May 14, 2004
— Volume 31, Number 229
General News
AHI 29th Anniversary Dinner Honors Olympic Games
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Honoree George J. Tenet,
Director of the CIA, is presented his award by AHI founder
Gene Rossides (l). |
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On March 13, 2004, the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) paid tribute
to a distinguished group of individuals at its 29th Anniversary Hellenic
Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner, held
at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. Linked by their distinguished
professional achievements as well as by their contributions to the
Greek American community and to the community at-large, this year’s
honorees included: George C. Chryssis renowned entrepreneur,
philanthropist, poet and author; Ambassador Thomas J. Miller, Ambassador
of the United States to Greece; Helen Nicozisis, prominent church
activist and philanthropist; and George J. Tenet, Director of the
CIA.
This year’s Annual Dinner was dedicated to the Athens 2004 Olympic
Games. AHI paid tribute to three Olympians to acknowledge their unyielding
commitment to excellence in reaching the level of modern-day Olympians:
Ms. Irene Andili, winner of the bronze medal in rhythmic gymnastics
at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, Mr. Charles Michael Mooney,
world-champion boxer and winner of the silver medal in the 1976 Olympic
Games in Montreal, Canada and Ms. Christa Dalakis, a Greek American
member of the 2004 Greek Olympic Softball Team, which will compete
in the Summer Games in Athens, Greece this August.
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| (l-r) Olympians Christa Dalakis, Irene
Andili, and Charles Mooney. |
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AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis opened the evening’s program
with a moving tribute and dedication in honor of the 2004 Athens
Games. The evening commenced with the NBC and Athens 2004 Organizing
Committee Promotional Videos of the Olympics, and continued with
the Olympic Procession featuring local children from the Greek American
community, followed by the Olympians, who entered the room to the
rhythm of the Olympic Hymn. Greek Ambassador to the U.S., H.E. George
Savvaides and AHI founder, Gene Rossides, presented the three stellar
Olympians with Special Hellenic Heritage Achievement Awards.
Following dinner, AHI Public Affairs Committee Chairman, Nicholas
E. Chimicles, Esq., introduced the Master of Ceremonies, renowned
TV Journalist, Andrea Stassou. Ms. Stassou called AHI founder, Gene
Rossides on stage, where in his greetings he announced triumphantly
that the mortgage on the Hellenic House, AHI’s headquarters, was
paid off in February 2004.
Ms. Stassou also introduced AHI Chairman, James Marketos, who presented
a unique sponsorship opportunity offered by AHI, the “Olympic Flashback.”
This is a 17-program radio series on the ancient Olympic Games hosted
by premier sportscaster Bob Costas that provides high-impact exposure
twice daily during The NBC/Westwood One Radio Network live coverage
of the Games from Greece.
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(l-r)
Amb. George Savvaides, Greek Ambassador to the United States;
James Marketos, Esq., Chairman of AHI, Prof. Alexander Kitroeff,
Professor of History at Haverford College. |
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Dignitaries and government officials attending the event included: Greece’s
Ambassador to the U.S. H.E. George Savvaides and his wife Maria,
Cyprus Ambassador to the U.S. H.E. Euripides L. Evriviades, Senator
and Mrs. Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), and Former U.S. Ambassador to Qatar,
Patrick Theros.
Part of the weekend activities was an Olympic Art Exhibition,
featuring artist Euripides “Rip” Kastarisand the “Kyklos
Circle of Glory Tribute” along with artist Erika Spyropoulos
who introduced her works “Olympic Gods-Olympic Idea.”
Prior to the Annual Dinner, AHI organized a Breakfast Seminar Honoring
the Olympic Games. The Seminar featured three distinguished speakers:
Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. H.E. George Savvaides, Dr. Alexander
Kitroeff, Professor of History at Haverford College and internationally-acclaimed
artist Euripides “Rip” Kastaris. The panel was chaired by AHI Chairman
James Marketos.
