GreekNewsBlog.com

Greek real estate boom defies market doldrums

News Editor — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:47:41 GMT

IHT:

By Niki Kitsantonis
Published: July 22, 2008

ATHENS: Increasing numbers of affluent Europeans are buying or building luxury properties on the Greek islands, even as the market for top-end holiday homes in other European destinations like Spain and Bulgaria remains stalled, Greek real estate agents say.

Industry experts explain that the range of available properties - from extravagant new villas to bargain plots - has been attracting foreign buyers, some of whom say their investments have doubled or even tripled in value in just a few years.

***

There are about 70,000 foreign owners with property in Greece and, while there are no official records of house purchases by foreign nationals, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that the numbers are continuing to grow.

The British and the Germans make most purchases, according to agents, who agree that the slump in the British housing market and a weak pound have had little impact on top-end property sales. Next are the French, Italians and Scandinavians. There have been fewer U.S. buyers since the dollar fell against the euro, but fast-growing interest from newly wealthy Russians is absorbing the slack.

LINK

My Trip to Turkey

News Editor — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:53:39 GMT

By JOSEPH AL-SHANNIEK

   This summer I had the incredible opportunity to study religion and politics with a Boston College (BC) contingent in the Islamic state of Turkey, a country with thousands of years of history wrapped in tales of triumph and oppression. Our class was led by a BC theology professor and two Jesuits studying at the institution.
   While returning from the Asian side of Turkey one day, I was approached by a conservative young man who described himself as a Turkish nationalist. Finding out that I was Greek-American, he informed me he hates “Americans and Greeks” while ignoring the part of me who is ethnically half Jordanian. It could be said that his assertion was rooted in the poor relationship between the East and West and also in the fact that Greeks and Turks traditionally have had poor relations since the besieging of Constantinople in 1453 by the Ottoman Empire.
   Nonetheless, in this decade (2000- present) alone, relations between Turkey and Greece have begun to improve by means of the successful 2004 Olympics in Greece which helped spark economic growth and the joint building project of an oil pipeline being underwritten by the Turks, Greeks and Italians that will extend across Europe once complete.
   Turkish people are taught to feel a strong sense of nationalism from a young age and to revere Ataturk (“Father of Turkey”), a man who made Turkey the “secular state” it claims to be. He saw the importance of beginning dialogue between the East and West. The Turkish state he took over was plagued by a tumultuous history of conquest and socio-political upheaval over the centuries between the Ottomans and Greeks among others. Even though Ataturk supposedly made Turkey secular, the only officially recognized and funded religion happens to be Islam.
   While disembarking from the ferry I was very nervous due to the conversation I had just experienced with the Turkish man because I had read and heard numerous accounts of violence, bombings and a lack of civility or respect toward people of diverse backgrounds in Turkey. Such has been the case in recent years against Christian and Jewish people and religious institutions. One of these institutions is the Ecumenical Patriarchate of the Orthodox Church located in Istanbul.
   Thus, I wanted to get away from the ferry and the young confronter for this reason. His antagonistic demeanor appeared to be rooted in what is taught to adolescent Turkish citizens at an early age. The reverence for Turkey ingrained in young people is unlike the nationalism and a sense of pride schooled to us Americans when we are students in school. We retain our right to form independent opinions about American government, whereas in Turkey I was surprised to find out that it is illegal to speak against the government. Perhaps I was a bit naïve. Turkish society is not truly secular because nationalism is coupled with religious courses that strictly teach Islam to students in schools funded by the government. These courses are about the Islamic tradition and strictly geared to Muslims, who according to the Lonely Planet Guide Book, make up 98 percent of the population.
   The next step in Turkey’s state-funded religious programs lies in its investment in approximately 80,000 mosques that are fully funded by the government. In the United States, at pre- and secondary schools, religion is only taught in private schools and patriotism is not linked with religious courses in the public school system.
   The present-day economy of Turkey, the hospitality of most if its people and the freedom to practice Islam are strong here. Mosques seem to be at every corner in the major cities of Istanbul and Ankara. During my visit, I found these positives to be unfortunately overshadowed by a lack of liberties for minority populations and religions, which have been driven out and are not a part of the state-funded school system. This lack of respect struck a chord in me when our student group from BC had a personal audience with the Ecumenical Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church while in Istanbul. This holy man was humble, gracious and open to all peoples in spite of his precarious circumstance.
