February 19

Events

• 1908: There is a big uproar in educational circles as the Demotic version of the Greek language is introduced in Primary Schools.
• 1912: Greek reporters are expelled from Turkey having been accused of writing "divisive" articles.
• 1956: ERE controversially defeat the Democratic Union coalition - which polled more votes - to win 165 seats in the Greek Parliament.
• 1959: The London Treaty is signed granting independence to Cyprus.

Sports

• 2005: Panathinaikos won the Greek Basketball Cup after achieving a 72-67 victory over Aris at Lindo in Heraklion, Crete. This was the eighth time Panathinaikos won the Basketball Cup, equalling Aris' successes.

Births

• 1900: Giorgos Seferis, poet

Deaths

• 1964: Giorgos Kalafatis, founder of Panathinaikos FC.