By Jamie Stengle | AP July 10 at 6:03 PM
The Washington Post
DALLAS — A 22-year-old Texas man who was beaten to death at a bar on a Greek island recently graduated from college and was known to his friends for his fun-loving and friendly demeanor.
Bakari Henderson, of Austin, was beaten to death early Friday at the bar in Lagana on the island of Zakynthos.
Authorities haven’t disclosed a possible motive for the attack, but eight people have been arrested. Greek police said among them were a 34-year-old Greek and a 32-year-old British man of Serbian origin. Serbia’s foreign ministry said six of its citizens were arrested.
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Greece: Protest and fire break out at Lesbos migrant camp
By Associated Press July 10 at 10:19 AM
The Washington Post
ATHENS, Greece — Authorities on the Greek island of Lesbos say a fire has broken out at a large migrant camp following a protest at the site.
Police said no injuries were reported from Monday’s protest and that the fire believed to have been set deliberately at the Moria camp is still burning.
The Washington Post
ATHENS, Greece — Authorities on the Greek island of Lesbos say a fire has broken out at a large migrant camp following a protest at the site.
Police said no injuries were reported from Monday’s protest and that the fire believed to have been set deliberately at the Moria camp is still burning.
ESM Urges Greece to Ready Market Borrowing Strategy
By REUTERSJULY 10, 2017, 3:09 P.M. E.D.T.
The New York Times
BRUSSELS — Greece should develop a strategy for its return to market borrowing and raise private finance before its euro zone bailout programme ends in a year's time, the head of the European Stability Mechanism said on Monday.
Klaus Regling told reporters "Greece will not need that much borrowing from the markets in the future" once bailout funding via the ESM ends in August 2018. It would be required only to replace maturing debt, given Athens' predicted fiscal surpluses.
The New York Times
BRUSSELS — Greece should develop a strategy for its return to market borrowing and raise private finance before its euro zone bailout programme ends in a year's time, the head of the European Stability Mechanism said on Monday.
Klaus Regling told reporters "Greece will not need that much borrowing from the markets in the future" once bailout funding via the ESM ends in August 2018. It would be required only to replace maturing debt, given Athens' predicted fiscal surpluses.
Monday, July 10, 2017
Euro Zone Set to OK Release of Loans to Greece This Week-EU Official
By REUTERSJULY 6, 2017, 3:21 P.M. E.D.T.
The New York Times
BRUSSELS — Eurozone creditors are set to give their final go-ahead to the release of loans to Greece on Friday under a political agreement reached in June, a euro zone official said on Thursday.
Greece needs new loans under its current 86 billion euro (76 billion pounds) bailout programme, the third since 2010, to pay debt due this month.
The New York Times
BRUSSELS — Eurozone creditors are set to give their final go-ahead to the release of loans to Greece on Friday under a political agreement reached in June, a euro zone official said on Thursday.
Greece needs new loans under its current 86 billion euro (76 billion pounds) bailout programme, the third since 2010, to pay debt due this month.
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Το κείμενο είναι από τον απολυμένο Κ Μπογδάνο λόγω της κριτικής προς τον Α Τσίπρα
Πρωθυπουργικοί σύντροφοι (το ρεπορτάζ που φιμώθηκε)
Αλήθεια τώρα; Ενοχλήθηκαν από το "πρώην σύντροφοι"; Να αρχίσουμε να μετράμε; Είναι πολλές δεκάδες τα στελέχη και οι βουλευτές του ΣΥΡΙΖΑ, που έμμεσα ή άμεσα τα τελευταία χρόνια έχουν ενεργά στηρίξει κατηγορούμενους και καταδικασθέντες ως μέλη τρομοκρατικών οργανώσεων. Μόλις πριν μερικές εβδομάδες το τελευταίο κρούσμα. Δεκαπέντε νυν βουλευτές (αλφαβητικά οι υπογραφές: Γκιόλας Ιωάννης, Θελερίτη Μαρία, Θεοπεφτάτου Αφροδίτη, Θηβαίος Νικόλαος, Ιγγλέζη Αικατερίνη, Καββαδία Αννέτα, Καραγιαννίδης Χρήστος, Κυρίτσης Γεώργιος, Μπαλαούρας Γεράσιμος, Πάλλης Γεώργιος, Παπαδόπουλος Χριστόφορος, Σταματάκη Ελένη, Σταμπουλή Αφροδίτη, Φιλης Νικόλαος και Ψυχογιός Γεώργιος) έσπευσαν να υπογράψουν κοινή δήλωση για την Ηριάννα Β. Λ. (δύο επίθετα – χαρακτηριστική αναρχική επιλογή), υποστηρίζοντας ότι η καταδίκη της ως μέλος της Συνομωσίας των Πυρήνων της Φωτιάς θα αποτελέσει, μεταξύ άλλων, "συντριπτικό χτύπημα στο δικαίωμά της στη μόρφωση και στην επιστημονική εξέλιξη". Να σημειωθεί, ότι τον Λουκά Παπαδήμο, που ο Τσίπρας ακόμα δεν έχει επισκεφθεί στον Ευαγγελισμό, η ΣΠΦ τον χτύπησε.
