Dear Mr Prime Minister,

We were saddened and have great concern to learn that there was an intention by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Secretariat of Hellenes Abroad to merge with the General Secretariat of Public Diplomacy, thus weakening its power and prestige.

In addition, as we have been informed that Hellenes Abroad will be only one directorate.

The General Secretariat for Hellenes Abroad has offered to maintain the current structure in the strengthening of Greece’s ties with homogenous people around the world, as well as in the international promotion of Greece, the Greek spirit, culture and the excellent cooperation with Greek institutions abroad.

Finally, for decades it has supported the living Hellenism outside Greece with rich remarkable programs, creating a dynamic connecting link of the new generation of expatriates with the metropolitan centre.

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We have a great cooperation with the General Secretariat of Hellenes Abroad, which has done excellent work in recent months. A merger with other departments will result in a weakening of this and will have little support from Hellenes abroad.

Mr Prime Minister, we urge you to reconsider the intention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that it does not proceed with the merger. We are sure that with the special sensitivity that distinguishes you, you will quickly and directly address this important issue for Hellenism everywhere!

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Manolis Kougioumoutzis – President of the Worldwide Cretan Council 
Chrystosomos Dimou – President of the Council of Foreign Services
Diamantis Gikas – President of the Worldwide Thessalonian Associations 
Nina Gatzouli – Coordinator of the Pan-Macedonian (ΚΩΝ ΕΝΩΣΕΩΝ ΥΦΗΛΕΙΟΥ) 
George Amarantidis – President of the World Pontian Association 
Anestis Ketesidis – President of the Thracian Associations of Europe