EU Councils on Libya

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• EU Councils on Libya
• ICJ Hearing Begins in The Hague
• Energy Minister @ EU Council
• Learning Greek Abroad On-Line
• Exploring Crete’s Culinary Heritage

EU Councils on Libya Posted: 22 Mar 2011 04:18 AM PDT Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas and Alternate Foreign Minister Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou participated in the EU General Affairs and Foreign Affairs Councils (GAC/FAC) yesterday in Brussels. The Foreign Affairs Council adopted a conclusion on Libya and a decision to extend the restrictive measures to further persons and entities in view of the situation in the country. It also expressed satisfaction over the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1973 and underlined the EU's determination to contribute to its implementation and continue providing humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, Greece has clarified that it is only providing a supporting role in the efforts of coalition forces to establish a no-fly zone over Libya and is not taking part in any military operations. The Defense Ministry said in a statement that "at the moment, Greece is not taking part in any military operations, which are not being carried out within the NATO framework." "On a bilateral level, Greece is responding to requests from friends and allies for providing help of a supportive nature," the statement said. Ministry of Foreign Affairs: FM's Press Conference following GAC/FAC Councils Seminar on the Middle East The Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) is holding a panel discussion on Developments in the Middle East - Greece's Position. The event is taking place at the Foreign Ministry amphitheatre with the participation of academics Alexandros Koutsis, Sotiris Roussos, ELIAMEP general director Thanos Dokos and researcher Evangelos Venetis.

ICJ Hearing Begins in The Hague Posted: 22 Mar 2011 04:18 AM PDT The hearing of an appeal brought by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia against Greece for allegedly having violated article 11 of the 1995 Interim Accord, over FYROM's bid to join NATO in April 2008, began yesterday at the International Court of Justice in The Hague and will last until March 30. At the April 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest, the member states of the Alliance agreed with Greece's position on the need for FYROM to comply with the principle of good neighbourly relations and unanimously decided that an agreement on the name issue is a necessary prerequisite for the accession of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to NATO. Greece is expected to present its arguments next week. MFA: Bilateral relations Greece - FYROM

Energy Minister @ EU Council Posted: 22 Mar 2011 04:18 AM PDT Environment, Energy and Climate Change Minister Tina Birbili participated at an extraordinary meeting of the European Energy Council held in Brussels yesterday, in which the development of stress tests for EU nuclear power plants across the EU was agreed. Presenting Greece's position, Birbili called for all existing and future nuclear power facilities to undergo such tests, stressing that countries in close proximity to the EU that are operating or planning nuclear facilities should participate in the discussion, with particular reference to countries, such as Turkey, that wish to join the EU. The Minister stated that the EU should seek that all neighbouring countries sign existing international conventions on the safe management of spent nuclear fuel and nuclear waste. She further said their obligation to consult with EURATOM and their neighbours concerning plans to build nuclear facilities should be ensured, in accordance with the 1994 Vienna Convention on Nuclear Safety that foresees consultation for the assessment and verification of safety, quality assurance and emergency preparedness of nuclear facilities.

Learning Greek Abroad On-Line Posted: 22 Mar 2011 04:18 AM PDT The teaching of Greek abroad will soon go online with a new e-learning programme being developed by the Centre of Intercultural and Migration Studies at the University of Crete. The Centre is establishing a pilot Greek Diaspora school network that aims to eventually operate on an independent basis. Greek teachers from schools abroad will visit Crete in July to participate in the creation of the project as partners. The teachers will participate in a two-week training programme at the University, following a 10-hour teleseminar briefing on Greek-language teaching methodology that they will undergo before their arrival. The programme is sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs.

Exploring Crete’s Culinary Heritage Posted: 22 Mar 2011 04:20 AM PDT Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries (CCS) is a programme dedicated to protecting Crete's unique cultural and natural heritage. The programme conducts interactive educational seminars, focusing on culture, nature, sustainable organic agriculture, and traditional cuisine. Seminars take place in rural communities, organic farms, and historic sites, where participants get the opportunity to learn about Cretan history and culture, while discovering sustainable practices that can be brought to their every day lives back home. CCS collaborates with a network of local small businesses and individuals, including historians, archaeologists, mountaineers, artisans that share their passion and knowledge about Crete's culture and flavours. CCS was founded in 1997 by Greek-American chef and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America Nikki Rose. For its work, it has received Best Practices in Responsible Travel awards from the National Geographic Society, the World Tourism Forum for Peace and Sustainable Development, and the World Travel and Tourism Council.

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