AHI Monitors Cyprus Issue and Defends “No” Vote
on Annan Plan
AHI played a vital role, both before and after the vote on the
Annan Plan, in monitoring developments on the Cyprus issue
and defending the position of Greek Cypriots as being in the
best interests of the U.S. In total, AHI issued 21 press releases
on the Annan Plan, the vote, and its aftermath. The position
of AHI is that the overwhelming “no” vote of the 80 percent Greek Cypriot
majority was a vote for the rule of law and for what is right. By that
vote, Cyprus has become the conscience of the West on the rule
of law.
The Annan Plan has many flaws, and a leading flaw is its violations
of the rule of law. Among the many examples of these violations are
the following: (1) the Annan Plan is in violation of the Geneva Convention
in not calling for the return to Turkey of all illegal colonists,
an estimated 100,000; (2) the Annan Plan is in violation of the UN
Charter by its attempt to eliminate Turkey’s responsibility for her
1974 aggression against Cyprus; and (3) the Annan Plan provided for
a number of Turkish troops to remain with the right of intervention,
and thus violated UN Security Council and UN General Assembly Resolutions;
(4) the Annan Plan further violated UN Security Council and General
Assembly Resolutions by abolishing the Republic of Cyprus and creating
two states on Cyprus; and (5) the Annan Plan actually abrogated the
legal right of Greek Cypriots to sue Turkey in the European Court
of Human Rights for Turkey’s illegally taking of their homes and
property and Turkey’s not allowing them the use of their property,
and it also incredibly required pending suits to be withdrawn.
AHI also articulated a fundamental double standard concerning the
unjust appeasement of aggression contained in the Annan Plan. The
United Nations established a precedent in the 1991 Gulf War that
“aggression cannot and will not pay” as stated in a joint statement
by President George H.W. Bush and President Mikhail Gorbachev in
Helsinki on September 9, 1990. Yet under the Annan Plan, Turkey:
(1) would not be required to remove her 100,000 illegal colonists;
(2) would not be required to pay for the resettlement of Greek Cypriot
refugees; (3) would be allowed to control 28.5 percent of Cyprus
for the 18 percent Turkish Cypriot minority; and (4) would not be
required to pay compensation for illegally occupying Greek Cypriot
property and for preventing those property owners from using their
property—indeed, under the Annan Plan, the Greek Cypriot taxpayer
would be required to pay ninety percent of the damages caused by
Turkey.
AHI also recognized the tremendous courage and moral fortitude of
President Tassos Papadopoulos, who after the Cyprus vote explained
the following: “I should emphasize that the Greek Cypriots have not
rejected the solution of the Cyprus problem. They are not turning
their backs on their Turkish Cypriot compatriots. They have simply
rejected this particular solution…because, amongst other things,
they did not believe that this solution provides the necessary safeguards
for its full implementation…or is the best for the common interest
of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, ensuring a functional and,
therefore, viable solution. The only real beneficiary of this plan
would have been Turkey.” President Papadopoulos concluded memorably:
“We, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, deserve a safe future within
the European family, as one country, as the one people of Cyprus.”
AHI believes that Cyprus is the conscience of the West on the rule
of law. It is in the interests of the U.S. to support the rule of
law and to support President Papadopoulos in his efforts to unify
Cyprus for the benefit of the people of Cyprus, the Greek and Turkish
Cypriots.
AHI Submits Testimony to House Appropriations
Subcommittee on Foreign Operations
On May 13, 2004, AHI President, Eugene Rossides, submitted testimony
on behalf of AHI and the Hellenic American National Council to the
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing
and Related Programs. The testimony of Eugene Rossides:
- Supports the $13.5 million for Cyprus for bicommunal projects.
- Opposes the $100 million for Turkey, an unreliable ally who
double-crossed the U.S. and has an horrendous human rights record.
- Sets forth the flaws in the Annan Plan.
- Discusses the U.S. role in the Annan Plan.
- Discusses the Annan Plan cover-up of the Turkish military’s
rapes and murders of Greek Cypriots in its 1974 invasion of Cyprus
and “inhuman treatment of prisoners and detainees” and compares
it to the U.S. abuse of Iraqi prisoners.
