Greece marks anniversary of its independence

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Greece marks anniversary of its independence

Who wouldn't want to attend a party thrown by the embassy of the country that worshiped Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry? The Greek Embassy held a celebratory luncheon last week to mark its National Day, March 25. On that day in 1821, a Bishop Germanos hoisted the Greek flag over a monastery to signal the beginning of the war of independence from the Ottoman Empire. Greece's victory in 1830 ended 400 years of Ottoman rule.

Judging by the hundreds of ambassadors, politicians, and other attendees at the party, held at the Hilton Hotel, the Greek Embassy knows how to throw a party.

The Greek ambassador, Constantin Fotilas, said that while Greece and Korea may be on opposite sides of the globe, they have many things in common. Both countries lie near the 38th parallel and both have fought for their independence.

While Greece is Korea's biggest shipbuilding customer, and a large community of Greek nationals live in Busan, the focus of last week's party was on athletes.

Korea is preparing to host the 2002 World Cup next month, and Greece is preparing for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.

by Joe Yong-hee

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