STAYING IN TOUCH 103
A NEWSLETTTER FROM THE SAE OCEANIA CO-ORDINATOR
On behalf of SAE Oceania’s Regional Council I extend a warm welcome to all delegates attending the Oceania Regional Conference in Melbourne. This is most likely the largest and most representative conference ever held in Australia with delegates from every Australian State and Territory and New Zealand representing every major Greek Community, Federation and Organisation of strategic importance.
The programme is detailed hereunder:
English Version (word doc)
Greek Version (word doc)
STAYING IN TOUCH No. 102
A NEWSLETTER FROM THE SAE OCEANIA COORDINATOR
SAE’s Presidium held its meeting in Cyprus demonstrating its solidarity and support for the Government and people of Cyprus for a just and lasting solution. Deputy Foreign Ministry Theodoros Kassimis and representatives of the main parliamentary parties attended. The new SAE law (which was passed by the Hellenic Parliament in July) was discussed and it was resolved to hold the next World Conference in Thessaloniki on 8-10 December 2006, in accordance with the new law. Amongst the issues raised by Oceania were the Elliniada, library for the apodimoi, voting rights for the apodimoi, recognition of the Australian University bachelor degrees, the establishment of a Ministry of Immigration , repatriation and apodimoi. Meetings were also held with President Tassos Papadopoulos, Defence Minister Fivos Klokkaris and Nicosia Mayor Michael Zampelas who personally guided us through the Old City to the green line - Nicosia remaining the only divided European capital city. The most moving experience, however, was the visit to the “imprisoned graves” the gallows were the EOKA heroes were executed and which is today their final resting place.
OCEANIA REGIONAL CONFERENCE
SAE Oceania delegates should note that the date for our Regional Conference has been changed to 27-29 October 2006 in Melbourne.
SOCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT
Following the visit of the Australian delegation to Athens in July the Greek delegation will be in Canberra in the middle of November for the next round of negotiations. The writer was told that the final and concluding phase will be in February-March of 2007.
GREEK FILM FESTIVAL
This is one of the great annual highlights and will be held in Sydney (commencin 13th September) Melbourne (commencing 20th September), Adelaide (commencing 28th September), Canberra (commencing 12th October) and Brisbane (commencing 19 October). SAE Oceania is proud to be a major sponsor and congratulates the Greek Orthodox Communities for organising this very important event.
ETHNIKA THEMATA
Turkey has an obligation to comply with EU requirements if it is to progress with its accession. One of these requirements is to open its ports and airports to all EU member states. It unabashedly refuses to do so in the case of Cyprus. The EU report due in October will state that Turkey has failed to comply with this (and many other) requirements. The door could be slammed in Turkey’s face and many in the EU world like to do so. The UK and USA, however, are exerting enormous pressure on the EU to grant Turkey a further extension in order to comply. Turkey has unequivocally stated it will not comply. Some analysts predict a stalemate even if a further extension is allowed. It may, however, be an opportunity (perhaps the final) for Athens and Nicosia to get Turkey to agree to a precise and binding timetable.
There is no doubt that the best defence is always offence. In response to criticisms about the violations of Christians’ religious rights in Turkey, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan had the audacity to cite the fact that the muftis in Western Thrace are appointed by the Hellenic Government and not voted as the Ecumenical Patriarch is. What should be noted is (i) the mufti is not only a religious leader but also an Islamic Judicial Officer. Indeed, Hellas is the only European country that implements Islamic law (Sharia) for its muslim citizens (ii) Turkey screens candidates for the election of the Patriarch and can delete (and has done so on many occasions) any name on the list, (iii) Turkey refuses to recognise the ecumenical nature of the Patriarchate (iv) Christian churches, welfare institutions and other property have been confiscated in Turkey, not one such incident has been reported in Hellas, (v) the Moslem population in Thrace has grown since the exchange of populations in 1923 to over 120,000 whereas the Greek population of Turkey from 150,000 50 years ago now is about 3,000 as a result of state orchestrated pogroms such as the one that occurred on 6th September 1955. Once again Turkey is trying to extricate itself from an embarrassing situation (its failure to reopen the Halki Theological College, the Patriarch’s lawsuit in the European Court relating to confiscation of property) by presenting a picture to the EU of two supposedly unfriendly neighbours each intimidating its minorities. It is a continuation of the absurd situation under which Turkey seeks EU membership but does not recognise one of the EU members (which it occupies in violation of UN resolutions) and threatens Hellas with war if it exercises its rights to extend its territorial waters in accordance with international law! “All animals are equal…” which also reminds us of the situation in Lebanon. As an aside to the latest tragic events in that region both Greece and Cyprus have been extensively praised for their humanitarian efforts to assist evacuees. More than 30 countries and the UN officially requested the Hellenic Government’s support for the transportation of their citizens out of Lebanon.
Closing on a pleasant note- Congratulations to the Greek basketball team for its fantastic performance in the world championships.
Stay in Touch!
Costa Vertzayias 6th September 2006
In SAE's service
By resolution of SAE Oceania's Council, Mr Costas Potiris has been appointed as Administrative Manager. Mr Potiris’ journalistic and translating experience of many years and his further professional skills will address special needs in SAE's fast development, which is founded by the implementation of the new law and will function methodically and effectively for the benefit of the Greek community.
STAYING IN TOUCH NO: 101
July 2006
A NEWSLETTER FROM THE SAE OCEANIA COORDINATOR
Most member organisations of SAE Oceania have responded to our invitation to provide details of their delegates for the forthcoming Regional Conference to be held in Melbourne on 13 – 15 October, 2006. Oceania’s Regional Council will meet this weekend in Sydney to collate the information and commence preparation for the Conference. SAE’s presidium will meet with Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis in Cyprus on 21 – 24 August to discuss the new SAE law and final plans for the Regional and World Conferences. The Presidium’s meeting is being held in Cyprus to coincide with the POMAK Conference and to express SAE’s solidarity with the Government and people of Cyprus.
