A spokesman for the Greek government has pushed back on Stefanos Tsitsipas` comments in which he said he would only get vaccinated for COVID-19 if it became mandatory to compete in tennis.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-andy-murray-accepts-winston-salem-wild-card-entry-407023" hreflang="en">Tennis - Andy Murray accepts Winston-Salem wild-card entry</a> 
 
"He does not have the knowledge and studies to assess the need for vaccinations," government spokesman Giannis Oikonomou was quoted as saying in Greek press reports. 
 
"Stefanos Tsitsipas is a great athlete, his skills in sports and his contribution to sports in the country is unquestionable. 
 
"What is at stake, however, is his ability to assess the need for vaccinations or whether the vaccine has been tested for a sufficient period of time. And ... he has neither the knowledge nor the studies nor the research work that would allow him to form an opinion about it." 
 
The 23-year-old world number three from Greece caused a stir at the Western &amp; Southern Open in Cincinnati this week when he told reporters that he worried about the side effects of the vaccine. 
 
"I am not against vaccines, but I don`t see any reason for someone of my age to do it - it hasn`t been tested enough and it has side effects - as long as it`s not mandatory, everyone can decide for themselves," he told Greek press at the tournament on Wednesday. 
 
Oikonomou encouraged people to instead listen to health policy experts and said Tsitsipas and other celebrities should be careful with their words given their huge platforms. 
 
"Those who through their excellent performance in other places are also a point of reference for wider social groups, it would be good to be doubly careful in expressing such views," he said. 
 
The COVID-19 vaccine has divided opinion within tennis. 
 
World number one Novak Djokovic said in April he hoped the COVID-19 vaccine would not become mandatory for players to compete and has declined to answer questions regarding his own vaccination status. 
 
However, fellow 20-time Grand Slam winners Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal feel athletes need to play their part to get life back to some form of normality.

A spokesman for the Greek government has pushed back on Stefanos Tsitsipas` comments in which he said he would only get vaccinated for COVID-19 if it became mandatory to compete in tennis.

A spokesman for the Greek government has pushed back on Stefanos Tsitsipas` comments in which he said he would only get vaccinated for COVID-19 if it became mandatory to compete in tennis. ALSO READ: Tennis - Andy Murray accepts Winston-Salem wild-card entry "He does not have the knowledge and studies to assess the need for vaccinations," government spokesman Giannis Oikonomou was quoted as saying in Greek press reports. "Stefanos Tsitsipas is a great athlete, his skills in sports and his contribution to sports in the country is unquestionable. "What is at stake, however, is his ability to assess the need for vaccinations or whether the vaccine has been tested for a sufficient period of time. And ... he has neither the knowledge nor the studies nor the research work that would allow him to form an opinion about it." The 23-year-old world number three from Greece caused a stir at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati this week when he told reporters that he worried about the side effects of the vaccine. "I am not against vaccines, but I don`t see any reason for someone of my age to do it - it hasn`t been tested enough and it has side effects - as long as it`s not mandatory, everyone can decide for themselves," he told Greek press at the tournament on Wednesday. Oikonomou encouraged people to instead listen to health policy experts and said Tsitsipas and other celebrities should be careful with their words given their huge platforms. "Those who through their excellent performance in other places are also a point of reference for wider social groups, it would be good to be doubly careful in expressing such views," he said. The COVID-19 vaccine has divided opinion within tennis. World number one Novak Djokovic said in April he hoped the COVID-19 vaccine would not become mandatory for players to compete and has declined to answer questions regarding his own vaccination status. However, fellow 20-time Grand Slam winners Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal feel athletes need to play their part to get life back to some form of normality.

Tennis - Greek government pushes back on Tsitsipas' vaccine comments

Meet Persephone, a robot which shows visitors the wonders of the Alistrati cave located 135 kilometres (84 miles) northeast of Thessaloniki. The robot was named Persephone the daughter of the Greek god Zeus and has been inviting people into this underworld since mid July.

Persephone the robot guides visitors through Greek cave

Greece is currently battling one of the devastating forest fires in the region, as record-breaking heatwave continues to plague parts of southern Europe.

Wildfires continue to ravage Greece

Sixth day of Greek fires: Blaze ravages Evia island 'like a horror movie'

Hundreds of firefighters fought wildfires and flare-ups that have devoured record numbers of woodlands in Greece Saturday and left hundreds of families homeless, but heavy rains brought some respite to hard-hit Turkey.

More than 1,450 Greek firefighters backed by at least 15 aircraft were battling the fires, with reinforcements arriving from other countries, the fire service said.

The blazes in Greece are set to continue, with strong winds and temperatures of up to 38 degrees C (100 F) forecast in some regions on Saturday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozen-homes-destroyed-five-hospitalised-in-greece-forest-fire-402086">Dozen homes destroyed, five hospitalised in Greece forest fire</a>

This year's fires have been far more destructive than in previous years.

In the last 10 days, 56,655 hectares (140,000 acres) have been burnt in Greece,&nbsp;according to the European Forest Fire Information System. The average number of hectares burnt over the same period between 2008 and 2020 was 1,700 hectares.

"When this nightmarish summer ends we will reverse the damage as soon as possible," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pledged on Saturday.

Rains help Turkey&nbsp;

Greece and Turkey have been fighting devastating fires for more than a week as the region suffers its worst heatwave in decades. Officials and experts have linked such intense weather events to climate change.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-firefighters-battle-to-extinguish-forest-blaze-402198">Greek firefighters battle to extinguish forest blaze</a>

So far, they have killed two people in Greece and eight in Turkey, with dozens more hospitalised there during 10 days of the blazes.

A UN draft report seen by AFP labelled the Mediterranean region a "climate change hotspot", warning that heatwaves, droughts and fires would become more fierce in the future, supercharged by rising temperatures.

<img alt="Greece fire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42c9e723-f46d-42cf-b41d-3e69a94e57f2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-07T220245.426.jpg" />

But the weather gave Turkey some respite Saturday. Officials in the Turkish coastal city of Antalya said the blazes were under control in the southwestern province after rainfall there.

And heavy rainfall was expected to continue until the afternoon in areas including Manavgat, one of the most affected by the fires.

The situation remained serious however around the tourist hotspot of Mugla, where at least three neighbourhoods have been ordered to evacuate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-greece-reel-from-raging-wildfires-during-heatwave-403133">Turkey and Greece reel from raging wildfires during heatwave</a>

There have been over 200 fires in 47 of Turkey's 81 provinces, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli tweeted early on Saturday. Thirteen fires continue in five provinces.

Fears of more high winds&nbsp;

Greek Civil Protection deputy minister, Nikos Hardalias said on Saturday that 55 blazes were raging across Greece.

They were burning on Evia, the country's second-largest island, which lies&nbsp;east of the capital; in the Peloponnese region in the southwest; and Fthiotida in Central Greece.

The fire front on Evia alone ran across 30 kilometres (18 miles) long, said Fanis Spanos, the regional governor of Central Greece, but in the Attica peninsula there the situation was "more stable".

There is, however, concern as winds are expected to pick up the pace later in the day, the Fire Brigade said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-evacuated-as-wildfire-reaches-turkeys-thermal-power-plant-402978">Hundreds evacuated as wildfire reaches Turkey's thermal power plant</a>

Part of a motorway linking Athens to the north of the country that had been shut down as a precaution was reopened Saturday.

