SNF irked by gov’t inaction
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation has slammed the government for failing to follow through on muchhyped plans to regenerate the Faliro Bay area in southern Athens. The philanthropic organization, which is currently building a cultural center to accommodate Greece’s National Opera and Library, also funded a study on the coastal revamp. The regeneration of the area was initially seen being completed by the end of 2015, to coincide with the opening of the cultural center. “We are annoyed because works have not progressed at all, despite occasional assurances,” said Giorgos Agouridis, an SNF board member. The government has failed to include the project in National Strategic Reference Framework-funded programs while the environmental study was only put to public consultation a few days ago.
Lavrentiadis offer.
Businessman Lavrentis Lavrentiadis has made a new attempt to be released from pretrial custody and placed under house arrest, Kathimerini has learned. It is believed that the entrepreneur offered to hand over 160 million euros of his money to the state. The cash is currently deposited in a foreign bank account that has been frozen as part of the probe into Lavrentiadis’s alleged embezzlement of 700 million euros from Proton Bank. Sources said it was unlikely that the offer would be accepted.
Navy assistance.
Two navy ships, the Prometheus and Chios, sailed for Cephalonia on Saturday to transport medicines and basic goods to the Ionian island, which was rocked by an earthquake the previous Sunday. Six doctors were also on board the ships. The Chios can accommodate 250 people if needed. Safety checks on homes and other buildings on the island are continuing.
Theofilou verdict.
A ruling in the trial of Tasos Theofilou, the 31-year-old accused of killing a taxi driver during an armed robbery on the island of Paros in August 2012, is expected this week. Theofilou is also accused of being linked to urban guerrilla group Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire. The prosecutor has recommended the judges find him guilty, mainly on the basis of DNA evidence matched to a cap police officers found at the crime scene. Theofilou, who describes himself as an anarchist and communist, denies the accusations.
Greek wild card.
The Greek national basketball team was awarded a wild card on Saturday for the World Championships in Spain later this year. Basketball’s world governing body, FIBA, filled the four empty slots for the tournament, due to take place between August 30 and September 14, by inviting Greece, Turkey, Brazil and Finland. The draw for the event will be held today.