CYPRUS
CAUGHT IN BIG FREEZE
CYPRUS was yesterday in the grip of a cold spell, with low temperatures,
freezing cold, sleet and even snow on the plain over the past couple
of days.
Sleet fell on Nicosia and Limassol on Monday night, turning to
snow on the outskirts of the capital, while in all the districts
there was heavy rainfall.
In the mountains, the snow reached 40 centimetres at the peak of
Mount Olympus and 30 centimetres on Troodos Square. The Prodromos-Troodos
road was closed to all traffic yesterday because of the snow and
frost, while police closed other mountain roads except to those
with four-wheel drive or snow chains.
Schools were closed in a number of villages.
According to the Meteorological Service, the low pressure over
the region is moving towards the east. Today and tomorrow, the
weather will be mainly fine and the temperature will gradually
rise. On Friday, a broken cloud cover is forecast. The temperature
will rise back to the seasonal norm.
HEAVY SNOW BRINGS GREECE TO A STANDSTILL
 A raging snow storm that blanketed most of Greece
over the weekend also continued into the early morning hours on
Monday, plunging the country into sub-zero temperatures. Public
transport buses were at a standstill on Monday in the wider Athens
area, while ships remained in ports, public services remained closed,
and schools and courthouses in the more severely-stricken prefectures
were also closed. Scores of villages, mainly on the island of Crete,
and in the prefectures of Evia, Argolida, Arcadia, Lakonia, Viotia,
and the Cyclades islands were snowed in.
Attica, Evia, the Cyclades islands and Crete were the most
hard hit by the continuing snow storm on Monday, while snow chains were required
throughout most of the National Highway network and in most parts of Attica prefecture.
Problems were also caused by a blanket of ice that has formed from partially-melted
snow beneath the new snowfall.
LAIKI BANK FORTNIGHTLY
NEWS
At its February meeting the Reserve Bank of Australia
(RBA) lifted interest rates by 0.25% from 6.75% to 7.00%.
The RBA cited increasing inflation as the reason for the
increase despite the slow down of the U.S economy.
Another rate hike in March is a near certainty with a
60% chance of a further hike by May.
Surprisingly, the unemployment rate decreased by 0.2%
to 4.1% in January, a new 32 year low. The participation
rate was steady at 65.2%.
Inflation is up to 3.6%, which
is well outside the RBA’s
target range. This has been the main contributing factor
to the rate rises.
In the U.S, interest rates have been slashed by 1.25%
in the last month. The U.S.A is desperately trying to avoid
a recession triggered by the sub-prime mortgage crisis
and the resulting housing market slump. U.S rates now stand
at 3.00% with more cuts likely to follow. All economic
indicators look grim but there is still some possibility
that they can keep economic growth positive.
The U.S slump is being offset
by the continual surge in the Asian market and specifically
China who are still experiencing growth of 11%. China
is primarily responsible for our “resources
boom” and while this continues a U.S recession may
have little impact on the Australian economy.
The Australian Dollar has been buoyed by the ever-increasing
interest rate differential between Australia and the U.S
with the AUD trading consistently between 89 and 91 US
cents.
Oil prices are trading just above
USD 95 per barrel. Gold is trading around US$908.
Laiki Bank - www.laikibank.com.au
Source:
Reuters, Dow Jones
This is General
Advice and does not take account of your objectives, financial
situation or needs. Before acting on this general advice
you should consider the appropriateness of the advice having
regard to your situation. This news update is based on
information obtained from sources believed to be reliable
but Laiki Bank does not make any representation or warranty
that it is accurate, complete or up to date. Laiki Bank
accepts no liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect,
consequential or other loss arising from any use of this
news update.
|
PARTHENON MARBLES:
THE AYES HAVE IT
The Cambridge Union Society held on Monday a debate on the motion “This
House would return the Parthenon Marbles to the New Acropolis Museum in Athens." The
final results appeared in favour of the repatriation of the Marbles with 117 "ayes," in
contrast to 46 "noes".
The Cambridge Union Society was founded in 1815 and originally,
it existed as a gentleman’s club. Soon after, a similar society was formed in Oxford,
still active until today. In fact, in 2004, the Oxford Union Society held a debate
under the same motion and the outcome was again successful. Both Oxford and Cambridge
Union Societies have always been famous for their controversial debates and for
the tribune they provide to so many high profile speakers of diverging views.
Debates are highly relevant to current issues and often mirror discussion in
the British parliament and the media.