Αλήθεια τώρα; Ενοχλήθηκαν από το "πρώην σύντροφοι"; Να αρχίσουμε να μετράμε; Είναι πολλές δεκάδες τα στελέχη και οι βουλευτές του ΣΥΡΙΖΑ, που έμμεσα ή άμεσα τα τελευταία χρόνια έχουν ενεργά στηρίξει κατηγορούμενους και καταδικασθέντες ως μέλη τρομοκρατικών οργανώσεων. Μόλις πριν μερικές εβδομάδες το τελευταίο κρούσμα. Δεκαπέντε νυν βουλευτές (αλφαβητικά οι υπογραφές: Γκιόλας Ιωάννης, Θελερίτη Μαρία, Θεοπεφτάτου Αφροδίτη, Θηβαίος Νικόλαος, Ιγγλέζη Αικατερίνη, Καββαδία Αννέτα, Καραγιαννίδης Χρήστος, Κυρίτσης Γεώργιος, Μπαλαούρας Γεράσιμος, Πάλλης Γεώργιος, Παπαδόπουλος Χριστόφορος, Σταματάκη Ελένη, Σταμπουλή Αφροδίτη, Φιλης Νικόλαος και Ψυχογιός Γεώργιος) έσπευσαν να υπογράψουν κοινή δήλωση για την Ηριάννα Β. Λ. (δύο επίθετα – χαρακτηριστική αναρχική επιλογή), υποστηρίζοντας ότι η καταδίκη της ως μέλος της Συνομωσίας των Πυρήνων της Φωτιάς θα αποτελέσει, μεταξύ άλλων, "συντριπτικό χτύπημα στο δικαίωμά της στη μόρφωση και στην επιστημονική εξέλιξη". Να σημειωθεί, ότι τον Λουκά Παπαδήμο, που ο Τσίπρας ακόμα δεν έχει επισκεφθεί στον Ευαγγελισμό, η ΣΠΦ τον χτύπησε.
Friday, July 7, 2017
Britain Isn't Greece, Prime Minister
Enough austerity. The government can afford to raise spending where that would help the economy.
By The Editors
7 Ιουλίου 2017, 9:39 π.μ. EEST
Bloomberg
Britain’s government isn’t due to announce a new budget until the autumn, but debate is already raging over public-sector pay. With Brexit bearing down, the embattled prime minister, Theresa May, will have to choose between making another embarrassing U-turn and defending a policy that is both unpopular and unnecessary.
Sadly for May, the U-turn makes better sense.
By The Editors
7 Ιουλίου 2017, 9:39 π.μ. EEST
Bloomberg
Britain’s government isn’t due to announce a new budget until the autumn, but debate is already raging over public-sector pay. With Brexit bearing down, the embattled prime minister, Theresa May, will have to choose between making another embarrassing U-turn and defending a policy that is both unpopular and unnecessary.
Sadly for May, the U-turn makes better sense.
Greece Aims to Complete Former Athens Airport Deal by December
By REUTERSJULY 6, 2017, 6:42 A.M. E.D.T.
The New York Times
THENS — Greece aims to complete a deal on the former Athens airport of Hellenikon by December, the country's privatisations agency Chairwoman Lila Tsitsogiannopoulou said on Thursday.
A consortium of Abu Dhabi and Chinese investors backed by conglomerate Fosun, led by Greece's Lamda, signed a deal in 2014 to develop the Hellenikon coastal area, one of Europe's biggest real estate development projects.
The New York Times
THENS — Greece aims to complete a deal on the former Athens airport of Hellenikon by December, the country's privatisations agency Chairwoman Lila Tsitsogiannopoulou said on Thursday.
A consortium of Abu Dhabi and Chinese investors backed by conglomerate Fosun, led by Greece's Lamda, signed a deal in 2014 to develop the Hellenikon coastal area, one of Europe's biggest real estate development projects.
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Greece fires at Turkish freighter in Aegean, Ankara protests
03-07-2017
Deusche Welle
Greece's coast guard has fired "warning shots" at a Turkish freight ship near Rhodes island, prompting a protest from Ankara. Greek police say they acted on an anonymous call that it was "transporting drugs."
Turkey's foreign ministry condemned Greece on Monday over the shooting that left no one injured - but 16 bullet holes in the freighter's hull, according to its captain.
The vessel, the M/V ACT, had left the southern Turkish port of Iskenderun, near the Syrian border, and was heading west to the Gulf of Izmit when, according to Greek coast guards, it entered Greek waters northeast of Rhodes island.
"Warning shots were fired but the ship did not change course," said the Greek coast guard.
Deusche Welle
Greece's coast guard has fired "warning shots" at a Turkish freight ship near Rhodes island, prompting a protest from Ankara. Greek police say they acted on an anonymous call that it was "transporting drugs."
Turkey's foreign ministry condemned Greece on Monday over the shooting that left no one injured - but 16 bullet holes in the freighter's hull, according to its captain.
The vessel, the M/V ACT, had left the southern Turkish port of Iskenderun, near the Syrian border, and was heading west to the Gulf of Izmit when, according to Greek coast guards, it entered Greek waters northeast of Rhodes island.
"Warning shots were fired but the ship did not change course," said the Greek coast guard.
Friday, June 30, 2017
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Greece Gets Investor Thumbs Up on Possible Return to Bond Market
By Sotiris Nikas and Anchalee Worrachate
29 Ιουνίου 2017, 5:04 π.μ. EEST
A new issuance in the second half looks increasingly possible
Government is in contact with investors to test the waters
Bloomberg
If Greece returns to the bond market this year, Mark Dowding would be a buyer.
“We have been bullish on Greece over the past year or so,” said the partner and portfolio manager at BlueBay Asset Management in London, which owns some long-dated Greek bonds. “We’ve also formed the view that lenders would remain committed to helping Greece. I feel relatively confident that Greece will be returning to market in the second half of this year.”
29 Ιουνίου 2017, 5:04 π.μ. EEST
A new issuance in the second half looks increasingly possible
Government is in contact with investors to test the waters
Bloomberg
If Greece returns to the bond market this year, Mark Dowding would be a buyer.
“We have been bullish on Greece over the past year or so,” said the partner and portfolio manager at BlueBay Asset Management in London, which owns some long-dated Greek bonds. “We’ve also formed the view that lenders would remain committed to helping Greece. I feel relatively confident that Greece will be returning to market in the second half of this year.”
Greece eyes market return as debt dispute still simmering
The Washington Post
Derek Gatopoulos | AP June 28 at 11:12 AM
LAGONISSI, Greece — Greece is on target to tap bond markets for money again by the end of this year and exit its bailout program next summer, European creditors said Wednesday.
But a spat with the International Monetary Fund over how to deal with the country’s enormous debt showed no sign of being resolved swiftly.
Derek Gatopoulos | AP June 28 at 11:12 AM
LAGONISSI, Greece — Greece is on target to tap bond markets for money again by the end of this year and exit its bailout program next summer, European creditors said Wednesday.
But a spat with the International Monetary Fund over how to deal with the country’s enormous debt showed no sign of being resolved swiftly.
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Greece Says Needs to Step Up Privatisations
By REUTERSJUNE 28, 2017, 5:30 A.M. E.D.T.
The New York Times
ATHENS — Greece needs to step up its privatisation programme, deputy finance minister George Chouliarakis said on Wednesday.
Privatisations have been a main pillar of the country's international bailouts since 2010 but have reaped only 3.4 billion euros in revenues due to political resistance and red tape.
The New York Times
ATHENS — Greece needs to step up its privatisation programme, deputy finance minister George Chouliarakis said on Wednesday.
Privatisations have been a main pillar of the country's international bailouts since 2010 but have reaped only 3.4 billion euros in revenues due to political resistance and red tape.
Monday, June 26, 2017
Prime Real Estate On Fire Sale -- In Greece
Forbes
Panos Mourdoukoutas , CONTRIBUTOR
A deep and prolonged economic contraction has placed prime real estate on fire sale in Greece, creating good opportunities for bargain hunters. But they may not last too long.
Buying prime real estate is all about good location and good timing. Good location is usually a place with a limited amount of land for development, like a city center or a waterfront. Good timing is a period when real estate in these places goes on fire sale due to catastrophic events or prolonged economic contractions.
Panos Mourdoukoutas , CONTRIBUTOR
A deep and prolonged economic contraction has placed prime real estate on fire sale in Greece, creating good opportunities for bargain hunters. But they may not last too long.
Buying prime real estate is all about good location and good timing. Good location is usually a place with a limited amount of land for development, like a city center or a waterfront. Good timing is a period when real estate in these places goes on fire sale due to catastrophic events or prolonged economic contractions.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Europe's Unserious Plan for Greece
The latest deal on debt won’t work, and everybody knows it.
By The Editors
21 Ιουνίου 2017, 9:00 π.μ. EEST
Bloomberg
By The Editors
21 Ιουνίου 2017, 9:00 π.μ. EEST
- Grace periods come to an end. As interest rates creep up, Greece’s debt repayments will rise too. The perpetual primary surpluses creditors are demanding will squeeze the economy so hard that they’ll be self-defeating even in narrow fiscal terms.
Bloomberg
Brexit Bulletin: The New Political Reality
By Simon Kennedy and Robert Hutton
21 Ιουνίου 2017, 9:52 π.μ. EEST
Bloomberg
Prime Minister Theresa May will make her first attempt to engage with Britain’s new political landscape on Wednesday as she publishes a Brexit-heavy legislative program.
Queen Elizabeth II will read out the plan for the next two years. It’s set to include a bill designed to convert thousands of European Union rules into British law and another to regain control of trade policy from the bloc.
21 Ιουνίου 2017, 9:52 π.μ. EEST
Bloomberg
Prime Minister Theresa May will make her first attempt to engage with Britain’s new political landscape on Wednesday as she publishes a Brexit-heavy legislative program.
Queen Elizabeth II will read out the plan for the next two years. It’s set to include a bill designed to convert thousands of European Union rules into British law and another to regain control of trade policy from the bloc.
Rick Perry just denied that humans are the main cause of climate change
By Steven Mufson June 19
The Washington Post
Energy Secretary Rick Perry on Monday denied that man-made carbon dioxide emissions are the primary cause of climate change.
Asked in an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” whether he believed that carbon dioxide was “the primary control knob for the temperature of the Earth and for climate,” Perry said that “No, most likely the primary control knob is the ocean waters and this environment that we live in.”
The Washington Post
Energy Secretary Rick Perry on Monday denied that man-made carbon dioxide emissions are the primary cause of climate change.
Asked in an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” whether he believed that carbon dioxide was “the primary control knob for the temperature of the Earth and for climate,” Perry said that “No, most likely the primary control knob is the ocean waters and this environment that we live in.”
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Greece says court decision not to extradite Turkish soldiers must be respected
Mon Jun 19, 2017 | 9:07am EDT
Reuters
A court ruling to not extradite eight Turkish soldiers who fled to Greece following the failed coup attempt last year must be respected, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Monday.
His comments came at a joint news conference with his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim in Athens
"The Greek justice system has ruled on this issue ... and this decision must be fully respected," Tsipras said in response to a question.
Reuters
A court ruling to not extradite eight Turkish soldiers who fled to Greece following the failed coup attempt last year must be respected, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Monday.
His comments came at a joint news conference with his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim in Athens
"The Greek justice system has ruled on this issue ... and this decision must be fully respected," Tsipras said in response to a question.
In Greece, China Finds an Ally Against Human Rights Criticism
By NICK CUMMING-BRUCE and SOMINI SENGUPTAJUNE 19, 2017
GENEVA — China has long won diplomatic allies in the world’s poor countries by helping them build expensive roads and ports. Now, it appears to have similarly won over a needy country in Europe.
At a meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council this month in Geneva, the European Union sought to draw renewed attention to human rights abuses in China — only to be blocked by one of its member countries, Greece. A spokesman for the Greek Foreign Ministry in Athens called it “unproductive criticism.”
Monday, June 19, 2017
Greece’s Open Wound of Division
Nikos Konstandaras JUNE 16, 2017
The New York Times
ATHENS — Many Greeks were surprised when a mild-mannered former prime minister who tried to use unity and consensus to lead the country out of an economic and political impasse was seriously injured by a parcel bomb last month.
What followed was even worse: The attack was not greeted with unanimous condemnation, suggesting that Greece has a long way to go to heal divisions that were exacerbated by the economic crisis, that have shaped politics and that obstruct efforts to get Greece on its feet.
The New York Times
ATHENS — Many Greeks were surprised when a mild-mannered former prime minister who tried to use unity and consensus to lead the country out of an economic and political impasse was seriously injured by a parcel bomb last month.
What followed was even worse: The attack was not greeted with unanimous condemnation, suggesting that Greece has a long way to go to heal divisions that were exacerbated by the economic crisis, that have shaped politics and that obstruct efforts to get Greece on its feet.
EU's Wieser-Hope Greece Can Tap Markets by Spring 2018: ORF
By REUTERSJUNE 17, 2017, 7:30 A.M. E.D.T.
The New York Times
VIENNA — Thomas Wieser, the EU official who runs preparations for Eurogroup meetings, hopes Greece will be able to tap international markets for money between autumn this year and spring 2018, he told ORF radio on Saturday.
The New York Times
VIENNA — Thomas Wieser, the EU official who runs preparations for Eurogroup meetings, hopes Greece will be able to tap international markets for money between autumn this year and spring 2018, he told ORF radio on Saturday.
Greece blocks EU statement on China human rights at U.N.
Sun Jun 18, 2017 | 5:43pm EDT
Reuters
By Robin Emmott and Angeliki Koutantou | BRUSSELS/ATHENS
Greece has blocked a European Union statement at the United Nations criticizing China's human rights record, a decision EU diplomats said undermined efforts to confront Beijing's crackdown on activists and dissidents.
The EU, which seeks to promote free speech and end capital punishment around the world, was due to make its statement last week at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, but failed to win the necessary agreement from all 28 EU states.
Reuters
By Robin Emmott and Angeliki Koutantou | BRUSSELS/ATHENS
Greece has blocked a European Union statement at the United Nations criticizing China's human rights record, a decision EU diplomats said undermined efforts to confront Beijing's crackdown on activists and dissidents.
The EU, which seeks to promote free speech and end capital punishment around the world, was due to make its statement last week at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, but failed to win the necessary agreement from all 28 EU states.
Friday, June 16, 2017
E.U. Reaches Debt Deal for Greece Worth 8.5 Billion Euros
By JAMES KANTER and NIKI KITSANTONISJUNE 15, 2017
LUXEMBOURG — European Union officials agreed on Thursday to unlock loans of 8.5 billion euros for Greece, to ensure it meets huge payments on its debt next month.
The deal, reached by eurozone finance ministers, will ensure that Greece can pay about €7 billion, or $7.9 billion, next month on its towering pile of loans. If Greece defaulted on its debt, it could set off an economic crisis, reviving fears about the future of the eurozone.
The agreement included formal participation by the International Monetary Fund, said Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the president of the Eurogroup of finance minsters.
LUXEMBOURG — European Union officials agreed on Thursday to unlock loans of 8.5 billion euros for Greece, to ensure it meets huge payments on its debt next month.
The deal, reached by eurozone finance ministers, will ensure that Greece can pay about €7 billion, or $7.9 billion, next month on its towering pile of loans. If Greece defaulted on its debt, it could set off an economic crisis, reviving fears about the future of the eurozone.
The agreement included formal participation by the International Monetary Fund, said Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the president of the Eurogroup of finance minsters.
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Greece Declares Emergency After Earthquake Hits Lesbos
By NIKI KITSANTONIS
JUNE 13, 2017
The New York Times
ATHENS — The Greek government declared a state of emergency on the island of Lesbos on Tuesday, the day after a strong earthquake struck the island, killing a woman, injuring several people and leaving hundreds of residents homeless.
JUNE 13, 2017
The New York Times
ATHENS — The Greek government declared a state of emergency on the island of Lesbos on Tuesday, the day after a strong earthquake struck the island, killing a woman, injuring several people and leaving hundreds of residents homeless.
Israel’s prime minister in Greece to tout energy projects
By Costas Kantouris | AP June 15 at 8:40 AM
THESSALONIKI, Greece — Under heavy security, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited northern Greece on Thursday to discuss plans to become a key supplier of European energy through an ambitious Mediterranean undersea natural gas pipeline project.
Netanyahu met with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city.
More than 3,500 police officers were deployed around the city, which historically had a large Jewish community that was almost wiped out during the Nazi occupation in World War II.
THESSALONIKI, Greece — Under heavy security, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited northern Greece on Thursday to discuss plans to become a key supplier of European energy through an ambitious Mediterranean undersea natural gas pipeline project.
