Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-07-01

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Strengthening Greek-Chinese cooperation is our strategic choice, PM Tsipras says

[02] Dodona Oracle in Acropolis Museum

[03] Greek PMI rose to 50.4 points in June

[04] Tourists arrested on Zakynthos for using counterfeit banknotes

[05] Discover the Athens International Airport with Google Maps

[01] Strengthening Greek-Chinese cooperation is our strategic choice, PM Tsipras says

"My visit to Beijing and Shanghai," the Prime Minister said "marks the mutual will of Greece and China to take a big step forward starting with our outstanding collaboration in the port of Piraeus at the base of a new mutually beneficial agreement and the conclusion of the Shipping Cooperation Year. To truly become strategic partners with upgraded trade and investment relations in a number of sectors, but also to develop a new level of political dialogue at a very crucial juncture in international and regional developments."

Tsipras noted: "First, we seek the upgrading of the political dialogue with China on international and regional issues of mutual interest, for which we very often share common approaches and principles. The Mediterranean and the Far East may be located far away geographically, but in a globalized world, the challenges we face are often common and increasingly interlinked. Secondly, we look forward to a closer cooperation with China in the economic sector - a partnership with a global economic power. Our trade relations are already at a very good level. The Greek government aims particularly at further increasing the already significant exports of Greek products in the Chinese market, especially in the agro-food sector as well as boosting Chinese investments in Greece - mainly in transport and infrastructure. The expansion of cultural and educational exchange, the transfer of new technologies and the increase of tourist flows, with the launch of direct airlink, are also among our targets."

Asked on the refugee issue and the stance of Europe, the Prime Minister stressed: "Europe faces three parallel crises - economic, refugee and security - which test its endurance. Indeed, Greece has been the focus of the first two crises, for reasons that often exceeded the responsibilities and the will of our country, such as its geographical position at the EU external borders."

"However, Greece has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness and ability to respond and deal with crises, committed to its values and producing results. Despite the given budgetary constraints, we mobilized the state mechanism, we coordinated with the citizens and the social organizations and we were able to manage refugee flows with respect to international law, human rights, security, and responded effectively and humanely to the challenge of the refugee crisis. These actions, however, cannot address the root causes of the refugee crisis, which are found in Syria and the wider region. Despite its size, Greece has taken a number of initiatives for consultation and cooperation in the region and supports the efforts for peace and stability in Syria, Libya, Ukraine and Afghanistan. Moreover, we seek dialogue and cooperation both with our Euro-Atlantic partners and with global and regional forces such as China, Russia, Israel, Egypt and Iran, as part of our multidimensional foreign policy."

[02] Dodona Oracle in Acropolis Museum

The exhibition aims at providing wider knowledge about the oldest Greek oracle, tracing the way it functioned, its role and importance in the ancient world, and at the same time showcasing the human need to predict the future.

The exhibit's narration begins with Dodona during the late Bronze Age. Clay and bronze artifacts illuminate the identity of the first inhabitants, the primitive cult of Mother Earth and the establishment of Zeus' cult.

The main interest in the exhibition lies in Zeus and his predominant presence in the sanctuary. The central theme is the prophetic oak tree that with the rustle of its leaves would answer the agonizing questions of people of what lies ahead. Prophecies were also given by priests who de-coded the sounds of bronze cauldrons and the cooing of pigeons.

The excavations conducted in Dodona have brought to light some thousands of questions carved in metal sheets of lead, posed by visitors in the sanctuary. Some of these questions concern matters of trade, debts, assets, court decisions, health, fertility, upcoming marriage, dowries and widowhood and are presented in a separate unit of the exhibition. From the dedications in the sanctuary parts of bronze statues, parts of armory, swords and part of their suspensions, dedications from those who benefited from the gods or invoked their help are also displayed.

Moreover, characteristic coins highlight the political aspect of the Oracle and its connection with Pyrros, the King of Epirus. Lastly, the relationship between the city of Athens and Dodona is presented by two exhibits from the Acropolis Museum.

The exhibition is conducted with the collaboration of the Acropolis Museum and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ioannina. The exhibits are on a loan from the Ioannina Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, Carapanos Collection.

[03] Greek PMI rose to 50.4 points in June

In a monthly report, Markit said that demand conditions remained extremely vulnerable as new orders fell again, while strike mobilizations in Greek ports raised delivery times and pushed cost prices to their highest levels since August 2015.

The country's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 50.4 points in June from 48.4 in May, the first positive reading in 2016. The June figures showed an increase in production after a five month decline and reflected efforts by manufacturing companies to cover new orders. Companies also raised employment levels for the fourth time this year. Pending works fell further while new orders fell for the 22nd successive month. New export orders also fell on lack of demand and workers' mobilizations in the ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki.

Inflow prices were the highest recorded in the last 10 months, while outflow prices were unchanged in the month.

[04] Tourists arrested on Zakynthos for using counterfeit banknotes

Police located and arrested the five tourists who had another 12 counterfeit 20-euro banknotes on their possession.

[05] Discover the Athens International Airport with Google Maps

Through Google indoor map, travellers can view and experience the interior of the airport terminals, locate check-in counters, departure gates, and have a look at their favourite airport shops.

Constantly investigating the true needs of the passengers as well as all emerging technology trends, the Athens International Airport presents these two new communication options, which reflect the airport's strategic choice to track and materialize new, state-of-the-art and innovative digital services and applications.

Furthermore, by joining the Street View programme, the Athens International Airport now offers users the ability to explore and navigate through airport facilities, via 360-degree imagery of high resolution and aesthetic quality.

"One significant feature of airports is the very limited time available for passengers in relation to the variety of offered services and products. This special element dictates the communication and promotion of services and products in a way so that travelers or airport visitors can access fast and easily the specific information that really interests them, through communication channels they are familiar with, such as Google maps and Street View," Athens International Airport's IT&T Business Unit Director, George Demetriades, stated.

On behalf of Google, Magdalena Filak, Google Programme Manager, said: "Whether you want to explore faraway sites or places that most of us would never otherwise get to visit, Street View can let you virtually tour these places. We've worked with Athens Airport to help people have the opportunity to look at the corridors, check-in counters, baggage claims, airport terminals and shops before you land right from their phone, tablet or computer."

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article