wizard33... ...Unfortunately, the Associated Press is not a reliable source in terms of dictating Greek population growth/decline. Where is the report getting its information from? Moreover, the report fails to mention the fact that the Greek population in Thrace is actually increasing due to the aid that the Greek Orthodox Church provides to Greek families (i.e. daycare centers, etc.).

Keep in mind that the population of non-Greeks in Greece has not been officially established (though it is probably increasing at the demographic, economic, and social expense of the Greek population). The Greek government does not recognize foreign ethnic groups in Greece (despite attempts by both PASOK and ND governments to "legalize" non-Greek immigrants without the consent of the Greek people). Moreover, Greeks in Greece are not pleased over the fact that there are so many foreigners in their country. Therefore, any attempts by the press to dictate fertility rates and population trends in Greece are questionable. In light of all these factors, where is the Associated Press getting its information from? The Greek government? The European Union? The United Nations? Where?

Overall, population decline in Greece is nothing new when you review the demographic history of the country.

What Greece should do in order to increase its population is to implement some radical measures:

1) Remove all non-Greek immigrants that have illegally entered the country. So-called "legalizations" of immigrant populations in Greece should be rendered null and void. This may be a harsh measure, but the Constitution of Greece must be respected (even without the Constitution, Greeks are running out of "xenia" since their "xenoi" or "guest-friends" have unfortunately become useless minority-seeking colonialists). Truth hurts, doesn't it?

2) Creation of jobs for young Greeks who are unemployed after they graduate. It is better for young Greeks to work somewhere rather than nowhere. Notions that only immigrants "do the jobs Greeks don't" is a pathetic myth. Greeks were working just fine in Greece before the Iron Curtain collapsed. If you think I am lying, then read the following and open your eyes:

http://www.blogigo.co.uk/socialdemocracynow/Debunking-illusions-about-immigration-the-case-Greece/55/

3) Financial support for families that rasie more than two children.

4) Establishment of daycare centers for working families (contributes to job creation).

5) Instant citizenship for diaspora Greeks that decide to live permanently in Greece and establish Greek families.

6) Allow the Greek Orthodox Church to contribute towards helping Greek families prosper.

Notions that these comments are "racist" or "anti-immigrant" are pointless since Greece has a "demographic problem" (as opposed to a "demographic crisis"). This problem is nothing new and it should be solved without the unnecessary epithets from individuals who lack perspective and respect for Greeks' right to preserve their native heritage in their own country.

The non-Greek population in Greece is no longer a force that should be classified as "immigration". In fact, it should be reclassified as "colonialism" in plain and simple terms.

I know that Greece will overcome its "demographic problem" regardless if its population is "rapidly aging" (this phrase should be classified as "bullshit" since there are plenty of Greeks from the diaspora that are re-establishing themselves in Greece).

Granted, the demographic issue in Greece is somewhat complicated. However, now is the time for Greece to implement solutions and not waste precious resources "educating" Greeks over the wonders of sacrificing their culture on the "holy altar of multiculturalism".

Ellas, Ellinon, Christianon. Period.

Happy Easter everyone and Christos Anesti!