Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-05-19 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] There is light at the end of the tunnel, SYRIZA spox Mantas says [02] Mexican Navy sailing ship "Cuauhtemoc" in Souda for five days [03] Registered unemployment down 5.77 pct in April [04] Greece signs Nicosia Convention on offences related to cultural property goods [05] 58 migrants and refugees arrived on the northern Aegean islands in the last 48h --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] There is light at the end of the tunnel, SYRIZA spox Mantas says Following the voting of the measures and the offset measures in the parliament, an extremely difficult period ends but for the first time with perspective and light at the end of the tunnel, SYRIZA parliamentary spokesman Christos Mantas said on Friday in statements to the Athens Macedonian News Agency's radio station Praktoreio 104.9 FM. Asked on that perspective, Mantas said that the people cannot see it if they do not feel it in their everyday life. He suggested cautiousness ahead of the conclusion of the agreement at the Eurogroup on May 22, to wait and see what will happen with the ECB quantitative easing programme that will bring some normality in the economy and help the economy recover. [02] Mexican Navy sailing ship "Cuauhtemoc" in Souda for five days Mexico Navy's sail training tall ship "Cuauhtemoc" docked on Wednesday at Souda port, Crete. Cuauhtemoc that is carrying out an education trip was welcomed by the ambassador of Mexico to Greece Daniel Hernadez-Joseph and representatives of the local authorities. "The vessel acts as a Mexican ambassador of friendship to every port it moors and we want to bring something from Mexico, the culture, the history and the heart of Mexico" said the Mexican ambassador. The 237- member crew (among them 43 trainees) training sail vessel will remain in Souda for the next five days. [03] Registered unemployment down 5.77 pct in April Registered unemployment fell by 5.77 pct in April, or by 52,972, compared with March, official figures said on Friday. A report by the Workforce Employment Organization (OAED) said that the number of registered unemployed in the country (seeking jobs) was 865,209 in April from 918,181 in March, of which 496,349 (or 57.37 pct) were long-term unemployed (more than 12 months). Women accounted for 62.17 pct of registered unemployment and men for 37.83 pct. The number of registered unemployed not seeking jobs fell to 105,119 in April, down 29.97 pct from March, while the number of people receiving unemployment benefit fell 17.92 pct to 116.085. [04] Greece signs Nicosia Convention on offences related to cultural property goods The 127th annual meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, with the participation of 28 foreign ministers, 8 deputy foreign ministers and 10 permanent representatives of the 47 member states of the organization, is taking place on Friday in Nicosia with the participation of Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias. The participants signed the Nicosia Convention on offences related to cultural goods. This is the first international treaty that provides for the criminalization of the illicit trafficking of cultural property goods. The convention was signed by Greece, Cyprus, Armenia, Portugal, San Marino and Mexico. The Greek Foreign Minister described as contradictory and often competitive the relationship between the economic system and democracy, pointing out that "what is mediating in order to move and survive this relationship is the rule of law." The agenda of the meeting also included the issue of "enhancing democratic security in Europe," the fight against terrorism, the issue of migration and the conflicts in Europe. At the closing session, Cyprus will deliver the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers to the Czech Republic. [05] 58 migrants and refugees arrived on the northern Aegean islands in the last 48h 58 migrants and refugees arrived on the northern Aegean islands in the last 48 hours. 29 of them arrived on Chios, 18 on Lesvos and 11 on Samos. Police said that 8,892 migrants and refugees that have sought asylum and their request has been not examined yet remain stranded on Friday on the Greek islands of Lesvos (3,144 persons), Chios (3,909 persons) and Samos (1,839 persons).