Netanyahu met with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city.
More than 3,500 police officers were deployed around the city, which historically had a large Jewish community that was almost wiped out during the Nazi occupation in World War II.
Greece to Get Some Cash-And Some Idea of Future Debt Relief
By REUTERSJUNE 15, 2017, 8:54 A.M. E.D.T.
The New York Times
LUXEMBOURG — Greece's international lenders prepared on Thursday to unblock as much as 8.5 billion euros (7.44 billion pounds) in loans that Athens desperately needs next month to pay its bills, and to give some idea of what debt relief they may offer over the long-term.
The chairman of euro zone finance ministers Jeroen Dijsselbloem told reporters the size of the payment to Athens would be discussed during the meeting, since lenders agreed that Greece had pushed through all the requested reforms.
The New York Times
LUXEMBOURG — Greece's international lenders prepared on Thursday to unblock as much as 8.5 billion euros (7.44 billion pounds) in loans that Athens desperately needs next month to pay its bills, and to give some idea of what debt relief they may offer over the long-term.
The chairman of euro zone finance ministers Jeroen Dijsselbloem told reporters the size of the payment to Athens would be discussed during the meeting, since lenders agreed that Greece had pushed through all the requested reforms.
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Britain’s Theresa May comes under pressure to soften her stance on Brexit
The Washington Post
By Griff Witte and Karla Adam June 12 at 3:30 PM
LONDON — When Britain voted last week in an election that ended with Prime Minister Theresa May hanging onto her job by a thread, Brexit wasn’t on the ballot.
Even though the country had split nearly down the middle in last year’s referendum – 52 percent to 48 – and continues to be closely divided, none of the major parties ran on a platform of reversing the public’s decision to leave the European Union.
ECB Said to Be Unlikely to Include Greece in QE in Coming Months
by Alessandro Speciale
13 Ιουνίου 2017, 2:00 π.μ. EEST
Bloomberg
The European Central Bank is unlikely to include Greek bonds in its asset-purchase program for the foreseeable future, a person familiar with the matter said, as European creditors aren’t prepared to offer substantially easier repayment terms on bailout loans to improve the nation’s debt outlook.
13 Ιουνίου 2017, 2:00 π.μ. EEST
Bloomberg
The European Central Bank is unlikely to include Greek bonds in its asset-purchase program for the foreseeable future, a person familiar with the matter said, as European creditors aren’t prepared to offer substantially easier repayment terms on bailout loans to improve the nation’s debt outlook.
Monday, June 12, 2017
Greece puts faith in France to solve bailout impasse
The Washington Post
By Derek Gatopoulos | AP June 12 at 8:43 AM
ATHENS, Greece — France’s finance minister says Greece is on course to reach a crucial funding deal with bailout lenders this week.
“A new crisis on the Greek issue must be calmly avoided,” Bruno Le Maire said after meeting Monday with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
The French minister traveled to Athens ahead of a meeting in Luxembourg on Thursday of finance ministers from countries using the euro currency.
Friday, June 9, 2017
Comey: White House lied about me, FBI
The Washington Post
By Devlin Barrett, Ellen Nakashima and Ed O'Keefe June 8 at 8:38 PM
Former FBI director James B. Comey on Thursday used a dramatic appearance before a national audience to sharply criticize the character of the president, accusing Trump of firing him over the Russia investigation and then misleading the public about the reasons for the dismissal.
Trump and his team, Comey said, told “lies, plain and simple,” about him and the FBI in an effort to cover up the real reason for his sudden sacking last month. Comey said that after one particularly odd private meeting with the president, he feared Trump “might lie” about the conversation, prompting him to begin taking careful notes after each encounter.
Theresa May Loses Overall Majority in U.K. Parliament
By STEVEN ERLANGER and STEPHEN CASTLE
JUNE 8, 2017
LONDON — Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain suffered a major setback in a tumultuous election on Thursday, losing her overall majority in Parliament and throwing her government into uncertainty less than two weeks before it is scheduled to begin negotiations over withdrawing from the European Union.
JUNE 8, 2017
LONDON — Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain suffered a major setback in a tumultuous election on Thursday, losing her overall majority in Parliament and throwing her government into uncertainty less than two weeks before it is scheduled to begin negotiations over withdrawing from the European Union.
Thursday, June 8, 2017
UPDATE 1-Greece targeting sub-5 percent yields for market return
Wed Jun 7, 2017 | 2:17pm EDT
Reuters
* Greece wants yields below 5 pct before debt market return
* ECB support would boost chances considerably
* Decisions will depend on outcome of Eurogroup meeting (Adds detail, background, quotes)
By Lefteris Papadimas and Marc Jones
Reuters
* Greece wants yields below 5 pct before debt market return
* ECB support would boost chances considerably
* Decisions will depend on outcome of Eurogroup meeting (Adds detail, background, quotes)
By Lefteris Papadimas and Marc Jones
Trump offers to help resolve Gulf crisis, UAE tightens squeeze on Qatar
Wed Jun 7, 2017 | 8:40pm EDT
Reuters
By William Maclean and Tom Finn | DUBAI/DOHA
U.S. President Donald Trump offered on Wednesday to help resolve a worsening diplomatic crisis between Qatar and other Arab powers as the United Arab Emirates invoked the possibility of an economic embargo on Doha over its alleged support of terrorism.
In his second intervention in the row in as many days, Trump urged action against terrorism in a call with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, a White House statement said.
