for the next 4 years.

The position of the Greek government in favor of the approval of the European Constitution's draft, which will make the EU more and its citizens, and consequently its Greek citizens, more effective, was expressed by Government Spokesperson Christos Proto papas, immediately following the meeting at the Maximos Mansion presided over Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

"You who are here today, the leaders of organized Hellenism, and the other 7,000,000 Greeks abroad, are the voice of Greece all over the world", said the Prime Minister, and added: "Greece, our homeland, needs you. It needs you not only because you are c onvincing defenders. It needs you because you are the incarnation of the inventive and tireless working Greek in the modern globalized reality. Because with your successes and achievements abroad, in adverse conditions, you show what abilities are require d of people today".

At the same time he stressed the contribution of Hellenism abroad to the successful organizing of the 2004 Athens Olympics and that the body of Greek living abroad volunteers, a crucial dimension in the overall contribution of volunteers.

On SAE, Mr. Simitis said that it is a body of vital importance to Hellenism. It is the real channel of communication between Greece and Hellenism abroad. Greece is one of the few countries in the world with a steady policy for its people abroad. It suppo rts the descendants of its nation globally and recognizes a specific institutional role.

With the new executive law to be voted on in Parliament soon, SAE will take on the role of the official interlocutor of the state. It will advise regarding every related law and will be provided with all possible assistance to achieve its important work.

The Prime Minister referred to the successes of Greece over the past few years. He characterized 2004 as a landmark for the progress of society in all sectors and stated that the government will prepare a program for the next four years, which will revol ve around 3 axes: The social contract for real convergence, the plan for the renewal of public life and the plan for responsible governing.

In the past we thought that the goal of SAE was the defense of our national interests (Cyprus, etc.), but we must be pragmatists, we cannot affect the course of national issues, observed Mr. Stefanopoulos. Of course that aim remains, but our fist concern

now is the promotion of Greece, he added.

At that point he underlined that present day Greece has nothing to do with Greece of the 1940s, 1950s or 1960s and he underlined that: "Who would have believed that Greece would be organizing the Olympics?"

Regarding the organization of the Olympics, he expressed his belief that Greece is capable of succeeding and that the contribution of Greeks abroad will be decisive.

Mr. Stefanopoulos characterized SAE's course so far as successful and he expressed his satisfaction with the measures being prepared by the government for the upgrading of SAE. He said that some mistakes had been made and asked that any differences be pu t aside and be expressed in such a way that is conducive to the progress of SAE.

He asked Greeks abroad to support the Patriarchates that are facing various problems, and mentioned those of Istanbul, Alexandria and Jerusalem. He stressed that Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos was correct in raising the issue of universality in his me ssage to SAE, and he noted that this universality is what creates problems sometimes.

He was in favor of increasing the participation of women in politics and the bodies of SAE, and for this to be achieved present conditions that present obstacles must be improved.

He also spoke of himself saying that he would not be attend another SAE World Convention as President of the Republic, because his tenure will end in 2005.

Regarding the situation in the modern international environment, he stressed that it is characterized by instability and uncertainty due to the inability of the international community to deal with the major problems of our age, such as the inequality be tween the rich and the poor, violence, terrorism and the violation of human rights. Greece, he said, is a steady herald for the necessity of an international system of cooperation and enforcement of international justice. He added that Greeks all over the

world must contribute to global peace, democracy and progress and he stressed that that is why constant institutional communication among the representatives of Hellenism is necessary. He mentioned that in the framework of that cooperation, the Greek Par liament is in constant contact with Greeks abroad, through the Special Standing Committee, while at the same time it supports the actions of Greek abroad bodies by strengthening programs specialized in education and welfare and by cultivating a constant c ontact with young Greeks abroad through the Greek Youth Parliament.

Mr. Kaklamanis underlined that SAE is facing a new period of renewal and action in view of the vote on the executive law of the Constitution and the creation of new structures that will allow it to extend into new regions, and the preparation of new poli cies in areas of direct Greek interest. He also mentioned that the two future goals are the promotion of Greece as a reliable force for peace, security and cooperation in the Balkan region, and the organizing of perfect Olympics, which will be distinguish ed by their uniqueness and reinstate the ancient ideals on the basis of competition, not commercialization, and will promote fundamental values such as the truce and volunteerism.

while he underlined that wherever there is a strong Greek element, there is Greek thought and culture.

He referred to the role of the church and characterized it as a beacon for Greeks in hard times. He stressed that Greeks abroad are not foreigners in the countries they now reside in, on the contrary they are a dynamic part of society. You make us proud and we must make you proud, said Mr. Karamanlis, who added that Greece owes a lot to Greeks living abroad for everything they have done in defense of Greece's national interests. At the same time he apologized for everything that Greece was not able to do

for them and promised to support them.

Mr. Karamanlis stressed the need to strengthen Greek education and the retaining of the Greek language with the support of seats for Modern Greek studies in as many countries around the world as possible. Education, he said, is the bridge that connects G reece to Hellenism abroad and leads to the conquering of the future. He characterized Greek abroad media as a bridge that is helping keep Greek education alive. Our goal, he said, is to strengthen organizations of Greeks abroad without party affiliations,

and pointed out the necessity for solidarity towards Greeks abroad.

At the same time he stressed that the time of the political changeover period and missed opportunities has come full circle and that an era of new prospects is dawning. Regarding the 2004 Olympics, he underlined that this is a national affair of all Gree ks who must proclaim that Greece will hold the best and safest Olympics ever, and that they will not have a party character.

The findings of the MRB opinion poll are another ascertainment, an impression of the atmosphere among the Greek people, however it is a measurement of one specific instance, commented Minister of Development Akis Tsochatzopoulos.

As he said, it is a warning for the government and PASOK to intensify their work and promote all the promises they are obliged to carry out.

Regarding the concerns of the President of the Association of Greek Industries (SEV) regarding the state of the economy, the Minister stated that he could not understand why such comments would be made, when the President of SEV himself had expressed his

satisfaction with the country's developmental course.

Prospects and forecasts, he said, from international organizations are optimistic and there is already a heightened sense of security regarding the enlargement of the Greek economy in 2004.

"Costas Simitis was and still is PASOK's strongest card for the next elections", stressed Minister of National Defense Giannos Papantoniou, in statements he made in the margin of the oath taking of new recruits at the Thebes Artillery Training Center.

Commenting on the 8.2% lead given to New Democracy over PASOK, the Minister appreciated that as far as vote intention is concerned, "differences with such a low solidarity percentage for PASOK and so many undecided voters, who are potential PASOK voters,

have no real significance". He also underlined indications will be important and especially on election night.

Mr. Papantoniou stressed the lead Prime Minister's lead against the President of the Opposition to the question of who would be more suitable as Prime Minister, by characteristically stating that: "The Greek people consider him a better Prime Minister, a

more reliable Prime Minister and that means that Costas Simitis was and will continue to be PASOK's strongest card in the next elections."