In the northern Evia, where more than 1,300 people fled the fires on ferry boats Friday from the coastal village of Limni, another 23 were evacuated Saturday morning from a nearby beach at Rovies.&nbsp;

Navy warships are on high alert off the north of the island in case more evacuations are required.

Local officials, there have already called for more air support in the firefighting efforts warning for hundreds of homeless families.

Fanis Spanos told the Athens News Agency (ANA) that more than 300 families whose homes had been burned down were being sheltered in hotels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-new-fire-breaks-out-in-thermal-power-plant-402921">Turkey: New fire breaks out in thermal power plant</a>

The situation remained dire in Mani, in the Peloponnese, where 5,000 people were evacuated on Friday.&nbsp;

Eleni Drakoulakou, the mayor of East Mani, told ERT TV on Saturday that half the town had been burnt, blaming a lack of water-dropping air support during the critical first hours of the wildfire.&nbsp;

ANA also reported that two people had been charged for arson.

In Athens, police arrested a woman in a park on Friday as she was carrying two lighters, petrol and flammable materials,&nbsp;a few minutes after a fire broke out there.

Authorities have banned visits to parks and forests through Greece.

A 43-year-old man was arrested in the area of Krioneri and charged with arson, according to ANA.

Hundreds of firefighters fought wildfires and flare-ups that have devoured record numbers of woodlands in Greece Saturday and left hundreds of families homeless, but heavy rains brought some respite to hard-hit Turkey.

Hundreds of firefighters fought wildfires and flare-ups that have devoured record numbers of woodlands in Greece Saturday and left hundreds of families homeless, but heavy rains brought some respite to hard-hit Turkey. More than 1,450 Greek firefighters backed by at least 15 aircraft were battling the fires, with reinforcements arriving from other countries, the fire service said. The blazes in Greece are set to continue, with strong winds and temperatures of up to 38 degrees C (100 F) forecast in some regions on Saturday. Also read | Dozen homes destroyed, five hospitalised in Greece forest fire This year's fires have been far more destructive than in previous years. In the last 10 days, 56,655 hectares (140,000 acres) have been burnt in Greece, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. The average number of hectares burnt over the same period between 2008 and 2020 was 1,700 hectares. "When this nightmarish summer ends we will reverse the damage as soon as possible," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pledged on Saturday. Rains help Turkey Greece and Turkey have been fighting devastating fires for more than a week as the region suffers its worst heatwave in decades. Officials and experts have linked such intense weather events to climate change. Also read | Greek firefighters battle to extinguish forest blaze So far, they have killed two people in Greece and eight in Turkey, with dozens more hospitalised there during 10 days of the blazes. A UN draft report seen by AFP labelled the Mediterranean region a "climate change hotspot", warning that heatwaves, droughts and fires would become more fierce in the future, supercharged by rising temperatures. But the weather gave Turkey some respite Saturday. Officials in the Turkish coastal city of Antalya said the blazes were under control in the southwestern province after rainfall there. And heavy rainfall was expected to continue until the afternoon in areas including Manavgat, one of the most affected by the fires. The situation remained serious however around the tourist hotspot of Mugla, where at least three neighbourhoods have been ordered to evacuate. Also read | Turkey and Greece reel from raging wildfires during heatwave There have been over 200 fires in 47 of Turkey's 81 provinces, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli tweeted early on Saturday. Thirteen fires continue in five provinces. Fears of more high winds Greek Civil Protection deputy minister, Nikos Hardalias said on Saturday that 55 blazes were raging across Greece. They were burning on Evia, the country's second-largest island, which lies east of the capital; in the Peloponnese region in the southwest; and Fthiotida in Central Greece. The fire front on Evia alone ran across 30 kilometres (18 miles) long, said Fanis Spanos, the regional governor of Central Greece, but in the Attica peninsula there the situation was "more stable". There is, however, concern as winds are expected to pick up the pace later in the day, the Fire Brigade said. Also read | Hundreds evacuated as wildfire reaches Turkey's thermal power plant Part of a motorway linking Athens to the north of the country that had been shut down as a precaution was reopened Saturday. In the northern Evia, where more than 1,300 people fled the fires on ferry boats Friday from the coastal village of Limni, another 23 were evacuated Saturday morning from a nearby beach at Rovies. Navy warships are on high alert off the north of the island in case more evacuations are required. Local officials, there have already called for more air support in the firefighting efforts warning for hundreds of homeless families. Fanis Spanos told the Athens News Agency (ANA) that more than 300 families whose homes had been burned down were being sheltered in hotels. Also read | Turkey: New fire breaks out in thermal power plant The situation remained dire in Mani, in the Peloponnese, where 5,000 people were evacuated on Friday. Eleni Drakoulakou, the mayor of East Mani, told ERT TV on Saturday that half the town had been burnt, blaming a lack of water-dropping air support during the critical first hours of the wildfire. ANA also reported that two people had been charged for arson. In Athens, police arrested a woman in a park on Friday as she was carrying two lighters, petrol and flammable materials, a few minutes after a fire broke out there. Authorities have banned visits to parks and forests through Greece. A 43-year-old man was arrested in the area of Krioneri and charged with arson, according to ANA.

Hundreds of families homeless as Greek fires rage, Turkey saved by the rain

Turkish coastguards evacuated hundreds of villagers&nbsp;from&nbsp;a burning power plant on Thursday and Greek firefighters battled a major blaze near the ancient Olympic site as a record&nbsp;heatwave&nbsp;wrecked havoc across Europe's southeast.

The two regional rivals have been united this week in their fight against disasters that officials and experts link to increasingly frequent and intense weather events caused by climate change.

Eight people have died and dozens have been hospitalised across the southern coasts of&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;since the&nbsp;wildfires&nbsp;erupted last week.

The blazes in&nbsp;Greece&nbsp;this week briefly cut off the main road leading to Athens and saw worrying fires break out in Olympia -- the birthplace of the Olympic Games that is usually crowded with tourists -- and on the island of Evia.

Greece&nbsp;deployed large forces near Olympia to protect archaeological sites where the first Olympic Games were held in antiquity.

"We're waging a battle of the titans!" Greek deputy minister for civil protection Nikos Hardalias said.

But perhaps the biggest shock came when winds whipped up a flash fire that subsumed the grounds of an Aegean coast power plant in&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;storing thousands of tonnes of coal.

'Where could we go?'

An AFP team saw firefighters and police fleeing the 35-year-old Kemerkoy plant in the Aegean province of Mugla as bright balls of orange flames tore through the surrounding hills.

Hundreds of villagers -- many clutching small bags of belongings grabbed&nbsp;from&nbsp;their abandoned houses as the evacuation call sounded -- piled onto coastguard speedboats at the nearby port of Oren.

The regional authority said "all explosive chemicals" and other hazardous material had been removed&nbsp;from&nbsp;the strategic site.

"But there's a risk that the fire could spread to the thousands of tonnes of coal inside," regional mayor Osman Gurun told reporters.

A few older villagers in Oren refused to leave the disaster-hit region even while thousands of others were shuttled out by car or boats racing along the Aegean Sea.

