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American Hellenic Institute (AHI) and the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
Action Alert
STOP ATTACK COPTER DEAL WITH TURKEY
Turkey's Arms Build-Up Threatens
Human Rights, Neighboring StatesUrge Members of Congress and President-elect Bush's National Security Advisor Designate to Block Attack Aircraft Deal with Turkish Military
==============================================================
STATUS:
==============================================================The newly elected Bush-Cheney Administration will decide in the coming months whether to grant an export license for Bell-Textron's controversial $4.5 billion sale of 145 attack helicopters to the Turkish military.
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ACTION:
==============================================================Contact President-elect George W. Bush's National Security Advisor Designate Condoleeza Rice and urge her to oppose this sale because it threatens American values and U.S. interests.
Mail: The Hon. Condoleeza Rice
National Security Advisor Designate
Bush-Cheney Presidential Transition Foundation, Inc.
1616 Anderson Road
McLean, VA 22102
Fax: (413) 460-2609
Email: advice@bushcheneytransition.com
Phone: (703) 918-2900----------------------------------------------------
Sample Phone Script -- (703) 918-2900
----------------------------------------------------(A receptionist will answer the phone. Ask to speak with the foreign policy transition team. The Policy Coordinator is Gary Edson. If he is not available to speak with you, leave a written or voice mail message.)
Hello, my name is __________________.
I am calling to urge the President-elect to oppose the sale of attack helicopters to Turkey.
Sending these attack aircraft to Turkey runs directly counter to the interests and values our government should advance in the region.
This deal will aggravate regional tensions and will very likely provide Turkey with arms it will use to violate human rights or launch offensive operations against neighboring states.
Please tell the President that he should publicly oppose this sale and any others deals that threaten Turkish citizens and Turkey's neighbors, such as Greece, Armenia, and Cyprus. I would like to learn his position on this issue and look forward to hearing from him.
(Provide your phone or fax number and mailing address.) Thank you.
----------------------------------------------------
Sample Letter to Condoleeza Rice
----------------------------------------------------
The Hon. Condoleeza Rice
National Security Advisor Designate
Bush-Cheney Presidential Transition Foundation, Inc.
1616 Anderson Road
McLean, VA 22102Dear Ms. Rice:
Congratulations on the election victory of the Bush-Cheney team and best wishes for a successful tenure as the incoming President's National Security Advisor.
I am writing today to urge President-elect Bush to oppose the sale of attack helicopters to Turkey.
Sending $4 billion worth of attack aircraft to Turkey runs directly counter to the interests and values our government should be advancing in the region, for the following four reasons:
- This deal is a direct threat to human rights as witnessed by the Turkish military's consistent failure to distinguish between civilian and military targets in its campaign against the Kurds in Southeast Turkey. The State Department confirmed in 1995 that Turkey was using the AH-1 Cobra against Kurdish villages.
- This deal is a danger to regional stability in an area of great importance to U.S. national interests. It threatens to spark an arms race between Greece and Turkey. The increasingly over-armed Turkish government continues its military occupation of Cyprus and blockade of Armenia, and remains an unrepentant perpetrator of genocide against the Armenian people.
- Turkey's fragile economic state in the wake of the recent financial collapse of many of Turkey's banking institutions confirms that Turkey cannot afford to pay for these weapons systems. With an $11 billion bail-out package just approved by the International Monetary Fund, the US must help stabilize Turkey's internal situation rather than exacerbate it. As an ally and friend of Turkey, the US must be responsible with Turkey and its military-controlled government, which would rather spend $4.5 billion on arms it does not need than on economic programs to steady its precarious situation.
- This deal will place advanced military technology in the hands of a Turkish government which only recently threatened to close US bases and to walk away from its NATO commitments.
Please encourage the President to oppose this sale and any others deals that threaten regional stability and harm our relations with Armenia, Greece, and Cyprus. I would like to learn the Administration's position on this issue and look forward to hearing from your office.
Sincerely,
Name: ______________________________________
Address: ______________________________________
==============================================================
BACKGROUND:
==============================================================The Turkish government, in July of this year, had announced that it would begin contract negotiations with the Texas-based defense firm on the sale, although officials in Ankara did keep the door open to a joint Russian-Israeli consortium in case either the US Administration or Congress moved to block the sale.