   Even though my young Turkish antagonist may have walked away knowing that Americans generally have an open mind to all people, cultures and religious beliefs, the same could not be said of him and perhaps too many of his contemporaries. In his country, there is a degree of censorship and a lack of religious freedom for minorities and social liberties for citizens. (I was informed by some readings that insulting “Turkishness” in Turkey may result in prosecution.) Thus I found it sad though not surprising that Turkey’s government subjugates the Ecumenical Patriarch to state norms.
   When we went to meet with the Grand Mufti (Islamic religious leader) in Istanbul, I asked him about Turkey’s treatment of religious and ethnic minorities and he responded to me by saying “Bartholomeos [the Ecumenical Patriarch] likes to think of himself as the Ecumenical Patriarch ... . We do not acknowledge him as so… [and] Turkey has the same religious freedom as in America.” This was like him saying that Turkey does not acknowledge the Pope as the Pope or the Dalai Lama as leader of Tibetans. The Mufti also stated that “the problems facing the Kurds have been solved.”
   In the European Union (EU) Parliament’s recent February 2008 publication “Religious Freedom in Turkey: Situation of Religious Minorities” reference is made to the Turkish government’s stance on religious freedom as “suspicious.” Since 1971, Turkey has sadly repossessed churches and synagogues owned by the religious minorities of the state and created a vacuum of power in favor of only one religion, Islam. Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Judaism have practically been obliterated. All property and rights of these faiths have been strategically absorbed by the state without allowing legal appeals. Turkey’s Supreme Court has ruled that religions other than Islam will not function or be recognized by its government; they may simply exist but not thrive.
   The religious minorities cannot improve their buildings of worship without extensive lobbying, cannot have gift shops in their offices (as is the case of the Holy Patriarchate) due to tax issues for unrecognized religious sects, cannot dress in clerical clothing in public if they are not dressed as Muslims, and cannot train seminarians in Turkey anymore.
   Currently the Ecumenical Patriarchate and his followers appear to be facing extinction by the Turkish government. The Roman Catholic Church faces similar circumstances. The Archbishop of Cologne recently urged Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to reopen one of its confiscated churches in Tarsus, the home city of Saint Paul. Such has not and most likely will not occur.
   In addition to his strong relationship with the late Pope John Paul II and current Pope Benedict XVI, Patriarch Bartholomew the leader of about 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, seeks to create bridges with all people of faith, including Jews and Muslims. He has been a part of at least 21 major global symposiums promoting inter- religious dialogue since 1986 and meets with Jewish, Muslim and Christian leaders worldwide regularly.
Most recently, Bartholomew was acknowledged by Time Magazine as the 11th Most Influential person in our world due to his concern for humanity and for ecological and political rights. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is like the Dalai Lama or the Pope in trying to establish a world united in harmony. In 1997 the Patriarch was awarded the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal, joining past recipients that included only three other religious figures: the Dalai Lama, Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is commonly referred to as the “Green Patriarch” by governments and by the media worldwide for his efforts to raise awareness of the sacredness of our Earth, which is threatened by global warming and other catastrophic environmental activities.
   Patriarch Bartholomew has studied in several parts of the world to gain a more wholesome religious and diplomatic understanding of diverse people. The Archbishop of Canterbury, head of the Anglican Church, wrote in a Time Magazine 2008 excerpt that “Patriarch Bartholomew…has turned the relative political weakness of the office into a strength, stak[ing] out a clear moral and spiritual vision that is not tangled up in … balances of power.” This is the kind of office the Turkish government subjugates by closing down the Church’s orphanages and seminary on the island of Heybeliada.
   The Turkish government does a fine job in providing amenities to tourists and to the only religion it recognizes and funds (Islam). It falls far short of providing liberty for all its peoples, which include such minorities as Jews, Armenians, Kurds and Greeks and who it seemingly hopes will simply lose their religious identity under the laws of the government and eventually disappear.
   As the first installed Islamic state to the EU, Turkey should free itself of intolerance and set an example to the world by granting institutions like the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Catholic Church and Jewish synagogues more freedom and true autonomy to run and update their seminaries, orphanages and churches that can serve as beacons of peace for the world.
   In the commentary of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s most recent book, former U.S. Secretary of State Albright, says that “The Ecumenical Patriarch is renowned as a bridge-builder.” Turkey’s government should act as more of a “bridge builder” with its diverse populations and in support of furthering dialogue and respect between East and West. It can find no better example than its own Orthodox Patriarch.
   Until such occurs and Turkish leaders enhance tolerance and freedom of choice for their people and true love of mankind, should they be accepted into international communities of free nations such as the EU? The question must be reviewed and answered.

