Greece is to step up border patrols, move asylum-seekers from its islands to the mainland and speed up deportations in an effort to deal with a resurgence in migrant flows from neighbouring Turkey.

The government`s Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence convened on Saturday for an emergency session after the arrival on Thursday of more than a dozen migrant boats carrying around 600 people, the first simultaneous arrival of its kind in three years.&nbsp;

The increase in arrivals has piled additional pressure on Greece`s overcrowded island camps, all of which are operating at least twice their capacity.

Arrivals - mostly of Afghan families - have picked up over the summer, and August saw the highest number of monthly landings in three years.&nbsp;

Greece`s Moria camp on the island of Lesbos - a sprawling facility where conditions have been described by aid organisations as inhumane - is also holding the largest number of people since the deal was agreed.

On Saturday, the government said it would move asylum-seekers to mainland facilities, increase border surveillance together with the European Union`s border patrol agency Frontex and NATO, and boost police patrols across Greece to identify rejected asylum seekers who have remained in the country.

It also plans to cut back a lengthy asylum process, which can take several months to conclude, by abolishing the second stage of appeals when an application is rejected, and deporting the applicant either to Turkey or to their country of origin.

"The asylum process in our country was the longest, the most time consuming and, in the end, the most ineffective in Europe," Greece`s deputy citizen protection minister responsible for migration policy, Giorgos Koumoutsakos, told state television.

Responding to criticism from the opposition that the move was unfair and unlawful, Koumoutsakos said, "Asylum must move quickly so that those who are entitled to international protection are vindicated ... and for us to know who should not stay in Greece."

The government was "determined to push ahead with a robust returns policy because that is what the law and the country`s best interest impose, in accordance with human rights," he said.

Greece was the main gateway to northern Europe in 2015 for nearly a million migrants and refugees from war-torn and poverty-stricken countries in the Middle East and Africa.&nbsp;

A deal between the EU and Turkey in March 2016 reduced the influx to a trickle, but closures of borders across the Balkans resulted in tens of thousands of people stranded in Greece.

Humanitarian organisations have criticised Greece for not doing enough to improve living conditions at its camps, which they have described as "shameful".

 
&nbsp;

Greece is to step up border patrols, move asylum-seekers from its islands to the mainland and speed up deportations in an effort to deal with a resurgence in migrant flows from neighbouring Turkey.

Greece is to step up border patrols, move asylum-seekers from its islands to the mainland and speed up deportations in an effort to deal with a resurgence in migrant flows from neighbouring Turkey. The government`s Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence convened on Saturday for an emergency session after the arrival on Thursday of more than a dozen migrant boats carrying around 600 people, the first simultaneous arrival of its kind in three years. The increase in arrivals has piled additional pressure on Greece`s overcrowded island camps, all of which are operating at least twice their capacity. Arrivals - mostly of Afghan families - have picked up over the summer, and August saw the highest number of monthly landings in three years. Greece`s Moria camp on the island of Lesbos - a sprawling facility where conditions have been described by aid organisations as inhumane - is also holding the largest number of people since the deal was agreed. On Saturday, the government said it would move asylum-seekers to mainland facilities, increase border surveillance together with the European Union`s border patrol agency Frontex and NATO, and boost police patrols across Greece to identify rejected asylum seekers who have remained in the country. It also plans to cut back a lengthy asylum process, which can take several months to conclude, by abolishing the second stage of appeals when an application is rejected, and deporting the applicant either to Turkey or to their country of origin. "The asylum process in our country was the longest, the most time consuming and, in the end, the most ineffective in Europe," Greece`s deputy citizen protection minister responsible for migration policy, Giorgos Koumoutsakos, told state television. Responding to criticism from the opposition that the move was unfair and unlawful, Koumoutsakos said, "Asylum must move quickly so that those who are entitled to international protection are vindicated ... and for us to know who should not stay in Greece." The government was "determined to push ahead with a robust returns policy because that is what the law and the country`s best interest impose, in accordance with human rights," he said. Greece was the main gateway to northern Europe in 2015 for nearly a million migrants and refugees from war-torn and poverty-stricken countries in the Middle East and Africa. A deal between the EU and Turkey in March 2016 reduced the influx to a trickle, but closures of borders across the Balkans resulted in tens of thousands of people stranded in Greece. Humanitarian organisations have criticised Greece for not doing enough to improve living conditions at its camps, which they have described as "shameful".

Greece to increase border patrols and deportations to curb migrant influx

Athens has received no request from the Iranian tanker Adrian Darya to dock in Greece, merchant marine minister Ioannis Plakiotakis said Tuesday after a maritime tracker gave the ship's "reported destination" as the Greek port of Kalamata.

"There is officially no request concerning the arrival of the Iranian tanker in a Greek port," Plakiotakis told Greek media.

"We are following its progress and are working with the Greek foreign minister," he said.

The website Marine Traffic placed the supertanker carrying 2.1 million barrels of oil some 100 kilometres (60 miles) northwest of the Algerian port of Oran.

The British Royal Marines seized the ship on July 4 off British territory Gibraltar on suspicion it was shipping oil to Syria in breach of EU sanctions.

After a six-week standoff between Iran and Britain,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/grace-1-tanker-raises-iranian-flag-changes-the-name-to-adrian-darya-1-243853"> the Adrian Darya-1, formerly named the Grace 1</a>, finally set sail overnight Sunday after Gibraltar rejected a US demand to seize the vessel.

Gibraltar's government said it could not seek a court order to detain the supertanker because US sanctions against Iran were not applicable in the European Union.

The British territory authorised the tanker to leave on Thursday after Tehran gave assurances that the oil would not be delivered to Syria.

Iran has repeatedly denied any violations.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday called Gibraltar's decision "very unfortunate", in an implicit rebuke to ally Britain.

Tehran for its part said it has warned Washington against making another attempt to seize the ship, saying such a move would have "grave consequences".

Port authorities in Kalamata, a port in Greece's Peloponnese peninsula, have not confirmed Marine Traffic's information.&nbsp;

An Iranian port authority said the tanker was in international waters, but its destination remained unclear, as did the fate of its cargo.

The Gibraltar authorities have yet to confirm the ship's departure.

The voyage to Kalamata would take around five days, port authorities there said. 
&nbsp;

Athens has received no request from the Iranian tanker Adrian Darya to dock in Greece, merchant marine minister Ioannis Plakiotakis said Tuesday after a maritime tracker gave the ship's "reported destination" as the Greek port of Kalamata.

Athens has received no request from the Iranian tanker Adrian Darya to dock in Greece, merchant marine minister Ioannis Plakiotakis said Tuesday after a maritime tracker gave the ship's "reported destination" as the Greek port of Kalamata. "There is officially no request concerning the arrival of the Iranian tanker in a Greek port," Plakiotakis told Greek media. "We are following its progress and are working with the Greek foreign minister," he said. The website Marine Traffic placed the supertanker carrying 2.1 million barrels of oil some 100 kilometres (60 miles) northwest of the Algerian port of Oran. The British Royal Marines seized the ship on July 4 off British territory Gibraltar on suspicion it was shipping oil to Syria in breach of EU sanctions. After a six-week standoff between Iran and Britain, the Adrian Darya-1, formerly named the Grace 1, finally set sail overnight Sunday after Gibraltar rejected a US demand to seize the vessel. Gibraltar's government said it could not seek a court order to detain the supertanker because US sanctions against Iran were not applicable in the European Union. The British territory authorised the tanker to leave on Thursday after Tehran gave assurances that the oil would not be delivered to Syria. Iran has repeatedly denied any violations. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday called Gibraltar's decision "very unfortunate", in an implicit rebuke to ally Britain. Tehran for its part said it has warned Washington against making another attempt to seize the ship, saying such a move would have "grave consequences". Port authorities in Kalamata, a port in Greece's Peloponnese peninsula, have not confirmed Marine Traffic's information. An Iranian port authority said the tanker was in international waters, but its destination remained unclear, as did the fate of its cargo. The Gibraltar authorities have yet to confirm the ship's departure. The voyage to Kalamata would take around five days, port authorities there said.

'No request' from Iran tanker to dock in Greece: Government

Firefighters in Greece on Friday made progress against a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-rages-on-greeces-evia-threat-to-people-averted-242955">four-day wildfire on the island of Evia</a> that has burned through a pine forest and threatened villages, officials said.

"The situation looks better today, there is no active front, but our forces remain in place," a fire department spokesman told AFP, adding that there were still "pockets of fire" smouldering in a ravine.