In recent months, the Clinton Administration has appeared willing to grant the sale an export license, despite State Department findings that Turkish armed forces used U.S.-supplied helicopters to commit human rights abuses. Earlier commitments that the Administration would only move forward with the sale if Turkey met eight specific human rights benchmarks appear to have been disregarded by policy-makers in the White House, State Department, and Pentagon. The Bush-Cheney position on this sale has not been stated.
The recent collapse of Turkish financial institutions and the $11 billion IMF bailout that is now necessary to resuscitate its fragile economy certifies that Turkey cannot afford these weapons. The US must act responsibly to stabilize Turkey's economy and internal situation, which is still reeling from last year's devastating earthquake. Further internal unrest in Turkey could destabilize the region and derail any hopes for a rapprochement between Turkey and its neighbors.
In addition to human rights and regional concerns, other sources of opposition to the sale include concerns over:
* The reduction in US production capacity and the loss of American jobs caused by Turkey's demand that the helicopters be manufactured almost entirely in Turkey.
* The transfer of advanced military technology to Turkey, a nation which recently threatened to close US air bases over a non-binding, House-only resolution on the Armenian Genocide. Compounding these concerns was Turkey's recent moves to open the door to full diplomatic and economic relations with Iraq.
The controversy over the sale has been covered by Time, Newsweek, the Los Angeles Times, Agence France Presses and other national and international media.
For More Information please visit:
American Hellenic Institute (AHI) and the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
Action Alert • April 5, 2001
AHIPAC-INITIATED RESOLUTION IN CONGRESS ON THE
AEGEAN NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!==============================================================
TO:
==============================================================
AHI Chapter Presidents, Congressional Contact Team Leaders, Members, and Friends
==============================================================
FROM:
==============================================================Nick Chimicles, Chairman AHIPAC Date: April 5, 2001
==============================================================
RE:
==============================================================H.Con.Res.97 Regarding the Maritime Borders between Greece and Turkey in the Aegean
==============================================================
ISSUE:
==============================================================On April 4, 2001 Representative Rob Andrews (D-NJ) introduced, at AHIPAC's initiative, H.Con.Res.97 "expressing the sense of the Congress regarding Turkey's claims of sovereignty over islands and islets in the Aegean." Signing on as original co-sponsors were Rep. Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Rep. James McGovern (D-MA), Rep. Connie Morella (R-MD), Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Rep. Michael Capuano (DMA), Rep. Rod Blagojevich (D-IL), Rep.Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Rep. Michael McNulty (D-NY), Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), and Rep. Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI).
The Resolution states that:
- the water boundaries established in the 1923 Lausanne Treaty, the 1932 Convention and Protocol between Italy and Turkey, and the 1947 Paris Treaty of Peace, under which the Dodecanese Islands and adjacent islets were ceded by Italy to Greece, are the borders between Greece and Turkey in the Aegean Sea; and
- any party, including Turkey, objecting to these established boundaries should seek redress in the International Court of Justice at The Hague.
This important resolution will help us to convince the Executive Branch to apply the rule of law to Turkey's unilateral claims in the Aegean Sea. Under the Clinton administration, the State Department had violated its obligation to support international treaties and laws by refusing to apply the rule of law in the Aegean dispute.
The resolution notes that the "United States is a signatory to the 1947 Paris Treaty of Peace and all articles therein are a part of the law of the United States." We draw attention to this significant point for it means that the very laws that establish Greek sovereignty over the Aegean islets and islands are integral parts of US law.
Congress, by stating its position, will show Turkey that a key to stable and productive relations with Greece is to abandon its aggressive policies in the Aegean .
=============================================================
ACTION:
==============================================================
Call and write to your Representative and urge him or her to co-sponsor H.Con.Res.97 as in the best interests of the United States. Please indicate that this resolution will promote stability in a critical region of US interests.
US Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
Mail: The Honorable ________________________________,US House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515Congress will be in Easter recess from April 9 to April 20. Try to reach your representative in the District during this period. Check your local phone book for the number.
PLEASE REPORT ALL ACTIONS TAKEN TO NICK LARIGAKIS AT AHI HEADQUARTERS
American Hellenic Institute (AHI) and the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
Action Alert • May 4, 2001
SENATE RESOLUTION ON CYPRUS NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!