"Where do you want us to go at our age?" asked 79-year-old Hulusi Kinic.

"We live here. This is our home. Our last solution was to throw ourselves in the sea (if there was an explosion), but thank God that did not happen."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office said an initial inspection showed the overnight blazes left "no serious damage to the main units in the plant".

'Asking for reinforcements'

More than 100 blazes were still burning in&nbsp;Greece&nbsp;and 180 have ignited in&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;since July 28 -- more than a dozen of them still active on Wednesday night.

The EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service said July was the second-hottest on record in Europe.

Greece's Hardalias said earlier this week that the ferocity of the fires ravaging the region meant that "we are no longer talking about climate change but a climate threat".

The unfolding disasters saw the leaders of both countries come under pressure&nbsp;from&nbsp;local officials for what they felt was an insufficiently resolute response.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/long-lost-fragment-of-stonehenge-reveals-rock-grains-dating-to-nearly-2-billion-years-ago-403006">Also read |&nbsp;Long-lost fragment of Stonehenge reveals rock grains dating to nearly 2 billion years ago</a>

"We are asking the authorities to reinforce the air and land forces to so as not to risk human lives," Limni mayor Giorgos Tsapourniotis told&nbsp;Greece's ANA news agency.

The Turkish mayor of the town of Milas spent days waging a social media campaign trying to get officials to send firefighting planes that could douse the flames before they engulfed the power plant.

Erdogan on the defensive

Erdogan has come under especially withering criticism for being slow or unwilling to accept some offers of foreign assistance after revealing that&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;had no functioning firefighting planes.

The crisis has posed an unexpected challenge to the powerful Turkish leader two years before he faces an election that could extend his rule into a third decade.

Erdogan tried to mount a political counterattack in a television interview Wednesday that began just as news broke that the fire had reached the Aegean power plant.

"When fires break out in America or Russia, (the opposition) stands by the government, We don't have this," Erdogan said.

The prosecutors' office in Ankara said Thursday it has launched an investigation into social media posts about the fire that were "trying to create anxiety, fear and panic in the public, and to humiliate the Turkish government".

Turkish coastguards evacuated hundreds of villagers from a burning power plant on Thursday and Greek firefighters battled a major blaze near the ancient Olympic site as a record heatwave wrecked havoc across Europe's southeast.

Turkish coastguards evacuated hundreds of villagers from a burning power plant on Thursday and Greek firefighters battled a major blaze near the ancient Olympic site as a record heatwave wrecked havoc across Europe's southeast. The two regional rivals have been united this week in their fight against disasters that officials and experts link to increasingly frequent and intense weather events caused by climate change. Eight people have died and dozens have been hospitalised across the southern coasts of Turkey since the wildfires erupted last week. The blazes in Greece this week briefly cut off the main road leading to Athens and saw worrying fires break out in Olympia -- the birthplace of the Olympic Games that is usually crowded with tourists -- and on the island of Evia. Greece deployed large forces near Olympia to protect archaeological sites where the first Olympic Games were held in antiquity. "We're waging a battle of the titans!" Greek deputy minister for civil protection Nikos Hardalias said. But perhaps the biggest shock came when winds whipped up a flash fire that subsumed the grounds of an Aegean coast power plant in Turkey storing thousands of tonnes of coal. 'Where could we go?' An AFP team saw firefighters and police fleeing the 35-year-old Kemerkoy plant in the Aegean province of Mugla as bright balls of orange flames tore through the surrounding hills. Hundreds of villagers -- many clutching small bags of belongings grabbed from their abandoned houses as the evacuation call sounded -- piled onto coastguard speedboats at the nearby port of Oren. The regional authority said "all explosive chemicals" and other hazardous material had been removed from the strategic site. "But there's a risk that the fire could spread to the thousands of tonnes of coal inside," regional mayor Osman Gurun told reporters. A few older villagers in Oren refused to leave the disaster-hit region even while thousands of others were shuttled out by car or boats racing along the Aegean Sea. "Where do you want us to go at our age?" asked 79-year-old Hulusi Kinic. "We live here. This is our home. Our last solution was to throw ourselves in the sea (if there was an explosion), but thank God that did not happen." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office said an initial inspection showed the overnight blazes left "no serious damage to the main units in the plant". 'Asking for reinforcements' More than 100 blazes were still burning in Greece and 180 have ignited in Turkey since July 28 -- more than a dozen of them still active on Wednesday night. The EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service said July was the second-hottest on record in Europe. Greece's Hardalias said earlier this week that the ferocity of the fires ravaging the region meant that "we are no longer talking about climate change but a climate threat". The unfolding disasters saw the leaders of both countries come under pressure from local officials for what they felt was an insufficiently resolute response. Also read | Long-lost fragment of Stonehenge reveals rock grains dating to nearly 2 billion years ago "We are asking the authorities to reinforce the air and land forces to so as not to risk human lives," Limni mayor Giorgos Tsapourniotis told Greece's ANA news agency. The Turkish mayor of the town of Milas spent days waging a social media campaign trying to get officials to send firefighting planes that could douse the flames before they engulfed the power plant. Erdogan on the defensive Erdogan has come under especially withering criticism for being slow or unwilling to accept some offers of foreign assistance after revealing that Turkey had no functioning firefighting planes. The crisis has posed an unexpected challenge to the powerful Turkish leader two years before he faces an election that could extend his rule into a third decade. Erdogan tried to mount a political counterattack in a television interview Wednesday that began just as news broke that the fire had reached the Aegean power plant. "When fires break out in America or Russia, (the opposition) stands by the government, We don't have this," Erdogan said. The prosecutors' office in Ankara said Thursday it has launched an investigation into social media posts about the fire that were "trying to create anxiety, fear and panic in the public, and to humiliate the Turkish government".

Turkey and Greece reel from raging wildfires during heatwave

Greece is being hit by its worst heatwave in more than 30 years. The heatwave is expected to peak early this week.

Greece hit by worst heatwave in more than 30 years

The heat wave is expected to peak Monday, with temperatures inland ranging from 42 to 46 degrees Celsius (107.6 to 114.8 Fahrenheit).

Wildfires rage across Greece, Turkey, Italy

Around a dozen homes were destroyed and five people were hospitalised with breathing problems Saturday in a forest fire near Patras, Greece's third largest city, authorities said.

Some 145 firefighters, 50 trucks, eight firefighting planes and helicopters have been mobilised to extinguish the fire in the Zeria region in the Peloponnese, about 210 kilometres west of Athens, the firefighting service said.&nbsp;

The authorities evacuated people from five villages in the region as well as from the tourist resort of Loggos on the coast.

Around a dozen homes burned and five people experiencing breathing problems were transported to hospitals in the region, the civil protection authority said.

A motorway in the region was shut down as was the Rio-Antirrio bridge across the Gulf of Corinth connecting the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, the ANA news agency reported, but traffic resumed on &nbsp;Saturday evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/greek-fm-nikos-dendias-says-india-greece-uae-to-establish-trilateral-dialogue-hits-out-turkey-397088">Also read |&nbsp;Greek FM Nikos Dendias says India, Greece, UAE to establish trilateral dialogue; hits out Turkey</a>

Hospitals in Patras and the neighbouring city of Aigio had been put on notice to admit any injured people, while the coastguard have been on standby to rescue any swimmers overcome by smoke.

