No. 67

WASHINGTON, DC — American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President Nick Larigakis addressed the Greek American community of New Haven, Connecticut, at a presentation hosted by AHEPA Chapter 98, New Haven, and the Hellenic Bar Association of Connecticut, at the Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Social and Educational Hall, October 23, 2018.

“On behalf of AHI, I appreciated the opportunity to address the Greek American community of New Haven, and its surrounding areas, on the policy issues of importance to the Greek American community,” Larigakis said.  “I sincerely thank the community for its hospitality and for its strong interest in the topics discussed.”

In his presentation, Larigakis provided an overview of U.S. policy in the eastern Mediterranean, including: the status of Cyprus reunification talks, the United States’ military presence at NSA Souda Bay, Crete; the impact of the possible name change of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Greece-Cyprus-Israel relationship, and the geopolitical tensions in the Aegean Sea caused by Turkish aggression.  Because the event occurred close to Oxi Day, Larigakis also stressed the long-term ramifications of Greek’s heroic resistance to the Axis powers in early World War II.  He encouraged the community to reach out to their members of Congress to advocate on these issues.  A robust Q&A session followed Larigakis’ presentation.

President Larigakis thanked: AHEPA Past Supreme Governor Gregory J. Stamos, who also serves as President of the Hellenic Bar Association of Connecticut; and AHEPA Chapter 98 President Dr. Evangelos Hadjimichael, for organizing and hosting the presentation.