NO. 4
Washington, DC—Several Greek media outlets interviewed American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President Nick Larigakis to gain perspective on the siege at the U.S. Capitol of January 6, 2021.
Greek television stations, MEGA-TV, ANT1 TV, and ERT; radio station, ERT (Proto Programma); and newspapers, iefimerida, Star and e-Thessalia, interviewed Larigakis as part of their coverage.
“Democracy may have bent, but it did not break; everything that happened is reason for us to move forward united,” Larigakis said.
Across all media outlets, President Larigakis highlighted that finding common ground and enforcing the rule of law are equally important in addressing and mending the political polarization in the United States. He emphasized the importance of Congress reconvening, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, to confirm the Electoral College vote for President of the United States, despite the alarming events of the day. Further, he described the emotional impact of the events at the Capitol.
“It is the second time I have cried for our country; the first was for the 9/11 attacks,” he said.
In view of President-elect Joe Biden’s upcoming inauguration, Larigakis also discussed what a Biden Presidency will mean for U.S. – Greece and U.S. – Cyprus relations, and how AHI continues to promote and support this relationship for the past forty years.
“Joe Biden knows the region and the issues very well,” Larigakis said. “As an organization [AHI], and through our membership base that was in Delaware, we educated him on Greek and Cypriot issue in 1974, immediately after the Turkish invasion in Cyprus.”
As for how AHI works to continuously promote U.S. – Greece and U.S. – Cyprus relations, Larigakis highlighted that, “We are in continuous contact with the Congress and the State Department. AHI engages in dialogue and proposes solutions within the best interests of the U.S. in resolving ongoing issues in the eastern Mediterranean.”
Please see Nick Larigakis media appearances below:
MEGA-TV: Νίκος Λαρυγγάκης: Η εισβολή στο Καπιτώλιο θυμίζει την 11η Σεπτέμβρη
e-thessalia: Ν. Λαρυγγάκης για τα επεισόδια στο Καπιτώλιο: Είναι η δεύτερη φορά που κλαίω για κάτι που δεν αφορά οικογένεια
star.gr: Εισβολή Καπιτώλιο: «Aνησυχία για νέα επεισόδια έως την ορκωμοσία Μπάιντεν»
In addition, AHI Executive Assistant and Director of Research Emily Pandis appeared on SKAI television and radio outlets, providing live coverage and updates outside the Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Please see Emily Pandis media appearances below:
SKAI-TV @ minute 3:55
SKAI 100.3 FM @ minute 33:20
The views and opinions expressed by Nick Larigakis and Emily Pandis do not reflect the official policies or positions of the American Hellenic Institute.