The 56 countries of the OSCE, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, met in Corfu the past few days to discuss various issues including reevaluating diplomatic ties with Russia after last years confrontation with Georgia and broader security and immigration issues facing the OSCE.
Greece, being the current rotating president of the organization, was also able to discuss some domestic issues including:
- Problem of illegal immigration into Greece
- The Cyprus Issue
- Tensions in the Aegean
- Efforts to secure visa free travel to the US.
US Secretary of State was not able to attend the summit due to her arm injury but US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg seemed to addressed all the domestic issues that Greece had brought to the table.
OSCE 2009 Corfu
Other Greek Related News:
-Athens has unveiled a new 15 euro tourist ticket which will enable tourists to use unlimited trips on the city's public transportation system, including travel to and from the airport and a ride along the city's new tourist bus. The ticket has a life span of three days and will be issued starting July 1.
-The Hellenic Foundation of Culture and the Greek community of Trieste (Italy) are hosting a Greek cinema tribute as part of the larger International Festival Maremetraggio. The festival runs until July 4.
-The United States has its new Greek ambassador. Vassilis Kaskarellis has been appointed the new Greek ambassador to the country. Born in Athens, Kaskarellis graduated from the universities of Athens and Thessaloniki, where he studied Economic and Political Sciences, as well as Law.
posted on Tuesday, June 30