According to the civil protection agency, 56 forest fires had broken out over the past 24 hours, although most were quickly brought under control.

Greece is hit by forest fires every summer, but experts have warned that global warming increases both their frequency and intensity.

The country has been in the grip of another heat wave since Friday, with temperatures hovering between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius,&nbsp;weather forecasters say.

Several days ago, a fire ravaged Mount Penteli, close to the capital Athens, but caused no casualties.

It was the same area where a fire in July 2018 went on to claim 102 lives in Greece's worst-ever toll from a forest inferno.

Around a dozen homes were destroyed and five people were hospitalised with breathing problems Saturday in a forest fire near Patras, Greece's third largest city, authorities said.

Around a dozen homes were destroyed and five people were hospitalised with breathing problems Saturday in a forest fire near Patras, Greece's third largest city, authorities said. Some 145 firefighters, 50 trucks, eight firefighting planes and helicopters have been mobilised to extinguish the fire in the Zeria region in the Peloponnese, about 210 kilometres west of Athens, the firefighting service said. The authorities evacuated people from five villages in the region as well as from the tourist resort of Loggos on the coast. Around a dozen homes burned and five people experiencing breathing problems were transported to hospitals in the region, the civil protection authority said. A motorway in the region was shut down as was the Rio-Antirrio bridge across the Gulf of Corinth connecting the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, the ANA news agency reported, but traffic resumed on Saturday evening. Also read | Greek FM Nikos Dendias says India, Greece, UAE to establish trilateral dialogue; hits out Turkey Hospitals in Patras and the neighbouring city of Aigio had been put on notice to admit any injured people, while the coastguard have been on standby to rescue any swimmers overcome by smoke. According to the civil protection agency, 56 forest fires had broken out over the past 24 hours, although most were quickly brought under control. Greece is hit by forest fires every summer, but experts have warned that global warming increases both their frequency and intensity. The country has been in the grip of another heat wave since Friday, with temperatures hovering between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius, weather forecasters say. Several days ago, a fire ravaged Mount Penteli, close to the capital Athens, but caused no casualties. It was the same area where a fire in July 2018 went on to claim 102 lives in Greece's worst-ever toll from a forest inferno.

Dozen homes destroyed, five hospitalised in Greece forest fire

In&nbsp;Athens' parliament square, the Evzones parade under their red berets and stifling heat.

With sweat beading on their foreheads, the presidential guards rehearse their choreography in front of a cluster of tourists as a new&nbsp;heatwave&nbsp;hits&nbsp;the Greek capital.

"They're amazing, but they must be suffering," says Jim Grace, an Irish tourist who, holding a bottle of water, watches them under the scorching sun.

"We're adapting," says his wife Esther Grace. "We're drinking lots of water and putting on sunscreen."

Dubbed a "dangerous" event due to how long it will last and the small difference between maximum and minimum temperatures, the&nbsp;heatwave&nbsp;is expected to peak on Monday, with temperatures likely reaching 42 to 44 degrees Celsius (107 to 111 degrees Fahrenheit).

It's the second one this year, part of a trend of more frequent heatwaves and rising average temperatures that prompted the municipality of&nbsp;Athens&nbsp;to appoint a climate officer earlier this month to try and mitigate the heat.

'There are solutions'

On Monastiraki Square, Alexandra Holarou drags her cart full of sweets through tourists trying on caps and straw hats.&nbsp;

"I'm going to die in this heat," she says.

Her face red, the 60-year-old shopkeeper sets up a parasol but "there are not many options to protect oneself," she says.&nbsp;

"It's hard, very hard to work in these conditions."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-place-is-safe-reveal-scientists-amid-unprecedented-heatwave-in-parts-of-us-and-canada-395939">Also read |&nbsp;No place is safe, reveal scientists amid unprecedented heatwave in parts of US and Canada</a>

Passers-by stay close to the walls in search of shade and air conditioning that blasts out from shops.&nbsp;

The café terraces are oases where water misters and fans are running at full speed.&nbsp;

"We weren't really prepared," confesses Frenchman Nicolas Deshayes.&nbsp;

"We left this morning from Paris where it was 15 degrees."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eleni Myrivili,&nbsp;Athens' climate officer, tells AFP the situation will only worsen if nothing is done.

"By 2050, the number of rainy days will have dropped by 12 percent and the temperature will have risen by 2.5 degrees," she says.

But she adds "there are solutions" such as developing green spaces in a city that looks like a sea of concrete, helping vulnerable people and raising public awareness.

"We need to rethink the public space as a whole because the consequences affect the health of our population and the economy of our country," she says.

"There are more workplace accidents with the rise in temperatures and people go to shops less."&nbsp;

Second&nbsp;heatwave&nbsp;of the summer&nbsp;

Greece has already experienced a&nbsp;heatwave&nbsp;earlier this summer, when temperatures reached 44 degrees Celsius for 11 days.

According to data from the National Observatory of&nbsp;Athens, this was the fifth longest&nbsp;heatwave&nbsp;in Greece in 40 years.&nbsp;

"These climatic phenomena are becoming more and more frequent," Konstantinos Lagouvardos, the observatory's director of meteorological research, says.&nbsp;

"Beyond the heatwaves, the most worrying thing is that average temperatures are rising considerably summer after summer.&nbsp;

"The average for&nbsp;Athens&nbsp;is now 34-35 degrees, which is two degrees higher than in previous years," he says.

"This is already the second&nbsp;heatwave&nbsp;of the summer, a third would be an unprecedented event."&nbsp;

Several municipalities have opened air-conditioned shelters for the homeless and vulnerable.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Piraeus, at a short distance from the port where tourists escape to the islands, about 15 people come every day to find a little respite in one such centre.

"This is the fourth time we've opened an air-conditioned space this year," says Argyro Koika, a social worker at the centre.

The Ministry of Civil Protection has recommended protecting oneself from the sun by staying in shaded and air-conditioned places, avoiding physical activities and drinking water regularly.&nbsp;

In Athens' parliament square, the Evzones parade under their red berets and stifling heat. With sweat beading on their foreheads, the presidential guards rehearse their choreography in front of a cluster of tourists as a new heatwave hits the Greek capital.

