Athens , 10 September 2009

Ms. Bakoyannis: My pleasure at being here is twofold, because I am also among Greeks from abroad. Greeks who live here and Greeks who live in their second homeland, and are united by their Greek identity.

I must say that it was with great interest that I read the findings of the study on the experience of immigration, the family status of immigrants, their relations with Greece, and the views of Greeks of the diaspora on Greece’s foreign policy, the Greek state and all the major international issues.

Greeks abroad – agents of Hellenism abroad – have many reasons to be glad of the progress Greece has made in every sector. For its part, the Greek state stands by Greeks abroad and is taking measures that will improve communication between the national homeland and Greeks of the diaspora.

Ladies and gentlemen, the study carried out by Kapa Research is particularly useful and representative. In it, we find specific data and figures concerning the immigration process. We draw useful conclusions about the time and place Greeks chose to immigrate.

We see that through the 1960s and 1970s and up to the current time, the goals of immigrants have changed. At one time – and we all know this – they left Greece to seek better opportunities, while today Greeks immigrate mainly for studies or career reasons.

We also learn in which countries Greeks work mainly in the private sector and in which countries they work mainly in the public sector or for state agencies. This study gives us – for the first time – a map of Hellenism in every corner of the world.

This study confirms that Greeks abroad feel deeply that Greece is their homeland. For the most part, they keep up their language, and certainly their traditions and customs. All of the basic aspects of collective Greek memory.

We learn about the probable difference in trends and views among younger age groups. We learn of the diversity and particular characteristics of the various diaspora communities, as well as the extent to which their views, stances and conduct are impacted by the foreign land in which they reside.

And it is very important to us that we know the identity and thoughts of Greeks abroad, so that we can plan and readapt our country’s immigration policy accordingly.

The Greek diaspora is historically the second largest diaspora community in the world. We Greeks know well the secret of success abroad. We have the ability to adapt quickly to a foreign land, and we have an innate inclination towards education.

Moreover, as ambassadors of Hellenism, we are sure and proud of our heritage.

The Greek diaspora exhibits a high degree of assimilation into receiving societies. The relations of Greeks of the diaspora with receiving societies is more complementary than competitive.

This study confirms the secrets of fast and effective social inclusion, which are none other than being able to gain citizenship in the receiving countries relatively easily; good prospects; and good educational opportunities for the children of immigrants.

Given that Greek society is now a society receiving hundreds of thousands of economic migrants, it is our duty to develop procedures for better incorporating all these people, who are an important part of our society.

Today, the Greek state has taken significant steps towards their assimilation, but the truth is that there is still much to be done. I think that the experience of the Greek diaspora is of paramount importance in our adopting good practices – rejecting inhibitive mindsets.

Ladies and gentlemen, we Greeks back in the homeland have need of the mindset of Greeks abroad. Their different perspective, their experiences in a different, foreign environment, also help us to map out a foreign policy with better prospects and firmer foundations.

Traditionally, Greeks abroad have helped Greece in its economic development and its international relations in the exercising of foreign policy. We are proud of their activities, both abroad and back in the homeland.

And they have every reason to be proud as well, seeing – in turn – the country and Greece’s position in the international community grow stronger. There are, after all, national issues that Greeks abroad have a passionate interest in.

Ladies and gentlemen, this study – and  I would like to close with this, which was already noted by Ms. Gavra – essentially strengthens the view that at the soonest possible time we have to meet the longstanding request of Greeks abroad to be able to vote.

And I want, from my heart, to express my great sorrow at the fact that this draft law could not be agreed upon and passed by the Hellenic Parliament.

I sincerely believe that the government made every effort so that we could agree that Greeks abroad shall vote. So that we could agree on a vote that, in any case, would not be a vote in these elections. We are talking about the next elections.

But we could have agreed. Steps could have been taken in the right direction. And unfortunately this is an example of when party identity, in my opinion, trumps national interest.

I would like to hope that in the next Parliament, one of the first bills passed will be the vote for Greeks abroad. They deserve it. It is their right, and in my opinion we are under obligation to satisfy their request.

They have a right to a say in developments in our country. They have a right, because they are mounting their own struggle. They have the right because for us they are a force and rich resource.

Thank you very much.