A massive force of nearly 400 firefighters backed by more than 100 vehicles, nine planes and four helicopters remains in the area.

Two water bombers from Italy and one from Spain are assisting the effort, the spokesman said.

"It's quite a large perimeter that needs to be monitored," civil protection spokesman Spyros Georgiou told AFP.

But as the situation was improving, the Italian and Spanish crews would be withdrawn from the operation by the evening, he said. They are to be decorated by the agency for their assistance on Saturday.

Rain is expected in the area on Saturday.

State agency ANA said the fire, which broke out Tuesday, has burned some 2,400 hectares (5,600 acres) including more than 1,000 hectares of dense pine forest.

"We should be able to have a clearer picture of the exact damage on Monday," Georgiou said.

After touring the area earlier in the week, he said that there was confirmed damage to animal pens and beehives.

EU Humanitarian Commissioner Christos Stylianides on Wednesday called the mobilisation of Greek forces "exemplary" after emergency crews managed to save inhabited areas.

A firefighter was hospitalised with burns on Tuesday, and at least four cars have been burned.

Authorities suspect arson was involved as the fire broke out in three separate locations near the village of Makrymalli.

Two Greek men were arrested Thursday on suspicion of setting fires in the Peloponnese peninsula.

A third Greek man was arrested in the same area on Friday.

Greece has been hit by a spate of wildfires since the weekend, fanned by gale-force winds and temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

Firefighters in Greece on Friday made progress against a four-day wildfire on the island of Evia that has burned through a pine forest and threatened villages, officials said.

Firefighters in Greece on Friday made progress against a four-day wildfire on the island of Evia that has burned through a pine forest and threatened villages, officials said. "The situation looks better today, there is no active front, but our forces remain in place," a fire department spokesman told AFP, adding that there were still "pockets of fire" smouldering in a ravine. A massive force of nearly 400 firefighters backed by more than 100 vehicles, nine planes and four helicopters remains in the area. Two water bombers from Italy and one from Spain are assisting the effort, the spokesman said. "It's quite a large perimeter that needs to be monitored," civil protection spokesman Spyros Georgiou told AFP. But as the situation was improving, the Italian and Spanish crews would be withdrawn from the operation by the evening, he said. They are to be decorated by the agency for their assistance on Saturday. Rain is expected in the area on Saturday. State agency ANA said the fire, which broke out Tuesday, has burned some 2,400 hectares (5,600 acres) including more than 1,000 hectares of dense pine forest. "We should be able to have a clearer picture of the exact damage on Monday," Georgiou said. After touring the area earlier in the week, he said that there was confirmed damage to animal pens and beehives. EU Humanitarian Commissioner Christos Stylianides on Wednesday called the mobilisation of Greek forces "exemplary" after emergency crews managed to save inhabited areas. A firefighter was hospitalised with burns on Tuesday, and at least four cars have been burned. Authorities suspect arson was involved as the fire broke out in three separate locations near the village of Makrymalli. Two Greek men were arrested Thursday on suspicion of setting fires in the Peloponnese peninsula. A third Greek man was arrested in the same area on Friday. Greece has been hit by a spate of wildfires since the weekend, fanned by gale-force winds and temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

Greek fire crews make progress on island blaze

Over180 firefighters battled wildfires in Greece on Tuesday, with the largest burning through a thickly forested nature reserve on the island of Evia north of Athens where three villages have been evacuated. Watch this video to know more.

Greece battles another wildfire, no deaths reported

Aircraft dumped water early on Wednesday to douse the flames of a wildfire&nbsp;on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-measles-cases-triple-year-on-year-who-242798">Greek island of&nbsp;Evia</a>&nbsp;that had prompted the evacuation of villages and spurred an appeal for help from elsewhere in Europe.

A state of emergency has been declared in regions of the densely-forested island east of Athens, after the blaze broke out on Tuesday, fanned by strong winds and high temperatures.

Italy was sending two aircraft after an appeal for airborne&nbsp;firefighting equipment from Greek authorities.

&nbsp;Officials said the conditions were improving by the morning after&nbsp;firefighters spent the night battling flames.

"The situation appears better. There was a huge effort (to contain the&nbsp;fire), superhuman efforts," Kostas Bakoyannis, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-attacks-military-bases-in-nigeria-steal-arms-sources-223918"> regional governor for central Greece,</a> told Skai TV.

Water dumping by specially equipped aircraft started at first light. "It is a difficult&nbsp;fire, that's the reality, there is no danger to human life and that is what is important," Bakoyannis said.

Fire&nbsp;officials said four villages and hundreds of&nbsp;people&nbsp;were evacuated as a precaution on Tuesday.

"The situation in&nbsp;Evia&nbsp;was very difficult and remains difficult," said Christos Stylianides, the European Union's aid commissioner.

Drawing upon his experience from other forest&nbsp;fires around Europe, Stylianides said he was impressed at the coordination shown among authorities dealing with the emergency, calling firefighters 'heroes'.

"We managed to protect lives and to save&nbsp;people's property," Civil Protection Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis said.

Greece has bitter memories of a horrific blaze that tore through the seaside town of Mati near Athens on July 2018, killing 102&nbsp;people&nbsp;in a matter of hours. Authorities were accused then of poor coordination and slow response.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a conservative elected last month, interrupted his holiday on Crete to return to Athens where he was briefed on the situation.

Television images showed flames and plumes of black smoke on mountainsides carpeted in pine. Parts of&nbsp;Evia's forests are a Natura 2000 site, which the European Union designates as a nature reserve.

Greece often faces wildfires during its dry summer months, and authorities have warned of the high risk of blazes this week.&nbsp;

Environmental campaigners see an increasing number of wildfires around the world as a symptom of climate change. 
"Prevention and preparedness are essential," Stylianides said.

Aircraft dumped water early on Wednesday to douse the flames of a wildfire on the Greek island of Evia that had prompted the evacuation of villages and spurred an appeal for help from elsewhere in Europe.

Aircraft dumped water early on Wednesday to douse the flames of a wildfire on the Greek island of Evia that had prompted the evacuation of villages and spurred an appeal for help from elsewhere in Europe. A state of emergency has been declared in regions of the densely-forested island east of Athens, after the blaze broke out on Tuesday, fanned by strong winds and high temperatures. Italy was sending two aircraft after an appeal for airborne firefighting equipment from Greek authorities. Officials said the conditions were improving by the morning after firefighters spent the night battling flames. "The situation appears better. There was a huge effort (to contain the fire), superhuman efforts," Kostas Bakoyannis, the regional governor for central Greece, told Skai TV. Water dumping by specially equipped aircraft started at first light. "It is a difficult fire, that's the reality, there is no danger to human life and that is what is important," Bakoyannis said. Fire officials said four villages and hundreds of people were evacuated as a precaution on Tuesday. "The situation in Evia was very difficult and remains difficult," said Christos Stylianides, the European Union's aid commissioner. Drawing upon his experience from other forest fires around Europe, Stylianides said he was impressed at the coordination shown among authorities dealing with the emergency, calling firefighters 'heroes'. "We managed to protect lives and to save people's property," Civil Protection Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis said. Greece has bitter memories of a horrific blaze that tore through the seaside town of Mati near Athens on July 2018, killing 102 people in a matter of hours. Authorities were accused then of poor coordination and slow response. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a conservative elected last month, interrupted his holiday on Crete to return to Athens where he was briefed on the situation. Television images showed flames and plumes of black smoke on mountainsides carpeted in pine. Parts of Evia's forests are a Natura 2000 site, which the European Union designates as a nature reserve. Greece often faces wildfires during its dry summer months, and authorities have warned of the high risk of blazes this week. Environmental campaigners see an increasing number of wildfires around the world as a symptom of climate change. "Prevention and preparedness are essential," Stylianides said.

Fire rages on Greece's Evia, threat to people averted

Greece will submit a 2020 budget later this year that will fully respect the fiscal targets agreed with its lenders, newly elected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-polls-opposition-leader-kyriakos-mitsotakis-wins-vows-to-make-country-proud-233849">Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis</a> said on Saturday.

Greece emerged from economic adjustment programmes overseen by its lenders last August but still needs to meet fiscal targets, including a primary budget surplus which excludes interest payments on its debt of 3.5 per cent of annual economic output up to 2022, which many consider unrealistic.

"In the draft budget for 2020, the given fiscal balance is not disrupted and the primary surplus targets for the years 2019 and 2020, agreed by the previous government, are not disputed," Mitsotakis said.

