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Greek Issues the Focus of SAE USA Youth Symposium in WashingtonGreek Issues the Focus of SAE USA Youth Symposium in Washington Pontian Genocide, Macedonia, Cyprus, Northern Epirus and Ecumenical Patriarchate Issues Discussed WASHINGTON, D.C. – On November 14-15, 2009, the SAE USA Youth Network in cooperation with the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) U.S.A. Region hosted a symposium to create greater awareness of a number of Greeces most pressing national issues. The event took place at Georgetown University in Washington, and addressed issues including the Pontian Genocide, the appropriation of Macedonias name by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the Cyprus conflict, rights of the Greek minority of Albanias Northern Epirus region, and the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey. “It is of utmost importance to focus on the issues known as ethnika themata (national issues), which can constitute a threat to Greek national identity and the Greek states sovereignty,” said SAE USA Youth Network Culture Committee Chair Demetrios Varnasidis of the importance of the conference. “It is essential that we all work together and support each other as Americans and Hellenes. United we can make a difference,” he continued. To kick off the weekend, SAE USA Coordinator Theodore G. Spyropoulos welcomed guests to the event, followed by greetings from Ioannis Vrailas, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Greek Embassy. American Hellenic Institute (AHI) Executive Director Nick Larigakis next discussed how U.S. citizens can affect lasting change on the issues to be discussed that day by reaching out to their Congressional representatives. He encouraged grassroots action by telling the audience to “understand these issues… and then act upon them in your communities at the local level.” SAE USA Youth Network Coordinator Maurice Gritzalis next provided an overview of the organizations mission, and the overall historical context for various issues to be discussed that day in a U.S. political context, and for Greek Americans. Acclaimed author of the book Not Even My Name Thea Halo next discussed the significance of the Pontian Genocide and, more broadly, the Genocide of all Christians of the Ottoman Empire during its decline in the first half of the twentieth century. As exemplified by her mothers survival of the genocide and the subsequent retelling of her story in Halos book, the author emphasized that “personal stories are very important to give a face and a voice to these tragedies” and to the victims. Chris Karatzios, an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics and in the Division of Infections Diseases at Montreal Childrens Hospital presented on “Repeat Lies Become Truth: An Overview of Macedonism”. Through his presentation, he documented the historically revisionist tactics being used to eliminate all traces of Greek origin from everything under the name Macedonia. Next, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Cyprus Embassy Solon Savva discussed the current status of negotiations towards finding a resolution to the long-standing division of Cyprus. Since September 2008, the Republic of Cyprus has embarked on full negotiations with Turkish Cypriot community leaders in the north, holding 51 meetings to date. Savva underscored that the role of the Greek American and Cypriot American communities in the U.S. has been invaluable, and he urged attendees to get the message about Cyprus across to U.S. officials. Anastasia Koumbis-Falangas, speaking on behalf of the Pan Epirotic Federation, presented an overview of the difficult conditions and human rights violations endured by the Greek minority of Albanias Northern Epirus region both historically and to date. Her presentation was supplemented by remarks from Mayor of Himara, Albania and President of O.M.O.N.I.A., Vassilis Bollanos, who discussed his communitys experience, underscoring that human rights and the development of the region are critical to help inject life back into the region. To conclude the conference, Mike Manatos representing the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate defined what the Ecumenical Patriarchate is, and outlined the restrictions placed on the Patriarchate by the Turkish government which constitute violations of religious freedom. Manatos also discussed who Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is, including his achievements and main agenda items. On November 15, a group of SAE USA Youth Network members and other attendees gathered at Georgetown University for a town hall meeting for an opportunity to discuss the previous days issues, and steps the network can implement to affect change on these issues. For additional information on the SAE USA Youth Network Symposium on Greek National Issues, or for additional information about the SAE USA Youth Network, please contact Demetrios Varnasidis at culture@saeyouth.com or +1.630.936.6008, or Chrysoula Economopoulos at communications@saeyouth.com or +1.202.285.7726. # # # NATIONAL ISSUES SYMPOSIUM TOWN HALL MEETING About SAE USA Youth Network: The mission of SAE USA Youth Network is to promote Hellenism through a network in which young Hellene Americans and Hellenic American organizations can encourage the preservation of our heritage in the Diaspora by educating, communicating and collaborating with each other, in order to strengthen ties within the U.S. and with Hellas.
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