Deputy FM Gerontopoulos attends the Greek Independence Day parade in Melbourne and meets with Greek Australians. -MFA

MFA, Sunday, 23 March 2014

Deputy Foreign Minister Kyriakos Gerontopoulos attended the Greek Independence Day parade in Melbourne today, 23 March, and had a series of meetings with local Greek Australian associations and clubs, within the framework of his four-day visit to Australia, which will last through 26 March.

Mr. Gerontopoulos attended the mass celebrated at the Archdiocese church of St. Eustathios and then, at the Australian War Memorial, watched the parade of Greek schools and associations.

With the Prime Minister of the State of Victoria, Denis Napthine, and thousands of Greek Australians in attendance, Mr. Gerontopoulos laid a wreath at the Australian city’s War Memorial and then delivered the day’s panegyric. Among other things, he stressed that “the Revolution of 1821 was the most important event of its time and, at the same time, is a great challenge for Greeks today, because it showed that the struggle and powerful will of a people can change their historical destiny. Free today, thanks to the sacrifices of our forebears, we are now struggling to overcome other challenges.

“But we must sustain our historical memory and pay appropriate tribute, honoring those we should. And you, the Greeks of the Diaspora, know this better than anyone, as you have made abundantly clear, once again, with today’s parade here in Melbourne, as well as with your sensitivity and your love for our homeland. You make us proud with your presence, your accomplishments in all walks of life, and you are the best advertisement for Greece here in this distant, friendly country of Australia.”

Subsequently, Mr. Gerontopoulos visited the 15-storey building – currently under construction – of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria. He met with the Community board, was briefed on the whole project, and thanked them for everything they have done throughout the years for the Greek community they serve. He then met with the boards of the Greek Australian Council and the Pan-Macedonian association, at the latter’s offices, where he heard their requests, discussed the problems they are facing, and expressed the homeland’s gratitude for the work they carry out for Hellenism. Finally, Mr. Gerontopoulos met with the Pan-Thracian Union of Melbourne.

On Monday, 24 March, Mr. Gerontopoulos will meet with Bishop Ezekiel of Dervis and visit the Greek community school, Alphington Grammar. He will then meet at the State Parliament with Greek Australian State MPs, after which he will visit the Hellenic Museum and meet with the board of Melbourne’s Greek-Australian Chamber of Commerce.

 mfa.gr

23/3/14

---------------------------

• On the Occasion of Greek National Day. -State Department.

Press Statement, John Kerry, Secretary of State

Washington, DC,March 21, 2014. -"On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I extend best wishes to the people of Greece on the 193rd anniversary of your independence on March 25.

My home of Massachusetts is host to one of the largest Greek-American communities in the United States. During my time in statewide political office, I served beside a proud Greek-American, former Governor Michael S. Dukakis. When I joined the United States Senate, I succeeded another equally proud Greek-American, Paul Tsongas.
My experience has been enriched through my visits to Greece, and I was happy to welcome Foreign Minister Venizelos to the State Department last year.
From the ancient Greek thinkers, whose ideas and principles inspired America’s Founding Fathers, to the modern Hellenic Republic, the bonds between us are strong and continue to grow.
The United States stands in solidarity with Greece as a NATO ally, and we look forward to deepening our security partnership in the years to come.
Beyond our strong bilateral relationship, our people share important values and cultural ties. We will continue to encourage the commercial, educational, and exchange opportunities that serve as the foundation of our friendship.
We applaud Greece’s leadership of the EU Council Presidency, and we are committed to working together to ensure a more secure and prosperous future for Greeks and Americans alike."
http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2014/03/223790.htm
21/3/14