For the full text of the testimony, please see our Web Site at <www.ahiworld.org>.
AHI IN THE NEWS
President’s Appearance on Voice of America’s NewsLine: April 23
On April 23, 2004, AHI President, Gene Rossides, appeared on Voice
of America’s NewsLine, a television news program hosted by David
Borgida. On the eve of the Cyprus referenda, Mr. Rossides discussed
the Annan Plan and the likely outcome of the vote.
Mr. Rossides explained that “[t]he Annan plan is not in the best
interests of the United States. It’s not in the best interests of
the Greek Cypriots, nor of the E.U. And in my judgment, it’s not
in the best interests of the Turkish Cypriots.”
Mr. Rossides characterized the plan as “an undemocratic plan” because
it “has an 18 percent minority having veto powers over the majority,
the 80 percent majority, whereas in Afghanistan the U.S. supports
majority rule.” He explained that the plan is not financially viable
because it will cost many billions of dollars to execute, and because
the plan “actually asks the Greek Cypriots to pay for their own losses
that were incurred by the Turkish invasion regarding their property.”
The plan is also unworkable, according to Mr. Rossides, since it
“keeps Turkish troops on an independent country, Cyprus, after Cyprus
joins the E.U. on May 1…[and] those troops have the right of intervention.
This is in this plan.”
Mr. Rossides ended the interview by concluding memorably that the
plan “subverts and blatantly damages the rule of law in international
affairs.”
The National Herald: February 14, March 6, April 3, April 17
On February 14, March 6, April 3, and April 17, 2004, the National
Herald published op-ed articles written by AHI President, Gene
Rossides. The February 14 article, “Erdogan Visit – Double Standards
and Appeasement,” urged Greek Americans to “consider the Erdogan
visit as a clarion call to action.” Mr. Rossides’ March 6 article,
“Cyprus and the Kissinger Cover-up,” discussed the on-going cover-up
of former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger’s role concerning
the 1974 events in Cyprus. The April 3 article, “The Annan Plan
and the Rule of Law,” emphasized that the “guiding principle for
all the parties to the Annan Plan negotiations for a Cyprus settlement
should be the Rule of Law.” And, most recently, Mr. Rossides’ April
17, 2004 article, “President Papadopoulos’ ‘Resounding NO’ to the
Annan Plan” praised President Papadopoulos’ televised speech to
the people of Cyprus prior to the vote on the Annan Plan.
AHI sends three Letters to the Editor
The Washington Post: April 7
On April 7, 2004, AHI Executive Director, Nick Larigakis, sent a
letter to the editor responding to a Washington Post editorial
titled, “A Mediterranean Endgame” (April 7, 2004; Page A30), which
calls for Greek Cypriots to vote “yes” to the Annan Plan. Mr. Larigakis’
letter criticized the widespread misconceptions about the Annan Plan
that were included in the editorial.
The New York Times: April 27
On April 27, 2004, AHI President, Gene Rossides, submitted a letter
to the editor repsonding to a New York Times editorial titled,
“A Destructive Vote in Cyprus” (April 27, 2004; Page A24). Mr. Rossides’
letter took issue with the characterization of the vote as “destructive,”
since the Annan Plan itself was fundamentally undemocratic and unviable,
and as such deserved to be rejected.
The Baltimore Sun: May 4
On May 4, 2004, AHI Executive Director, Nick Larigakis, submitted a
letter to the editor responding to a Baltimore Sun editorial
titled, “Missed Opportunity” (May 3, 2004), which criticized Greek
Cypriots for not voting “yes” for the Annan Plan referendum in Cyprus.
In his letter, Mr. Larigakis set the record straight on the elements
of the Annan Plan that the editorial misconstrued, and he offered a
cogent defense of the Greek Cypriot vote.
noon forums
Cyprus Briefing
AHI hosted a noon forum on February 17, 2004, featuring the Ambassador
of Cyprus to the U.S., Mr. Euripides L. Evriviades. Ambassador Evriviades
briefed AHI members and guests on the recent developments concerning
the Cyprus issue.