In Athens' parliament square, the Evzones parade under their red berets and stifling heat. With sweat beading on their foreheads, the presidential guards rehearse their choreography in front of a cluster of tourists as a new heatwave hits the Greek capital. "They're amazing, but they must be suffering," says Jim Grace, an Irish tourist who, holding a bottle of water, watches them under the scorching sun. "We're adapting," says his wife Esther Grace. "We're drinking lots of water and putting on sunscreen." Dubbed a "dangerous" event due to how long it will last and the small difference between maximum and minimum temperatures, the heatwave is expected to peak on Monday, with temperatures likely reaching 42 to 44 degrees Celsius (107 to 111 degrees Fahrenheit). It's the second one this year, part of a trend of more frequent heatwaves and rising average temperatures that prompted the municipality of Athens to appoint a climate officer earlier this month to try and mitigate the heat. 'There are solutions' On Monastiraki Square, Alexandra Holarou drags her cart full of sweets through tourists trying on caps and straw hats. "I'm going to die in this heat," she says. Her face red, the 60-year-old shopkeeper sets up a parasol but "there are not many options to protect oneself," she says. "It's hard, very hard to work in these conditions." Also read | No place is safe, reveal scientists amid unprecedented heatwave in parts of US and Canada Passers-by stay close to the walls in search of shade and air conditioning that blasts out from shops. The café terraces are oases where water misters and fans are running at full speed. "We weren't really prepared," confesses Frenchman Nicolas Deshayes. "We left this morning from Paris where it was 15 degrees." Eleni Myrivili, Athens' climate officer, tells AFP the situation will only worsen if nothing is done. "By 2050, the number of rainy days will have dropped by 12 percent and the temperature will have risen by 2.5 degrees," she says. But she adds "there are solutions" such as developing green spaces in a city that looks like a sea of concrete, helping vulnerable people and raising public awareness. "We need to rethink the public space as a whole because the consequences affect the health of our population and the economy of our country," she says. "There are more workplace accidents with the rise in temperatures and people go to shops less." Second heatwave of the summer Greece has already experienced a heatwave earlier this summer, when temperatures reached 44 degrees Celsius for 11 days. According to data from the National Observatory of Athens, this was the fifth longest heatwave in Greece in 40 years. "These climatic phenomena are becoming more and more frequent," Konstantinos Lagouvardos, the observatory's director of meteorological research, says. "Beyond the heatwaves, the most worrying thing is that average temperatures are rising considerably summer after summer. "The average for Athens is now 34-35 degrees, which is two degrees higher than in previous years," he says. "This is already the second heatwave of the summer, a third would be an unprecedented event." Several municipalities have opened air-conditioned shelters for the homeless and vulnerable. In Piraeus, at a short distance from the port where tourists escape to the islands, about 15 people come every day to find a little respite in one such centre. "This is the fourth time we've opened an air-conditioned space this year," says Argyro Koika, a social worker at the centre. The Ministry of Civil Protection has recommended protecting oneself from the sun by staying in shaded and air-conditioned places, avoiding physical activities and drinking water regularly.

'Dangerous' heatwave hits Athens again

In Pics | Forest fire ravages through area near Athens

Wildfires burned across southern European regions on Monday fuelled by strong winds and hot weather. Whereas nothern countries cleaned up after a weekend of flooding and torrential rain.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitosakis said during past 24 hours, the firefighters had battled around 50 fires. He also termed it likely that meteorologists would warn about a further heatwave

"I want to emphasize that August remains a difficult month," he said. "That is why it is important for all of us, all state services, to be on absolute alert until the firefighting period is formally over."

Fire officials said that negligence on farms and construction site was the cause of several fire incidents. Many of these fires were in the Pelopinnesian region. No casulaties were reported.

Conditions in southern Europe were in sharp contrast to the torrential rainstorms that lashed northern countries from Austria to Britain following the catastrophic flooding in Germany and neighbouring countries last week.

On the Italian island of Sardinia, firefighting planes from France and Greece reinforced local aircraft battling blazes across the island where more than 4,000 hectares of forest were burnt and more than 350 people evacuated.

In Sicily, fires broke out near the western town of Erice.

In Spain, the northeastern region of Catalonia saw more than 1,500 hectares destroyed near Santa Coloma de Queralt, forcing dozens to be evacuated, although the blazes were 90% stabilized on Monday, firefighters and authorities said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Wildfires burned across southern European regions on Monday fuelled by strong winds and hot weather. Whereas nothern countries cleaned up after a weekend of flooding and torrential rain.

Wildfires burned across southern European regions on Monday fuelled by strong winds and hot weather. Whereas nothern countries cleaned up after a weekend of flooding and torrential rain. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitosakis said during past 24 hours, the firefighters had battled around 50 fires. He also termed it likely that meteorologists would warn about a further heatwave "I want to emphasize that August remains a difficult month," he said. "That is why it is important for all of us, all state services, to be on absolute alert until the firefighting period is formally over." Fire officials said that negligence on farms and construction site was the cause of several fire incidents. Many of these fires were in the Pelopinnesian region. No casulaties were reported. Conditions in southern Europe were in sharp contrast to the torrential rainstorms that lashed northern countries from Austria to Britain following the catastrophic flooding in Germany and neighbouring countries last week. On the Italian island of Sardinia, firefighting planes from France and Greece reinforced local aircraft battling blazes across the island where more than 4,000 hectares of forest were burnt and more than 350 people evacuated. In Sicily, fires broke out near the western town of Erice. In Spain, the northeastern region of Catalonia saw more than 1,500 hectares destroyed near Santa Coloma de Queralt, forcing dozens to be evacuated, although the blazes were 90% stabilized on Monday, firefighters and authorities said. (With inputs from agencies)

As north cleans up after floods, southern Europe battles wildfires

Greece on Saturday imposed a five-hour night curfew and other restrictions on the popular travel island of Mykonos&nbsp;because of a "worrying" spike in local <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> infections, officials said.

The measures include a curfew from 1:00 am to 6:00 am and a ban on bars, clubs and restaurants from playing music, and are effective immediately until July 26, deputy civil protection minister Nikos Hardalias said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-disease-agency-predicts-spike-in-covid-19-cases-by-august-1-398595">EU disease agency predicts spike in COVID-19 cases by August 1</a>

"We call on the residents, visitors and business owners of our beautiful island to follow the measures faithfully...so that the spread of the virus can be swiftly checked and Mykonos can return to normal," Hardalias said.

One of Greece's top travel destinations, Mykonos draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, including a steady stream of celebrities, to its picturesque beaches and vibrant nightlife.

But Greek authorities have been lately alarmed by the number of clandestine parties held in the island's numerous villas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-rally-against-covid-19-vaccinations-in-athens-398142">Thousands rally against COVID-19 vaccinations in Athens</a>

Hardalias on July 15 had warned that active cases on Mykonos had quadrupled to over 300 in just a week.

On Saturday he said organisers of private gatherings of over 20 people risk fines of up to 200,000 euros ($236,000).

Greece is experiencing a steady climb in COVID-19 infections in recent days, largely blamed on the more contagious Delta variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-revives-bloc-wide-travel-with-covid-pass-but-delta-poses-threat-395034">EU revives bloc-wide travel with Covid pass but Delta poses threat</a>

Nearly 2,700 new cases were announced nationwide on Friday, compared to fewer than 400 three weeks prior.

Greece on Saturday imposed a five-hour night curfew and other restrictions on the popular travel island of Mykonos because of a "worrying" spike in local COVID-19 infections, officials said.