Mitsotakis, who takes over from former leftist prime minister Alexis Tsipras, was elected on a pledge to cut taxes and speed up investments to spur growth in a country which lost a quarter of its output during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tax-weary-greek-traders-welcome-change-of-government-235694">Greek debt crisis</a>.

He said that planned tax cuts and bold reforms of the economy and public administration would lead to higher growth and help Greece convince its lenders to lower fiscal targets after 2020.

"In 2020...we will have the ability to seek the lowering of primary surpluses to more realistic levels," Mitsotakis said.

Corporate tax will be cut to 24 per cent on 2019 profit from 28per cent currently and taxation on dividends will be halved to 5 per cent, he said, adding that a highly unpopular property tax that was introduced in 2012 at the height of the crisis will be cut by an average 22 per cent this year.

One urgent matter facing Mitsotakis' cabinet is the shoring up of key state-controlled utility Public Power Corp. (PPC), which is saddled with more than 2.4 billion euros of arrears from bills left unpaid during the debt crisis.

Mitsotakis said that PPC, which is 51 per cent owned by the state, would be revamped through the privatisation of its networks and identification of habitual defaulters before a strategic investor is sought for the utility.

The new conservative government, which investors consider to be more market-friendly than its predecessor, also plans to relaunch the sale of Helleneic Petroleum, the country's biggest oil refiner, and push ahead with an 8-billion-euro investment plan for the disused Hellenikon airport which has been beset by years of delays, Mitsotakis said.

"Hellenikon will soon become the symbol of a new Greece of...extroversion and innovation," he said.

Greece will submit a 2020 budget later this year that will fully respect the fiscal targets agreed with its lenders, newly elected Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Saturday.

Greece will submit a 2020 budget later this year that will fully respect the fiscal targets agreed with its lenders, newly elected Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Saturday. Greece emerged from economic adjustment programmes overseen by its lenders last August but still needs to meet fiscal targets, including a primary budget surplus which excludes interest payments on its debt of 3.5 per cent of annual economic output up to 2022, which many consider unrealistic. "In the draft budget for 2020, the given fiscal balance is not disrupted and the primary surplus targets for the years 2019 and 2020, agreed by the previous government, are not disputed," Mitsotakis said. Mitsotakis, who takes over from former leftist prime minister Alexis Tsipras, was elected on a pledge to cut taxes and speed up investments to spur growth in a country which lost a quarter of its output during the Greek debt crisis. He said that planned tax cuts and bold reforms of the economy and public administration would lead to higher growth and help Greece convince its lenders to lower fiscal targets after 2020. "In 2020...we will have the ability to seek the lowering of primary surpluses to more realistic levels," Mitsotakis said. Corporate tax will be cut to 24 per cent on 2019 profit from 28per cent currently and taxation on dividends will be halved to 5 per cent, he said, adding that a highly unpopular property tax that was introduced in 2012 at the height of the crisis will be cut by an average 22 per cent this year. One urgent matter facing Mitsotakis' cabinet is the shoring up of key state-controlled utility Public Power Corp. (PPC), which is saddled with more than 2.4 billion euros of arrears from bills left unpaid during the debt crisis. Mitsotakis said that PPC, which is 51 per cent owned by the state, would be revamped through the privatisation of its networks and identification of habitual defaulters before a strategic investor is sought for the utility. The new conservative government, which investors consider to be more market-friendly than its predecessor, also plans to relaunch the sale of Helleneic Petroleum, the country's biggest oil refiner, and push ahead with an 8-billion-euro investment plan for the disused Hellenikon airport which has been beset by years of delays, Mitsotakis said. "Hellenikon will soon become the symbol of a new Greece of...extroversion and innovation," he said.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis says 2020 budget will respect fiscal targets

A strong, shallow earthquake jolted Athens on Friday, knocking out phone and cellphone service and sending worried residents rushing into the streets, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

According to the Greek geodynamic institute, it was a 5.1-magnitude quake with an epicentre 23 kilometres northwest of Athens and was followed by aftershocks.

The quake struck at around 1100 GMT at a depth of 13 kilometres, news reports said.

Worried residents and office staff have crowded outdoor areas but the government denied it had ordered an evacuation alert.

The fire department rescued over a dozen people trapped in elevators in the capital, state broadcaster ERT said.

"People must remain calm," said Efthymios Lekkas, head of the state anti-quake protection agency.

"There is no reason for concern. The capital's buildings are built to withstand a much stronger earthquake," he told ERT.

The epicentre was near the area where a 5.9-magnitude quake left 143 people dead in and near Athens in 1999.

The US geological institute said Friday's quake had a magnitude of 5.3.

"For the time being we cannot be sure whether this was the main earthquake," seismologist Gerassimos Papadopoulos told ERT.

"There have been at least three (smaller) aftershocks already, which is a positive sign," he said, adding that the quake was felt as far as the Peloponnese islands.

"People in the capital must remain calm... they must be psychologically ready for more aftershocks," he said.

News media reported electricity outages but said internet connections were still operating.

Greece lies on major fault lines and is regularly hit by earthquakes, but they rarely cause casualties.

In July 2017, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake killed two people on the island of Kos in the Aegean sea, causing significant damage.

A strong, shallow earthquake jolted Athens on Friday, knocking out phone and cellphone service and sending worried residents rushing into the streets, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

A strong, shallow earthquake jolted Athens on Friday, knocking out phone and cellphone service and sending worried residents rushing into the streets, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. According to the Greek geodynamic institute, it was a 5.1-magnitude quake with an epicentre 23 kilometres northwest of Athens and was followed by aftershocks. The quake struck at around 1100 GMT at a depth of 13 kilometres, news reports said. Worried residents and office staff have crowded outdoor areas but the government denied it had ordered an evacuation alert. The fire department rescued over a dozen people trapped in elevators in the capital, state broadcaster ERT said. "People must remain calm," said Efthymios Lekkas, head of the state anti-quake protection agency. "There is no reason for concern. The capital's buildings are built to withstand a much stronger earthquake," he told ERT. The epicentre was near the area where a 5.9-magnitude quake left 143 people dead in and near Athens in 1999. The US geological institute said Friday's quake had a magnitude of 5.3. "For the time being we cannot be sure whether this was the main earthquake," seismologist Gerassimos Papadopoulos told ERT. "There have been at least three (smaller) aftershocks already, which is a positive sign," he said, adding that the quake was felt as far as the Peloponnese islands. "People in the capital must remain calm... they must be psychologically ready for more aftershocks," he said. News media reported electricity outages but said internet connections were still operating. Greece lies on major fault lines and is regularly hit by earthquakes, but they rarely cause casualties. In July 2017, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake killed two people on the island of Kos in the Aegean sea, causing significant damage.

Greece: 5.1-magnitude earthquake shakes Athens, knocks out phone service

Climate Change Will Bring A New Disaster Every Week: United Nations A disaster every week seems to be the new norm as extreme weather wreaks havoc across the world. Palki sums up the latest on Hurricane Barry in Louisiana, fire in Hawaii and storm in Greece.

Gravitas: Extreme weather: The new norm

At least five fires have southern Greece alight on Wednesday afternoon due to high temperatures and gale force winds, while at the same time a strong storm hit northern Greece leaving seven people dead, dozens injured and a fisherman missing, as well as losses or damages to properties.

Fire Sweeps Across Southern Greece

At least five fires have southern Greece alight on Wednesday afternoon due to high temperatures and gale force winds, while at the same time a strong storm hit northern Greece leaving seven people dead, dozens injured and a fisherman missing, as well as losses or damages to properties.

On Wednesday afternoon, at least five fires triggered either by high temperatures or gale force winds swept across the Peloponnese Peninsula, Attica Peninsula, Lamia Bay, and Evia Peninsula.

The disasters were finally controlled before night fell due to the joint efforts of firefighters on the ground and planes in the air.

However, in northern Greece, another extreme weather phenomenon took the baton and threatened people in the north.

The extreme weather caused seven people, six of whom confirmed as tourists from Russia, Czech, and Romania on vacation in the country, dead and the unidentified victim is said likely to be a local fisherman. The storm darkened the doorstep of the Chalkidiki Peninsula in northern Greece, and the country's second largest city Thessaloniki.

"The grill and the iron plate for the barbecue were blown off there. The pavilion there also fell down. The cars were crushed," said Despoina, a resident in Chalkidiki.

The damages brought by the first freak storm in 30 years was huge, though it only lasted half an hour.

"We have been living here for 25 years, but we have never seen this," said Despoina.

The power supply in the northern coastal areas and trains running between Thesalloniki and Alexandroupoli, another coastal city in the north, were cut off.

