee debt stability and assist in the attainment of fiscal targets for 2015 that take into account the present economic situation.

(b) To ensure, working closely with our European and international partners, that any new measures be fully funded while refraining from unilateral action that would undermine the fiscal targets, economic recovery and financial stability.

(c) To allow the European Central Bank to re-introduce the waiver in accordance with its procedures and regulations.

(d) To extend the availability of the EFSF bonds held by the HFSF for the duration of the Agreement.

(e) To commence work between the technical teams on a possible new Contract for Recovery and Growth that the Greek authorities envisage between Greece, Europe and the International Monetary Fund which could follow the current Agreement.

(f) To agree on supervision under the EU and ECB framework and, in the same spirit, with the International Monetary Fund for the duration of the extended Agreement.

(G) To discuss means of enacting the November 2012 Eurogroup decision regarding possible further debt measures and assistance for implementation after the completion of the extended Agreement and as part of the follow-up Contract.

With the above in mind, the Greek government expresses its determination to cooperate closely with the European Union’s institutions and with the International Monetary Fund in order: (a) to attain fiscal and financial stability and (b) to enable the Greek government to introduce the substantive, far-reaching reforms that are needed to restore the living standards of millions of Greek citizens through sustainable economic growth, gainful employment and social cohesion.

Sincerely,

Yanis Varoufakis

Minister of Finance

Hellenic Republic”

The roll call vote for a new President of the Republic took place in Parliament on Wednesday and as expected, the government-sponsored candidate Prokopis Pavlopoulos (pictured) was elected with an overwhelming majority.

The new President received 233 votes (from SYRIZA, the Independent Greeks and New Democracy), while the River and PASOK-nominated candidate Nikos Alivizatos received 30 votes and 32 MPs (KKE and Golden Dawn) decided to abstain.

Of the 300 MPs only 295 voted, as SYRIZA’s Yannis Michelogiannakis and Anna Gaitani and from New Democracy Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Alexandros Kontos and Savvas Anastasiadis were absent.

After the election, Mr. Alivizatos congratulated the new President and wishing him well in his new role. Mr. Alivizatos also expressed the hope that the new President will be a guarantor of democratic normalcy and not a passive observer of political developments.

The new President commented that the highest honor has turned into the greatest duty and stressed the four principles of the Presidential oath; strict adherence to the Constitutions, defending national sovereignty, protecting the vulnerable and the public interest. Mr. Pavlopoulos argued that “we are struggling with the other European people not just for us, but for Europe itself”.

The President of the European Commission, Jean Claude Juncker and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Anastasiades held a friendly and fruitful meeting and reviewed different issues on the agenda of the informal European Council, which takes place here today.

President Anastasiades (L)- Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker

They discussed the economic situation in Europe and in Cyprus.

President Anastasiades referred to the efforts made by Cyprus in the context of the Economic Adjustment Programme and they both agreed on the need to continue with the reform momentum.

They agreed that the Eurozone must continue to be based on solidarity in return for solidity.

They also discussed the Cyprus settlement process and Juncker expressed his support to the negotiations that should take place in a conducive environment. Both Presidents share the same vision for a reunited Cyprus.