Greece on Saturday imposed a five-hour night curfew and other restrictions on the popular travel island of Mykonos because of a "worrying" spike in local COVID-19 infections, officials said. The measures include a curfew from 1:00 am to 6:00 am and a ban on bars, clubs and restaurants from playing music, and are effective immediately until July 26, deputy civil protection minister Nikos Hardalias said in a statement. Also read | EU disease agency predicts spike in COVID-19 cases by August 1 "We call on the residents, visitors and business owners of our beautiful island to follow the measures faithfully...so that the spread of the virus can be swiftly checked and Mykonos can return to normal," Hardalias said. One of Greece's top travel destinations, Mykonos draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, including a steady stream of celebrities, to its picturesque beaches and vibrant nightlife. But Greek authorities have been lately alarmed by the number of clandestine parties held in the island's numerous villas. Also read | Thousands rally against COVID-19 vaccinations in Athens Hardalias on July 15 had warned that active cases on Mykonos had quadrupled to over 300 in just a week. On Saturday he said organisers of private gatherings of over 20 people risk fines of up to 200,000 euros ($236,000). Greece is experiencing a steady climb in COVID-19 infections in recent days, largely blamed on the more contagious Delta variant. Also read | EU revives bloc-wide travel with Covid pass but Delta poses threat Nearly 2,700 new cases were announced nationwide on Friday, compared to fewer than 400 three weeks prior.

Covid curfew, music ban on Greek party island Mykonos

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias speaks to WION on new India-Grecce ties. He said Greece as an EU Member-State has the capacity to act as a bridge between the European Union and India. Watch this report to know more.

WION speaks to Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias

<div>As a result of strong winds and high temperatures, the Cyprus wildfire is spreading rapidly, forcing the evacuation of several villages. Cyprus on Saturday requested emergency assistance of European and Israeli planes, to help fight the blaze.</div>

Calling it a "very difficult day", the Cyprus president Nicos Anastasiades, in a statement, expressed his gratitude to the Greeks and the Israelis for responding positively to the appeal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-dead-in-cyprus-worst-forest-fire-in-decades-395745">Four dead in Cyprus' worst forest fire in decades</a>

The European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, announced on Twitter a mobilization of aerial firefighting assets, including planes from Italy and Greece.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
After a huge fire broke out in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cyprus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cyprus</a> Limassol district, our Emergency and Response Coordination Centre invited <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Greece?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Greece</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Italy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Italy</a> to mobilise the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rescEU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rescEU</a> aerial firefighting capacity. 
 
🇬🇷 plane will arrive still tonight. 
 
We remain in close contact with 🇨🇾 authorities. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EUCivPro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EUCivPro</a> <a href="https://t.co/dCSqPZIpLO">https://t.co/dCSqPZIpLO</a>
— Janez Lenarčič (@JanezLenarcic) <a href="https://twitter.com/JanezLenarcic/status/1411379958916730885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's office also confirmed that they were sending "two firefighting planes", which are slated for arrival on Sunday.

There is no immediate report of casualties in the fire that started in Limassol's southern district of Arakapa. However, property damage has been reported.&nbsp;

Some villages in Larnaca were also evacuated as a precautionary measure, to prevent damage as temperatures in Cyprus have risen to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) during a week-long heatwave.

Nikos Christodoulides, Cyprus' foreign minister, while talking to the official CNA news agency said that the island nation had requested assistance.

The minister said that four aircrafts had been requested to combat the blaze.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pics-cyprus-faces-worst-forest-fires-in-decades-395784">Pics | Cyprus faces worst forest fires in decades</a>

Off-duty personnel have also been called in to help with firefighting efforts as the fire seems to be raging on several fronts.

Costas Kadis, Agriculture Minister, said the situation is challenging which is why the government had to request assistance.

Assisted by British troops, and equipment already on the Mediterranean island, more than twenty firefighting vehicles, six helicopters and four planes have already been deployed to fight the flames.

The situation is so dire that dense smoke is visible from 40 kilometres (25 miles) away, residents of Larnaca, the southern resort town south of Limassol have reported seeing the sun turning a "blood orange" colour.

As a result of strong winds and high temperatures, the Cyprus wildfire is spreading rapidly, forcing the evacuation of several villages. Cyprus on Saturday requested emergency assistance of European and Israeli planes, to help fight the blaze.

As a result of strong winds and high temperatures, the Cyprus wildfire is spreading rapidly, forcing the evacuation of several villages. Cyprus on Saturday requested emergency assistance of European and Israeli planes, to help fight the blaze. Calling it a "very difficult day", the Cyprus president Nicos Anastasiades, in a statement, expressed his gratitude to the Greeks and the Israelis for responding positively to the appeal. Also read | Four dead in Cyprus' worst forest fire in decades The European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, announced on Twitter a mobilization of aerial firefighting assets, including planes from Italy and Greece. After a huge fire broke out in #Cyprus Limassol district, our Emergency and Response Coordination Centre invited #Greece & #Italy to mobilise the #rescEU aerial firefighting capacity. 🇬🇷 plane will arrive still tonight. We remain in close contact with 🇨🇾 authorities. #EUCivPro https://t.co/dCSqPZIpLO — Janez Lenarčič (@JanezLenarcic) July 3, 2021 × Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's office also confirmed that they were sending "two firefighting planes", which are slated for arrival on Sunday. There is no immediate report of casualties in the fire that started in Limassol's southern district of Arakapa. However, property damage has been reported. Some villages in Larnaca were also evacuated as a precautionary measure, to prevent damage as temperatures in Cyprus have risen to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) during a week-long heatwave. Nikos Christodoulides, Cyprus' foreign minister, while talking to the official CNA news agency said that the island nation had requested assistance. The minister said that four aircrafts had been requested to combat the blaze. Also read | Pics | Cyprus faces worst forest fires in decades Off-duty personnel have also been called in to help with firefighting efforts as the fire seems to be raging on several fronts. Costas Kadis, Agriculture Minister, said the situation is challenging which is why the government had to request assistance. Assisted by British troops, and equipment already on the Mediterranean island, more than twenty firefighting vehicles, six helicopters and four planes have already been deployed to fight the flames. The situation is so dire that dense smoke is visible from 40 kilometres (25 miles) away, residents of Larnaca, the southern resort town south of Limassol have reported seeing the sun turning a "blood orange" colour.

Cyprus seeks international assistance to combat 'worst forest fire' in decades

Police in Greece have recovered a Picasso painting stolen in 2012 from the National Gallery, and arrested a suspect in the theft, authorities said late Monday.

'Head of a Woman', gifted by Pablo Picasso to Greece in 1949, was recovered in the rural area of Keratea, some 45 kilometres (28 miles) southeast of Athens, state agency ANA said.

Another painting stolen in the same heist, Piet Montrian’s 'Stammer Windmill', was also found, the agency said.

Officials are to give details on the case later Tuesday, the culture ministry said.

The Spanish master had given the cubist painting to the Greek state as a tribute to the country's resistance of Nazi Germany.

On the back, an inscription reads in French: "For the Greek people, a tribute by Picasso."

Two men are believed to have broken into the National Gallery in January 2012, cutting the paintings from their frames.

The break-in lasted only around seven minutes.

A sketch by 16th-century Italian artist Guglielmo Caccia, better known as Moncalvo, had also been stolen in the same robbery.

A state report subsequently found that the National Gallery's security had not been upgraded since 2000.

Several areas in the museum were out of range of security cameras, while the alarms were faulty and prone to ringing gratuitously.

On the night of the heist, the burglars had set off an alarm by manipulating an unlocked door, diverting security before sneaking into the building.

The sole guard told police he ran after one thief, who dropped another Mondrian oil painting.