The 22 injured people have been sent to a local hospital, with nine of them suffering fractures to varying degrees.

At least five fires have southern Greece alight on Wednesday afternoon due to high temperatures and gale force winds, while at the same time a strong storm hit northern Greece leaving seven people dead, dozens injured and a fisherman missing, as well as losses or damages to properties. On Wednesday afternoon, at least five fires triggered either by high temperatures or gale force winds swept across the Peloponnese Peninsula, Attica Peninsula, Lamia Bay, and Evia Peninsula. The disasters were finally controlled before night fell due to the joint efforts of firefighters on the ground and planes in the air. However, in northern Greece, another extreme weather phenomenon took the baton and threatened people in the north. The extreme weather caused seven people, six of whom confirmed as tourists from Russia, Czech, and Romania on vacation in the country, dead and the unidentified victim is said likely to be a local fisherman. The storm darkened the doorstep of the Chalkidiki Peninsula in northern Greece, and the country's second largest city Thessaloniki. "The grill and the iron plate for the barbecue were blown off there. The pavilion there also fell down. The cars were crushed," said Despoina, a resident in Chalkidiki. The damages brought by the first freak storm in 30 years was huge, though it only lasted half an hour. "We have been living here for 25 years, but we have never seen this," said Despoina. The power supply in the northern coastal areas and trains running between Thesalloniki and Alexandroupoli, another coastal city in the north, were cut off. The 22 injured people have been sent to a local hospital, with nine of them suffering fractures to varying degrees.

Fire, torrential rain batter Greece, leave 7 dead

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tornado-hits-northeast-china-as-more-extreme-weather-strikes-six-killed-190-injured-232916">Tornadoes </a>and violent hailstorms killed six tourists in northern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-street-cricketers-bring-game-to-life-in-greece-233010">Greece</a> late Wednesday, police said.

Dozens more were injured when strong winds hit the region of Halkidiki, near the city of Thessaloniki, authorities added.

Television footage showed overturned cars, fallen trees, torn roofs, and mudslides.

"Six tourists were killed and at least 30 people were injured during this cyclone," Charalambos Steriadis, head of civil protection in northern Greece, said.

The freak storm only lasted about 20 minutes, according to witnesses interviewed by state television ERT.

A Czech couple died when strong winds blew their caravan away while a Russian man and his son were killed by a falling tree, police said.

Debris from a building killed a woman from Romania and her child.

According to the port police, a fisherman in his sixties was also missing.

"It was an unprecedented phenomenon," &nbsp;very strong winds, tornadoes, and violent hailstorms, Steriadis said, adding that Halkidiki had declared a state of emergency.

At least 140 rescue workers were involved in the operation, emergency chief Vassilis Varthakoyannis said.

The minister for citizen protection, Michalis Chryssohoidis, will visit the site on Thursday morning.

The storms came after temperatures in Greece soared to 37 degrees centigrade (98 degrees Fahrenheit) over the past two days.

 
&nbsp;

Tornadoes and violent hailstorms killed six tourists in northern Greece late Wednesday, police said. Dozens more were injured when strong winds hit the region of Halkidiki, near the city of Thessaloniki, authorities added.

Tornadoes and violent hailstorms killed six tourists in northern Greece late Wednesday, police said. Dozens more were injured when strong winds hit the region of Halkidiki, near the city of Thessaloniki, authorities added. Television footage showed overturned cars, fallen trees, torn roofs, and mudslides. "Six tourists were killed and at least 30 people were injured during this cyclone," Charalambos Steriadis, head of civil protection in northern Greece, said. The freak storm only lasted about 20 minutes, according to witnesses interviewed by state television ERT. A Czech couple died when strong winds blew their caravan away while a Russian man and his son were killed by a falling tree, police said. Debris from a building killed a woman from Romania and her child. According to the port police, a fisherman in his sixties was also missing. "It was an unprecedented phenomenon," very strong winds, tornadoes, and violent hailstorms, Steriadis said, adding that Halkidiki had declared a state of emergency. At least 140 rescue workers were involved in the operation, emergency chief Vassilis Varthakoyannis said. The minister for citizen protection, Michalis Chryssohoidis, will visit the site on Thursday morning. The storms came after temperatures in Greece soared to 37 degrees centigrade (98 degrees Fahrenheit) over the past two days.

Six tourists killed by tornadoes, hailstorms in Greece

Greek conservative party leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis swept to power on Sunday in a landslide victory amidst a climate of austerity reform fatigue and bitterness towards unkept political promises of the previous government.

Conservative party leader takes reigns of power in Greece

Greece's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-polls-opposition-leader-kyriakos-mitsotakis-wins-vows-to-make-country-proud-233849">conservative prime minister-elect Kyriakos Mitsotakis</a> vowed that the country would "proudly" enter a post-bailout period of "jobs, security and growth" after winning a landslide victory in Sunday's general election.

Official results showed Mitsotakis on track to crush <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-conservatives-take-strong-lead-in-exit-poll-233844">leftist premier Alexis Tsipras</a>, who oversaw austerity measures after Greece's dramatic rescue by international creditors in the European debt crisis.

"A painful cycle has closed," Mitsotakis said in a televised address, adding that Greece would "proudly raise its head again" on his watch.

"I will not fail to honour your hopes," he said as early congratulation calls came from outgoing European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/istanbul-awaits-election-verdict-on-erdogan-and-turkish-democracy-229788">Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a>.

With official results from 94 per cent of polling stations, New Democracy scored a crushing victory by nearly 40 per cent its best score in over a decade to 31.5 per cent for Tsipras's leftist Syriza party.

"I want to see this person prosper. I want to see the children who left to return," he later told party supporters.

Mitsotakis will be sworn in as Greece's new prime minister on Monday.

Tsipras had earlier admitted defeat after over four years in power that saw Greece emerge from its third bailout.

The 44-year-old warned that his Syriza party would "dynamically" resist efforts to scale back the party's pro-labour reforms.

If the results are confirmed, the 51-year-old Harvard graduate and former McKinsey consultant Mitsotakis will have a majority of 158 lawmakers in the 300-seat parliament. Tsipras's party will have 86 seats.

The final number will depend on how smaller parties fare. They need at least 3.0 per cent of the vote to enter parliament.

&nbsp;A family affair&nbsp;

New Democracy was last in power in 2014, in coalition with the Greek socialists.

Mitsotakis is a scion of one of Greece's top political families.

He is the son of former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis, one of the country's longest-serving parliamentarians.&nbsp;

His sister is former minister Dora Bakoyannis, Athens's first female mayor. And new Athens mayor Costas Bakoyannis, elected in May, is his nephew.

Sunday's election was Greece's third in as many months and the first held in midsummer since 1928.

In May, New Democracy beat Syriza by nearly 9.5 points in European parliament elections. A week later, it completed a near-sweep of Greek regions in local elections.

After that, Tsipras was forced to call an early general election. His term was scheduled to end in the autumn.

'Chance to recover'&nbsp;

Greece's youngest premier in more than a century, Tsipras had trailed in the polls for months amid widespread dissatisfaction over high taxes.

"Greece is exiting 10 years of crisis and the new government will have the heavy task to give a chance to the country to recover completely or to sink", 36-year-old Aphrodite told AFP, as she cast her vote in the bohemian downtown Athens neighbourhood of Exarcheia.

"I hope that from tomorrow we will be able to breathe with relief. To take a deep breath, if Mitsotakis does what he promises," added Athinodoros, a 48-year-old self-employed worker.

Tsipras has accused Mitsotakis who was part of a 2012-2014 crisis government of "disastrous" mismanagement that brought hundreds of thousands of job losses and business failures.

Mitsotakis has now pledged to create "better" jobs through growth, foreign investment and tax cuts and to "steamroll" obstacles to business.

Tsipras who reduced unemployment and raised the minimum wage for the first time since 2012 was criticized for campaigning as an anti-austerity crusader before eventually accepting a third EU bailout and the economic cutbacks that entailed.

In parts of the country, there was also a backlash against a controversial agreement with North Macedonia that ended a bitter 27-year dispute over the country's name.

New parties&nbsp;

The new smaller parties fighting to secure representation are Greek Solution, a nationalist party formed by TV salesman Kyriakos Velopoulos, and MeRA25, an anti-austerity party founded by maverick economist and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis.

According to the exit polls, Varoufakis's party could elect nine lawmakers.

Greek Solution could end up with 10 deputies, while neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn looks likely to be shut out of parliament for the first time since 2012.