Reuters
By William Maclean and Tom Finn | DUBAI/DOHA
U.S. President Donald Trump offered on Wednesday to help resolve a worsening diplomatic crisis between Qatar and other Arab powers as the United Arab Emirates invoked the possibility of an economic embargo on Doha over its alleged support of terrorism.
In his second intervention in the row in as many days, Trump urged action against terrorism in a call with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, a White House statement said.
Greece Calls on Europe to Offer Growth Incentives, Help Break Debt Impasse
By REUTERS
JUNE 7, 2017, 10:39 A.M. E.D.T.
The New York Times
ATHENS — Greece urged its European lenders on Wednesday to offer incentives that will boost growth and help break an impasse between the euro zone and the International Monetary Fund on the size of relief the country needs to make its debt sustainable.
During a meeting of euro zone finance ministers last month, Greece, its euro zone lenders and the IMF failed to agree on the debt relief measures to be implemented after its current bailout expires in 2018, mainly because of different growth assumptions. They are now aiming for a deal at a June 15 Eurogroup meeting.
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Greek Ruling Party Says IMF Debt Proposal Not Helpful in Impasse
By REUTERSJUNE 6, 2017, 10:12 A.M. E.D.T.
The New York Times
ATHENS — A proposal by IMF Chief Christine Lagarde offering a way out of Greece's debt impasse with its European lenders does not contribute towards reaching an "honourable solution," Greece's ruling Syriza party said on Tuesday.
The New York Times
ATHENS — A proposal by IMF Chief Christine Lagarde offering a way out of Greece's debt impasse with its European lenders does not contribute towards reaching an "honourable solution," Greece's ruling Syriza party said on Tuesday.
Greece to Launch New Tender for Gas Grid Sale in June-Energy Minister
By REUTERSJUNE 6, 2017, 10:21 A.M. E.D.T.
The New York Times
ATHENS — Greece will launch a new tender competition for the privatisation of its natural gas grid operator DEFSA in June, Energy Minister George Stathakis said on Tuesday.
Stathakis announced the tender in an interview with Greek news website liberal.gr without disclosing details.
The New York Times
ATHENS — Greece will launch a new tender competition for the privatisation of its natural gas grid operator DEFSA in June, Energy Minister George Stathakis said on Tuesday.
Stathakis announced the tender in an interview with Greek news website liberal.gr without disclosing details.
The Latest: Hamas ‘shocked’ by Saudi comments on Qatar
The Washington Post
By Associated Press June 7 at 1:00 AM
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The Latest on the Gulf crisis after Saudi Arabia and other nations cut ties to Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism (all times local):
8:30 a.m.
Gaza’s ruling Hamas says it is shocked by Saudi Arabia’s call on Qatar to stop supporting the Islamic militant group.
Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, have cut ties with Qatar and moved to isolate the Gulf nation, accusing it of harboring extremists. Qatar has denied the allegations.
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told reporters in Paris on Tuesday that Qatar must sever ties with Hamas and its historic parent, the pan-Arab Muslim Brotherhood.
Hamas said in a statement early Wednesday that al-Jubeir’s remarks “constitute a shock for our Palestinian people and the Arab and Islamic nations.”
Hamas alleged that Israel “exploits these statements to carry out more violations against the Palestinian people.”
Qatar has hosted Hamas leaders and has financed major projects in Gaza.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Despite Economic Problems, Greece's Tourism Looking Good In 2017
JUN 5, 2017, 11:23 AM
Lea Lane , CONTRIBUTOR
Forbes
The past few years have been tough ones for the Greek economy and for its tourism industry. As a traveler who has written two guidebooks on Greece, I've felt sure that tourism there would eventually bounce back, but when?
News is good: The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) announced that it expects a record-breaking 30 million international visitors to Greece for 2017. This represents a growth rate of 7%, or an additional 2 million additional visitors over the previous year. 900,000 U.S. travelers are expected to visit the country this year.
Lea Lane , CONTRIBUTOR
Forbes
The past few years have been tough ones for the Greek economy and for its tourism industry. As a traveler who has written two guidebooks on Greece, I've felt sure that tourism there would eventually bounce back, but when?
News is good: The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) announced that it expects a record-breaking 30 million international visitors to Greece for 2017. This represents a growth rate of 7%, or an additional 2 million additional visitors over the previous year. 900,000 U.S. travelers are expected to visit the country this year.
Cementing a long-term deal with Greece
Souda Bay gives the U.S. a singulary valuable port in the Eastern Mediterranean
The Washington Times
By John Sitilides - - Monday, June 5, 2017
ANALYSIS/OPINION:
Since World War II, the Mediterranean Sea has been the home to the U.S. Sixth Fleet, whose mission is to conduct “the full range of Maritime Operations and Theater Security Cooperation missions to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.” It was an essentially uncontested naval force through the mid-2000s, operating with near impunity from the Strait of Gibraltar to Israel, from the Black Sea to the Suez Canal.
Today, Russia and China are operating within the Eastern Mediterranean region with growing ambition and determination to challenge America’s historic naval posture and extensive power projection reach.
The Washington Times
By John Sitilides - - Monday, June 5, 2017
ANALYSIS/OPINION:
Since World War II, the Mediterranean Sea has been the home to the U.S. Sixth Fleet, whose mission is to conduct “the full range of Maritime Operations and Theater Security Cooperation missions to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.” It was an essentially uncontested naval force through the mid-2000s, operating with near impunity from the Strait of Gibraltar to Israel, from the Black Sea to the Suez Canal.
Today, Russia and China are operating within the Eastern Mediterranean region with growing ambition and determination to challenge America’s historic naval posture and extensive power projection reach.