The author is a graduate of Boston College and St. Basil Academy in Garrison, New York.

New account of the rescue of Greeks from Smyrna challenges old beliefs

News Editor — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:14:37 GMT

Seacoastonline.com:

"Ships of Mercy: The True Story of the Rescue of the Greeks, Smyrna September 1922"

Businessman Christos Papoutsy turned detective to find out who really rescued the Greek refugees of Smyrna in 1922. His search led to Methodist minister Asa Jennings.

LINK

Nicene Creed recited in Rome

News Editor — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:59:16 GMT

This is not the first time the Nicene Creed (without the filioque) was recited by the Pope, but it's evidence of the growing unity between the so-called "two lungs of the same church."

Catholic News Service:

The patriarch said he made the trip to Rome to help celebrate the opening of the Pauline jubilee year June 28 and to "reciprocate the honor and love" shown by Pope Benedict when he visited Constantinople in 2006 to celebrate the November feast day of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Constantinople.

Seated alongside each other in front of the basilica's main altar, the pope and the patriarch both delivered homilies and recited together the Nicene Creed in Greek as it is used in the liturgy of the Byzantine churches. The two leaders also blessed the faithful -- the pope in Latin and the patriarch in Greek.

LINK

Ecumenical Patriarch and Pope renew appeals for unity

News Editor — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:10:40 GMT

Vatican Radio:

The Common Hope of Christian Unity

(29 June 08 - RV) Pope Benedict XVI and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I renewed their appeals for Christian unity today during a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.

In a papal Mass which saw a Greek Orthodox Deacon read the gospel and the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople give a reflection, Pope Benedict said Catholics and Orthodox have a common hope of seeing the day of unity draw near.

Before celebrating the Mass of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Pope Benedict welcomed Patriarch Bartholomew I on the front steps of St. Peter’s Basilica. After a brief meeting, the two men walked side by side down the central aisle of the Church.

After listening the Gospel read in Latin by a Catholic Deacon, and then read in Greek by an Orthodox deacon, the Pope and the Patriarch blessed the congregation together, each holding the other’s book of Gospels.

In his reflections, Patriarch Bartholomew said there are still numerous difficulties in healing the 1000 rift between Catholic and Orthodox, but said both sides are working to overcome the obstacles.

LINK

Homer's Odyssey Said to Document 3,200-Year-Old Eclipse

News Editor — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 09:07:59 GMT

Scientific American:

June 23, 2008
Clues in the text hint that the poet knew his astronomy

By JR Minkel

Researchers say that references to planets and constellations in the Odyssey describe a solar eclipse that occurred in 1178 B.C., nearly three centuries before Homer is believed to have written the story. If correct, the finding would suggest that the ancient poet had a surprisingly detailed knowledge of astronomy.

LINK

ECHR deems Turkey guilty on human rights cases

News Editor — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:57:46 GMT

Cyprus Observer:

27.06.2008

ECHR deems Turkey guilty on human rights cases

The country was held responsible for the death two Greek Cypriots in the Green Line as well as ill-treatment of another in custody.

Europe’s human rights watchdog said that Turkey was responsible for the deaths of two men in the Green Line more than a decade ago. The Court also found Turkey guilty of human rights violations in the case of Eleni Fika, a Greek Cypriot teacher who served for years in the North. She was taken into custody by Turkish Cypriot customs officers in 1995. Both decisions were publicised on the Court’s website on Tuesday.

Isaak and Solomou cases

The Court unanimously ruled that Ankara is guilty of violating Article 2 (right to life) of the European Convention on Human Rights in respect of the killing of Anastasios Isaak and Solomos Solomou. It said that Turkey is guilty of violating Article 2 in respect of the failure to conduct an effective investigation into the circumstances in which Anastasios Isaak and Solomos Solomou were killed.

Under Article 41 (just satisfaction) of the Convention, the Court awarded 80,000 euro to Anastasios Isaak’s widow for pecuniary damage. In respect of non-pecuniary damage, the Court awarded 35,000 euro each to Anastasios Isaak’s widow, his parents, and to Solomos Solomou’s father, and also 15,000 euro to each of Anastasios Isaak’s and Solomos Solomou’s siblings. The applicants in both cases were also awarded 12,000 euro for costs and expenses.
The two applications were filed to the Court by the families of Tasos Isaak and Solomou Solomou, both of whom were murdered during demonstrations in 1996. Turkey has denied any role in the killing of Greek Cypriot Anastasios Issac, beaten to death at a protest in 1996, or Solomos Solomou, shot three days later at Issac's funeral while he took down a Turkish flag.

Deaths of the two Greek Cypriots

The 25-year-old Tasos Isaak was beaten to death on 11 August 1996, while taking part in an anti-occupation demonstration at Dherynia, on the east of the island. The killing took place in the UN-controlled buffer zone. Solomos Solomou, then aged 26, was killed on 14 August 1996, after being shot three times by Turkish snipers, while trying to climb a pole in order to remove a Turkish flag from its mast. The killing happened after the funeral of his cousin Tassos Isaak.

LINK

For Skelos, politics is a family affair

News Editor — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:42:44 GMT

Newsday:

Ask New York State's new Republican majority leader Dean Skelos why he entered politics, and he'll tell you about the woman who raised him.

Family lore holds that the first question Helen put to Skelos' father, Basil, upon meeting him in the early 1950s was: "Are you a Republican?"

LINK

Ontario cyclist, Nicholas Metaxas, is no couch potato

News Editor — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:09 GMT

kingstonthisweek.com:

Wintertime training pays off big for avid cyclist

Name: Nicholas Metaxas
Age: 18
School: Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute
Team: KCVI MTB team, Gears and Grinds Racing

Nicholas Metaxas is glad he didn’t succumb to being a couch potato in the winter.

“I trained all winter and I trained a lot more, too. The biggest thing I’ve learned is how all the hard work and training I did all winter really paid off on race days.”

The 18-year-old cyclist of the Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute mountain bike team says this from personal experience as he enjoys his biggest payoff yet: a first-place win at the recent Eastern Ontario High School Mountain Biking Championships in Prescott, Ont.

The road to success started not too long ago when Metaxas bought a “pretty cheap bike” in Grade 10 and showed up at all the team practices for fun. The next fall, he traded the cheapo in for a road bike and trained indoors all winter long.

“That was my first winter of training and the next spring it really helped!” he says.

“I won the most improved cyclist award from the coach that year. Then that season I also tried a few of the Ontario Cup series races and those were a lot tougher than the high school races because they are faster and a lot longer.”

Still, he managed to place fifth in the current provincial standings as well as at a recent Canada Cup. At the Limestone Mountain Bike Series he organized this year, he came in second in his age category, and at the OFSAA sanctioned high school mountain biking championship in Mansfield, Ont., he placed third.