Golden Dawn, until recently Greece's third-ranking party, is in steep decline amid an ongoing trial for the 2013 murder of an anti-fascist rapper, allegedly carried out with the knowledge of senior Golden Dawn members.

Mitsotakis has promised to hit the ground running. A Eurogroup finance meeting on Monday will convene to discuss the state of Greece's economy after tax cuts rolled out by Tsipras in May. 
&nbsp;

Greece's conservative prime minister-elect Kyriakos Mitsotakis vowed that the country would "proudly" enter a post-bailout period of "jobs, security and growth" after winning a landslide victory in Sunday's general election.

Greece's conservative prime minister-elect Kyriakos Mitsotakis vowed that the country would "proudly" enter a post-bailout period of "jobs, security and growth" after winning a landslide victory in Sunday's general election. Official results showed Mitsotakis on track to crush leftist premier Alexis Tsipras, who oversaw austerity measures after Greece's dramatic rescue by international creditors in the European debt crisis. "A painful cycle has closed," Mitsotakis said in a televised address, adding that Greece would "proudly raise its head again" on his watch. "I will not fail to honour your hopes," he said as early congratulation calls came from outgoing European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. With official results from 94 per cent of polling stations, New Democracy scored a crushing victory by nearly 40 per cent its best score in over a decade to 31.5 per cent for Tsipras's leftist Syriza party. "I want to see this person prosper. I want to see the children who left to return," he later told party supporters. Mitsotakis will be sworn in as Greece's new prime minister on Monday. Tsipras had earlier admitted defeat after over four years in power that saw Greece emerge from its third bailout. The 44-year-old warned that his Syriza party would "dynamically" resist efforts to scale back the party's pro-labour reforms. If the results are confirmed, the 51-year-old Harvard graduate and former McKinsey consultant Mitsotakis will have a majority of 158 lawmakers in the 300-seat parliament. Tsipras's party will have 86 seats. The final number will depend on how smaller parties fare. They need at least 3.0 per cent of the vote to enter parliament. A family affair New Democracy was last in power in 2014, in coalition with the Greek socialists. Mitsotakis is a scion of one of Greece's top political families. He is the son of former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis, one of the country's longest-serving parliamentarians. His sister is former minister Dora Bakoyannis, Athens's first female mayor. And new Athens mayor Costas Bakoyannis, elected in May, is his nephew. Sunday's election was Greece's third in as many months and the first held in midsummer since 1928. In May, New Democracy beat Syriza by nearly 9.5 points in European parliament elections. A week later, it completed a near-sweep of Greek regions in local elections. After that, Tsipras was forced to call an early general election. His term was scheduled to end in the autumn. 'Chance to recover' Greece's youngest premier in more than a century, Tsipras had trailed in the polls for months amid widespread dissatisfaction over high taxes. "Greece is exiting 10 years of crisis and the new government will have the heavy task to give a chance to the country to recover completely or to sink", 36-year-old Aphrodite told AFP, as she cast her vote in the bohemian downtown Athens neighbourhood of Exarcheia. "I hope that from tomorrow we will be able to breathe with relief. To take a deep breath, if Mitsotakis does what he promises," added Athinodoros, a 48-year-old self-employed worker. Tsipras has accused Mitsotakis who was part of a 2012-2014 crisis government of "disastrous" mismanagement that brought hundreds of thousands of job losses and business failures. Mitsotakis has now pledged to create "better" jobs through growth, foreign investment and tax cuts and to "steamroll" obstacles to business. Tsipras who reduced unemployment and raised the minimum wage for the first time since 2012 was criticized for campaigning as an anti-austerity crusader before eventually accepting a third EU bailout and the economic cutbacks that entailed. In parts of the country, there was also a backlash against a controversial agreement with North Macedonia that ended a bitter 27-year dispute over the country's name. New parties The new smaller parties fighting to secure representation are Greek Solution, a nationalist party formed by TV salesman Kyriakos Velopoulos, and MeRA25, an anti-austerity party founded by maverick economist and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis. According to the exit polls, Varoufakis's party could elect nine lawmakers. Greek Solution could end up with 10 deputies, while neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn looks likely to be shut out of parliament for the first time since 2012. Golden Dawn, until recently Greece's third-ranking party, is in steep decline amid an ongoing trial for the 2013 murder of an anti-fascist rapper, allegedly carried out with the knowledge of senior Golden Dawn members. Mitsotakis has promised to hit the ground running. A Eurogroup finance meeting on Monday will convene to discuss the state of Greece's economy after tax cuts rolled out by Tsipras in May.

Painful cycle has closed, says Greek PM-elect Mitsotakis after landslide victory in polls

Conservatives regain control in Greece. To know more watch the video

Big Blow for Tsipras in Snap Polls

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/polls-open-in-greeces-first-post-bailout-general-election-233710">Greeks head to the polls on Sunday</a> in a snap ballot that could bring an end to Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's leftist government.

Here are five things to know about the vote, the third in Greece since May following European and local elections.

Greeks likely to abstain

Greece's third election in as many months is unlikely to set participation records, even more so as July 7 is right at the heart of the busy tourist season.

Voting is officially compulsory in Greece and abstention is theoretically punishable by law, but the penalty is never applied.

In May, fewer than 59 per cent of registered voters cast their ballots for the European Parliament and the first round of local and regional elections. A week later, participation fell below 42 per cent for the second round.

Will there be a stable government?

The memory of political instability in Greece at the height of the economic crisis is still recent. In 2011, the government collapsed and a few months later, back-to-back elections had to be held before a coalition administration could be pieced together.

The current electoral law gives a 50-seat bonus to the winning party, in principle enough to form a majority in the 300-seat parliament.

But if more than six parties enter parliament -- which is a possibility -- the winner may end up with a majority of just a few seats.

The conservative New Democracy party is heavily favoured to win, after a near-sweep in regional elections and a victory margin of over nine points in European parliament elections.

In that case, the conservatives could govern alone or alongside the socialist Kinal party in a repeat of the 2012 coalition.

But if the July 7 election fails to produce a government, a new electoral law will kick in without the 50-seat bonus, making uneasy alliances imperative.

Parties need at least three per cent of the vote to enter parliament.

Communists vote, rain or shine

The Communist KKE party, which turned 100 last year, has some of the country's most faithful supporters. It picked up 302,000 votes in the European Parliament elections, nearly the same amount garnered in national elections four years ago.

They also secured the re-election of a Communist mayor in Patras, Greece's third largest city.

Shifting sands of far-right

After a near-decade rise to the ranks of Greece's third most popular party, the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn suffered major losses in the last two voting campaigns, shedding half its electoral support.

Into the gap stepped Greek Solution, a new nationalist, pro-Russian party formed by journalist and TV salesman Kyriakos Velopoulos.

Out of the blue, Greek Solution won 4.18 per cent of the vote and a seat in the European parliament.

A former far-right lawmaker, Velopoulos scored well especially in the north of the country, where there is anger at Tsipras's deal with Macedonian prime minister Zoran Zaev to rename the neighbouring country North Macedonia.

Velopoulos has made no secret of his desire to attract Golden Dawn voters. Together, the two parties account for around nine per cent of the Greek electorate.

Crisis gloom&nbsp;

Greece is struggling to recover from a near-decade-long debt crisis and a deep six-year recession. It emerged from its third straight bailout last year, but with a public debt of over 180 per cent of output, it remains under strict supervision by its EU and IMF creditors.

Greeks head to the polls on Sunday in a snap ballot that could bring an end to Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's leftist government. Here are five things to know about the vote, the third in Greece since May following European and local elections.