==============================================================
TO:
==============================================================
AHI Chapter Presidents, Congressional Contact Team Leaders, Members, and Friends
==============================================================
FROM:
==============================================================Nick Chimicles, Chairman AHIPAC
==============================================================
RE:
==============================================================S.Con.Res.28 Regarding Human Rights Violations Against Greek Cypriots in the Occupied Areas
==============================================================
ISSUE:
==============================================================On March 26, 2001, Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) introduced S.Con.Res.28, "calling for a United States effort to end restrictions on the freedoms and human rights of the enclaved people in the occupied areas of Cyprus." Cosponsors to this resolution were Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Sen. Robert Torricelli (D-NJ), Sen. Edward Kennedy (DMA), and Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D-MD).
The Resolution, resolved by the United States Senate with the House of Representatives concurring,
- "strongly urges the President to undertake efforts to end restrictions on the freedoms and human rights of the enclaved people in Cyprus," and
- "expresses its intention to remain actively interested in the matter until the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the enclaved people of Cyprus are restored, respected, and safeguarded."
S.Con.Res.28 strongly denounces the systematic policy of ethnic cleansing committed by the Turkish military in the occupied areas of Cyprus, and notes that in addition to the 200,000 Greek Cypriots who were brutally torn from their homes during the Turkish invasion, since 1974 "the number of enclaved people in the occupied area of Cyprus has been reduced from 20,000 to 593."
The resolution also includes comments by the United Nations Secretary General, who in 1995 gravely warned that Greek Cypriots in the enclaves are "subjected to severe restrictions and limitations in many basic freedoms, which had the effect of ensuring that inexorably, with the passage of time, the communities would cease to exist."
The Senate's declaration of support will show the Turkish military leaders that the United States will not ignore their continued crimes against the people of Cyprus.
=============================================================
ACTION:
==============================================================
Call and write your Senators and urge them to cosponsor S.Con.Res.28, for human rights and the rule of law in Cyprus are in the interests of the United States.. Please indicate that this resolution will promote stability in a critical region of US policy.
US Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
Mail: The Honorable ________________________________,
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510PLEASE REPORT ALL ACTIONS TAKEN TO NICK LARIGAKIS AT AHI HEADQUARTERS
American Hellenic Institute (AHI) and the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
Action Alert • June 6, 2002
H.CON.RES. 164 SUPPORTING THE ACCESSION OF CYPRUS TO THE EU WITH OR WITHOUT A SETTLEMENT
==============================================================
TO:
==============================================================
AHI Chapter Presidents, Congressional Contact Team Leaders, Members, and Friends
==============================================================
FROM:
==============================================================Nick Larigakis, AHI Executive Director
==============================================================
RE:
==============================================================H.Con.Res. 164 Supporting the Accession of Cyprus to the EU With or Without a Settlement
==============================================================
ISSUE:
==============================================================H.Con.Res.164, introduced by Rep. Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), expresses the support of the United States for the accession of Cyprus to the European Union (EU) with or without a political settlement. As of June 6, 2002, 74 members of Congress had signed on as co-sponsors of this important resolution.
==============================================================
ACTION:
==============================================================
1. U.S. House of Representatives
Call and write your Representative and urge him or her to co-sponsor H.Con.Res.164. Please stress that this resolution will promote stability in a critical region of U.S. interests and will encourage Turkey to respect the rule of law in Cyprus.
U.S. Capitol: (202)-224-3121
Mail: The Honorable _________
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 205152. U.S. Senate
Since the U.S. Senate does not presently have a version of his resolution, you should call and write your Senators and urge them to sponsor a Senate version of H.Con.Res.164.
U.S. Capitol: (202) 224-3121Mail: The Honorable _________
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 205153. White House
Call, write and e-mail the President to express strong support for H.Con.Res.164.
White House: (202) 456-1414Mail: The Honorable George W. Bush
President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 205004. U.S. Department of State
Call, write and e-mail Secretary Powell to express strong support for H.Con.Res.164
(202) 647-4000Mail: The Honorable Colin L. Powell
Secretary of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20520PLEASE REPORT ALL ACTIONS TAKEN TO NICK LARIGAKIS AT THE AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE.
==============================================================
DISCUSSION:
==============================================================It is important that the U.S. government forcefully support the accession of Cyprus to the EU. A significant deadline looms on October 17, 2002, when the EU Council Enlargement Working Group will meet in Brussels to adopt a formal timeline for the accession of the "Helsinki six" to the EU. Congressional support for H.Con.Res.164 is central in light of the October 17, 2002 deadline, and Congress must sound its unequivocal support for Cyprus' accession to the EU in the months ahead.