Metaxas is also a member of the local bike team, Gears and Grinds Racing, sponsored by the bike store Gears and Grinds. He wears their jersey in races and trains with the team regularly.

When he’s not biking, Metaxas says he can be found playing for the St. John’s hockey team in the Church Athletic League, snowshoeing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. In September, he heads off to Lakehead University, where he plans to study outdoor recreation and concurrent education.

LINK

Greece allows use of airspace for Israeli exercises

News Editor — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:56:58 GMT

wonkette.com:

Israeli military exercises held over Greece and the Mediterannean signaled that the Israelis will be able to bomb Iran even if George Bush pusses out.

New York Times:

More than 100 Israeli F-16 and F-15 fighters participated in the maneuvers, which were carried out over the eastern Mediterranean and over Greece during the first week of June, American officials said.

Catholic publications cite Ecumenical Patriarch comment on unity

News Editor — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 10:10:29 GMT

Catholic Online:

Is There a Breakthrough in Orthodox and Catholic Relations?

By Deacon Keith Fournier
6/20/2008

Has the Patriarch of Constantinople proposed a path toward communion between Eastern Catholics and their Orthodox brethren? Could it be a breakthrough?

WASHINGTON, DC (Catholic Online) – Reports are circulating, in circles which are intensely attuned to the continued warming of relations between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches, of a statement and proposal allegedly made by Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople.

If they are confirmed, it may signal a major move toward communion between Eastern Catholics and their Orthodox Brethren.It may also open the path to dialogue on communion between the Churches even wider.

The Religious Information Service of the Ukraine, associated with the Ukranian Catholic University, was cited as one source for the articles. Another was a German Ecumenical Journal named after the great Bishops Cyril and Methodius.

Both of these sources allege that the Orthodox Patriarch made an unusual gesture toward Eastern Catholic Churches which are in union with Rome, proposing that the members of those Churches somehow “return to Orthodoxy without breaking unity with Rome”.

LINK

cwnews.com:

Orthodox leader suggests "dual unity" for Eastern Catholics

Constantinople, Jun. 19, 2008 (CWNews.com) - The Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople has responded favorably to a suggestion by the head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church for a system of "dual unity" in which Byzantine Catholic churches would be in full communion with both Constantinople and Rome.

Separately:

Moscow patriarchate rips Constantinople over Estonian hierarchy

Moscow, Jun. 18, 2008 (CWNews.com) - The Russian Orthodox Church has renewed its dispute with the Patriarchate of Constantinople over recognition of an independent Estonian Orthodox Church.

'Journey to Greece' blog launched by U.S. students

News Editor — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:32:00 GMT

http://journey2greece.blogspot.com/

By Dr. James F. Dimitriou

The Journey to Greece Study Abroad Program is now in its 3rd year. The Journey is sponsored by the AHEPA Educational Foundation. The AHEPA is the oldest and largest Greek cultural organization in the world. The Educational Foundation as well as AHEPA Districts and Chapters offer scholarships for qualified students to attend the program.

The JTG Program is offered in conjunction with the University of Indianapolis. UINDY is a wholly owned campus in the heart of Athens in Syntagma. UINDY maintains a full-time campus with three buildings, including a Cultural Center overlooking the ancient Roman Agoura. All instructors and class support is provided by the full-time staff of UINDY. In addition, all courses are full accredited and transferable. Student transcripts are sent by the parent campus in Indiana to the student's respective universities.

LINK

Bartholomew 'ahead of his time' on environment

News Editor — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:34:35 GMT

guardian.co.uk:

The 'pope' of hope

Can religion help prevent eco-catastrophe? The leader of the Orthodox Church thinks so - and as the spiritual guide for 300 million people, he has more influence than most politicians. Riazat Butt reports.