The Annan Plan Debated
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Ambassador
Thomas G. Weston. |
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On February 26, 2004 AHI hosted U.S. Special Coordinator on Cyprus,
Ambassador Thomas G. Weston, at an AHI noon forum. Ambassador Weston
advised AHI members and guests of recent Cyprus developments, and
he opined that there are two key factors that would influence the
outcome of the referenda: (i) the availability of financial resources
for compensation, and (ii) the degree to which the political leadership
supports the settlement in a referendum. The audience addressed tough
questions to Ambassador Weston regarding the need for changes in
the Annan Plan with respect to the issues of majority rule, property
rights, freedom of movement and decision making within the European
Union.
Greece’s role as a power for stability and peace
AHI’s Noon Forum on May 4, 2004 featured Deputy Minister of Defense,
Mr. Vasilios Michaloliakos, who discussed Greece’s role as a power
for stability and peace in a region afflicted with social tumult and
political instability. Mr. Michaloliakos explained that Greece has
several distinct advantages that will enable it to play an effective
role in the Balkans, including: (i) its longstanding history as a democratic
nation and contributing member of the international community, (ii)
its positive relations with neighboring countries, and (iii) its vast
political efforts to establish democratic structures in all Balkan
nations. Mr. Michaloliakos further explained that Greece is uniquely
positioned to promote peace and stability because it “has good economic
relations and commercial cooperation with all of her neighbors,” and
because Greece has taken important steps to “promote democratic structures”
in all Balkan states and to integrate those nations into the broader
international community.
LETTERS TO THE PRESIDENT
February 19, 2004
AHI President, Gene Rossides, sent a letter to President George
W. Bush on behalf of the major Greek American membership organizations.
The joint statement called for serious changes in the Annan Plan
in the interests of the U.S. The letter enumerated several significant
shortcomings of the Annan Plan, including its undemocratic and unworkable
nature, its subversion of property rights, its failure to fully demilitarize
Cyprus, and its unfair territorial adjustments. The letter called
on President Bush to proactively seek changes in the Annan Plan in
accordance with U.S. values and interests.
April 7, 2004
AHI President, Gene Rossides, sent a letter to President George
W. Bush to express disappointment regarding the president’s public
references to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) as
“Macedonia.” The letter advises President Bush of the historical
record and calls on him to refrain from using—and to strongly oppose—any
name for the former Yugoslav republic that includes the word “Macedonia.”
April 19, 2004
A joint letter to President George W. Bush signed by leading Armenian,
Kurdish and Greek American organizations states that the fifth and
final version of the Annan Plan is “still not in the best interests
of the U.S.” The letter enumerates the serious flaws of the Annan Plan
and criticizes the Administration for its “rank interference in the
internal affairs of the Greek Cypriots.”
letters to government officials
Bilirakis-Maloney Letters
On March 19, 2004, Rep. Michael Bilirakis (R-FL) and Rep. Carolyn
Maloney (D-NY), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, sent
letters to Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and UN Secretary-General
Kofi Annan that voice concerns about the viability of the Annan Plan
for Cyprus. Rep. Bilirakis and Maloney were joined by 45 Members
of Congress who co-signed the letters.
In acknowledgement of the worthy effort of members of Congress,
AHI Executive Director, Nick Larigakis, stated: “I applaud the Members
of Congress who signed the letters to Secretary of State Colin Powell
and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Cyprus. We are particularly
thankful to Rep. Bilirakis and Maloney for introducing these two
letters that stress the flaws in the Annan Plan and the need for
serious changes in it, in the best interests of the U.S.”
