Statement Of The American Hellenic Institute Congratulating The EU, Cyprus On
Historic Expansion Decision

The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) congratulates the European Union (EU) in its historic decision to accept Cyprus and the nine other candidate countries for accession to its ranks today in Copenhagen. The AHI especially congratulates the people of Cyprus, their elected representatives and all those who have worked dilligently over the past decades to make accession to the EU a reality. AHI further congratulates the people of Greece and their elected representatives for their full support of Cyprus in the accession process.

To be noted is Cyprus' remarkable progress, ranking at the head of its class in accession negotiations. Cyprus was the first to complete accession negotiations earlier this week on Monday (December 9), having closed all 29 harmonization chapters successfully. AHI firmly believes that Cyprus' accession to the EU will also facilitate a solution to the longstanding division of the island.

For additional information, please contact Chrysoula Economopoulos at 202-785-8430 or at chrysoula@ahiworld.org. For general information on AHI, please view our website at http://www.ahiworld.org.