This edition begins by expressing SAE Oceania's condolences and prayers to the families of the
London terrorist attack. No matter how strong the grievance nor how great the injustice senseless
acts of violence and barbaric terror such as those perpetrated in New York, Madrid and London
must attract unanimous condemnation. It is only through the democratic process and the rule
of law that we can make the world a better place for all its inhabitants.

Conferences & Meetings

(a). The writer and members of SAE Oceania's Regional Council participated in the deliberations
of the Australian Hellenic Council's Conference held in Canberra on 18-20 June, 2005; and in
meetings with Prime Minister John Howard, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, Social Security
Minister Kay Patterson and Attorney General Phillip Ruddock. Amongst other issues the delegation requested that Australia issues a strong directive warning its citizens about buying property in occupied Cyprus. Such property, in the majority of cases, has been illegally expropriated from its Greek Cypriot owners and innocent purchasers may end up losing both the property and the money they paid for it. In relation to the Social Security Agreement between Australia and Hellas, Sen. Patterson was emphatic that Australia would expedite its finalization once a letter of acceptance of Australia's final offer was received from the Hellenic Government. Another issue raised was the confiscation of Christian real estate in Constantinople.
(b) During 24-26 June 2005 SAE Oceania's Regional Council met in Adelaide. The main resolutions were (i) to hold the 2007 Pan Hellenic Games in Adelaide, (ii) to write to Hellenic Social Security Minister Panayiotopoulos requesting a prompt reply to Australia's offer. (iii) to write to Deputy Foreign Minister Skandalakis requesting a new initiative for the ecclesiastic issue and an extension for the time to lodge the E9 form. (iv) to hold a Youth Conference later this year; (v) to pursue the establishment of Pan Hellenic Centres in Sydney, Melbourne & Adelaide.
(c)SAE's Presidium will meet in Thessaloniki on 21-24 July, 2005. The writer will raise the following issues;- (i) Elliniada (ii) Social Security Agreement (iii) Recognition of Australian University Bachelor degrees (iv) Youth Working visas (v) AAIA Symposium.

ETHNIKA THEMATA

(a) Turkish Foreign Minister Gul has made it clear that Turkey will not allow the reopening of the Halki Theological College which was closed in 1971. The Seminary is the most important in the Orthodox world and its continued closure, despite worldwide criticism, is a blatant breach of religious freedom. It also means that very soon there will be no trained priests and bishops for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Foreign Minister Gul also took the opportunity to once again state that Turkey does not recognise the ecumenical nature of the Patriarch of Constantinople. It is significant to note that the Vatican has launched a scathing attack on Turkey stating, ... in Turkey, a self designated democratic state, religious freedom exists only on paper. It is guaranteed by the Constitution but not implemented by law .... The Vatican went on to say that Turkey's progress with the EU must take into account how it deals with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and its Christians in general. In another development the head of the European CommissionοΏ½s Human Rights unit is investigating the denial of Greek citizens' legal rights of inheritance by Turkish authorities on the basis of secret decrees dating from 1960.
(b) This month marks the 31st anniversary of the invasion and occupation of Cyprus by Turkey. Despite universal condemnation Turkey continues its occupation, colonization and destruction of Cyprus cultural heritage. Protest rallies will be held in Melbourne and

Sydney on 17 and 24 July respectively. Let us demonstrate our support for a just and viable solution.

FILOXENIA PROGRAMMES

The first programme is being organised by the  between 15 July to 10 August at Castellorizo and between 15 August to 5 September at ancient Abdera in Thrace. Participants must be between 18 and 30 years of age and have at least one parent of Hellenic ancestry.
For details contact Panayiotis Pavlos tel./fax 30 2310 254 079 or email: [email protected]

The second programme is being organised by the Magnesia Prefecture for youth aged between 13 and 17 years in the period 15 July to 4 August and for young people aged between 18 and 25 years for the period 20 August to 8 September.  For details contact Maria Kouzoglou on telephone + 30 24210 53475 or Fax  + 30 24210 44371 or Email:  [email protected]    -  website:    www.magnesia.gr

The third programme is for youths between 13 and 17 years for the period 23 August to 12 September at Pelion.  For details contact:   tel/fax  + 30 2426031204 or email: [email protected] or website:   www.dimosmouresiou.gr

There is also a programme for the elderly (men over 65 and women over 60 years) for the period 18 September to 2 October 2005.

Details for all programmes can also be found on the SAE website   -  www.sae.gr or from the SAE Thessaloniki office   tel.   +30 2310 411 955  -  fax.   + 302310 411886 attention Maria Tzika.

The writer urges interested persons to act quickly as places are limited.

Jottings

οΏ½ SAE Oceania urges readers to apply for the Hellenic Credit Card. It is the only Hellenic Community card in Australia and its existence is a significant achievement. It has all the benefits of an American Express Card whilst making a substantial financial contribution to Hellenism every time it is used. No other credit card in the world does this. You support Hellenism every time you use it. Is the case with the Credit Card you use now?
οΏ½ French archaeologists have unearthed ruins (dated to 575-530 BC) from the ancient city under modern Marseilles (ancient Massalia) founded by Greek colonists in 600 BC. Marseilles is France's oldest city.
οΏ½ SAE President has had top level meetings with the Georgian Government in relation to the plight of ethnic Hellenes who in the past two years have faced serious problems of violence, safety and protection of their properties.
οΏ½ Dr Ken Michael will be sworn in as Governor of WA in October. Dr Michael (of Castellorizian parents) will become the first Greek Australian Governor of an Australian state. (John Anictomatis was the first Greek Australian head of a territory).
οΏ½ A very good book on the history of Pontos was recently published by Ellinikes Ekdoseis. It is highly recommended reading. Further details from fax (210) 3634730.
οΏ½ SAE Oceania is supporting the efforts of the Greek Community of Mascot in holding ancient Greek classes. Those interested should contact Vera on 0425291259

Despite the tragedy in London there was hope for the elimination of AfricaοΏ½s poverty and greater concern for global climatic changes arising from the G8οΏ½s deliberations which allow us to view the future with optimism.

STAY IN TOUCH!

Costa Vertzayias                                                                                                             14 July 2005