SI: TURNING POINT FOR A SUSTAINABLE  FUTURE

Addressing a Socialist International Council Meeting (November 23-24) in the Dominican Republic, Prime Minister and President of the Socialist International George Papandreou set out what he envisages as a three-fold global challenge to be met by the Socialist International, acting as a global agent of change.

In a world bruised by the recent economic downturn, societies reach a tipping point for a sustainable future. Papandreou’s way forward is the "social democratic way," one that brings to the forefront a green model of development, social justice (enhanced by e-democracy) and world’s stability in terms of security.          

As Papandreou pointed out, the failure of the markets has created "an environmental apartheid," whereas, green development can provide a sustainable economic model of growth. He further noted that "Copenhagen is too big an issue to fail” and "differences in economies cannot be an excuse to avoid action."

MEETING @ PRESPES

Prime Minister George Papandreou invited yesterday his counterparts from Albania, Sali Berisha and FYROM, Nikola Gruevski to take part in an informal meeting at the Prespes Lakes National Park on November 27.

The aim of the meeting is to discuss the possible launch of a joint initiative for the conservation of the Prespes Lakes’ region.

The area of Prespes contains two lakes, Mikri (small) and Megali (large) Prespa. Megali Prespa is divided between FYROM, Albania and Greece while Mikri Prespa is shared only by the latter two countries.

Prespes Lakes is a region of great environmental importance, which since 1974 has been proclaimed protected area of world value by UNESCO.

Kathimerini Daily: Papandreou invites Albanian and FYROM leaders to meeting; Greek News Agenda: Award for Protection of Prespa Lakes

GREECE-FRANCE: TOWARDS A COMMON DEFENCE ARCHITECTURE

The strategic significance of Greek-French cooperation in defence matters was reaffirmed during a meeting in Athens, on November 23, between Greek Defence Minister Evangelos Venizelos and his French counterpart Hervé Morin.

After the meeting, Venizelos stressed that the Greek side would carry on negotiating the purchase of six frigates from France provided that Greece secures maximum participation, added value and know-how transfer of technology.

Morin also announced a French proposal for a bilateral agreement creating common defence architecture between the two countries.

On the issue of illegal migration, the French minister said his country was prepared to contribute vessels to patrol the Aegean Sea and endorsed the idea of a European network which would monitor the seas from the Baltic to the Mediterranean and the Aegean, providing frequent status updates.

Ministry of National Defence: Press Release (in Greek)

KATSELI @ IMO’S ASSEMBLY

Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping Minister Louka Katseli is in London, representing Greece at the 26th General Assembly of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the agenda of which is dominated by the issues of protecting and preserving the marine environment and confronting piracy off the coasts of Somalia.

While in London, Katseli had bilateral meetings with the IMO secretary general Efthimios Mitropoulos, as well as the presidium of the London-based Greek Shipping Cooperation Committee and China's deputy transport minister.

Today, she is expected to meet with the British under-secretary for transport Paul Clark.

RESTORING THE “GREEK TOLEDO”

The castle of the town of Karytaina known as the "Greek Toledo," for its beauty and unique position amidst the Arcadian mountains and the Alfeios and Loussios rivers, is going to be restored, sponsored by the National Bank of Greece (NBG).

Carrying a long and exciting history, the castle was built by Frank Baron Goffroy de Bruieres in 1320.

The house of Theodoros Kolokotronis, the renowned hero of the Greek Independence War, was built near the castle and constitutes an extraordinary example of an architecture that bridges the Mystras byzantine style with the famous tower houses of Mani.

GreekNewsAgenda: Et in Arcadia Ego & Must See in Greece

EVENTS

The Polish Model

The Hellenic Foundation of European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) and the Embassy of Poland in Athens are holding a lecture on "The Success of the Polish Economy in Light of the Global Economic Crisis" by former Prime Minister of Poland Jan Krysztof Bielecki on November 26, at the Foreign Ministry.

Open & Distance Learning

The Hellenic Open University and the Hellenic Network of Open & Distance Education is holding the 5th International Conference on Open and Distance Learning: "Open and Distance Education for Global Collaboration & Educational Development" in Athens, from November 27-29.

International experts, from several countries will cover a range of key topics, bringing together their knowledge and expertise from various backgrounds in the field of distance learning.

THE FOREST: SOURCE OF WATER & LIFE

The educational programme titled "The Forest: Source of Water and Life" run by bear sanctuary and environmental centre Arcturos is expected to reach to more than 10,000 youngsters - children from some 400 Greek primary and secondary schools.

Run in collaboration with the Avra mineral water company, the programme will be carried out in Athens and Thessaloniki state schools in an effort to raise children’s awareness on environmental issues, with a focus on forest ecosystems and water.

The programme is based on modern scientific data and covers the fields of biology, forestry, zoology, architecture, and sociology.

Athens Plus (20.11.2009) - Eco-education p.22

Arcturos: Environmental Education (in Greek)