Greeks head to the polls on Sunday in a snap ballot that could bring an end to Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's leftist government. Here are five things to know about the vote, the third in Greece since May following European and local elections. Greeks likely to abstain Greece's third election in as many months is unlikely to set participation records, even more so as July 7 is right at the heart of the busy tourist season. Voting is officially compulsory in Greece and abstention is theoretically punishable by law, but the penalty is never applied. In May, fewer than 59 per cent of registered voters cast their ballots for the European Parliament and the first round of local and regional elections. A week later, participation fell below 42 per cent for the second round. Will there be a stable government? The memory of political instability in Greece at the height of the economic crisis is still recent. In 2011, the government collapsed and a few months later, back-to-back elections had to be held before a coalition administration could be pieced together. The current electoral law gives a 50-seat bonus to the winning party, in principle enough to form a majority in the 300-seat parliament. But if more than six parties enter parliament -- which is a possibility -- the winner may end up with a majority of just a few seats. The conservative New Democracy party is heavily favoured to win, after a near-sweep in regional elections and a victory margin of over nine points in European parliament elections. In that case, the conservatives could govern alone or alongside the socialist Kinal party in a repeat of the 2012 coalition. But if the July 7 election fails to produce a government, a new electoral law will kick in without the 50-seat bonus, making uneasy alliances imperative. Parties need at least three per cent of the vote to enter parliament. Communists vote, rain or shine The Communist KKE party, which turned 100 last year, has some of the country's most faithful supporters. It picked up 302,000 votes in the European Parliament elections, nearly the same amount garnered in national elections four years ago. They also secured the re-election of a Communist mayor in Patras, Greece's third largest city. Shifting sands of far-right After a near-decade rise to the ranks of Greece's third most popular party, the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn suffered major losses in the last two voting campaigns, shedding half its electoral support. Into the gap stepped Greek Solution, a new nationalist, pro-Russian party formed by journalist and TV salesman Kyriakos Velopoulos. Out of the blue, Greek Solution won 4.18 per cent of the vote and a seat in the European parliament. A former far-right lawmaker, Velopoulos scored well especially in the north of the country, where there is anger at Tsipras's deal with Macedonian prime minister Zoran Zaev to rename the neighbouring country North Macedonia. Velopoulos has made no secret of his desire to attract Golden Dawn voters. Together, the two parties account for around nine per cent of the Greek electorate. Crisis gloom Greece is struggling to recover from a near-decade-long debt crisis and a deep six-year recession. It emerged from its third straight bailout last year, but with a public debt of over 180 per cent of output, it remains under strict supervision by its EU and IMF creditors.

Five things to know about Greece's July 7 vote

The Acropolis and Slopes, archaeological site in the Athens, Greece were closed on Thursday and Friday afternoon due to high temperatures.

Greece briefly shuts down monuments

The Acropolis and Slopes, a world-famous archaeological site in the Greek capital Athens, were closed on Thursday and Friday afternoon due to high temperatures. The heatwave began hitting Greece starting last Tuesday, with temperatures higher than 38 degrees Celsius recorded from Wednesday to Friday. The Ephorate of Antiquities of Athens, a department within the Greek Ministry of Culture, said on Wednesday that due to the heatwave, the site would remain closed from 13:00 to 17:00 on Thursday and Friday. The Acropolis and its Slopes are located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens, with few trees available to provide shade for visitors against the scorching sun. In addition to hurting tourism, high temperatures are also affecting people's livelihoods.

Acropolis closes due to heatwave in Athens

Greece shut the Acropolis Hill for a few hours on Thursday to protect visitors to one of the world's most popular tourist attractions from a heatwave that has engulfed Athens.

The monument, home to the Parthenon temple that is visited by millions of tourists every year, was closed between 1000 and 1400 GMT on Thursday, authorities said.

Greece's meteorological service had forecast temperatures peaking at 38 Celsius in Athens by midday, though the temperature on the Acropolis hill which overlooks the city is always higher due to its altitude and a lack of shade.

"The meteorological service had forecast that the temperature felt on the hill would be forbidding, more than 44 degrees Celsius," said a spokeswoman for the Acropolis complex.

It is the first time that hot weather has shut down the Acropolis this summer, though it also happened last year.

Greece saw record tourist arrivals in 2018 of 33 million people and expects a similar number this year.

Greece shut the Acropolis Hill for a few hours on Thursday to protect visitors to one of the world's most popular tourist attractions from a heatwave that has engulfed Athens.

Greece shut the Acropolis Hill for a few hours on Thursday to protect visitors to one of the world's most popular tourist attractions from a heatwave that has engulfed Athens. The monument, home to the Parthenon temple that is visited by millions of tourists every year, was closed between 1000 and 1400 GMT on Thursday, authorities said. Greece's meteorological service had forecast temperatures peaking at 38 Celsius in Athens by midday, though the temperature on the Acropolis hill which overlooks the city is always higher due to its altitude and a lack of shade. "The meteorological service had forecast that the temperature felt on the hill would be forbidding, more than 44 degrees Celsius," said a spokeswoman for the Acropolis complex. It is the first time that hot weather has shut down the Acropolis this summer, though it also happened last year. Greece saw record tourist arrivals in 2018 of 33 million people and expects a similar number this year.

Greece shuts Acropolis Hill for few hours due to heatwave

In a barren Athens parking lot, young Pakistanis get in position for a game of cricket. On one end of the dust-covered concrete is a trash can; on the other, a pile of rocks. That is their pitch, and those are its wickets.

In football-loving Greece, cricket is an alien concept. But for its migrants from Pakistan, one of the world’s most cricket-crazy nations, it is a way of life.

On Sundays, a growing community of street cricketers travels across the capital to the unlikeliest locations, from car parks to abandoned industrial grounds, engaging in tape-ball cricket - an informal version of the game invented in Pakistan played using a tennis ball wrapped in electrical tape.

With the Cricket World Cup underway, they compete in local tape-ball tournaments, and homes and restaurants are abuzz with fans.

“I love cricket. I’m crazy about cricket. I’m 30 years old and I’m playing for 20 years,” said Awais Mughal, a delivery worker who arrived in Greece a decade ago.

Dressed in the green jersey of his Athens team, Mughal and more than a dozen of his countrymen gathered in his apartment on a sweltering Sunday morning to watch Pakistan defeat South Africa over bottles of chilled water and soft drinks.

“In my country, whenever I go, I play all day,” Mughal said. “In Greece, we play only on Sundays because we work six days a week.”

About 50,000 Pakistanis live in Greece, the embassy estimates, many of the labourers in fields or factories. Others own shops or restaurants.

“Cricket is in the genes of the people from the subcontinent,” said Yawar Abbas, the embassy’s charges d’affaires in Athens.&nbsp;

In Greece, the sole cricket ground is on Corfu, dating from the days when the Ionian islands were under British rule in the 19th century.

In Athens, where most migrants live, they resort to playing informally without proper gear.

“Many people play cricket here but we have no grounds in Athens,” said Mehdi Khan Choudhry, a Pakistani former player in Greece’s national cricket team who has been living in Greece since 1993.

His home is adorned with trophies won over the years. A photograph shows him posing with a large Pakistani flag during a cricket match at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Choudhry, a mechanical engineer and cricket coach, has long campaigned for a ground in Athens and wants to open a cricket academy.&nbsp;

Beyond the enjoyment the sport brings, he said, it helps forge camaraderie with migrants from other cricket-playing nations including Afghanistan, Bangladesh and even India, Pakistan’s archrival on and off the pitch.

“When we stay and play together, you know there is good relations.”

In a barren Athens parking lot, young Pakistanis get in position for a game of cricket. On one end of the dust-covered concrete is a trash can; on the other, a pile of rocks.

In a barren Athens parking lot, young Pakistanis get in position for a game of cricket. On one end of the dust-covered concrete is a trash can; on the other, a pile of rocks. That is their pitch, and those are its wickets. In football-loving Greece, cricket is an alien concept. But for its migrants from Pakistan, one of the world’s most cricket-crazy nations, it is a way of life. On Sundays, a growing community of street cricketers travels across the capital to the unlikeliest locations, from car parks to abandoned industrial grounds, engaging in tape-ball cricket - an informal version of the game invented in Pakistan played using a tennis ball wrapped in electrical tape. With the Cricket World Cup underway, they compete in local tape-ball tournaments, and homes and restaurants are abuzz with fans. “I love cricket. I’m crazy about cricket. I’m 30 years old and I’m playing for 20 years,” said Awais Mughal, a delivery worker who arrived in Greece a decade ago. Dressed in the green jersey of his Athens team, Mughal and more than a dozen of his countrymen gathered in his apartment on a sweltering Sunday morning to watch Pakistan defeat South Africa over bottles of chilled water and soft drinks. “In my country, whenever I go, I play all day,” Mughal said. “In Greece, we play only on Sundays because we work six days a week.” About 50,000 Pakistanis live in Greece, the embassy estimates, many of the labourers in fields or factories. Others own shops or restaurants. “Cricket is in the genes of the people from the subcontinent,” said Yawar Abbas, the embassy’s charges d’affaires in Athens. In Greece, the sole cricket ground is on Corfu, dating from the days when the Ionian islands were under British rule in the 19th century. In Athens, where most migrants live, they resort to playing informally without proper gear. “Many people play cricket here but we have no grounds in Athens,” said Mehdi Khan Choudhry, a Pakistani former player in Greece’s national cricket team who has been living in Greece since 1993. His home is adorned with trophies won over the years. A photograph shows him posing with a large Pakistani flag during a cricket match at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Choudhry, a mechanical engineer and cricket coach, has long campaigned for a ground in Athens and wants to open a cricket academy. Beyond the enjoyment the sport brings, he said, it helps forge camaraderie with migrants from other cricket-playing nations including Afghanistan, Bangladesh and even India, Pakistan’s archrival on and off the pitch. “When we stay and play together, you know there is good relations.”