***

As serious as he is about spreading the message of his environmental work, Bartholomew I is a genial, benign man who inspires warmth and attention. But being the Patriarch is an exacting job, especially in Turkey, where laws prevent him from appearing in his flowing robes on the streets. Despite this constraint, and the difficulties that come with being part of a minority religious group, he is ahead of his time, using his influence to campaign for change. The sense of urgency and commitment running through his message sits well with current thinking that religious leaders are in a better position to make an impact on their congregations than politicians or celebrities.

LINK

Greek coastguard picks up 170 illegal immigrants in east Aegean

News Editor — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:10:03 GMT

The Earth Times:

Greek coastguard picks up 170 illegal immigrants in east Aegean
Posted : Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:15:00 GMT

Athens - The Greek coastguard said Tuesday it has picked up 170 illegal immigrants off the east Aegean islands of Agathonisi, Samos and Pharmakonisi in the past three days. There were 20 minors among the would-be immigrants, and the majority came from Afghanistan and Iraq, the coastguard said.

State radio said migrant camps were overcrowded in the region.

Greece has to deal with large numbers of illegal immigrants, usually arriving from Turkey, as it is located on the outer fringes of the European Union.

Official figures place the number of illegal immigrants picked up in the whole of Greece in the last 12 months at 112,000.

One in 10 of Greece's population is now foreign.

Ο Μπαράκ Ομπάμα και τα Ελληνικά θέματα

News Editor — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:07:08 GMT

Ο Μπαράκ Ομπάμα και τα Ελληνικά θέματα

Απόψεις του προεδρικού υποψήφιου των Δημοκρατικών

Obama opposes Skopje 'propaganda'

News Editor — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:52:52 GMT

From BalkanInsight.com:

New Macedonia Name Proposal 'Prepared'
16 June 2008 Skopje

***

Greece says the name Macedonia implies Skopje's territorial claim on the northern Greek province of the same name.

Meanwhile US Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s apparent support for the Greek position in the dispute has stirred controversy in Skopje.

In an interview with the Greek edition of Voice of America, Obama mentions the so-called resolution 300 which is backed by some pro-Greek US senators that calls on Skopje to stop spreading “hostile behaviour, activity or propaganda” towards Athens.

Obama has signed the resolution.

Although Greeks welcomed Obama's remarks, they have raised fears in Skopje media about a possible change in US policy if Obama wins the election.

The US recognized Macedonia’s name during the beginning of President George Bush's second term in office.

LINK TO FULL ARTICLE

Obama supports Hellenic causes, McCain 'disappoints'

News Editor — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:53:38 GMT

Various sources:

Obama calls for religious freedom for Ecumenical Patriarch
Today's Zaman, Turkey
US Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has voiced support for the İstanbul-based Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, calling on Turkey to grant religious freedom to the patriarchate.

Vima: Barack Obama supports Greek positions on Cyprus
Focus News, Bulgaria - Jun 14, 2008
Obama declares his support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, calling on Turkey to give religious freedom to the institution, ...

McCain Disappoints Greek Americans
Greek News, New York - Jun 15, 2008

From Tsakopoulos family:

Tsakopoulos Family Unites Behind Barack Obama For President

SACRAMENTO – Sacramento businessman Kyriakos Tsakopoulos, a member of the National Finance Team for the Obama presidential campaign, today welcomed his sister as she joined the ranks of supporters of Barack Obama.

Eleni Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis had previously been a national fund-raiser and supporter of Sen. Hillary Clinton’s bid for the presidency.

“Our family has united behind Senator Obama and his great vision for our country,” said Kyriakos Tsakopoulos, principal of AKT Development Corp. “Like many families, we had different opinions in the primary, but we have come together to support the Democratic Party’s nominee and the best choice to be the next President of the United States.”

Kyriakos Tsakopoulos announced his support for Senator Obama early this year, saying Senator Obama “has inspired and moved people across our country with a campaign that focuses on how all Americans can work together to enhance our future.” At the time, his decision put him on the opposite side of his sister and father, Angelo K. Tsakopoulos, founder and CEO of AKT Development, both Clinton supporters.