The theft, at the height of the Greek debt crisis, had been followed a few months later by another high-profile robbery of nearly 80 archaeological artefacts from a museum in Olympia dedicated to the ancient Olympic Games.

The items were recovered several months later.&nbsp;

Police in Greece have recovered a Picasso painting stolen in 2012 from the National Gallery, and arrested a suspect in the theft, authorities said late Monday. 'Head of a Woman', gifted by Pablo Picasso to Greece in 1949, was recovered in the rural area of Keratea, some 45 kilometres (28 miles) southeast of Athens, state agency ANA said.

Police in Greece have recovered a Picasso painting stolen in 2012 from the National Gallery, and arrested a suspect in the theft, authorities said late Monday. 'Head of a Woman', gifted by Pablo Picasso to Greece in 1949, was recovered in the rural area of Keratea, some 45 kilometres (28 miles) southeast of Athens, state agency ANA said. Another painting stolen in the same heist, Piet Montrian’s 'Stammer Windmill', was also found, the agency said. Officials are to give details on the case later Tuesday, the culture ministry said. The Spanish master had given the cubist painting to the Greek state as a tribute to the country's resistance of Nazi Germany. On the back, an inscription reads in French: "For the Greek people, a tribute by Picasso." Two men are believed to have broken into the National Gallery in January 2012, cutting the paintings from their frames. The break-in lasted only around seven minutes. A sketch by 16th-century Italian artist Guglielmo Caccia, better known as Moncalvo, had also been stolen in the same robbery. A state report subsequently found that the National Gallery's security had not been upgraded since 2000. Several areas in the museum were out of range of security cameras, while the alarms were faulty and prone to ringing gratuitously. On the night of the heist, the burglars had set off an alarm by manipulating an unlocked door, diverting security before sneaking into the building. The sole guard told police he ran after one thief, who dropped another Mondrian oil painting. The theft, at the height of the Greek debt crisis, had been followed a few months later by another high-profile robbery of nearly 80 archaeological artefacts from a museum in Olympia dedicated to the ancient Olympic Games. The items were recovered several months later.

Greece recovers Picasso stolen in 2012: police

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias in Athens on Saturday. Both the countries discussed recent developments in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Libya.

Eastern Mediterranean saw tense developments recently&nbsp;over Turkey's claims in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which Greece says belongs to it under UN laws. Cyprus and Libya are also involved in this given their EEZs are also impacted due to tussle in the region. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

This is the first visit to Athens by an Indian foreign minister in last 18 years.

During the talks, the Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias focussed on Indo-Pacific, counter-terror, UN reforms as well. A joint release said, "Both sides noted with satisfaction the convergence of each other's vision for a free, open, inclusive and cooperative Indo-Pacific ensuring connectivity and growth for all in the region."

Both sides called for reforms at the United Nations security council and other multilateral institutions to make them "more inclusive, transparent, accountable, and better reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities." During the discussions, Greek side reiterated its support for permanent membership of India in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

Greece's neighbour Turkey is part of the Uniting for Consensus or coffee club which is countering bids by G4 nations (Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan) for expanded UNSC. Pakistan is also part of the coffee club along with ally Turkey.

One of the most significant outcomes of Indian foreign minister's visit to Greece was the country formally joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Foreign minister Nikos Dendias formally handed over the agreement of ISA. India Headquartered ISA aims to use solar energy as a source of clean energy that is affordable to all.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias in Athens on Saturday. Both the countries discussed recent developments in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Libya.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias in Athens on Saturday. Both the countries discussed recent developments in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Libya. Eastern Mediterranean saw tense developments recently over Turkey's claims in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which Greece says belongs to it under UN laws. Cyprus and Libya are also involved in this given their EEZs are also impacted due to tussle in the region. This is the first visit to Athens by an Indian foreign minister in last 18 years. During the talks, the Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias focussed on Indo-Pacific, counter-terror, UN reforms as well. A joint release said, "Both sides noted with satisfaction the convergence of each other's vision for a free, open, inclusive and cooperative Indo-Pacific ensuring connectivity and growth for all in the region." Both sides called for reforms at the United Nations security council and other multilateral institutions to make them "more inclusive, transparent, accountable, and better reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities." During the discussions, Greek side reiterated its support for permanent membership of India in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Greece's neighbour Turkey is part of the Uniting for Consensus or coffee club which is countering bids by G4 nations (Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan) for expanded UNSC. Pakistan is also part of the coffee club along with ally Turkey. One of the most significant outcomes of Indian foreign minister's visit to Greece was the country formally joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Foreign minister Nikos Dendias formally handed over the agreement of ISA. India Headquartered ISA aims to use solar energy as a source of clean energy that is affordable to all.

India, Greece discuss developments in Eastern Mediterranean during Jaishankar's Athens visit

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez shrugged off a disappointing home draw with Greece in Thursday’s friendly international as the after-effects of a long season for his players.

The top-ranked Belgians, one of the favourites for the European Championship that kicks off next week, produced a laboured display in a 1-1 stalemate in Brussels with their visitors, who did not qualify for the tournament.

“We need to be disappointed because anything we do is aimed at winning but we need to also measure the benefits we took, away from the scoreline,” Martinez said in his analysis of the performance in the first of two warm-up internationals for the Belgians.

“We need to get our competitive intensity back; I don’t think we had that competitive nature we usually have. It happens after finishing a really demanding season. You have a release after a long club season and now it takes time to activate again.”

Martinez said game time would iron out the wrinkles and he would look for improvement when Belgium host Croatia in their next warm-up in Brussels on Sunday.

“These are things we cannot sort out in training, which you need to see against an opponent, so I’m glad we had an opponent like Greece because they are competitive in any game they play. We showed we didn’t have the same intensity to defend dead ball situations.

“But I’m glad we had no injuries and we got a lot of players out onto the pitch who got an opportunity to move towards their best level,” he added

Belgium did rest several regulars and after going up when Thorgan Hazard scored in the 20th minute, dominated play as they suggested they would go on and post a comfortable win.

But they allowed the Greeks to fight back in a feisty second half and, in the end, the draw seemed an appropriate outcome.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez shrugged off a disappointing home draw with Greece in Thursday’s friendly international as the after-effects of a long season for his players.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez shrugged off a disappointing home draw with Greece in Thursday’s friendly international as the after-effects of a long season for his players. The top-ranked Belgians, one of the favourites for the European Championship that kicks off next week, produced a laboured display in a 1-1 stalemate in Brussels with their visitors, who did not qualify for the tournament. “We need to be disappointed because anything we do is aimed at winning but we need to also measure the benefits we took, away from the scoreline,” Martinez said in his analysis of the performance in the first of two warm-up internationals for the Belgians. “We need to get our competitive intensity back; I don’t think we had that competitive nature we usually have. It happens after finishing a really demanding season. You have a release after a long club season and now it takes time to activate again.” Martinez said game time would iron out the wrinkles and he would look for improvement when Belgium host Croatia in their next warm-up in Brussels on Sunday. “These are things we cannot sort out in training, which you need to see against an opponent, so I’m glad we had an opponent like Greece because they are competitive in any game they play. We showed we didn’t have the same intensity to defend dead ball situations. “But I’m glad we had no injuries and we got a lot of players out onto the pitch who got an opportunity to move towards their best level,” he added Belgium did rest several regulars and after going up when Thorgan Hazard scored in the 20th minute, dominated play as they suggested they would go on and post a comfortable win. But they allowed the Greeks to fight back in a feisty second half and, in the end, the draw seemed an appropriate outcome.

