Transparency Int’l Greece Conference

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• Transparency Int’l Greece Conference
• General Population Census 2011: We all count!
• "Epione" Makes it to Microsoft Global Finals
• 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete: "Lest We Forget"
• Greek News Agenda Readers

Transparency Int’l Greece Conference Posted: 10 May 2011 03:30 AM PDT "Transparency, solidarity and meritocracy are the principles "we serve," Prime Minister George Papandreou said yesterday, addressing a conference titled State and Corruption: How to build high levels of integrity, organized by the NGO Transparency International-Greece. A major task for the Greek government is a radical simplification of tax laws in the country, Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou stressed, adding that the government has recently announced a drastic cut in the number of tax bureaus around the country - from 300 to about 80 - in an effort to combat corruption. Interior, Decentralisation and E-government Minister Yannis Ragoussis announced important changes in the legal framework for checking the finances of political parties and politicians. PrimeMinister.Gr: PM's Speech (in Greek)

General Population Census 2011: We all count! Posted: 10 May 2011 03:30 AM PDT The General Population and Housing Census 2011 is taking place from May 10 to 24, conducted by Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT). Some 55,000 enumerators, wearing a badge with the official ELSTAT stamp, will carry out the census which aims to collect recent statistical data on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population, as well as on the composition of households, their housing conditions and the features of their dwellings. The interview will last about 25 minutes, while all data -including any personal information- will be absolutely confidential, in compliance with European and national legislation. No legal documents such as identification card, passport or fiscal number will be required.

"Epione" Makes it to Microsoft Global Finals Posted: 10 May 2011 03:30 AM PDT Imagine a World where Technology Helps Solve the Toughest Problems is the theme of the 2011 Imagine Cup – a software design student competition, organized by Microsoft, the worldwide finals, of which, will be held in the United States in July. The Greek winners were announced on May 3. The project "Epione," an integrated system for easing the pain, ranked first and secured the golden ticket to the New York Finals. In Greek mythology, Epione, wife of Asclepius, was the goddess of pain soothing. Students from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki created a device which is placed close to the user and helps him/her detect the source of pain, distract the patient from it and allow him/her to deal with it. Project's chief Professor Hadjileodiadis says "pain existed, exists and will continue to be present in humans' life. We are just helping people to manage it." More than 1,000 students responded to the "Imagine Cup" challenge, in Greece only, and 300,000 globally. Videos from the Greek finals are available on-line.

70th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete: "Lest We Forget" Posted: 10 May 2011 03:30 AM PDT May 21, 2011 marks the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete, during World War II. The Battle began on the morning of May 21 1941, when Nazi Germany launched an airborne invasion of Crete under the code-name "Operation Mercury". Greek and Allied forces (United Kingdom and British Commonwealth troops from Australia and New Zealand- ANZAC), defended the island. Resistance by local forces and the ANZAC troops was strong; however, after ten days of reciprocal assaults and war atrocities, the Germans established a victory, yet at a devastating cost. Events in Crete Commemoration events will be held in Crete and abroad and this year's events are expected to attract a larger than usual number of visitors to the island. The week-long celebrations organized by the Municipality of Chania, include memorial services, lectures, a Photography exhibition at the Centre of Mediterranean Architecture (KAM), free Museum visits at the Naval Museum, the War Museum, the Historical Archives of Crete, the National Resistance Museum in Theriso. Events culminate on May 22, at the Maleme Airport with a memorial service and a wreath-laying event, a Veterans and Armed Forces March and a rehearsal of the Battle of Crete.   Commemoration in Australia Events in Australia are scheduled to take place from May 15 through 22. On April 12, an exhibition titled Australians in Greece and Crete April—May 1941- A Great Risk in A Good Cause, was inaugurated at the ANZAC War Memorial at Sydney, Australia. On April 25, the traditional ANZAC Dawn Service held every year on ANZAC Day (Public holiday in honour of the World War I fallen), took place for the first time in Athens at the Commonwealth Cemetary in Faliro. This was to underline the importance Australia and New Zealand attributes to the 70th Anniversary. The Australian state has announced that it would cover the travel expenses for the veterans who cannot afford to attend this year's commemorating events in Crete. On May 7, Greek Ambassador to Australia, Alexios Christopoulos, in a special ceremony, decorated World War II Australian veteran Thomas Robert Morris. Addressing the event, veteran Norm Maddock, spoke of the protection they received from local Cretans and added that he finds comfort in the thought that his fellow comrades are buried "in a safe place." The event was covered by the Australian television. British Embassy in Athens: Battle of Crete 70th anniversary; Foundation of the Hellenic World: The Battle of Crete- 'The last act of war'; The 11th Day, Crete 1941: Battle of Crete Photo and Documents Archive

Greek News Agenda Readers Posted: 10 May 2011 03:30 AM PDT Due to a general strike throughout the country tomorrow, the Greek News Agenda will be back on Thursday, May 12.

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