Open Letter of Greeks Abroad
in the Face of Increasing
Turkish Aggression
To:
Dr. Kostas Vlasis, Deputy Minister of Greeks Abroad
Cc:
The President of Greece and the President of Cyprus
The Prime Minister of Greece
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Greece and Cyprus
The Ministers of National Defence of Greece and Cyprus
The Archbishops of the Church of Greece and Cyprus
The Chiefs of the Army of Greece and Cyprus
The Presidents of the Political Parties of Greece and Cyprus
The Presidents and Deputies of the Parliaments of Greece and Cyprus
The Deputies of Greece and Cyprus in the European Parliament
The Media of Greece and Cyprus
Honourable Deputy Minister Dr. Kostas Vlasis,
Congratulations to you on your recent appointment as Deputy Foreign
Minister of Greeks Abroad. We wish you a successful tenure in this sensitive
and important position which coincides with a crucial juncture for Hellenism.
It is because of these critical times for our country that we are sending you
this letter as a reminder and confirmation that Hellenism is much bigger than
the borders of our small country and we, the Hellenes abroad, are here and
present, ready to respond to the needs of our homeland.
Greece and Cyprus have been facing escalating Turkish aggression the
details of which you are well aware of. Distinguished specialists, experienced
politicians and even the Minister of National Defence, Mr. Panagiotopoulos,
stress that the possibility of military conflict cannot be ruled out. We would
all wish to remain prudent and calm so that military conflict is avoided. However,
Turkey’s continued aggressive actions – of unforeseeable extent – indicate that
conflict is perhaps closer than during the Imia crisis. Therefore, within the
context of defending the sovereign rights of our country, we strongly feel that
we should all be ready for any eventuality. We, the diaspora Greeks from all
four corners of the world, are living cells of Hellenism and ambassadors of a
great civilization that resonates globally to the present time. Our
relationship with our homeland is not only emotionally felt,but within us is
rooted a deep sense of duty. Many diaspora Greeks have been important
benefactors or have given their lives in battle to defend our nation.
Today, when Hellenism is in a phase of demographic contraction and has
been tested for years – particularly in the economic field – a newrange of
challenges and risks finds us relatively weakened. At such a juncture, a call
to all Greeks is required for assistance. DiasporaHellenism is equal to about a
second Greece in population, thriving and proud. Many in the diaspora have
reached high positions in academic institutions, business, political parties,
and others enjoy a worldwide reputation for their artistic work. Thousands of
volunteers, within associations and parishes around the globe, help keep our
traditionsalive, while many others cultivate philhellenism in many countries.
In view of the above, there is the possibility of activating a
multilevel mechanism that can assist the State in defending ournational
interests whenever necessary. But the thousands of individuals that make up
this mosaic of organized communities and prominent personalities should be
utilized in the right place, at the right time. In other words, a centralized,
well-thought-out strategic plan, guided by national interest, is required in
order to benefit our nation to the fullest extent.
Our assistance will be twofold, both from abroad and from within Greece.
Joining the effort will be academics, influential international personalities
who can lobby members of government, artists, business leaders and
entrepreneurs, and others whose talents can be utilized, even at the eleventh
hour, to collaboratively support the work of the government. In the armed
forces, retraining of reserve officers who live abroad—in compliance with their
status of citizenship abroad—as well as other willing Greeks, could be
organized immediately. Lists of professional specialties by country, especially
medical personnel should be established and coordinated by our embassies and
consulates. The creation of a secure communication platform and updating
directories of associations of Greeks, philhellenes and other players, to
conducteffective consultation in case of urgent need for action must be
accomplished. Of course, worldwide Greek communities have their own internal
organization and already have ways of interacting with each other. You can be
encouraged by existing global Hellenic infrastructuresthat could be further
improved with the assistance of specialists.
It is worth stressing that the activation of international Hellenism
will send multiple messages across Greece and beyond. These messages of
encouragement, determination, and confidence to our compatriots in Greece and
towards those who threaten us are one more weapon in our arsenal to boost our
deterrent effect and not just by military means.
We therefore encourage you, through your institutional role, to work
(together with other ministries and the military forces) for this purpose as
soon as possible, as developments leave no room for complacency. It is our
desire for Greece and Cyprus to prosper in peace and security and we, diaspora
Greeks, to work alongside institutional agents – who are the guardians of
prosperity – as we have always done.
Such times require vigilance, responsibility, planning, ingenuity,
courage and faith. We will be at your side and will assist you in any way
possible in a process of comprehensive and coordinated action. We will also be
constructive, rigorous judges of your work. As you know,expatriate Greeks place
partisan or other allegiances aside, puttinghomeland above all else. That is
why the decision was made to write to you in the hope that you will lead in
this effort.
Our best wishes for success in this endeavour.
Respectfully yours
SOURCE: ΙΗΑ, 30.12.2019. ARCHIVES
of CULTURE, 30.12.2019.
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