D. Dollis «It is a great honor for me and the Greek Diaspora»

Melbourne, 07.09.2010

The new Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dimitris Dollis, stated to “Neos Kosmos” that the decision of the Prime Minister, George Papandreou, to include him in the new cabinet is a “great honor and a great challenge”.

He said that his appointment as one of the two Deputy Prime Ministers is an “honor for the Greeks of Australia but also for the Greek Diaspora in general”.

Mr. Dollis made a commitment that he will do “the best possible for the Greek Diaspora”, from his current position as well, within the framework of the government’s policy.

Dimitris Dollis was born in Kastoria. He developed his political activities in the state of Victoria, in Australia, where his family emigrated when he was 15 years old. Within the 29 years he spent in Australia, he served as City Councilor, Member of the Parliament*, Shadow Minister and Deputy Leader of the Labor Party. When he returned to Greece, he was appointed as the General Secretary for Greeks Abroad of the Greek Government.

He made a close connection with George Papandreou and supported him during his course. As the Prime Minister of Greece, George Papandreou appointed him as Ambassador-at-Large and Special Envoy of the PM for the release of the Greek teacher Thanassis Lerounis, who had been abducted by the Taliban.

Source: ANA–MPA