OPEN UNIVERSITY
A public meeting convened by SAE Oceania resolved to form a committee which would administer an Open University for the Greek Community in Sydney. Dr Vrasidas Karalis from Sydney University in his presentation gave the philosophy behind the proposal and preliminary details. It is hoped that the Open University can commence classes in early 2007 and the first venue will be at AHEPA Hall with academics and post graduate students from all three universities providing the tutoring. There will be no formal requirements in order to enrol and each participant will receive a certificate on completion of the course. The course material will be prepared by an academic committee which will work together with the administrative committee comprised of representatives from community organisations. In addition to the presentation by Dr Karalis on the Open University, Dr Antonis Dracopoulos (SAE Oceania Academics Network Co-Ordinator) sketched the difficulties facing Modern Greek Studies across all levels due to declining numbers and made certain proposals which the administrative committee will examine together with the Open University.
ETHNIKA THEMATA
In its attempt to alter the balance of power in the Aegean Turkey is destabilising the region paradoxically at a time when Athens is its strongest supporter for European membership. It is becoming apparent, however, that Turkey’s European dream is becoming illusive. From a number of European quarters the call for a special relationship with Turkey is being resurrected. Although details of such a relationship have not been defined the broad elements would be the participation of the Turkish market in the EU but would exclude Turkey from participating in the European institutions. This solution (which would not challenge the generals’ control of power) does not really suit Turkey and certainly does not suit Hellas which would be left with a neighbour unprepared to make concessions in Cyprus and observe international norms of behaviour in the Aegean and in respect to Turkey’s Christian subjects. It is thus imperative that Athens and Nicosia co-operate closely as important deadlines (October – progress report, December – assessment by the 25) are approaching for Turkey and which Turkey will not meet. One is the obligation for Turkey to implement the customs union with Cyprus, and which, in blatant defiance of an EU requirement, has already declared it will not do. The USA is pressing the EU to grant Turkey a further extension. Athens and Nicosia must have a joint strategy and not deviate from it as they are confronted by new developments and pressures. No matter how important it is from the Greek side for Turkey to join the EU it is much more important for the Turks. Therefore, Turkey must comply with its obligations to the EU, no excuses, no exceptions and the Greek side must insist on just that – no more, no less. The USA and UK, instead of asking the EU for more time for Turkey, should be telling Turkey to comply. Turkey has a long history of ignoring UN resolutions and international law and this must not extend to the EU.
2.
On another front the propaganda emanating from FYROM expatriates has increased dramatically. And this at a time when many Slav Macedonians are applying for Bulgarian citizenship (on the basis of their declared Bulgarian ethnicity) so as to move to Bulgaria when it joins the EU in 2007! So, one may ask if 30% of the inhabitants of FYROM declare themselves as ethnic Albanians and other ethnic groups and the majority so called “Macedonians” are ethnic Bulgarians then why is FYROM battling so hard to get recognition as “Macedonia”?
SAE NEWS
- George Papagiannopoulos (SAE Oceania Youth Network Co-Ordinator and his immediate predecessor Dean Kalimnios will represent SAE Oceania at a Youth Conference and Festival of Greek Culture in Almaty Kazakhstan. Greeks meeting in Central Asia sends a strong message of solidarity for those Hellenes who need our support most and the ecumenical mission of SAE – arms stretched across the globe united together.
- SAE Oceania’s organisation of books from Greek Australian authors at the recent International Book Exhibition in Thessaloniki was an act of appreciation to the numerous works of literature written in Australia over the decades. It was the only stall of its kind at the exhibition and attracted great interest. Our thanks to SAE Oceania Cultural Network Co-Ordinator Dr John Vassilakakos for organising and overseeing the exhibits from Oceania. On a sad note we note the passing of Theodoros Tsonis, publicist and bookseller, who personally assisted SAE Oceania in two precious book exhibitions held in Athens at which books from Australia were exhibited.
- I must once again congratulate OEEGA (Organisation of Hellene and Hellene Cypriot Women) for their support of SAE’s Mothers of Hellenism project – Australian mothers have “adopted” 140 children from the Black Sea countries more than any other organisation or country in the world. In addition, Greek Australian businessman George Thomas donated $10,000.00 and restaurateur Bill Mougios has supplied all equipment for a Greek School in the Ukraine. This project not only demonstrates how SAE has been of practical benefit to fellow Hellenes but also the generosity and humanitarian acts of Greek Australians.
- Kevin O’Toole’s fantastic audio-visual presentation on the Art of the Parthenon will be held at the Greek Club, Brisbane on Monday 31st July at 7p.m. Not only is this a “must not miss” event but also another timely reminder to call for the restitution of the Parthenon Marbles. The return of artefacts from the Getty Museum New York sends a strong message to the British Museum that the time is approaching.
- SAE Oceania calls upon all Greek Australians to declare their Hellenic heritage in the census to be held throughout Australia on Tuesday 8 August. In particular it is important to respond to the questions relating to religion, ancestry and language spoken other than English.
In closing July always reminds us of the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus which still continues after 32 years. When will the ordeal end? When will freedom and justice be restored?
Stay in Touch!
28 July, 2006
Costa Vertzayias
STAYING IN TOUCH NO. 96
A NEWSLETTER FROM THE SAE OCEANIA CO-ORDINATOR
Dear Friends,
This bulletin opens with the exhilaration and joy that Markos Baghdatis gave to Cyprus and all Hellenes during the Australian open. Indeed, he was embraced by all Australians and watched as far away as Northern Ipiros by many people who had never seen tennis in their life. His enthusiasm was infectious and his unaffected nature won him and the game many new fans. Bravo, too, to the Melbourne supporters for raising the issue of Cyprus.
