The Board of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) concluded its meetings on Saturday, March 19, 2005. SAE President, Andrew A. Athens stated that the Board had a very constructive cooperation with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Panayiotis Skandalakis and the Presidium of the Special Permanent Committee of the Parliament for Issues of Hellenism Abroad where they had the opportunity to discuss issues regarding proposals for SAEοΏ½s Enabling Law.
οΏ½We are certain that we will set the basis for SAEοΏ½s further development to offer as much as we can to the Omogeneia and Greece in cooperation with the Greek Government and all political partiesοΏ½, Mr. Athens said.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Panayiotis Skandalakis mentioned that the basic principles have been set in sight of the preparation of the Enabling Law for SAE, which will be ready prior to the 6th World SAE Convention that will take place in December 2005.
These principles, in agreement with all the political partiesοΏ½, focus on the enhancement of SAEοΏ½s advisory and consultative role, the reformation of its organizational structure, the participation of strategically important organizations of Hellenes Abroad, based on specific criteria and standards in order to achieve the best possible representation of the Omogeneia and to ensure SAEοΏ½s effective action. 
Within this framework the restructuring of the composition of the SAE Board is also being sought and according to Mr. Skandalakis provision should be made for the Youth to be represented on the Board as the Youth is the future of SAE. The World SAE Convention is proposed to be held every four years for five to six days of actual discussions and sessions with the Omogeneia in Thessaloniki where SAEοΏ½s headquarters are located. The main body of the World Convention is proposed to consist of 400-500 delegates. In the same direction, emphasis is given to conduct Regional Conventions every two years, and the NetworkοΏ½s operation will be enhanced through Regional structures to pursue the recruitment of highly distinguished and resourceful members of the Omogeneia.
SAEοΏ½s funding regarding r the operation of its consultative and advisory role will be covered by the State, while the funding of projects and activities will be based on self-funding through the National Fund of Hellenes (ETO). Regarding SAEοΏ½s Medical Program future funding and operation, the idea of the creation of an international NGO was discussed.
Mr. Skandalakis noted that a framework for the funding of Hellenic organizations abroad should be set, with the establishment of specific rules and procedures in order to avoid any injustice. Regarding the goal to upgrade the role of the Hellenic Communities and Federations, it is necessary to set the basic areas and specific criteria through which funding requests for projects will be reviewed based on the scope and work of each entity.
One of the immediate priorities of the government, as noted by Mr. Skandalakis, is the issue of education for Hellenes abroad and the development of specific cultural activities and programs that will promote contemporary Greece and the cultural power of the Omogeneia.
SAEοΏ½s Board also met with the Minister of Macedonia-Thrace, Mr. Nikolaos Tsiartsionis who also mentioned that this is an important year due to the World Convention that is scheduled to take place in 2005.
The proposals of the SAE Board regarding the Enabling Law were also discussed with the Presidium of the Special Permanent Committee of the Parliament for Issues of Hellenes Abroad, Mr. Evgenios Haitidis, President, Mr. Gregory Niotis, AοΏ½ Vice-President, Mr. Nikolaos Gatzis, BοΏ½ Vice-President and Mr. Nikolaos Konstantopoulos, Secretary, who mentioned that the Law should be submitted prior to the 6th World SAE Convention and should convey the views, opinions and needs of Hellenes Abroad. All political parties expressed their will to work in unity for the promotion of a mutually agreed Law. 
The following also attended the SAE Board Meetings: The Prefect of Thessaloniki, Mr. Panayiotis Psomiadis, the Special Secretary of Inter-Cultural Education and Education for Hellenes Abroad, Ms. Ismini Kriari, and the representatives of the political parties for Hellenism Abroad, Mr. Vasilis Pappas from New Democracy, Mr. Dimitris Dollis from PASOK and Mr. Vasilis Primikiris from Synaspismos.
During his stay in Thessaloniki SAE President also met with the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Mr. Vasilis Papageorgopoulos.