A statue of Maria Callas, created by sculptor Nikos Floros, has been adorning the main building of UNESCO in Paris since Thursday.

During its unveiling, which took place at the initiative of the Greek Delegation to UNESCO and in collaboration with the Italian Delegation, the Greek Permanent Representative, George Koumoutsakos emphasised that Maria Callas was a universal Greek woman, a "Diva", as everyone knew her, who with her magical voice took opera out of the halls of the great theatres, expanding the familiar audience. "With her Mediterranean temperament and constant search for perfection, Callas will forever be a goodwill ambassador for UNESCO," concluded Koumoutsakos.

On his part, sculptor Nikos Floros explained that he wanted his sculpture to be made of bronze because bronze is "a strong and eternal material, like the talent and legacy of Callas." He expressed his satisfaction with the fact that, after Venice and Rome, his sculpture is being exhibited at UNESCO, an organisation "that protects the culture and memory of the world."

An armed robbery with scenes of cinematic suspense unfolded a short time ago at a bank branch in Katohi, Aitoloakarnania region, with the perpetrators holding hostages for 15 minutes, opening the safe and leaving unmolested with 200,000 euros in their hands.

The need to have a common defence umbrella between member states of the EU and the necessary financial tools to support it was mentioned by the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, on the occasion of his participation in the informal Council of Foreign Affairs and Defence of the European Union with the participation of the Ministers of Defence, which was organised by the Polish Presidency in Warsaw.

The Public Power Corporation (PPC) plans to invest €5.75 billion in the Western Macedonia region to establish a green energy and technology hub for Greece and southeastern Europe, the company announced.