Int’l Campaign to Return the Parthenon Marbles to
Athens: www.parthenoninternational.org
NEW ACROPOLIS MUSEUM LAUNCH IN PARIS
The new Acropolis Museum was showcased at a central Paris bookstore
on Friday afternoon within the framework of a series of events
entitled "Greece: Eternal and Marvellous".
The initiative
comes from the Greek embassy in Paris' press office.
One of the
highlights of the event was portion dealing with the Parthenon
Marbles. Events conclude on Saturday evening with a presentation
by Greek Tourism Minister Aris Spiliotopoulos on the issue of "Modern
Greece: A Place for Tourism and Gastronomy"
In other news Greek Parliament President Dimitris
Sioufas toured the new Acropolis Museum on Wednesday and congratulated
all the Greek governments from 1976 onwards for their efforts to
build such a venue.
The parliament president stated that he was "overwhelmed" by
the new museum, stressing that it "constitutes a reference
point for culture worldwide". He also thanked the archaeological
academic community and all those, Greeks and foreign scholars,
who contributed to the realisation of the endeavour.
Liapis stated that the museum is modern, functional and secure,
and that the transfer of antiquities from the old museum will be
completed in roughly a month. He added that the formal inauguration
of the museum will take place in early autumn.
The old Acropolis Museum, located next to the Parthenon, may be
converted into a snack bar, Culture Ministry officials alsoheard
yesterday.
Government officials and Culture Ministry representatives
discussed the possibility of the renovated museum staging a photographic
exhibition, outlining the history of the Acropolis, as well as
a cafe of some sort. The idea of an exhibition was embraced by
everyone. But reservations were expressed over the possibility
of a snack bar due to fears that chairs and tables would be scattered
around under the Parthenon.
Although the return of the Elgin Marbles
from the British Museum is not guaranteed, the design includes
a rectangular glass gallery that will display the remaining Parthenon
Marbles in Athens with the precise geometry and harmonious dimensions
of the columned Parthenon, and point up those absent. Visitors
to the museum will be able to see the Parthenon from the glass
gallery.
The orientation
of the Parthenon Marbles, which will be exactly as the Parthenon,
and their siting is hoped to provide an appropriate context for
understanding the accomplishments of the Parthenon complex itself.
ABOUT THE ACROPOLIS
The Athenian Acropolis is the
ancient "high city" of
Athens, a prominent plateaued rock perched high above the modern
city with commanding views and an amazing array of ancient architecture,
mostly from the Classical period of Ancient Greece, the most famous
of which is the Parthenon. A visit to Athens is not complete without
visiting the Acropolis - hundreds of tourists each day accordingly
make the pilgrimage.
The Parthenon - the largest temple on the Athenian Acropolis
The
Acropolis of Athens is open daily. Summer opening times: 0800-1900,
Winter opening times: 0800 - sunset. Telephone: +30 210 3214172.
General admission is €12 but excellent concessions are available,
as is free access to many categories of individuals (especially
under-18s and European university students - check the official
website). There are also a limited number of free days for the
public listed each year (again, check the website).
The Acropolis is accessed from either Dionysiou Areopagitou Street,
or through the Plaka district (Theorias Street leads to the entrance),
or, finally, from Petralona, ascending Apostolou Pavlou Street.
 The main archaeological site is surrounded by a large public area,
a copse of trees with beautiful stone-paved paths (designed by
the great Greek architect Pikionis). A canteen with a wide range
of food and drink is reached before you get to the ticket kiosk
- but beware: refreshments are available only at exorbitant prices.
You will definitely need a bottle of water with you in the hot
summer, so either bring it with you or buy it from the kiosk on
Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, just outside the entrance. There
are water fountains within the site, but the water isn't always
cold. Guides can nearly always be found offering to show you around
- at a price - at the point where tickets are checked. An alternative
will be a printed version of this article (info not yet added),
or ask for the free leaflet published by the Archaeological Resources
Fund (includes a ground plan of the site and valuable information
on the various monuments).