CYPRUS
Anglo-American pressure has increased on Cyprus to try and obtain some type of Taiwan like status for the occupied territory. Turkey’s recent proposal to open Turkish ports and airspace to Greek Cypriot ships and planes in exchange for removing the economic embargo on the occupation regime is once again aimed at deflecting attention from the real issues and causing confusion. The opening of ports and airports to Cyprus is an obligation Turkey has to fulfill in order to enter the EU and this cannot be presented as a compromise or concession. Turkey is an occupying power in blatant breach of UN Resolutions and is trying by all means possible to legitimize its illegal action in Cyprus, by upgrading the status of the regime in the occupied territory. Turkey made this proposal solely to avoid its clear obligations to the EU.
MINISTERIAL CHANGES
There have been important changes in both Hellas and Australia after the recent Cabinet reshuffles. Theodoros Kassimis has replaced Panayiotis Skandalakis as Deputy Foreign Minister with responsibility for the apodimoi. His new boss is Dora Bakoyianni, the outgoing Mayor of Athens. Savvas Tsitouridis has replaced Panos Panayiotopoulos as Social Security Minister and this has been mirrored in Australia by Senator Kay Patterson and Joe Hockey. Let us hope that this will not seriously delay the negotiations for the final draft of a Social Security Agreement between the two countries.
2.
SAE PRESIDIUM MEETING
The SAE Board will meet in Thessaloniki on 9 – 12 March with the new Deputy Minister Kassimis. Oceania issues will include the Social Security Agreement, the recognition of Australian University Degrees and other educational matters. The writer has prepared submissions on behalf of the Board to the Hellenic Government on the Elliniada, the Parthenon Marbles and the establishment of a Ministry for Immigration, Repatriation and Apodimoi. The new Minister will brief the Board on progress with the new SAE law and dates for the Regional and World Conferences to be held later this year.
JOTTINGS
- In SAE Oceania’s drive for the restitution of the Parthenon Marbles a series of seminars will be held in all capital cities beginning in Melbourne on 29 March, 2006 – look out for the announcements.
- February is synonymous with the liberation of Ipiros and the autonomy of Northern Ipiros and to celebrate the events various functions have been planned in the major cities.
- March is festival month with Adelaide hosting its Glendi day on Sunday the 12th and Sydney on Sunday the 26th to coincide with Independence Day. Melbourne’s Antipodes Festival will go over to April due to the Commonwealth Games.
- The KEP (Kentro ExuphrethshV Politwn) internet service will soon operate at the Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Consulates. This service will provide information when dealing with Hellenic Government Ministries and Authorities.
- A reminder to all travel agents and would be pilgrims to Gallipoli to include Lemnos, Athens and Crete in their itinerary. Not only are there Commonwealth war cemeteries in those locations but also a vast history that connects Hellas and Australia as allies in both world wars in many campaigns including the illustrious Battle of Crete. Did you know that apart from Britain, Hellas and France are the only two European countries and allies where Australian soldiers have fought and died.
- The seventh festival of student theatre will be held at the University of Crete between 1 and 7 July, 2006. Applications must be submitted by 15 April, 2006. For details e-mail ediamme@edc.uoc.gr
- As part of the cultural events for the Turin Winter Olympic Games there is a unique exhibition of an ancient Greek 1st B.C. papyrus copy of the geographer Artemidoros vast cartographical work which is lost in its entirety. The papyrus was in the ground for over 1800 years and was purchased by an Italian Foundation for $3.4 million in 2004. The 2.5 metre x 32.5 centimetre papyrus is being displayed for the first time and according to the exhibition’s curator “helps write new pages of Greek literature, cartography and art history”.
Stay in touch !
20 February, 2006
Costa Vertzayias
STAYING IN TOUCH NO. 72
A NEWSLETTER FROM THE SAE OCEANIA CO-ORDINATOR
Dear Friends,
The emphatic “No” by the Greek Cypriots
leads this bulletin. After 30 years of hypocrisy by the international
community, which completely disregarded the numerous U.N. Resolutions
on Cyprus, these same hypocrites have the audacity to forget all
that has transpired and present the referendum result as one in
which Turkish Cypriots wanted reunification but the Greek Cypriots
voted “No”. It scandalously ignores the fact that it
has been the Greek Cypriots who have been struggling for the unification
of their country, following the invasion, ethnic cleansing, and
the settlement of colonists in the occupied territory by Turkey
in defiance of countless U.N. Resolutions, damning reports by the
Council of Europe and judgments of the European Court of Human Rights.
The Greek Cypriots did not say “No” to reunification,
they said “No” to a plan that legitimises the de facto
partition, pardon’s Turkey’s documented violations of
human rights, forces the Greek Cypriots to pay the cost of Turkey’s
occupation and most importantly, does not provide a viable and functional
constitutional framework. Greek Cypriots WANT reunification based
on U.N. Resolutions, E.U. law, on the basic principles of democracy
and the rule of law. Finally, the most fundamental tenet of a referendum
is that the people should be able to freely express their opinion
without the threats and intimidation that they will be punished
if they vote “No”. Despite those threats and failure
by the U.N., the E.U. and the U.S.A. to take a neutral position
the people voted “No”. Why is it that the overwhelming
majority’s decision in Cyprus cannot be accepted?