Angelo K. Tsakopoulos said: "The party and our family are now united behind Barack Obama. Kyriakos, as an original member of the Obama Finance Council, and Eleni, as a new co-chair of Greek Americans for Obama, are working hard to elect Senator Obama President. Senator Clinton has given the go-ahead to all her supporters to give their all for Senator Obama's historic campaign.”

Kyriakos Tsakopoulos is active in regional, national and international civic affairs and educational policy. He is a Member of the Board of Trustees of Columbia University, and also sits on the Board of Visitors of Columbia College. He is a Trustee of the California State University System, the largest university system in the world, and sits on the Board of the University of California, Davis M.I.N.D. Research Institute, the American Hellenic Institute Advisory Committee, the Crocker Museum of Art, and various other public service Boards and Commissions. He was/is a California Elector in the Electoral College of the United States in 2004 and 2008.

AKT is a diversified, family-owned, land development company headquartered in Sacramento, California, operating real estate, farming, ranching, water and minerals, building, and land development projects throughout North/Central California.

Two takes on Greek-Turkish relations

News Editor — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:03:34 GMT

Greek-Turkish friendship is good -- but what next?
Turkish Daily News
Ariana Ferentinou - Monday, June 9, 2008

Sanctions against Turkey must be imposed
Global Politician
Theodoros Karakostas - 6/1/2008

Scontras: 'You haven't heard from me for the last time'

News Editor — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:01:56 GMT

PolitickerME.com:

June 10, 2008 - 11:31pm

By James W. Pindell

PORTLAND -- In conceding defeat in the Republican congressional primary tonight, Eloit businessman Dean Scontras vowed to never stop pushing the conservative message in the state and hinted that while this might be his first run for public office, this might not be the last.

"You haven't heard from me for the last time," Scontras ended his speech by saying.

Scontras urged his supporters to rally behind the Republican nominee Charlie Summers. Summers is expected to defeat Scontras by double digits. All along the campaign was one of the conservative grassroots behind Scontras with the Republican moderate establishment backing Summers.

"I know that every single person here has struggled with the dynamic of this race. I have always said it is a healthy dynamic to have two candidates. And it is healthy to have someone who is as wonderful as Charlie. Charlie is truly an admirable person." he said. "We should all rally behind him to make sure this seat gets back into Republican hands come November."

He later told supporters privately that he planned to have lunch with Summers in the next few weeks.

About 75 supporters showed up for the rally on along the waterfront. Many called Scontras a personal friend and the mood throughout the night was pessimistic.

Nonetheless many were happy with what they were able to accomplish given that Scontras was a first time candidate.

Archbishop Demetrios Receives Senator John McCain

News Editor — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:56:51 GMT

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 10, 2008

New York, NY - Today, Archbishop Demetrios of America welcomed Senator John McCain back to the Archdiocese Headquarters in New York City for a visit with the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party. Senator McCain visited the Archbishop last year on June 27, 2007, when he was running for his Party's nomination. At that time, the Archbishop had raised issues surrounding the religious freedom and legal protections for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and other human rights concerns. Today's meeting continued their dialogue.

During their meeting, they discussed issues of common concern to all Americans, e.g., the economic hardships that many are facing and respect for all life. The Archbishop emphasized the importance of education in empowering economic opportunity for all citizens. As for issues specific to the Greek-American community, Senator McCain was fully prepared to speak on religious liberty and human rights issues for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the issues of a solution for Cyprus and the naming questions surrounding FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia).

In a comment after the meeting, the Archbishop said:

As Saint Paul says in his First Letter to Timothy, "Let supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all people: kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all Godliness and reverence." Well, in America we have no kings, but we do have elected leaders and representatives of government. As Archbishop, I feel a responsibility to pray for all our leaders and to encourage our Greek Orthodox Faithful to do likewise, as they participate in the political process granted to all Americans by our Constitutionally protected freedoms. Senator McCain is an honorable American who has demonstrated his heroism and love for this country.