AHI Congratulates Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos
On April 8, 2004, AHI President, Gene Rossides, sent a letter to Cypriot
President Tassos Papadopoulos to congratulate him for his “strong leadership”
and his “call for a ‘resounding NO’ on the April 24th referendum” of
the Annan Plan. The letter also commends President Papadopoulos for
his “strong leadership, fairness and vision,” and assures him that
AHI will “continue its efforts to support a settlement based on the
rule of law as in the best interests of the U.S. and all the parties
concerned.”
statements
March 3, 2004
On March 3, 2004, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), a member
of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, issued an important
statement on the House floor regarding the resumption of the Cyprus
peace negotiations. In his statement, Rep. Pallone highlighted the
undemocratic and unworkable nature of the Annan Plan and advocated
the need for serious changes to be made. The Congressman poignantly
explained that “[u]nfortunately, there are parts of the Annan plan
that make it virtually impossible for an established government to
function,” and he concluded that the Annan Plan is a “basis for negotiations…but
it should not be the final outcome.”
April 21, 2004
On April 21, 2004, U.S. Rep. Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Co-Chair
of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, issued a compelling and substantive
statement on the House floor in opposition to the “unbalanced and
biased” nature of the fifth and final version of the Annan Plan which
was submitted on March 31, 2004. Congressman Bilirakis stated that
“there are a number of provisions in the Annan plan that do not alleviate
the basic fears of the Greek-Cypriot community,” and accordingly,
he explained that these unresolved issues “may very well lead the
Greek-Cypriots to reject the Annan plan.”
April 22, 2004
On April 22, 2004, AHI President, Gene Rossides, issued a response
to the false and misleading statement made by the White House Press
Secretary on April 21. The AHI statement debunked the numerous myths
propagated by the Press Secretary’s statement, and it shed light
on the fact that the Annan Plan: does not offer a “hopeful vision
of a peaceful and prosperous future for all Cypriots;” does not outline
“an equitable compromise;” and does not create a state “with workable
governing institutions.”
April 26, 2004
On April 26, 2004, following the Cyprus referenda, AHI President,
Gene Rossides, issued a statement supporting the Greek Cypriot vote
on the Annan Plan. He astutely observed that the overwhelming “no”
vote of the 80 percent Greek Cypriot majority was a “vote for the
rule of law and for what is right,” thereby making Cyprus “the conscience
of the West on the rule of law.” The statement concluded that, “[i]t
is in the interests of the U.S. to support the rule of law and to
support President Papadopoulos in his efforts to unify Cyprus for
the benefit of the people of Cyprus, the Greek and Turkish Cypiots.”
AHI BUSINESS NETWORK AT WORK
Thanos
Basdekis of Regan, Halperin & Long Discusses Various
Proposals for Legal Reform at AHI Business Network Luncheon
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Attorney
Thanos Basdekis speaking at AHI Business Network Luncheon. |
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On Thursday, February 19, 2004, the American Hellenic Institute’s
(AHI) Business Network luncheon featured AHI member Thanos Basdekis,
Attorney at Law, Regan, Halperin & Long, PLLC, at the Capital
Hilton Hotel. In his riveting presentation, Mr. Basdekis addressed
the various proposals for legal reform now dotting the political
landscape, and how those proposals, if passed, would impact the rights
of victims and defendants.
On the subject of medical malpractice, Mr. Basdekis explained that
there does indeed exist a crisis, but that the crisis has nothing
to do with lawsuits being filed on behalf of victims. The real crisis
is the crisis of medical malpractice itself in this country, where
quite shockingly, 98,000 people die annually due to medical errors.
Lawsuits are simply a response to the woefully inadequate medical
care that many people receive here in the United States.
Mr. Basdekis also pointed out that, due to the efforts of trial
lawyers, America is safer today than it has ever been. “When juries
speak, corporate America listens,” explained Mr. Basdekis, who cited
the fact that numerous defective products—including defectively
designed cribs that once strangled infants, flammable children’s
pajamas, and once-harmful medical devices—have all been redesigned
as a result of successful lawsuits brought by plaintiff’s attorneys
on behalf of injured victims.
Mr. Basdekis is also an Adjunct Professor at the Catholic University
of America’s Columbus School of Law, where he has taught a class
in Advanced Federal Practice and Procedure since August 2000. He
graduated with honors from Yale Law School in 1997, where he also
served for two years as an editor on the Yale Law Journal.