During an April 11, 2002 noon forum at the AHI, Special Coordinator for Cyprus, Ambassador Tom Weston noted that the U.S. has regretfully failed to see "any moves or signs of flexibility" from the Turkish side. Indeed the Economist further noted on May 25, 2002 that the "key question is whether mainland Turkey will squeeze Mr. Denktash into giving ground." The time is thus ripe for the Congress and President George W. Bush to similarly "squeeze" Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit into finally resolving a problem which he and the Turkish military created in 1974 and which has haunted Cypriots ever since.
The House resolution is a strong and unequivocal reminder to the Turkish government that Cyprus' accession to the EU will not be held hostage by Turkey. As we approach the October summit and the EU's final timeframe to admit new applicants, H.Con.Res.164 clearly expresses the U.S. position that Cyprus will be admitted to the EU with or without a settlement of the Cyprus problem, and that Turkish intransigence will not be allowed to hijack Cyprus' rightful place in the EU.
American Hellenic Institute (AHI) and the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
Action Alert • June 26, 2002
S.CON.RES. 122 SUPPORTING THE ACCESSION OF CYPRUS TO THE EU
==============================================================
TO:
==============================================================
AHI Chapter Presidents, AHI Members and Friends
==============================================================
FROM:
==============================================================Nick Larigakis, AHI Executive Director
==============================================================
RE:
==============================================================S.Con.Res. 122 Supporting the Accession of Cyprus to the EU
==============================================================
ISSUE:
==============================================================S.Con.Res.122, introduced by Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME), expresses the support of the United States for the accession of Cyprus to the European Union (EU) with or without a political settlement of the Cyprus problem. As of June 24, 2002, Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joseph R. Biden (D-DE) and Senator Paul S. Sarbanes (D-MD) had co-sponsored this important resolution.
==============================================================
ACTION:
==============================================================
1. U.S. Senate
Three senators have signed onto this resolution. It is very important to obtain more co-sponsors, so you should call and write your senators and urge them to co-sponsor S.Con.Res.122
U.S. Capitol: (202) 224-3121
Mail: The Honorable _________
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 205152. U.S. House of Representatives
Call and write your Representative and urge him or her to co-sponsor H.Con.Res.164, which is the House counterpart of this resolution. Please stress that this resolution will promote stability in a critical region of U.S. interests and will encourage Turkey to respect the rule of law in Cyprus.
U.S. Capitol: (202)-224-3121
Mail: The Honorable _________
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 205153. White House
Call, write and e-mail the President to express strong support for H.Con.Res.164 and S.Con.Res.122.
White House: (202) 456-1414
Mail:
The Honorable George W. Bush
President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
Email: President@whitehouse.gov4. U.S. Department of State
Call, write and e-mail Secretary Powell to express strong support for H.Con.Res.164 and S.Con.Res.122.
Department of State Mail:
The Honorable Colin L. Powell
Secretary of State
(202) 647-4000 2201 C Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20520
Email: Powell@state.govPlease report any action taken to Nick Larigakis at the American Hellenic Institute:
via email: info@ahiworld.org
via fax: (202) 785-5178
==============================================================
DISCUSSION:
==============================================================It is important that the U.S. government forcefully support the accession of Cyprus to the EU. A significant deadline looms on October 17, 2002, when the EU Council Enlargement Working Group will meet in Brussels to adopt a formal timeline for the accession of the "Helsinki six" to the EU. Congressional support for S.Con.Res.122 and H.Con.Res.164 is central in light of the October 17, 2002 deadline, and Congress must sound its unequivocal support for Cyprus' accession to the EU in the months ahead.
During an April 11, 2002 noon forum at the AHI, Special Coordinator for Cyprus, Ambassador Tom Weston noted that the U.S. has regretfully failed to see "any moves or signs of flexibility" from the Turkish side. Indeed the Economist further noted on May 25, 2002 that the "key question is whether mainland Turkey will squeeze Mr. Denktash into giving ground." The time is thus ripe for the Congress and President George W. Bush to similarly "squeeze" Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit into finally resolving a problem which he and the Turkish military created in 1974 and which has haunted Cypriots ever since.
The Senate resolution is a strong and unequivocal reminder to the Turkish government that Cyprus' accession to the EU will not be held hostage by Turkey. As we approach the October summit and the EU's final timeframe to admit new applicants, S.Con.Res.122 clearly expresses the U.S. position that Cyprus will be admitted to the EU with or without a settlement of the Cyprus problem, and that Turkish intransigence will not be allowed to hijack Cyprus' rightful place in the EU.
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