Productive meeting between Amb. Mallias, Andrew Athens and Chris Tomaras follows the UHAC 30th Anniversary     

Chicago, Illinois, Nov. 15, 2005 οΏ½ A special treat for the Chicago Omogenia was the visit of John D. Negroponte, AmericaοΏ½s Security Chief, together with the newly appointed Ambassador of Greece in Washington, Alexandros P. Mallias, on the occasion of the 30th year anniversary of the United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC), on Saturday, November 12, 2005.

During his remarks, Ambassador Negroponte referred to his appreciation for his Greek heritage and his unqualified sense of pride as a Greek American.

In the same spirit, Greek Ambassador Mallias, a seasoned diplomat with a number of admirable accomplishments in his diplomatic career, spoke about the significance of the role of the Omogenia community in preserving the Hellenic values and distinguishing itself within the American society through its own achievements.  He also emphasized the leadership role of Greece in Southeastern Europe and the significance of its recent participation in the οΏ½Foundation of the FutureοΏ½ conference the previous week.      

Next day, Ambassador Mallias had a private meeting with Mr. Andrew A. Athens and Chris P. Tomaras, the President and Vice President respectively of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (οΏ½οΏ½οΏ½), attended also by Mrs. Aliki Hadji, the Consul General of Greece in Chicago.

During the meeting a number of issues were discussed, primarily focused on the work of οΏ½οΏ½οΏ½ both in the U.S. and abroad including the efforts for support of GreeceοΏ½s national concerns.  Mr. Tomaras identified certain other issues of concern to the Greek Community, such as the need to improve Greek education and intensify cultural activity.

Ambassador Mallias offered to assist with promoting a closer contact with the Community, where he would personally attend events and present current issues with topics such as Greece and the Middle East, GreeceοΏ½s role in securing oil and gas, Greece and its shipping activity, etc.  οΏ½Among other things, the Greek Community and the world need to know that Greece is a modern society, an up and coming economic force within the European Union and certainly the leader of all activities as it pertains to the Balkan countriesοΏ½ the Ambassador concluded.