Following a clerkship for the Honorable Leonard B. Sand, United States
District Judge for the Southern District of New York, Mr. Basdekis
joined the trial law firm of Regan, Halperin & Long, and his
successes include a recent $5 million verdict against the District
of Columbia in a pool accident case.
AHI CHAPTER NEWS
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(l-r)
Thanos Basdekis, Esq., Captain Chris Zirps, and AHI Executive
Director Nick Larigakis. |
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On March 5, 2004, Captain Christos Zirps ended his highly successful
three-year tenure as President of AHI-Northern Virginia. AHI Executive
Director, Nick Larigakis, attended the ceremony and presented a plaque
to Captain Zirps commemorating his numerous contributions to the
chapter. Mr. Larigakis recognized that, among Captain Zirps’ many
successful initiatives, he succeeded in expanding the Chapter’s membership
and establishing the first ever AHI-Northern Virginia scholarship
fund. Captain Zirps is a highly decorated veteran of the United States
Navy. Thanos Basdekis, Esq., was inaugurated as the new President
of AHI-Northern Virginia. The enumerated goals of Mr. Basdekis include
further expanding the Chapter’s membership, as well as contributing
to the education of American politicians on issues important to Greek
Americans.
AHI MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
NICHOLAS BOURAS, entrepreneur, church leader, philanthropist and
war hero, is an honoree of the 24th Annual Lifetime Achievement Award,
which will be presented to him by the Alpha Omega Council of Boston.
Mr. Bouras, who is the founder and president of Bouras Industries,
has previously been recognized with other distinguished honors, including
the Ernest & Young Entrepreneur Award, the Ellis Island Medal
of Honor Award, and AHI’s Hellenic Heritage Achievement Award.
NICHOLAS E. CHIMICLES, Chairman of AHIPAC and senior partner of
Chimicles & Tikellis, has been selected as a recipient of the
coveted Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award for 2004. Mr. Chimicles
is being honored for his landmark achievements in his profession
as well as his generous contributions to the community.
NICHOLAS G. KARAMBELAS, AHI legal counsel and Advisory Board Member,
has been nominated to run for the prestigious position of Secretary
of the Bar of the District of Columbia. The term is one year. The
District of Columbia Bar oversees the practice of 75,000 member attorneys
nationwide. The results will be announced on June 5, 2004.
CONSTANTINE PAPADAKIS, President of Drexel University, was honored
by the Italian government which conferred upon him the title of “Cavalier
Official” in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Mr. Papadakis
received this notable honor in recognition of his successful efforts
to forge a strong relationship between Drexel University and universities
in Italy, Italian corporations, and the Italian-American community.
TED G. SPYROPOULOS, President of the Hellenic American National
Council and AHI Advisory Board Member, submitted a letter to the Chicago
Sun-Times, which was published on May 12, 2004 under the title
“No better Olympics site than Athens.” Mr. Spyropoulos’ letter offered
an eloquent response to a Chicago Sun-Times column by Jay
Mariotti (“Why keep games in Athens?” May 6, 2004).
General News
AHI Hosts Congressional Salute to Greek Independence
Day
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| Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D-MD)
with the "Return
to Origins" Dance Group. |
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On March 23, 2004, the American Hellenic Institute hosted “A
Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day” at the Rayburn
Building on Capitol Hill to celebrate the 183rd Anniversary of
Greek Independence and the common democratic ideals held by Greece
and the United States. The event was held in cooperation with the
Congressional Hellenic Caucus’s co-sponsors, Representative Michael
Bilirakis (R-FL) and Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY).
AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis opened the ceremony by welcoming
guests and thanking Rep. Bilirakis and Rep. Maloney for their support
in organizing the reception and for their ongoing efforts in promoting
Hellenic American issues in the U.S. Congress. Mr. Larigakis referred
to the recent Bilirakis-Maloney letters, which were sent to Secretary
of State Colin L. Powell and Secretary General Kofi Annan and called
for revision of “certain provisions in the current Annan Plan that
could render it unworkable.” Mr. Larigakis also mentioned AHI’s contribution
to the conception and promotion of the letters, which were approved
and signed by 45 Members of Congress.
