The primary points of the Enabling Law that define the mission and operation of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (οΏ½οΏ½οΏ½) were determined at the recent Presidium meeting on July 22-24 in Thessaloniki. 

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Panagiotis Skandalakis, and his staff, after taking into consideration the proposals of the Omogeneia Organizations, the Regional Coordinating Councils, the Presidium and legal advisors, structured a draft bill that was submitted to the Presidium for further discussion before final submission to the Hellenic Parliament.   

The main points of the draft are as follows:

1. The role of οΏ½οΏ½οΏ½ is clearly defined as the advisory and consultative body that serves as a two-way conduit for communication between the Hellenes of the Diaspora and the Hellenic Republic.

2. Representation is strengthened by increasing the number of the Regions while participation of the Omogenia is secured at all levels. 

3. Membership rules and procedures are well defined. 

4. The responsibilities of the οΏ½οΏ½οΏ½ officials are established including term limits of the Presidium members to a maximum of 2 terms, giving the opportunity to new members to be elected. 

5. Cost reduction of the οΏ½οΏ½οΏ½ operation is secured by conducting the World Convention every 3 years (instead of 2 in the past) while this expanded term offers enough time to complete projects and deliver effective results.    

6. Operating expenses are well controlled and confirmed by CPAs. 

By mid September, the draft will be sent to οΏ½οΏ½οΏ½ members for their review and comments that must then be returned to the Presidium by mid October for further submission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  As a final step, and with the agreement of the Parliamentary Committee for Greeks Abroad, the bill will be submitted to the Hellenic Parliament for a vote.
   
οΏ½The new Enabling Law is innovative and responds to the demands of a modern and effective institution,οΏ½ stated Mr. Skandalakis.  Mr. Chris Tomaras, Vice President of οΏ½οΏ½οΏ½, agreed with these and similar statements by οΏ½οΏ½οΏ½ President Andrew Athens and said: οΏ½We are moving through the final stretch of a long journey.  A number of pending issues are now being settled and the efficient operation of the institution in being secured, for the benefit of us all.οΏ½