Athens Olympic Games
The adverse media attention on Athens continues
in the face of the real facts as stated by the most objective authorities:-
Scotland Yard ridiculed the Times of London, Kevan Gosper refers
to the Olympic Village as the safest place on earth during the Olympics
and the evidence - $1 billion to be spent on security (compared
to $231 million in Sydney), almost 50,000 security personnel on
the ground and NATO patrolling the skies and waterways; the venues
are world class, architecturally impressive and breathtaking, (Gosper
admits that the media facilities are superior to those of Sydney
and that ATHOC has been much more open and truthful than SOCOG was);
and the new tram and suburban railway will be operational by early
July. Further, and despite the worldwide negativity and instability
Athens had sold almost 2 million tickets at the close of the last
selling session. Sales will restart on 1 June, 2004. Ticket sales
to the public outside of Hellas are up by 20% over Sydney. It is
sad that there is bias and some malice in the way the media portray
Athens (the actual 60 minutes programme from America was balanced
but channel 9’s previews were not; headlines such as “Let
the Greek Comedy begin” and “countdown to chaos”
create a misconception of an impending Olympic disaster and completely
ignore the many “firsts” (even on volunteer applications
Athens received 160,000 as compared to 76,000 in Sydney) already
achieved by Athens).
In the meantime we are getting ready to welcome
the Athens Olympic Torch in Australia – its first stop. In
Sydney the Hellenic Community has organised a celebration at Brighton
on Friday 4 June between 11a.m. and 1p.m. and a special fundraising
luncheon for the AOC. Olive trees are to be planted along the route
of the flame and there will be a Greek flavour at the Olympic Stadium
in the evening. Let the Athens, Olympic Games celebrations begin
in Sydney!
On another positive note we are delighted to learn that the replica
of the ancient Athenian trireme – “Olympias” will
carry the Olympic Torch. This had been proposed for the Sydney Olympics
and had the agreement of the Hellenic Navy and the N.S.W. Government
but did not eventuate because of a veto by one of Sydney’s
major sponsors. Now our proposal to Athens has been accepted and
the trireme will participate in the torch relay.
ECCLESIASTICAL DISPUTE
No, not our one in Australia but the dangerous
deterioration in relations between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and
the Church of Greece. This is a third major issue for the Ethnos
and makes 2004, as expected, a major and tumultuous year. It is
important that a speedy resolution is found so as to not endanger
in any way the Ecumenical Patriarchate which has endured countless
assaults over the past seventeen centuries and stands out as not
only the beacon of Orthodoxy but as an internationally recognised
symbol of Hellenism with a history, tradition and culture that directly
links us to Byzantium and our medieval past.
An example of this extraordinary continuity
is the formal apology by the Archbishop of Lyon who attended a liturgy
in Constantinople to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the sack
of the city in April, 1204. Patriarch Vartholomeos accepted “the
apology” and the reassurance that the West will never again
undertake such an abomination against the Christians of the East”.
(What do you call the pressure applied to the (Christian) Greek
Cypriots during April 2004 – Editors Note). Following the
cordial reception afforded to Turkish P.M. Erdogan on his recent
visit to Hellas and the warming of Greco-Turkish relations perhaps
it is the right time for a goodwill gesture by Turkey to allow the
re-opening of the Theological School of Halki. You can support the
call by clicking in on:- htt://www.Greece.org/themis/halki
MAY COMMEMORATIONS
On the 19th May each year we commemorate the
Pontian Genocide and the Asia Minor Holocaust. Canada is the latest
country to recognise the Armenian Genocide, its Parliament recently
voting 153 – 68 in favour of doing so. If Turkey is to ever
be truly accepted as a member of Europe it must accept and apologise
for the mistakes of the past and commit itself to a new future.
During May we also have the Battle of Crete and liberation of Thrace
commemorations. Let us attend the various events being organised
and show support for our Pontian, Cretan and Thracian brothers.
CULTURAL EVENTS
SAE Oceania’s Cultural Network has organised
the following events:-
1. A series of five seminars
on the history of the Hellenic Language. These will be held each
Sunday, commencing on 20th June at the Alexander Club, Livingstone
Road, Marrickville between 4p.m. and 6.30p.m. For details contact
Yota Krili on (02) 9660 4428.
2. The deadline for submissions for the SAE Oceania
2004 literary contest is 31st October, 2004. For details contact
Dr John Vasilakakos on (03) 9510 6887.
3. The world premiere of the play “Ellada’s
Odysseia” will be held in Sydney during the months of September
and October. The production will be the result of a collaboration
between five Sydney theatrical troupes.
I also take this opportunity to thank Yota Krili
and the organising committee of the 2003 literary contest, George
Lianos and AHEPA (NSW).
A.H.C.
The Australian Hellenic Council will hold its
annual Conference in Canberra between 19 – 21 June, 2004.
The Niki Awards for 2004 will be presented at a dinner to be held
at the Hellenic Club on Sunday, 20 June at 7.30p.m. For tickets
call the Hellenic Club on (02) 6281 0899.
JOTTINGS
· EPA 5, “the voice of Greece’s”
radio programme may now be heard on www.voiceofgreece.gr
· The deadline for Applications for the
Pan-Hellenic Games to be held in Sydney in October has been extended
to the 31st May, 2004.
· The writer is privileged to be the Australian
Institute of International Affairs’ guest speaker on Thursday
20 May, 2004 at 6p.m. The venue is at the “Glover Cottages,
124 Kent Street, Sydney. RSVP 9427 2709
· SAE World President Andrew Athens has
been honoured by the American Jewish Committee for his leadership
in promoting relations among America’s ethnic groups. Mr Athens’
close ties with Jewish Americans assisted in the recent recognition
of Patriarch Ireneos by Israel. Well deserved!
· Another area where Andrew Athens’
hard work has been inspirational is the medical centres in the former
Soviet Union and Albania. In just 5 years $53 million worth of medicines,
supplies and equipment have been distributed. The new food distribution
programme has sent four containers of food to Hellenes in Georgia,
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. If you would like to assist any of the
SAE programmes your donation may be deposited at any Commonwealth
Bank branch in the following account:- World Council of Hellenes
Appeal
o Account No. 2200 1008 7044
· Parthenon Marbles - support the call by
registering your support on the electronic petition direct to the
U.K. Parliament on www.saeoceania.org.au
· The Albanian Parliament voted against
a motion brought by the Nationalist Party in support of the Tsamides
(political exiles from Hellas who sided with the fascist forces
during world war II). Is this a sign of political maturity in the
Balkans? Perhaps the Albanian Government will now permit the operation
of a Greek language school in Heimarra.