Following European regulations, disabled access to the Acropolis
can be gained by means of special paths and a purpose-built lift
on the north face of the hill. Apparently this is only for the
use of those in wheelchairs.
 |
Athenian Callirhoe
Hotel from $198 per room per night with breakfast
|
| This exclusive five-star hotel is centrally
located, close to the Acropolis and Plaka. Syngrou/Fix Metro
Station is a short stroll from the hotel and the commercial
and shopping centre of Athens is minutes away. Eleftherlos
Venizelos Airport is 45 minutes drive from the hotel.Facilities:
The hotel boasts a bar, restaurant and rooftop garden. Click
here to book online now |
Latest Stock in Greek City Store
ADELAIDE
MELBOURNE
 |
NO RESPECT 4 - MICHAEL ZAMBIDIS |
| When: Monday
03 Mar 08 |
| Where : Vodafone Arena |
| Iron' Mike Zambidis will be back on Australian soil on the 3rd of March 2008 after a 3 year absence. More
details here.... |
|
 |
EUROGROOVE |
| When: Sunday
23 Mar 08 |
| Where : Billboard The Venue 170 Russell St Melbourne |
| The year was 1995. The event that gave new meaning to Greek nights was Eurogroove. Now in 2008 re-live the annual experience More
details here.... |
|
SYDNEY
 |
ILIAS HATZI LIVE AT RED MARTINS |
| When: Friday
22 Feb 08 |
| Where : Red Martins 1-3 Belgrave Street Kogarah 2217 |
| Ilias Hatzi One of Australia's leading bouzouki players is selling his 2 CDs for $10. Cd one Titled "Ena Oneiro" and Cd two Titled "Geia Sou" Head down to your nearest music store and buy yourself a copy. Who ever wants to hear Ilias Hatzi perform live his at Red Martins every 2nd Friday bringing you kefia with his fantastic bouzouki playing. More
details here.... |
|
 |
MASKES LIVE THIS FRIDAY - SATURDAY SYDNEY |
| When : Friday
22 Feb 08 to Saturday
23 Feb 08 |
| Where : 294 Illawarra Road (cnr Marrickville Road) Marrickville NSW 2204 |
| Peforming LIVE this weekend Tommy Tsonis, Magda, Kristina, Nick, Betty, Kosta & Georgia and the Maskes Live Band. 2 Levels of entertainment! Cabaret Seating with Dinner & Standing Room. Live Dancers More
details here.... |
|
 |
NOTES LIVE EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT SYDNEY |
| When : Friday
22 Feb 08 to Saturday
23 Feb 08 |
| Where : 73-75 Enmore Road, Newtown NSW 2042 |
| Greek Dining and Cabaret Performances Every Friday and Saturday Night with Food and Live Entertainment More
details here.... |
|
 |
LETS GO GREEK IS BACK |
| When: Saturday
23 Feb 08 |
| Where : Atlantis Restaurant 58-62 Delhi Road, North Ryde, |
| Due to a popular demand "Lets Go Greek" is Back Saturday 23rd February at Atlantis Restaurant More
details here.... |
|
 |
MOJO |
| When: Saturday
23 Feb 08 |
| Where : The Cross - 24 Darlinghurst Road KIngs Cross |
| 1000+ party mad Greeks rocked the joint for Enigma’s 1st Birthday…view the photos from this amazing night here! Next event: MOJO @ The Cross Nightclub – Sat 23 February
More
details here.... |
|
 |
CAVO PARADISO |
| When: Saturday
23 Feb 08 |
| Where : Cherrijam, Double Bay |
| After what was the biggest event in the Greek scene for many years on Australia Day Weekend, Cavo Paradiso returns to the exclusive Cherrijam at Double Bay. Nothing compares...Open 9pm > $20 entry More
details here.... |
|
 |
FLASHBACK |
| When: Saturday
01 Mar 08 |
| Where : AV8 Stamford Plaza Hotel (Sydney Airport) |
| The eagerly awaited return of everyone's favourite Greek and 80's Funk night. Legendary DJ's Darcy, Con Andrews, Steve K over 2 levels + outdoor area. $3 drinks 9.30pm-10.30pm + $15 entry B4 10pm. More
details here.... |
|
GREECE
 |
ATHENS DIGITAL CULTURE FESTIVAL ENTERS FOURTH YEAR |
| When : Friday
11 Apr 08 to Sunday
13 Apr 08 |
| Where : Technopolis of Athens |
| The Athens Video Art Festival 08 will be held on April 11-13, at the Technopolis of Athens.The event, already celebrating its fourth birthday - aims at the support of digital culture More
details here.... |
|
 |
TERRAVIBE |
| When: Thursday
22 May 08 |
| Where : Athens |
| Australian pop star, Kylie Minogue, who for the last two decades has millions of fans worldwide is giving for the first time a concert in Greece, on 22, May, at Terra Vibe. More
details here.... |
|
|
SPONSORS
|
23
Feb Nestoros
