Posted by Stephanie on April 06, 2002 at 12:26:26:
In Reply to: Please help Greeks Abroad--- posted by Byzantian on April 06, 2002 at 10:17:01:
Akrites.org (SEE PROPOSAL )
The internet initiative AKRITES consists of over 500 Greeks
abroad who inevitably face conscription difficulties, as
their family and professional obligations, together with the existing
Greek legal framework, do not allow them to fulfill their military
obligations.
The AKRITES core was, up to now, mostly consisted of scientists
(academics, researchers, medical doctors, industry executives and
students) due to their easier access to the Internet. However, the
World Wide Web revolution, together with the recent media attention to
the issue, enlarged the circle of AKRITES, awakening even more of the
18,000+ "self-exiled" Greeks abroad, who ask for a
fair solution to the problem.
In the AKRITES community, there are are no discriminations. Everybody
with pending military obligations or conscription concerns can join
us.
SECTION: TO PROBLHMA The Problem
Over 18,000 Greeks who were driven abroad for a better future, either
by later returning to Greece or by staying permanently abroad.
These people did not go abroad to avoid their military service.
The prolonged state of exile, away from homeland and family, is more
painful than the few difficulties during the military service. Many
of these Greek started a family of their own, followed the career they
always dreamed of, or formed official ties with their country of stay
by becoming permanent residents and even citizens of that country. As
a result, these people were not able to fulfill their military
obligations. Consequences?
Over 18,000 Greeks alienated from homeland, burdened with family
issues, professional dilemmas and travel deadlocks, disgusted by the
mockery of the Greek consulates, the conscription services and the
apathy of the Greek political and military establishment. What is the
gain of the Greek State from this situation?
***SECTION: TI PROTEINOUME
The AKRITES PROPOSAL *********
We ask for the understanding of the problem from the State, the
enactment of unified and fair regulations in the framework of the
imminent conscription legislation. Under no circumstances do we demand
to be exempt from our constitutional duty of military service. We
propose:
Unification of the legislation for immigrants and permanent residents
of foreign countries by the following means:
Extension of the beneficial measures of law
"http://www.mod.gr/greek/recruit/n_2510.htm"
for all the permanent
residents of foreign countries without any exceptions
(read the related
"http://www.saeamerica.org/news/english011901.html"
appeal of the Council of Hellenes Abroad to the Hellenic Ministry of Defense)
Objective and realistic criteria for the characterization
of Greeks abroad as permanent residents of foreign countries.
Legislation to allow serving the military service in parts by extending
the law N. 2510/97 for Greeks with conscription difficulties
irrespectively of age.
Disassociation of Greek passport validity from the conscription
condition status and allowing for short family visits to Greece.
Discussion and measures for a long-term solution to the problem.
AWARDS
"http://www.phantis.com/index.html"
"images/Phantis.Award.gif"
"Best Greek Sites Phantis Award"
"http://www.omogenia.com"
"Omogenia Award"
Last update on 30 March 2002, at 20:15:15 EST