· Remember to apply for the Hellenic Credit
Card, the only one that helps world Hellenism. Call Angelo Sikes
on 0412 393 501.
The year 2004 was always going to be an important
one for Hellenism. It is now also one of the most critical in recent
Hellenic history. There must be absolute national unity at the political
and ecclesiastical levels, between Athens and Nicosia, between political
parties, organizations and individuals. The issues must be handled
decisively but with delicacy, sensitivity and diplomacy and we must
all lend our support to this national unity. There is no room for
division anywhere.
STAY IN TOUCH!
Costa Vertzayias
12 May, 2004
STAYING IN TOUCH NO. 71
A NEWSLETTER FROM THE SAE OCEANIA CO-ORDINATOR
XRISTOS ANESTI
Cyprus leads this bulletin and President Papadopoulos
heroic OXI to the Annan Plan. A Plan that is contrary to U.N. Resolutions
on Cyprus, E.U. law and the fundamental principles of democracy
and the rule of law. It rewards aggressors and those found guilty
of violations of human rights. The Plan dissolves the internationally
recognized Republic of Cyprus the day after the referenda leaving
it at the mercy of Turkey’s goodwill to implement thereafter.
It prevents Cypriots from returning to their place of birth but
allows non-Greek E.U. nationals to do so. Those who do return will
be denied their democractic and civic rights. It legalises the majority
of Turkish colonists thus making the Turkish Cypriots a minority
in their own State. It nullifies decisions of the European Court
of Human Rights and requires Greek Cypriots to pay the compensation
payable by Turkey for its violation of their property rights! The
new Cyprus is obliged to support Turkey’s accession to the
E.U. (irrespective of the E.U.’s assessment) and the return
of Greek Cypriots to the occupied areas and the withdrawal of Turkish
forces is contingent on Turkey’s progress. The proposed constitutional
system is dysfunctional and requires the interference of non-Cypriots
to resolve disputes. The drastic economic cost of reconstruction
and compensation will be borne by the Greek Cypriot taxpayers and
not by Turkey that invaded and continues to occupy the country since
1974. Then there are the threats and ultimatums emanating from every
direction that this is the last chance. Why? Cyprus will become
a member of the E.U. on 1st May with or without a solution. But
Washington has to (1) demonstrate Turkey’s flexibility in
order to get a date for the commencement of accession talks with
the E.U. and (2) sweeten the bitter pill it wants Turkey to swallow
over a federal Kurdish state in Northern Iraq. The Annan Plan does
not reunite the two communities, it does not unify Cyprus, it perpetuates
the division on ethnic lines. Greek Cypriots are asked on 24 April
to legitimise the de facto partition, to pardon Turkey’s crimes
and documented violations of human rights, to forget the missing
persons, formalise Turkish hegemony over Cyprus, give away the hard
earned victories achieved in European Counts, pay for the cost of
Turkey’s invasion and occupation, and make themselves second
class citizens in their own land. OXI.
ATHENS OLYMPIC
GAMES
The journey has begun! The flame was lit at
ancient Olympia on 25 March – the day the 1896 Olympics commenced
symbolically on the day that light came after 400 years of darkness.
“Pass the flame, unite the world” is the slogan that
will take the Athens Olympic Torch to all five continents for the
first time in history. Our community will be playing a major role
in the celebrations to be held in Sydney on the 4th and in Melbourne
on the 5th June.
What better recommendation for Athens than from
AOC President John Coates who conceded that the Athens venues are
“much better than Sydney’s …… they are of
a very high standard…. There is a training centre for 14 sports
right next to the athletes village, which nobody has ever provided
before”.
PARTHENON MARBLES
150 Belgian M.P.’s and 350 academics have
called upon Britain to return the statues. Although the unfortunate
legal wrangle over the construction of the Acropolis Museum has
not helped, visiting Cambridge Professor Anthony Snodgrass believes
it is only a matter of time. Therefore, support the call by registering
your support on the electronic petition direct to the U.K. Parliament
on www.saeoceania.org.au
JOTTINGS
· SAE’s medical team recently came
to the rescue of an orphanage in Georgia which was hit by a flu
epidemic but had no medicines or medical personnel to aid the 167
children aged between 3 and 16 years and who are refugees from the
various civil wars. If you wish to assist with any of SAE’s
projects in the former Soviet Union and Albania (medical centres,
Hellenic language programmes, restoration of churches) you may deposit
your donation at any Commonwealth Bank branch in account no. 2200
1008 7044 – World Council of Hellenes Appeal.
· Congratulations to immediate past SAE
Oceania Youth Co-Ordinator Bill Kritharas on his election as councillor.
· The Municipality of Patras has instituted
an award, “Ambassador of Achaians” for any person of
Achaian descent globally who has excelled in his field or has otherwise
distinguished himself. For details contact Dr Ioannis Kafezas on
telephone + 30 2610 222738 or e-mail jkafezas@hotmail.com.
· Halki Theological Seminar on –
htt://www.greece.org/themis/halki
· Remember to apply for the Hellenic Credit Card, the only
one that helps world Hellenism. Call Angelo Sikes on 0412 393 501.
· Reminder about SAE Oceania’s
2004 literacy contest for novels. Entries close on 30 September,
2004. For more details contact John Vasilakakos on (03 9510 6887.
SAE Oceania and all the omogeneia expresses
its absolute solidarity with the Government and people of Cyprus
to safeguard Hellenism.
STAY IN TOUCH!
Costa Vertzayias
13 April, 2004
STAYING IN TOUCH NO. 70
A NEWSLETTER FROM THE SAE OCEANIA CO-ORDINATOR
Dear Friends,
The lead story for this bulletin is the news
that the first Pan Hellenic Games will be held in Sydney on 1 –
3 October 2004. Applications may be obtained from the SAE office,(tel.
(02) 9667 4733).
Please note that applications must be submitted
by 14 May, 2004.
ELECTIONS
Congratulations to Kostas Karamanlis and the
New Democracy party on their success in the recent elections. The
new Deputy Foreign Minister with responsibility for Hellenes Abroad
is the Hon. Panayiotis Skandalakis and we look forward to working
closely with him and the new government officials and members of
the Parliamentary Committee for Hellenes Abroad. In the meantime
it would be remiss not to thank the outgoing Minister, Ioannis Magriotis
and the previous minister, Grigoris Niotis for their invaluable
support to SAE.
FESTIVAL
March is festival time in Sydney, Melbourne
and Adelaide and in this important year for Hellenism, the Athens
Olympic Games will take centre stage. This will be especially so
in Sydney on 21 March when Darling Harbour will become Greek for
a day whilst in Melbourne the Antipodes Festival’s big days
will be on 27 and 28 March. Many events requiring much effort has
been put into these festivals so let us show our support by being
there.
CYPRUS
The Cyprus talks are now into their most crucial
stage. If the parties fail to finalise negotiations by 22nd March
then the U.N. Secretary General will convene a meeting that will
include Hellas and Turkey so as to reach agreement by 29 March.
If that does not occur then Kofi Annan will use his discretion to
finalise the text that will be put in separate referenda to each
side for approval on 21 April. This rush for a solution before the
1st May, 2004 should not be at the cost of further concessions.
After all no one has been in any particular hurry during the last
30 years of Turkish occupation. Whilst the Annan Plan has been accepted
as a basis for negotiations, as it currently stands it is undemocratic
and unworkable. Any settlement must embrace the accepted principles
of a constitutional democracy, the EU acquis communautaire, the
European Convention on Human Rights and U.N. Resolutions on Cyprus.
It should be noted that the aforesaid comments represent the writer’s
view and not necessarily those of SAE.
PARTHENON MARBLES
The voices for the return of the Parthenon marbles
continue to grow louder and stronger. After the gallops that found
an overwhelming majority of Britons in favour of their return on
a long term loan basis, 208 Euro parliamentarians have written to
Prime Minister Tony Blair calling on him to favourably consider
Hellas” request. Add your voice to the call by clicking onto
the electronic petition direct to the U.K. Parliament:- www.saeoceania.org.au
ATHENS OLYMPIC
GAMES
Sydney on the 4th and Melbourne on the 5th June
will be the first stopovers for the Athens Olympic Torch Relay that
will visit all continents for the first time ever. A number of events
involving our community are being organised to celebrate the occasion.
In the meantime for all information relating to tickets for the
Athens Games you can call +30 210 373 0000 or e-mail: supportel@tickets.athens2004.com.
Further, the Hellenic Press Ministry has established
the “Media Services for the Olympic Games” website at
www.mediainfo2004.gr
The Olympic fever is certainly infectious. ABC
Radio is celebrating the Athens Games with special programmes highlighting
the Hellenic contribution with a vast and diverse range of topics
every Saturday until the Olympic Flame enters the Athens Olympic
Stadium in August. The ABC series is entitled “Greek Imprints”
and further details are found at www.abc.net.au/in/events/greece
JOTTINGS
· The St. George Regional Museum in Kogarah,
Sydney is undertaking the collection of oral histories from people
in the Greek Community. These will then be used as part of the Greek
Exhibition in its museum to promote the region’s diverse history.
Persons who wish to be interviewed should contact Danielle Head
on (02) 9330 6444 or e-mail: danielle@hurstville.nsw.gov.au
· For the first time in Hellas a treasure
consisting of precious Byzantine vessels is being put up for sale.
Very few such objects survive today, and these are only to be found
outside Hellas, remnants of the booty looted by the Crusaders after
they plundered Constantinople in 1204. The three largest Byzantine
museums in Hellas are calling on all those who care to help keep
the treasure in Hellas and not let it end up in museums and private
collections abroad. The cost of purchasing the entire treasure amounts
to E2,200,000 half of which will be covered by the Hellenic state.
As the remaining sum is still too high for the museums a request
for assistance worldwide is being made. For further information
the contact number is :-
+ 30210367 1037.
· “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”
has been translated into Ancient Greek, the first new work in about
1500 years. This incredible language is slowly but gradually being
appreciated as the most perfect instrument of communication ever
perfected by man. The IT industry has also discovered its wonders,
its mathematical structure and its “intelligence”. It
is the only language in which words and meanings have a unique relationship.
That is why Apple is promoting the learning of Ancient Greek and
CNN is distributing a new learning programme entitled “Hellenic
Quest”. It brings to mind what Professor Michael Osborne said:
“Ancient Greek is not dead, it is immortal”. If this
has whetted your appetite then contact the Victoria School of Languages
(on (03) 9474 0500) which is offering Ancient Greek Studies at the
University High School Centre in Parkville, Melbourne. If the language
is beyond you why not click onto www.wingedsandles.com to visit
an intelligent and modern approach to ancient Greek myths. Commissioned
by the ABC it has won many awards and brings to life the timeless
messages that have fascinated humanity for three millennia.
· The Association of Greek and Affiliated
Pan Hellenic Interests is holding its first conference in Crete
between 23 to 29 May. Further details on www.greekconference.com.au
· If you would like to sit for the Certificate
of attainment in Greek examinations contact Anna Chatzinikolaou,
School of Languages, University of Melbourne tel. (03) 8344 5470;
Fax (03) 9349 2180; e-mail:- achat@unimelb.edu.au
· For the first time since 1923 there
will be a direct voice in the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
from outside Turkey. Half of the 12 seats on the Holy Synod will
now be filled by non-Turkish nationals. EU pressure on Turkey to
implement democratic reforms have facilitated the decision. In the
meantime no decision has been made in relation to the re-opening
of the Halki Theological Seminary. Support the call by clicking
in on :- http://www.Greece.org/themis/halki
· Remember to apply for the Hellenic
Credit Card, the only one that supports World Hellenism. Call Angelo
Sikes on 0412393501.
· To assist any of the SAE programmes
for the Hellenic Communities of the former SovietUnion and Albania
(medical centres, employment of field nurses and Greek language
teachers, adoption of children and restoration of churches) donations
may be deposited in any branch of the Commonwealth Bank in Australia
in the following account:-
World Council of Hellenes
Appeal
Account No. 2200 1008 7044
KALO
PASCA!
Costa Vertzayias 12 March, 2004
STAYING
IN TOUCH NO. 69
A
NEWSLETTER FROM THE SAE OCEANIA CO-ORDINATOR
Developments
in relation to the signing of a Social Security Agreement between
Hellas and Australia lead this report.
The upside is that both governments are interested in
finalising the Agreement, the differences have been narrowed and
Australian Prime Minister John Howard has instructed the Hon.
Christopher Pyne, (Parliamentary Secretary to Social Security
Minister Kay Patterson) to visit Hellas and finalise the
arrangements with his Hellenic counterpart.
The downside is that Mr Pyne’s trip was cancelled literally
at the eleventh hour due to the pending elections in Hellas and
practically, no meeting can now take place until after Easter.
The concern is that if elections are called earlier than
expected in Australia then the meeting will be further delayed.
A disturbing feature arising from the publicity given to the
issue has been that members of our Community are misinformed or are
being misled into believing that the signing of an Agreement will
lead to the cessation of payment of their pensions in Australia.
Those persons with such concerns should contact Hellenic
Welfare agencies so that their fears may be alleviated.
Regional
Council Meeting
The
first meeting of SAE Oceania’s Regional
Council will take place this weekend in Canberra.
On the agenda will be the Pan-Hellenic Games and Pan Hellenic
Centres and policies that will assist Hellenic Education programmes
and provide Hellenic culture. On
Sunday 15 February, 2004 at 3.30p.m. at the Hellenic Club a public
meeting will be held at which SAE’s policies and programmes will
be detailed and there will be the opportunity to answer questions
that may be posed. Whilst
on Canberra it should be noted that the Glendi Festival was
successfully held last Sunday, 8 February and at which SAE Oceania
distributed material for the Athens Olympics and also sponsored a
book stall promoting works by Greek Australian authors.
SAE Oceania will
also assist in the establishment of a library for the Greek
Community of Canberra.
Literary
Contest
The
results of the 2003 literary contest are as follows:-
Κατηγορία
Α: Διηγήματα
στην
ελληνική
γλώσσα.
Πρώτο
Βραβείο:
Οι ήρωες που
δε νίκησαν
- Θωμάς
Ιωσηφίδης,
Western Australia
Δεύτερο
Βραβείο: Χωρίς
Διαβατήριο –
Γρηγόρης
Μοναστηριώτης,
Νέα Νότια
Ουαλία
Τρίτο
Βραβείο:
Το στοιχειωμένο
Γεφύρι –
Διονυσία
Μούσουρα-Τσουκαλά,
Βικτωρ
Έπαινος:
Επιστροφή
– Ευλαμπία
Τσοδούρη, Νέα
Νότια Ουαλία
Εύφημος
μνεία:
Αναζητώντας
τον πατέρα… -
Ιάκωβος
Γαριβάλδης,
Βικτωρία
Συμπόσιουμ
– Γεράσιμος Μ.
Λυμπεράτος,
Νέα Νότια
Ουαλία
Ο
γυρισμός –
Πόπη
Μαλλιάνου,
Νέα Νότια
Ουαλία
Με τα μάτια
της ψυχής
– Αδαμαντία
Μποσνά, Νέα
Νότια Ουαλία
Μνημόσυνο
– Νίκος Γ.
Πιπέρης,
Βικτωρία
Ένα
παρόμοιο
περιστατικό
- Θέκλα
Σκαρσέλλα,
Βικτωρία
Ο παππούς ο
μερακλής –
Δημήτριος
Τριάντης,
Βικτωρία
Κατηγορία Β:
Διηγήματα
στην αγγλική
γλώσσα.
Πρώτο
Βραβείο:
My
Grandfather: The Fly – Νικόλαος
Ανδρεόπουλος,
Βικτωρία
Δεύτερο
Βραβείο:
His
Mother – Leonie Evans, Νέα
Νότια Ουαλία
Τρίτο
Βραβείο:
Back o’ Bourke –
Ross Saunders, Νέα
Νότια Ουαλία
Εύφημος
μνεία:
Bridging
the Gap – Stephanie Giannis, Νέα
Νότια Ουαλία
Journeys
– Anna Zervos, Νέα
Νότια Ουαλία
Category
B: Short Story in English
First
prize:
My Grandfather: The Fly
– Nikolaos Andreopoulos,
Victoria
Second
prize:
His Mother – Leonie Evans, New South Wales
Third
prize:
Back o’ Bourke
– Ross Saunders, New South Wales
Honourable
Mention: Bridging the Gap
– Stephanie Giannis, New South Wale
Journeys – Anna
Zervos, New South Wales
Ceremonies
for the award of prizes will be held in Melbourne and Sydney in
April and May respectively. In
the meantime SAE Oceania’s cultural network has announced details
of its literary competition for 2004.
The genre on this occasion is novel/short story between 80
and 170 pages in length. Entries
must be in Greek and be submitted no later than 31 July 2004 to SAE
Literary Competition, P.O. Box 1089, Hawksburn, Victoria 3142. For
further particulars contact Dr. John Vasilakakos on (03) 9510 6887.