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| (l-r) Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ),
Greek Ambassador George Savvaides, Rep. Michael Bilirakis (R-FL). |
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Greek Ambassador George Savvaides and Cypriot Ambassador Euripides
L. Evriviades offered their remarks regarding the impact of Greece’s
struggle for independence.
Members of Congress attending the reception and addressing the audience
included (in order of appearance): Rep. Shelley Berkeley (D-NV),
Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC), Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Rep. Chris
Van Hollen (D-MD), Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), Rep. Mike Bilirakis(R-FL),
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Rep. Steven Rothman(D-NJ). Also
attending the reception were Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) and Rep. Gene
Green (D-TX).
Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) expressed appreciation for the Bilirakis-Maloney
letters and for the numerous supporters in Congress and the community
at-large of that effort. Rep. Michael Bilirakis (R-FL) thanked AHI
for organizing the event and referred to the historical significance
of this day. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) also spoke about Cyprus and
offered praise for the Bilirakis-Maloney letter. Rep. Steve Rothman
(D-NJ) praised Greece for its excellent cooperation with the U.S.
on terrorism. Like many of his colleagues, Rep. Rothman discussed
the Cyprus issue and the important steps that need to be taken going
forward. Rep. Rothman criticized Denktash for his intransigence and
offered the American Hellenic Institute his personal support as a
member of the House Appropriations Committee.
2004 Greek American Policy Statements Released
In February 2004, AHI released its 2004 Greek American Policy Statements.
The Policy Statements set forth the positions of the major Greek
American membership organizations on issues of concern to Greek Americans
based on what is in the best interests of the U.S. The Policy Statements
highlight some of the significant changes taking place in Southeast
Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, focusing on the strategic importance
of Greece and Cyprus as stable, prosperous and democratic regional
partners of the U.S. The Policy Statements also call on the U.S.
government to remain active in seeking a Cyprus settlement, to push
for a resolution of the Aegean Sea boundary dispute between Greece
and Turkey, and to stop applying a double standard to Turkey with
respect to the rule of law and human rights.
This year’s statements were prepared by AHI and reviewed and endorsed
by key Greek American organizations, including: Order of AHEPA; Hellenic
American National Council (HNAC); Cyprus Federation of America; Panepirotic
Federation of American; Pan-Macedonian Association of America; Evrytanian
Association of America; Pan-Cretan Association of America; and American
Hellenic Council of California. The full text of the 2004 Policy
Statements is available at <www.ahiworld.org>.
Summer Internships Available in Washington
Do you know of someone who would like to intern this summer at the American
Hellenic Institute? Interns will have the opportunity
to work in a historic building just a few blocks away from the
White House and to experience first hand the excitement and practical
understanding of how foreign policy is developed in this country.
It will be an experience that they will cherish and appreciate
especially during this election year. In the past AHI interns
have gone on to fine positions in the public and private sector.
The responsibilities of the intern will include (but are not limited
to): monitor legislation and congressional hearings, liaison
with Congressional offices, assist with the 2004 AHIPAC Congressional
Questionnaire, conduct research on issues affecting U.S.-Greece-Cyprus
relations, write memoranda, press releases and letters and assist
with general administrative duties.
The duration of the internship varies depending on each student’s
schedule, but most internships begin in mid to late May and end in
late August and they are expected to work full time-35 hours per
week. The internship is unsalaried and we do not provide housing.
All foreign students must have a current student visa and/or work
permit.
Qualified applicants must have completed coursework or have experience
in U.S. relations with Greece and Cyprus, excellent oral and written
communication skills and knowledge of word processing—MS Word.
To apply, qualified applicants should mail a cover letter with:
Applications should be mailed to:
Yola Pakhchanian
AHI College Intern Program
American Hellenic Institute
1220 16th Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
If you have any questions please Yola Pakhchanian directly via email
at <yola@ahiworld.org>.
For additional information you may refer to our Web Site at <www/ahiworld.org>. |