Pakistan's street cricketers bring game to life in Greece

Every month, when his respiratory medicine runs out, Dionysis Assimakopoulos heads to the most unlikely pharmacy in Athens.

Amid derelict stadiums dating from the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, the volunteer-staffed social pharmacy of Hellinikon has handed out free medicine to hundreds of poverty-stricken patients, keeping some of them out of death's reach.

"My wife and I have been unemployed for over two years. We need about 150 euros for medicine every month," says Assimakopoulos, a former baker.

Established at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-debt-crisis-7-years-old-and-not-over-12609">height of the crisis in 2011</a>, the pharmacy runs on donated medicine and disposables. Some 40,000 people have brought medicine, many from abroad, says on-duty pharmacist Dimitis Palakas.

Another patient waiting in line is Achilleas Papadopoulos, a retired tenor. His pension of 700 euros is not enough to cover the antibiotics he has come for.

During nearly a decade of cuts imposed as Greece struggled to avert <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-set-to-exit-bailout-still-faces-daunting-challenges-159825">national bankruptcy</a>, public education and health were among the sectors hit the hardest as the country lost a quarter of its national output.

Amid sweeping layoffs, wage cuts and tax hikes, many could not maintain their social insurance contributions and were pushed out of state-provided health support.

"Only 11 per cent of Greeks can currently afford private insurance giving full health coverage," says Grigoris Sarafianos, head of the association of private Greek health clinics.

According to the national statistics service, Greeks paid 34.3 per cent of their medical expenses out of their own pocket in 2016.

The crisis exposed "huge state shortages", says Petros Boteas, a member of the Hellinikon health team, which serves over 500 patients every month.

"There are fewer doctors and hospital staff. Money for medicine has been cut. There is a long waiting list for doctor's appointments... we had a cancer patient given an appointment in three months," he told AFP.

To avoid a long wait -- especially in an emergency -- many are forced to seek private healthcare, regardless of the cost. There are currently over 120 private clinics in the country.&nbsp;

'Go to a better school'&nbsp;

A similar scenario casts its shadow over education.&nbsp;

When Aspasia Apostolou's son was 11 years old and finishing Greek public primary school, his class teacher did something unexpected.

"He told us our son is bright and that he should be in a better school," says Apostolou, a 44-year-old lawyer.

According to the government, public funding for education fell by about 36 per cent during the crisis.

Thousands of trained staff including teachers and doctors emigrated -- part of an exodus of some 350,000 people -- or opted to retire.&nbsp;

A recent study by the London School of Economics found 75 per cent of Greek crisis emigrants holds university degrees.

The OECD in a 2017 study -- prepared at Greece's request -- said austerity cuts had "a major impact on the demands on the Greek education system, and on those working within it."

It said that in 2015, there were approximately 25,000 posts vacant for teachers in primary and secondary education schools.

Apostolou now pays 5,800 euros ($6,500) a year in tuition fees at a private school where her son can be assured of a well-structured curriculum.

"At our old school, the children usually come home early. So many school hours are lost because of teacher shortages during the year," she says.

"There is no evaluation, no reward for effort in a public school. You wallow in mediocrity."

Between 2011 and 2014, the state cut education wages and expenses by 24 per cent, the OECD study said.

While school books are provided by the state free of charge, the cuts continue to affect other essential resources including computers and petrol for heating.

It is not uncommon for schools to be shut down for lack of heating. The last instance was in February at the Athens school complex where Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras himself was a pupil.

In public schools, much now relies on private initiative and personal goodwill, what Greeks call 'filotimo', says Athanassia, a veteran public school teacher.

"I've worked in schools where the principal or teachers or parents paid out of their own pocket for essentials... or discreetly brought food to needy families," says Athanassia. She has worked in 20 public schools as teachers are shared out to plug staffing gaps.

"Whatever works is based on filotimo," she adds. "If funding were better, it would be totally different."

According to the Greek statistics agency, around 12 per cent of the country is near the poverty level.&nbsp;

In response, Tsipras's government in 2016 began a programme giving out free school meals at hundreds of schools in poorer regions.

Similarly, the government allowed access to public hospitals to long-term jobless Greeks without health insurance.

"It's a step forward, but inequalities persist," says Petros at the Hellinikon clinic.

"Without health insurance, securing a public hospital appointment might take six months, even for critical examinations."

Every month, when his respiratory medicine runs out, Dionysis Assimakopoulos heads to the most unlikely pharmacy in Athens. Amid derelict stadiums dating from the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, the volunteer-staffed social pharmacy of Hellinikon has handed out free medicine to hundreds of poverty-stricken patients, keeping some of them out of death's reach.

Every month, when his respiratory medicine runs out, Dionysis Assimakopoulos heads to the most unlikely pharmacy in Athens. Amid derelict stadiums dating from the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, the volunteer-staffed social pharmacy of Hellinikon has handed out free medicine to hundreds of poverty-stricken patients, keeping some of them out of death's reach. "My wife and I have been unemployed for over two years. We need about 150 euros for medicine every month," says Assimakopoulos, a former baker. Established at the height of the crisis in 2011, the pharmacy runs on donated medicine and disposables. Some 40,000 people have brought medicine, many from abroad, says on-duty pharmacist Dimitis Palakas. Another patient waiting in line is Achilleas Papadopoulos, a retired tenor. His pension of 700 euros is not enough to cover the antibiotics he has come for. During nearly a decade of cuts imposed as Greece struggled to avert national bankruptcy, public education and health were among the sectors hit the hardest as the country lost a quarter of its national output. Amid sweeping layoffs, wage cuts and tax hikes, many could not maintain their social insurance contributions and were pushed out of state-provided health support. "Only 11 per cent of Greeks can currently afford private insurance giving full health coverage," says Grigoris Sarafianos, head of the association of private Greek health clinics. According to the national statistics service, Greeks paid 34.3 per cent of their medical expenses out of their own pocket in 2016. The crisis exposed "huge state shortages", says Petros Boteas, a member of the Hellinikon health team, which serves over 500 patients every month. "There are fewer doctors and hospital staff. Money for medicine has been cut. There is a long waiting list for doctor's appointments... we had a cancer patient given an appointment in three months," he told AFP. To avoid a long wait -- especially in an emergency -- many are forced to seek private healthcare, regardless of the cost. There are currently over 120 private clinics in the country. 'Go to a better school' A similar scenario casts its shadow over education. When Aspasia Apostolou's son was 11 years old and finishing Greek public primary school, his class teacher did something unexpected. "He told us our son is bright and that he should be in a better school," says Apostolou, a 44-year-old lawyer. According to the government, public funding for education fell by about 36 per cent during the crisis. Thousands of trained staff including teachers and doctors emigrated -- part of an exodus of some 350,000 people -- or opted to retire. A recent study by the London School of Economics found 75 per cent of Greek crisis emigrants holds university degrees. The OECD in a 2017 study -- prepared at Greece's request -- said austerity cuts had "a major impact on the demands on the Greek education system, and on those working within it." It said that in 2015, there were approximately 25,000 posts vacant for teachers in primary and secondary education schools. Apostolou now pays 5,800 euros ($6,500) a year in tuition fees at a private school where her son can be assured of a well-structured curriculum. "At our old school, the children usually come home early. So many school hours are lost because of teacher shortages during the year," she says. "There is no evaluation, no reward for effort in a public school. You wallow in mediocrity." Between 2011 and 2014, the state cut education wages and expenses by 24 per cent, the OECD study said. While school books are provided by the state free of charge, the cuts continue to affect other essential resources including computers and petrol for heating. It is not uncommon for schools to be shut down for lack of heating. The last instance was in February at the Athens school complex where Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras himself was a pupil. In public schools, much now relies on private initiative and personal goodwill, what Greeks call 'filotimo', says Athanassia, a veteran public school teacher. "I've worked in schools where the principal or teachers or parents paid out of their own pocket for essentials... or discreetly brought food to needy families," says Athanassia. She has worked in 20 public schools as teachers are shared out to plug staffing gaps. "Whatever works is based on filotimo," she adds. "If funding were better, it would be totally different." According to the Greek statistics agency, around 12 per cent of the country is near the poverty level. In response, Tsipras's government in 2016 began a programme giving out free school meals at hundreds of schools in poorer regions. Similarly, the government allowed access to public hospitals to long-term jobless Greeks without health insurance. "It's a step forward, but inequalities persist," says Petros at the Hellinikon clinic. "Without health insurance, securing a public hospital appointment might take six months, even for critical examinations."

