The Australian Hellenic Council (AHC) has fired back at World Council of Hellenes (SAE) Oceania and the Far East head, George Angelopoulos.
In a lengthy letter that was published in Neos Kosmos on Thursday the president of AHC, Nikos Lalopoulos used tough language to fend off the criticism waged against his organisation by Mr Angelopoulos.
In an interview with Neos Kosmos English Edition (NKEE), the head of SAE Oceania had called for the dismantling of AHC and its re-establishment from scratch.
Mr Lalopoulos expressed serious objections with the way Mr Angelopoulos chose to raise the issue through the media. “Why this sudden antipathy towards the National Council [AHC],” Mr Lalopoulos asked in his open letter.
He further asserted that what Mr Angelopoulos claimed in his comments to NKEE about AHC were “unfounded and diversionary accusations” that set a dangerous precedent.
Mr Lalopoulos claims that the head of SAE Oceania is attempting through his actions to bluntly interfere in the “internal affairs of AHC.”
The row between the two organisations was sparked after the decision of AHC to bar the participation of SAE on the second day of its yearly conference in Canberra during which meetings are held amongst members of AHC and Australian politicians.
The reasoning behind it, argues Mr Lalopoulos, is that SAE is representing the Greek government in the Diaspora and therefore its role can only be advisory. He further argues that SAE is welcome to take part on the first day of the conference in order to submit its proposals and discuss the issues of interest to Hellenism.
Sources close to both organisations who spoke to NKEE, claim that the AHC was always contemplating about the participation of SAE in its ranks but the latest decision was the aftermath of a tense two day Conference that took place in late June.
It has been reported in the NKEE that heated arguments overshadowed the collective effort, although certain AHC members have tried to discredit the report.
An AHC official who spoke to NKEE on the condition of anonymity defended Mr Lalopoulos’ letter and pointed out that SAE’s tactic of calling open meetings where non-members are invited and decisions are being reached has caused a stir in Greek community circles in Sydney.
The leadership of AHC had been based in Sydney for many years but last year it was decided for the reigns to be handed to Melbourne. Yet, it is unclear as to who holds the leadership position as the official that has been announced to the media is the coordinator of AHC, Patricia Drivas. Mr Lalopoulos, however, is signed his letter as the president of AHC.
The confusion is further exacerbated by the fact that the Victorian branch of the AHC is not yet incorporated. The AHC official explained that incorporation will be occurring shortly, although more than a year has already lapsed since the change of power.