Deputy Foreign Minister Kyriakos Gerontopoulos briefed the Parliamentary Special Permanent Committee on Greeks abroad today, Wednesday, 29 January, on issues within his portfolio.
Mr. Gerontopoulos began by stressing his pride in Greeks abroad, who constitute Greece’s positive image, noting that, wherever he has traveled during his time as Deputy Foreign Minister, he has been received warmly by Greeks abroad and the governments of their countries.
He also referred to the outstanding work and important role of the Church. “Our Church abroad is a rallying point for Greeks. Our Patriarchates are the outposts of Christianity and Hellenism,” he pointed out, also stressing the great importance of the passing on of Greek language and culture. He gave examples from his visits to South Korea, Armenia and Hungary, where there are chairs of Modern Greek Studies, and stated that “despite the economic crisis, we are trying to support Greek schools abroad through the Secretariat General for Greeks Abroad.”
Mr. Gerontopoulos referred to the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), stressing the importance of consensus on the draft law that is to be voted on in Parliament, so that it can be passed by a broad majority, and stating that “I am prepared to discuss all the issues, whether they are included in the draft law or not. There are various opinions on the issue of representation – that is, whether the right to vote at the SAE will be limited to organizations or whether individuals, too, will be allowed to vote, or a combination of the two. Our goal is for there to be consensus amongst all the parties on the issue of the SAE and Hellenism Abroad in general, and for the law to be passed by a broad majority.
He also clarified that his main goal is for the process to be completed as soon as possible. “We have to bear in mind the experience of the years of SAE operation, and not repeat the same mistakes.” Finally, he pointed out that the SAE is a very useful agency that needs to be strong so that it can influence parliaments and governments throughout the world regarding our national issues, while at the same time conveying the pulse, the problems and the views of Hellenism Abroad to the given government in Greece.
January 29, 2014