Football: Belgium coach Roberto Martinez shrugs off disappointing draw with Greece

Greece reacted angrily on Sunday a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that described members of a Muslim minority in northern Greece as Turkish and that said they were not accorded full civic rights. 
 
The statement by Cavusoglu, during a private visit to the northern Greek region of Thrace on Sunday, came ahead of his official meetings on Monday with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias in Athens. 
 
The two foreign ministers clashed openly last month at a news conference in Ankara following a meeting aimed at easing months of tension between the two historic rivals. 
 
"We want Greece to give the same rights as we provide to the Greek Orthodox Church and Greek minority to the Turks in Western Thrace," Cavusoglu said,&nbsp;according to a video provided by the Turkish Foreign Ministry. 
 
A century after the two countries fought a war that displaced more than a million people on both sides of the border, Turkey says the roughly 120,000-strong Muslim community in the region is a Turkish minority, a position rejected by Athens, which describes them as Greek Muslims. 
 
"Turkey's continuous efforts to distort reality, as well as its claims alleging lack of protection of these citizens' rights or discrimination, are unfounded and are rejected in their entirety," Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexandros Papaioannou said in a news release. 
 
The two countries, both members of the NATO alliance, are at odds over issues ranging from competing maritime territorial claims in the eastern Mediterranean to the status of Cyprus and the treatment of migrant boats. 
 
They came close to armed conflict last year when naval vessels from each side manoeuvered close to each other in disputed waters during a standoff over energy exploration. 
 
Tensions have eased slightly in recent months and officials resumed exploratory talks over their disputes earlier this year following a five-year hiatus. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Greece reacted angrily on Sunday a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that described members of a Muslim minority in northern Greece as Turkish and that said they were not accorded full civic rights.

Greece reacted angrily on Sunday a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that described members of a Muslim minority in northern Greece as Turkish and that said they were not accorded full civic rights. The statement by Cavusoglu, during a private visit to the northern Greek region of Thrace on Sunday, came ahead of his official meetings on Monday with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias in Athens. The two foreign ministers clashed openly last month at a news conference in Ankara following a meeting aimed at easing months of tension between the two historic rivals. "We want Greece to give the same rights as we provide to the Greek Orthodox Church and Greek minority to the Turks in Western Thrace," Cavusoglu said, according to a video provided by the Turkish Foreign Ministry. A century after the two countries fought a war that displaced more than a million people on both sides of the border, Turkey says the roughly 120,000-strong Muslim community in the region is a Turkish minority, a position rejected by Athens, which describes them as Greek Muslims. "Turkey's continuous efforts to distort reality, as well as its claims alleging lack of protection of these citizens' rights or discrimination, are unfounded and are rejected in their entirety," Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexandros Papaioannou said in a news release. The two countries, both members of the NATO alliance, are at odds over issues ranging from competing maritime territorial claims in the eastern Mediterranean to the status of Cyprus and the treatment of migrant boats. They came close to armed conflict last year when naval vessels from each side manoeuvered close to each other in disputed waters during a standoff over energy exploration. Tensions have eased slightly in recent months and officials resumed exploratory talks over their disputes earlier this year following a five-year hiatus. (With inputs from agencies)

Greece rejects Turkish minister's comments on Muslim minority

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Sunday (May 30) visited Muslim community in Greece. He met the community members in Komotini, a town in northern Greece. His visit to the town came ahead of a visit to Athens aimed at improving ties between Turkey and Greece.

The Greek town he visited was once part of the Ottoman Empire.

Cavusoglu is scheduled to hold talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday (May 31).

Last year, Turkey-Greece relations were strained over decades-old dispute between the two countries over maritime jurisdiction and rights to offshore resources in the eastern Mediterranean.

The two countries have since resumed bilateral talks to address the dispute.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Sunday (May 30) visited Muslim community in Greece. He met the community members in Komotini, a town in northern Greece.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Sunday (May 30) visited Muslim community in Greece. He met the community members in Komotini, a town in northern Greece. His visit to the town came ahead of a visit to Athens aimed at improving ties between Turkey and Greece. The Greek town he visited was once part of the Ottoman Empire. Cavusoglu is scheduled to hold talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday (May 31). Last year, Turkey-Greece relations were strained over decades-old dispute between the two countries over maritime jurisdiction and rights to offshore resources in the eastern Mediterranean. The two countries have since resumed bilateral talks to address the dispute. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish foreign minister meets Muslim community in Greece

Workers in Greece are protesting draconian new labour laws imposed by the conservative New Democracy (ND) government. The opposition claims that labour reforms will undermine workers rights and abolish the 8-hours work day.

Greek demonstrate against new labour laws

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Thursday that there were no indications that Belarusian KGB or any other secret service agents were on the Athens-Vilnius flight that was diverted to Minsk in order to arrest a dissident on board. He was speaking during an interview with German tabloid

"We have no indication there were KGB agents or any security service agents on board the plane. None. Zero. And we investigated it very carefully," Kyriakos Mitsotakis told Germany tabloid Bild.

Last Sunday, Belarus sent a fighter jet to force the Ryanair passenger flight to land in Mink. Roman Protasevich, a dissident activist who was onboard was then detained by Belarus authorities.

Mitsotakis said the plane diversion, which Belarus claimed was due to a supposed bomb threat, was "an act of state-sponsored piracy" with the sole purpose of arresting Protasevich.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-calls-for-immediate-and-unconditional-release-of-belarus-journalist-387858">G7 calls for 'immediate and unconditional' release of Belarus journalist</a> 
 
Belarus opposition figures and Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary have suggested that members of the Belarusian security agency, still known as the KGB, were on the flight and also deboarded in Minsk.

But Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the claim.

Detention of Roman Protasevich led to strong condemnation from western countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Thursday that there were no indications that Belarusian KGB or any other secret service agents were on the Athens-Vilnius flight that was diverted to Minsk in order to arrest a dissident on board.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Thursday that there were no indications that Belarusian KGB or any other secret service agents were on the Athens-Vilnius flight that was diverted to Minsk in order to arrest a dissident on board. He was speaking during an interview with German tabloid "We have no indication there were KGB agents or any security service agents on board the plane. None. Zero. And we investigated it very carefully," Kyriakos Mitsotakis told Germany tabloid Bild. Last Sunday, Belarus sent a fighter jet to force the Ryanair passenger flight to land in Mink. Roman Protasevich, a dissident activist who was onboard was then detained by Belarus authorities. Mitsotakis said the plane diversion, which Belarus claimed was due to a supposed bomb threat, was "an act of state-sponsored piracy" with the sole purpose of arresting Protasevich. Also Read | G7 calls for 'immediate and unconditional' release of Belarus journalist Belarus opposition figures and Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary have suggested that members of the Belarusian security agency, still known as the KGB, were on the flight and also deboarded in Minsk. But Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the claim. Detention of Roman Protasevich led to strong condemnation from western countries. (With inputs from agencies)

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