Friday, June 2, 2017
Τα προβλήματα με την ελάφρυνση του χρέους
Μιράντα Ξαφά
Huffington Post
Μετά την κατ' αρχήν αποδοχή από την κυβέρνηση των μέτρων που ζητούν οι δανειστές για να κλείσει η δεύτερη αξιολόγηση, μόλις ψηφιστούν τα μέτρα προβλέπεται να ανοίξει η συζήτηση για το χρέος. Παρά το γεγονός ότι το θέμα αυτό συζητείται παρασκηνιακά μεταξύ Ευρωπαίων και ΔΝΤ εδώ και μήνες, λύση που να είναι πολιτικά αποδεκτή από όλους τους εμπλεκόμενους στη διαπραγμάτευση δεν θα είναι εύκολο να βρεθεί. Μία πρόσφατη μελέτη τριών επιφανών οικονομολόγων εξηγεί γιατί.
Huffington Post
Μετά την κατ' αρχήν αποδοχή από την κυβέρνηση των μέτρων που ζητούν οι δανειστές για να κλείσει η δεύτερη αξιολόγηση, μόλις ψηφιστούν τα μέτρα προβλέπεται να ανοίξει η συζήτηση για το χρέος. Παρά το γεγονός ότι το θέμα αυτό συζητείται παρασκηνιακά μεταξύ Ευρωπαίων και ΔΝΤ εδώ και μήνες, λύση που να είναι πολιτικά αποδεκτή από όλους τους εμπλεκόμενους στη διαπραγμάτευση δεν θα είναι εύκολο να βρεθεί. Μία πρόσφατη μελέτη τριών επιφανών οικονομολόγων εξηγεί γιατί.
Greece Seeks Debt Clarity as Creditors Resist Concessions
by Alessandro Speciale and Viktoria Dendrinou
31 Μαΐου 2017, 6:27 μ.μ. EEST 1 Ιουνίου 2017, 1:12 μ.μ. EEST
Bloomberg
Greece may not be offered a substantially improved debt-relief package when euro-area finance ministers discuss its bailout in Luxembourg next month, officials directly involved in the negotiations said.
Euro-zone creditors are unlikely to commit to further details of measures beyond the extension of maturities in rescue loans that they discussed last week, the officials said, asking not to be named because the ongoing talks are private. Such a deal on its own might still not be enough to convince the European Central Bank to start buying Greek bonds, they said.
31 Μαΐου 2017, 6:27 μ.μ. EEST 1 Ιουνίου 2017, 1:12 μ.μ. EEST
Bloomberg
Greece may not be offered a substantially improved debt-relief package when euro-area finance ministers discuss its bailout in Luxembourg next month, officials directly involved in the negotiations said.
Euro-zone creditors are unlikely to commit to further details of measures beyond the extension of maturities in rescue loans that they discussed last week, the officials said, asking not to be named because the ongoing talks are private. Such a deal on its own might still not be enough to convince the European Central Bank to start buying Greek bonds, they said.
Ending Greece’s Perpetual Debt Crisis
By THE EDITORIAL BOARD
JUNE 1, 2017
The New York Times
For nearly a decade, Greece has struggled under suffocating debt, which now totals more than 300 billion euros ($338 billion), or nearly double its annual economic output. Waves of austerity measures to satisfy creditors have inflicted great suffering: More than a quarter of Greeks are unemployed, and vital services, like health care and transportation, are running as bare-bones operations. The economy is in recession, and there is virtually no way Greece can dig itself out of such a deep hole.
JUNE 1, 2017
The New York Times
For nearly a decade, Greece has struggled under suffocating debt, which now totals more than 300 billion euros ($338 billion), or nearly double its annual economic output. Waves of austerity measures to satisfy creditors have inflicted great suffering: More than a quarter of Greeks are unemployed, and vital services, like health care and transportation, are running as bare-bones operations. The economy is in recession, and there is virtually no way Greece can dig itself out of such a deep hole.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Greece Seeks to Lure U.K.-Based Shipowners, Brokers on Brexit
by Paul Tugwell and Sotiris Nikas
31 Μαΐου 2017, 2:05 π.μ. EEST
Bloomberg
The Greek government wants to persuade shipowners and shipping-insurance companies based in London to move their European Union headquarters to Greece as the U.K. prepares to exit the bloc.
“We’re in contact with five large ship-insurance brokers who are considering various EU member countries for the transfer of their headquarters,” Shipping Minister Panagiotis Kouroumblis said in an interview in Piraeus, Greece’s biggest port. Kouroumblis declined to name the firms as the talks are private. “We’ll meet by the latest in June to discuss the terms they’d like in order to choose Greece,” he said.
31 Μαΐου 2017, 2:05 π.μ. EEST
Bloomberg
The Greek government wants to persuade shipowners and shipping-insurance companies based in London to move their European Union headquarters to Greece as the U.K. prepares to exit the bloc.
“We’re in contact with five large ship-insurance brokers who are considering various EU member countries for the transfer of their headquarters,” Shipping Minister Panagiotis Kouroumblis said in an interview in Piraeus, Greece’s biggest port. Kouroumblis declined to name the firms as the talks are private. “We’ll meet by the latest in June to discuss the terms they’d like in order to choose Greece,” he said.
Greece denies report it may opt out of receiving more bailout money
Tue May 30, 2017 | 10:34am EDT
Reuters
By Renee Maltezou | ATHENS
Greece on Tuesday denied a German newspaper report it could refuse receipt of bailout loans needed to make a July debt repayment if its lenders fail to offer clear debt relief terms, despite it having passed more reforms.
