Galery

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Before the crisis in Lebanon, Greece was also one the first countries to send tons of humanitarian help to the Tsunami victims during the Christmas of 2004. It was again an initiative of the Foreign Minister to be the first one to send emergent help to Gaza on January 1^st, 2009. “What is happing in Gaza is a catastrophe in great proportions. We have to do whatever we can to stop the violence and murder in Gaza and to transport the needed help…” says Minister Bakoyanni. “The Greek society has paid in advance for many years ahead to terrorism,” says Bakoyanni regarding the military attacks against the Palestinian territories. 

Despite all, Dora Bakoyanni is criticized that she did not provide the political protection to the ship traveling with the Greek flag, which was sent to Gaza with volunteers of the “Free Gaza Movement.” Their lives were threatened by the Israeli navy and the ship was forced to return. 

The big problem of the Greek diplomacy still remains unsolved – the name of the Republic of Macedonia. With its relentlessness, Greece astonished some of its allies but it received the full support of other. Last spring it vetoed Macedonia’s admittance into NATO. The Macedonian politicians are also adamant. Slowing down the decision about FYRUM’s name is an obstacle for Macedonia to participate in international organizations. It is also an obstacle for the start of the integrating procedures into the EU.

Women and terrorism

Dora Bakoyanni took the initiative to organize a conference for “Women against Terrorism,” this spring in Athens. She herself has suffered through the loss of her husband, who was murdered by the terrorist organization “November 17^th” in Athens, in front of his office. The conference will host many public representatives, political leaders, scientists, victims of terrorism. Condoleezza Rice and the US State Department have provided a lot of help for the realization of this meeting. Dora Bakoyanni is actively supporting the victims of terrorist attacks and their relatives and has always stood behind initiatives connected to women’s rights and their importance in public life. During March 1992, Dora Bakoyanni was awarded with the “International Leaders Award” by the International women’s center. 

“Two are the things, which need to be clear,” says Dora Bakoyanni – “First: Human dignity and the right for life are holy and are not under any discussion. And second: Human life has the same value in New York, Mumbai, Athens, Istanbul, Madrid, Gaza or in Jerusalem. Just like the sorrow for our loved and lost ones – it is the same no matter what religion we are or where in the planet we may be.” 

Dora Bakoyanni is advancing determined, without giving occasions for gossip or big scandals. She always manages to attract people’s attention when she appears. She is moving exceptionally light but also with caution on the political arena. This is what keeps her for all those 30 years among the leaders with three successful mandates in the Greek parliament – Minister of Culture, Mayor of Athens during the Olympic Games, and Foreign Affairs Minister in Kostas Karamanlis’ administration. Dora Bakoyanni does not hide her leader ambitions and she is always supporting the current Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis.