The President of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), Mr. Andrew A. Athens had a series of meetings in Athens in sight of the SAE Board Meeting that will take place in Thessaloniki on December 9-11, 2004. More specifically Mr. Athens me with the AοΏ½ Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Georgios Sourlas, the Minister of National Education & Religious Affairs, Ms. Marietta Yiannakou-Koutsikou and the Alternate Minister of Culture, Ms. Fani Palli-Petralia.
During the meetings Mr. Athens noted the important role of SAE in the promotion of issues relevant to the Omogeneia in Greece and in the host countries.
During his meeting with the AοΏ½ Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Georgios Sourlas on December 3rd, Mr. Athens updated him on the campaign organized by SAE and the National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes CEH), in cooperation with Archbishop Dimitrios in reaction to the unilateral recognition of FYROM as οΏ½Republic of MacedoniaοΏ½, by the United States. As a result of this effort, more than 80 American Senators and Members of the Congress signed letters to the Secretary of the State Department, Mr. Colin Powell, to express their concern regarding the U.S. decision.
SAE President conveyed to Mr. Sourlas the commitment of the leadership of the State Department and of high governmental officials, especially that of Mr. Paul and Ms. Condoleezza Rice, regarding the U.S. intervention for an acceptable for both countries solution. Mr. Athens also updated Mr. Sourlas on the development of SAEοΏ½s Medical Program in the countries of the Black Sea and Albania and discussed its future development.
Following his meeting with Mr. Sourlas, SAE President met with the Alternate Minister of Culture, Ms. Fani Palli-Petralia, with whom he discussed ways of cooperation among the Ministry and SAE through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on programs and projects for the promotion of Hellenic Culture, abroad.
On December 6 SAE President met with the Minister of National Education & Religious Affairs, Ms. Marietta Yiannakou-Koutsikou. Present at the meeting were officials of the Ministry, SAE Alternate President, Mr. Stefanos Tamvakis and SAE Treasurer, Mr. Cos Georganas.
The President and SAE Board Members discussed with the Minister the need for coordination between the Ministry and SAE for programs and activities regarding Greek Education for the Omogeneia around the world.
Ms. Yiannakou-Koutsikou noted that issues relevant to education of Hellenes Abroad are among the priorities of the Government, and that SAE through its advisory role to the Hellenic State, may and should contribute to that direction. 
Both the Minister and SAE Board Members agreed that SAE should submit a complete proposal on educational issues for Hellenes Abroad at a regional level.

 SAE President, Mr. Andrew A. Athens with the A Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. G.Sourlas