Crisis-hit Greeks foot steep bills for health and education

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A grenade was thrown early Friday into the courtyard of the Russian consulate in Athens, police said, an attack typical of domestic far-left groups.

The area in the Athens suburb of Halandri was rapidly cordoned off and bomb specialists were dispatched, a police source said.

The grenade did not explode and no injuries were caused.

The attack occurred at around 0200 GMT. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

It is believed that the grenade was lobbed by one or two persons on a motorbike.

Police were inspecting for possible links to a burnt motorbike found later in central Athens.

The consulate was closed at the time.

The move is typical of domestic far-left outfits.

In December, a grenade exploded outside Skai, one of Greece's main media groups, causing damage to the building.

A grenade was thrown early Friday into the courtyard of the Russian consulate in Athens, police said, an attack typical of domestic far-left groups. The area in the Athens suburb of Halandri was rapidly cordoned off and bomb specialists were dispatched, a police source said.

A grenade was thrown early Friday into the courtyard of the Russian consulate in Athens, police said, an attack typical of domestic far-left groups. The area in the Athens suburb of Halandri was rapidly cordoned off and bomb specialists were dispatched, a police source said. The grenade did not explode and no injuries were caused. The attack occurred at around 0200 GMT. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. It is believed that the grenade was lobbed by one or two persons on a motorbike. Police were inspecting for possible links to a burnt motorbike found later in central Athens. The consulate was closed at the time. The move is typical of domestic far-left outfits. In December, a grenade exploded outside Skai, one of Greece's main media groups, causing damage to the building.

Grenade thrown at Russian consulate in Greece: Police

Some 136 state institutions and public-owned companies in the Republic of North Macedonia would from Wednesday begin the process of changing their names in compliance with an agreement penned with neighbouring Greece to end a decades-long dispute over the country's official name, the government has said.

The institutions and companies concerned must, in the space of one week, change all official logos, stamps, and memorandums to reflect the name of the country that was formerly known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia but has now become the Republic of North Macedonia.

All major institutions related to the government, parliament and national bank will have to bear the country's new name within the next four months, and in most cases, the adjective "Macedonian" will be replaced by "national."

Macedonian Television (MTV) will become National Television (NTV), Macedonian Railways will be renamed to Railways of the Republic of North Macedonia, while the Macedonian Opera and Ballet will become the National Opera and Ballet.

The Macedonian Philharmonic, Macedonian Forests and Macedonian Post will undergo similar changes, while the state-owned news agency MIA (Macedonian Information Agency) will become NIA (National Information Agency).

The adjective "Macedonian" will remain in the cases of the Institute for Macedonian Literature and the Macedonian National Theater, although the government did not give a reason for that decision.

The Balkan nation's new name came into effect last month, with Macedonian authorities symbolically placing the first sign at the main border crossing with Greece bearing the name.

The new name would be used domestically and internationally, although the internal renaming across all sectors was expected to go on for years.

Skopje and Athens signed the so-called Prespa Agreement on the shores of bordering Lake Prespa in June 2018 in a bid to end an almost 30-year-long dispute over Macedonia's official name.

The agreement stipulated that Skopje accepted the new name and would not seek to make any claims toward the heritage of the historically-important northern Greek region of Macedonia.

Greece agreed that the adjective "Macedonian" could be used to describe the language spoken by the ethnic Macedonian majority in northern Macedonia, as well as for citizenship, along with "of North Macedonia."

The development has paved the way for North Macedonia's accession to NATO, and the country was also expected to be able to join the European Union. Greece had previously vetoed the country's accession to both organizations.

The name issue emerged soon after North Macedonia proclaimed independence from Yugoslavia back in 1991.

North Macedonia was only admitted to the United Nations in 1993 under the now-defunct name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, following Greek objections. 
&nbsp;

Some 136 state institutions and public-owned companies in the Republic of North Macedonia would from Wednesday begin the process of changing their names in compliance with an agreement penned with neighbouring Greece to end a decades-long dispute over the country's official name, the government has said.

Some 136 state institutions and public-owned companies in the Republic of North Macedonia would from Wednesday begin the process of changing their names in compliance with an agreement penned with neighbouring Greece to end a decades-long dispute over the country's official name, the government has said. The institutions and companies concerned must, in the space of one week, change all official logos, stamps, and memorandums to reflect the name of the country that was formerly known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia but has now become the Republic of North Macedonia. All major institutions related to the government, parliament and national bank will have to bear the country's new name within the next four months, and in most cases, the adjective "Macedonian" will be replaced by "national." Macedonian Television (MTV) will become National Television (NTV), Macedonian Railways will be renamed to Railways of the Republic of North Macedonia, while the Macedonian Opera and Ballet will become the National Opera and Ballet. The Macedonian Philharmonic, Macedonian Forests and Macedonian Post will undergo similar changes, while the state-owned news agency MIA (Macedonian Information Agency) will become NIA (National Information Agency). The adjective "Macedonian" will remain in the cases of the Institute for Macedonian Literature and the Macedonian National Theater, although the government did not give a reason for that decision. The Balkan nation's new name came into effect last month, with Macedonian authorities symbolically placing the first sign at the main border crossing with Greece bearing the name. The new name would be used domestically and internationally, although the internal renaming across all sectors was expected to go on for years. Skopje and Athens signed the so-called Prespa Agreement on the shores of bordering Lake Prespa in June 2018 in a bid to end an almost 30-year-long dispute over Macedonia's official name. The agreement stipulated that Skopje accepted the new name and would not seek to make any claims toward the heritage of the historically-important northern Greek region of Macedonia. Greece agreed that the adjective "Macedonian" could be used to describe the language spoken by the ethnic Macedonian majority in northern Macedonia, as well as for citizenship, along with "of North Macedonia." The development has paved the way for North Macedonia's accession to NATO, and the country was also expected to be able to join the European Union. Greece had previously vetoed the country's accession to both organizations. The name issue emerged soon after North Macedonia proclaimed independence from Yugoslavia back in 1991. North Macedonia was only admitted to the United Nations in 1993 under the now-defunct name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, following Greek objections.

North Macedonian state-owned institutions change names after dealing with Greece

Permanent representatives of the 29 members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Wednesday signed the Accession Protocol for the Republic of North Macedonia in Brussels, clearing the way for the Balkan nation to become the alliance's 30th member.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and Macedonia's Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov led the accession protocol signing ceremony at the alliance's headquarters in the Belgian capital.

Following the signing of the protocol, North Macedonia can take part in NATO activities as an invitee, said NATO in a statement published on its website.

The accession process now moves to the capitals of the 29 NATO members, where the protocol will be ratified according to national procedures. North Macedonia will become a member of NATO as soon as all members have ratified the protocol, said the statement.

Greece had previously blocked its neighbour's NATO membership over a name dispute. Athens saw the former Yugoslav republic's name as a threat to its own administrative region of Macedonia.

The Balkan nation has agreed to change its name to "Republic of North Macedonia" to gain access to NATO and the European Union (EU).

Permanent representatives of the 29 members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Wednesday signed the Accession Protocol for the Republic of North Macedonia in Brussels, clearing the way for the Balkan nation to become the alliance's 30th member.

Permanent representatives of the 29 members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Wednesday signed the Accession Protocol for the Republic of North Macedonia in Brussels, clearing the way for the Balkan nation to become the alliance's 30th member. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and Macedonia's Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov led the accession protocol signing ceremony at the alliance's headquarters in the Belgian capital. Following the signing of the protocol, North Macedonia can take part in NATO activities as an invitee, said NATO in a statement published on its website. The accession process now moves to the capitals of the 29 NATO members, where the protocol will be ratified according to national procedures. North Macedonia will become a member of NATO as soon as all members have ratified the protocol, said the statement. Greece had previously blocked its neighbour's NATO membership over a name dispute. Athens saw the former Yugoslav republic's name as a threat to its own administrative region of Macedonia. The Balkan nation has agreed to change its name to "Republic of North Macedonia" to gain access to NATO and the European Union (EU).

NATO signs accession protocol with Macedonia to become alliance partner

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