Reuters
By Renee Maltezou | ATHENS
Greece on Tuesday denied a German newspaper report it could refuse receipt of bailout loans needed to make a July debt repayment if its lenders fail to offer clear debt relief terms, despite it having passed more reforms.
Monday, May 29, 2017
Greek Creditors, IMF Seek to Bridge Split Over Debt Relief
by Viktoria Dendrinou and Rainer Buergin
21 Μαΐου 2017, 4:11 μ.μ. EEST 22 Μαΐου 2017, 7:16 μ.μ. EEST
Bloomberg
Euro-area finance ministers gathered in Brussels on Monday, seeking a compromise with the International Monetary Fund on debt relief for Greece that could signal the final act in the seven-year-old drama for the continent’s most indebted state.
The IMF is reluctant to participate in a bailout unless the euro area ensures the country’s 315 billion-euro ($355 billion) debt load is sustainable. Some nations like Germany that are resisting a change to Greece’s debt profile won’t release any new funds until the Washington-based fund joins the program. Athens needs the new aid installment before it has to repay about 7 billion euros to lenders in July.
21 Μαΐου 2017, 4:11 μ.μ. EEST 22 Μαΐου 2017, 7:16 μ.μ. EEST
Bloomberg
Euro-area finance ministers gathered in Brussels on Monday, seeking a compromise with the International Monetary Fund on debt relief for Greece that could signal the final act in the seven-year-old drama for the continent’s most indebted state.
The IMF is reluctant to participate in a bailout unless the euro area ensures the country’s 315 billion-euro ($355 billion) debt load is sustainable. Some nations like Germany that are resisting a change to Greece’s debt profile won’t release any new funds until the Washington-based fund joins the program. Athens needs the new aid installment before it has to repay about 7 billion euros to lenders in July.
Constantine Mitsotakis, Who Forged Greek-EU Ties, Dies at 98
by Eleni Chrepa
29 Μαΐου 2017, 3:03 π.μ. EEST 29 Μαΐου 2017, 9:38 π.μ. EEST
Bloomberg
Constantine Mitsotakis, the Greek prime minister who strengthened ties with the European Union and attempted unpopular cuts to state spending in the 1990s, has died. He was 98.
He died in the early hours of Monday morning, according to a statement from his family.
29 Μαΐου 2017, 3:03 π.μ. EEST 29 Μαΐου 2017, 9:38 π.μ. EEST
Bloomberg
Constantine Mitsotakis, the Greek prime minister who strengthened ties with the European Union and attempted unpopular cuts to state spending in the 1990s, has died. He was 98.
He died in the early hours of Monday morning, according to a statement from his family.
Sunday, May 28, 2017
White House considers naming Reince Priebus ambassador to Greece: Report
by Melissa Quinn | May 27, 2017, 4:30 PM
Washington Examiner
As President Trump and his advisers consider making changes in the White House amid the flurry of reports involving Trump's campaign associates and Russia, one such change could involve making Chief of Staff Reince Priebus the ambassador to Greece, according to a report.
Washington Examiner
As President Trump and his advisers consider making changes in the White House amid the flurry of reports involving Trump's campaign associates and Russia, one such change could involve making Chief of Staff Reince Priebus the ambassador to Greece, according to a report.
Friday, May 26, 2017
Scientists just published an entire study refuting Scott Pruitt on climate change
By Chris Mooney May 24 at 1:46 PM
The Washington Post
In a sign of growing tensions between scientists and the Trump administration, researchers published a scientific paper Wednesday that was conceived and written as an explicit refutation to an assertion by Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt about climate change.
The study, in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, sets up a direct test of a claim by Pruitt, made in written Senate comments following his confirmation hearing, that “over the past two decades satellite data indicates there has been a leveling off of warming.”
Turkey’s leader confronted by France, Germany at NATO summit
The Washington Post
By Raf Casert | AP May 25 at 2:22 PM
BRUSSELS — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was confronted by key allies France and Germany with diplomatic complaints despite him traveling to Brussels to celebrate the unity of the NATO alliance.
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel both raised the issue of nationals from their countries currently held in custody in Turkey. It was the latest example of steadily decreasing relations between Erdogan and several of his European allies in the wake of last year’s coup attempt.
Ex-Premier of Greece Is Hurt When Bomb Explodes in His Car
By NIKI KITSANTONISMAY 25, 2017
The New York Times
ATHENS — A bomb exploded on Thursday in a car carrying Lucas Papademos, a former prime minister of Greece, through central Athens, the police said. Mr. Papademos, 69, was injured in the explosion, along with the driver and another person in the car.
A government spokesman, Dimitris Tzanakopoulos, said Thursday evening that the three were in “stable condition, are conscious and are undergoing all the necessary medical tests.”
The New York Times
ATHENS — A bomb exploded on Thursday in a car carrying Lucas Papademos, a former prime minister of Greece, through central Athens, the police said. Mr. Papademos, 69, was injured in the explosion, along with the driver and another person in the car.
A government spokesman, Dimitris Tzanakopoulos, said Thursday evening that the three were in “stable condition, are conscious and are undergoing all the necessary medical tests.”
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Debt relief or a fourth financial assistance programme for Greece?
The Eurogroup faces a difficult choice on Greece — implementing a debt reduction plan drastic enough to make a return to market borrowing possible, or agreeing to a fourth financial assistance programme and continuing to fund Greece at the preferential lending rate.
BY: ZSOLT DARVAS DATE: MAY 22, 2017
Bruegel
BY: ZSOLT DARVAS DATE: MAY 22, 2017
Bruegel
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