The 2008 AHI Greek American Policy Statements

The 2008 AHI - Greek American Policy Statements Sent to the Executive Branch and the Congress

Washington, DC —

On February 29th, AHI sent copies of the 2008 Greek American Policy Statements to the Congress, the President and the following Executive Branch officials: Vice President Richard B. Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas R. Burns, Chief of Staff to the President Joshua B. Bolten, National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, Assistant, Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia Daniel Fried, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom John Hanford, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia Matthew Bryza, Director of Southern European Affairs Kathleen Fitzpatrick, U.S. Ambassador to Greece Daniel V. Speckhard, U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Ronald L. Schlicher, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Ross Wilson, Greek Desk Officer L. Gabrielle Cowan, Cyprus Desk Officer Melissa Clegg-Tripp, Turkey Desk Officer Paul Malik.

The following is the transmittal letter for the policy statements:
February 29, 2008

President George W. Bush The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
On behalf of the nationwide membership of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), we are pleased to send to you the 2008 Greek American Policy Statements.
The policy statements, prepared by AHI, have been endorsed by leading Greek American membership organizations.
The policies set forth are based in each case on the question of what actions would be in the best interests of the United States and are drawn from the significant issues that concern Americans of Hellenic descent. The policy statements deal primarily with U.S. relations with Greece, Cyprus and Turkey as they bear on overall U.S. interests in the region.
The policy statements deal with the following topics:

1.Cyprus - support a just and lasting resolution to the Cyprus conflict that applies American values and democratic standards, including the rule of law, majority rule and protection of minority and human rights; removal of Turkish illegal occupation forces and illegal settlers/colonists, removal of Turkey’s barbed wire fence across Cyprus;

2. Greece - support for (a) the maritime boundary in the Aegean between Greece and Turkey established by treaties, (b) a name for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) that does not include the word “Macedonia,” (c) act to ensure that Albania observes the rule of law and protects minority and human rights for its significant Greek minority population; and (d) inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program;

3. Religious freedom - support safeguarding the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul and the reopening the Halki Patriarchal School of Theology illegally closed in 1971; and

4. Turkey - the need for a critical review of U.S. policy toward Turkey and compensation to Turkey’s victims.

Mr. President, we would also like to take the opportunity to suggest to you that as your second term winds down to a close, your support of these worthy causes would have a positive and lasting impact on your legacy. The promotion of the democratic principles of freedom, equality, justice, and the rule of law worldwide has long been a significant goal for your administration. Unfortunately, the failure to apply these principles to Turkey’s invasion and occupation of 37% of Cyprus and to Turkey’s claim of one-half of the Aegean Sea, tarnishes your efforts elsewhere and raises the question of a double standard for and appeasement of Turkey.
Championing the above ideals regarding the Aegean and Cyprus will strengthen the bond between our nation and Greece, long time allies who have shared a commitment to these fundamental principles.

We appreciate the opportunity to convey our 2008 Greek American Policy Statements to you and thank you for your consideration of them.

Sincerely,
Gene Rossides Nick Larigakis