With their sense of responsibility deep and with expressed pride, the members of οΏ½AEοΏ½s 1st Regional Convention in Latin America participated in this first official gathering of Hellenes in the newly established Region after the Enabling law that allowed the restructuring of North and South America.

Delegates of Omogeneia organizations from 9 countries of Central and South America participated in the 3-day convention in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and discussed problems and resolutions that deal with issues of the new district.  In his opening remarks in the inaugural ceremony, οΏ½AE's Vice President and Coordinator of the Region of N. & S. America, Mr. Chris P. Tomaras, emphasized the importance of the founding convention: This assembly is of a historic significance to Hellenism in Latin America because Hellenes here now have the opportunity to decide their own course of action, to set their own goals and work towards their achievement.

The following priority requests to the Hellenic Republic were issued among a number of resolutions:

1.        Re-establish the World Camp and Elliniada projects.

2.        Youth Network activities should be operated on both Regional and World levels.

3.       Strengthen Greek language instruction through teacher training, hiring of local personnel and the appointment of an Education Coordinator in Latin America.

4.        Re-assess the list of οΏ½AE member organizations for more objective representation.

5.        Recognize the Church's needs for priests and economic support in the region.

Elections were held at the end of the convention for election of the 5-member Coordinating Council of οΏ½AE Latin America with the following results:

Regional Coordinator / οΏ½AE Vice President: Nikiforos Nikolaidis (Chile)

Members: Marios Panagopoulos (Argentina); Fotios Papadikis (Panama); Theodora Tsihli Aggelaki (Costa Rica); Georgios Tsoulfas (Brazil).

Among dignitaries at the convention were the Ambassador of Greece to Argentina, Honorable Alexios Kogevinas; H.E. the Metropolitan of Buenos Aires and South America Tarasios; the representative of the General Secretariat for Hellenes Abroad, Mr. Christos Dimitriou, and a host of local leaders. The convention was organized by the Coordinating Council of N&S America under the supervision of Mr. Tomaras. Organizing responsibility locally was by the Coordinator of the Sub-Region, Mr. Eduardo Karavias.