The actions and scope of the Council for Greeks Abroad (SAE) and its relationship with the Greek government will be under review, according to Minister for Greeks Abroad, Dimitri Dollis.

The needs of the new generation of Greek diaspora and any changes to existing policies were to be announced at the SAE conference in Salonika over the weekend, Mr Dollis said, adding that this would have significant bearing on the diaspora, hellenism and the SAE.

Minister Dollis told Neos Kosmos that the Papandreou government will restructure the committee for Greeks abroad, will enhance the general secretariat for Greeks abroad, and will establish and support exchange programs, with the aim of maintaining and enhancing communication between the Greece and the new generation of the Greek Diaspora.

As a child of the Greek diaspora himself – previously a Member of Parliament in Victoria – Mr Dollis said he understands firsthand the needs of the Greek Diaspora.

The restructuring of the SAE will take into account Greece’s economic situation as well as the need for SAE to be more responsive to the needs of the Diaspora, rather than merely an annual conference and some activities, Mr Dollis said.

Mr Dollis highlighted many of these changes at a conference in Salonika.

“In my discussions with cabinet and at the conference I will reveal the type of reforms SAE requires, with the aim of enhancing the role of the organisation, as well as allow the Diaspora to participate and take a more active role in its activities,” Mr Dollis said.

“The government and I personally believe deeply that there’s a strong rationale for a policy which enhances relations with the Diaspora.”

Mr Dollis highlighted that the teaching of Modern Greek is “still one of the most significant policies of this government and it’s going to take precedence”.

In the immediate weeks after the weekend conference Mr Dollis said the Papandreou government will work with the ministry of Education in reassessing the current policy towards the teaching of Greek by the Diaspora and will look at “the enhancement of learning Greek in diaspora communities by the skilling of local teachers”.