I take this opportunity to thank the Cultural Network Co-Ordinators
Yiota Krili and John Vasilakakos for organising the literary
competitions.
JERUSALEM
PATRIARCHATE
Israel
has officially recognized His Beautitude, Patriarch Ireneos of
Jerusalem who was enthroned in September 2001.
SAE spearheaded
a worldwide effort for the Patriarch’s recognition and
forms part of SAE’s policy to support in every possible way the
three Greek Orthodox Patriarchates – Constantinople, Jerusalem and
Alexandria.
In the meantime SAE was officially represented
(by World President Andrew Athens and America Co-Ordinator C.
Tomaras) at the consecration of the Greek Orthodox Church of St.
Nicholas in Havana, Cuba.
This is the first Church of any denomination built in Cuba
since Fidel Castro came to power 45 years ago and was entirely
funded by the Cuban Government to compensate for the expropriation
and conversion of an earlier Greek Orthodox Church.
PARTHENON MARBLES
The
pressure must be increased on the U.K. Government after a recent
poll showed that 81% of Britons support the return of the Parthenon
marbles on a long term loan basis.
This follows on the strong support expressed by British
sportsmen and former British Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook.
The downside is that the Acropolis Museum will NOT be
ready in time for the Athens Olympics due to legal challenges and
archaeological
findings.
Support the call by clicking in on – www.saeoceania.org.au
EKECHEIRIA PROJECT
2004
Children
of the World 2000, a recognised philanthropic organization involved
in peace initiatives that promote understanding and friendship
amongst the young people of the world is co-organising “The
Ekecheiria Children’s Festival” in May 2004.
This event will involve thousands of children from Hellas and
those of Hellenic descent overseas.
They will gather in Athens at the same time as the
International Peace Garden is being dedicated by Mayor Dora
Bakoyannis and participate in a celebration of music, song and
dance.
The theme will be the Olympics and Peace.
Children from Oceania can participate in this
once-in-a-lifetime event which will be televised by ERT.
For further information contact Myrto Stavrou on
+306972662551 or write to : - c/-
Eurotrade, 47 Persefonis Street, 11854 Athens or to Children
of the World 2000, 18 St. Chads Road, Didsbury, Cheshire M209 WH or
e-mail: - prince12bp@yahoo.co.uk.
RMIT
Conference
A
Conference on Greek Australians in the 21st Century and
which will attract prominent speakers from across Australia and
overseas will be held at RMIT on 2 – 4 April.
For more details contact Eugenia Arvaniti on (03) 9639 2153
or e-mail: eugenia.arvanitis@rmit.edu.au
or
visit www.agc.org.au
Modern
Greek at ANU
The
near cessation of Modern Greek at ANU demonstrates the need for the
establishment of a Board of Hellenic Education on an Australia wide
basis and SAE Oceania calls on all educators to work towards this as
a priority. It also
demonstrates the need for continued vigilance and support for all
Modern Greek Programmes and the need for Greek organizations to
offer incentives so as to make the choice of Modern Greek more
attractive. The maintenance of Modern
Greek studies at the tertiary level is an issue of the
highest order and must concern us all.
JOTTINGS
- In
February we celebrate the liberation of Ioanina and the autonomy
of Northern Ipiros where
our compatriots even today are still being denied basic
human and civil rights.
- The
State Scholarships Foundation (IKY) will offer up to forty (40)
scholarships for nationals (foreigners or of Greek origin) from
Europe, U.S.A., Canada, Australia and New Zealand for studies in
Hellas beginning in the academic year 2004 – 2005.
The submissions deadline is 29 February 2004.
For more information visit the IKY website at www.iky.gr/scholarships/allodapoi.
- Oceania
organizations should provide the SAE Office in Melbourne with
contact details so that these may be posted to the website.
- Large
sections of ancient Alexandria have been excavated and surveyed
under the modern city. Literally, turn over any stone and you
will find something Greek.
- Perhaps
the most difficult 10 weeks in Cyprus’ long history are coming
up as the pressure will mount for a solution before formal
accession to the E.U. on 1 May, 2004.
All of Hellenism’s hopes and support for our leadership
in this period not to make any further concessions and indeed,
stay firm to improve the many negative aspects of the Annan
Plan.
There
has been plentiful criticism some justifiable, some not in relation
to SAE’s World Conference held last December in Thessaloniki.
It should be noted once again that Oceania opposed the
holding of the Conference and a formal letter is in the process of
being sent setting out our agreement with many of the criticisms
such as it was too short, not enough time for delegates to be heard,
too many government/church speakers, matters of substance not
discussed and time wasted on elections. It should also be noted that Oceania has repeatedly called
for the number of delegates to be drastically reduced and for them
to be elected on merit in the regions and for all elections to be
held in the regions so that the Conference time is properly utilised
on matters of substance. Our
proposals would also dramatically reduce the cost of the World
Conference which takes up most of SAE’s budget and has little to
show for it. Having
said all that I wish to emphasise the importance of SAE’s role in
uniting and co-ordinating world Hellenism so as to effectively
harness the potential and ability that we all know exists for the
good of Hellenism. The
Hellenic State by founding and funding SAE and then entrenching it
constitutionally as the representative organ for world Hellenism
recognizes this important role. Instead of petty bickering, factional politics, pessimism,
and perpetual wingering lets take up the challenge to build a
powerful world body which can influence the Hellenic Government and
other governments, that can intervene successfully to solve
Hellenism’s problems, promote our language and culture, build the
social and welfare
infrastructure that can maintain our Communities in the 21st
Century and stamp Hellenism’s immortal spirit in every corner of
the globe. What better
year than this one where every Hellene will stand tall with the
magic of the Athens Olympic Games? Lets stand united.
STAY
IN TOUCH!
Costa
Vertzayias
12 February, 2004
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