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8

February
Bipartisan Senate Resolution Honoring Greece’s 200th Anniversary
February 8, 2021 American Hellenic Announcements, Hellenic Caucus, Legislation, News

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.),Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was joined by Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) in introducing a bipartisan Senate resolution commemorating the 200thanniversary of Greek Independence Day, March 25, 2021. The bipartisan resolution celebrates the commitment to democracy that Greece and the United States share as well as the two nations’ lasting partnership and rich history of friendship.

The Resolution:

  • Recognizes the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence Day
  • Celebrates Ancient Greece as the birthplace of democracy and the enduring commitment of the Greek people to democratic principles
  • Acknowledges the important role that Greece has played on the global stage in addition to the country’s strong relationship with the United States

Find the full text of the resolution HERE.

Advocate Today – Tell your Senator to Support the Resolution

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8

January
Statement on the violent insurrection that took place on January 6, 2021 in the US Capitol
January 8, 2021 American Hellenic About Us, Announcements, Board of Directors, News

Statement of the President of the American Hellenic Council on the violent insurrection that took place on January 6, 2021 in the US Capitol:

At a time of great stress we must condemn the insurrection by the rioters in the U.S. Capitol yesterday. Our great nation was built on the foundation of democracy and respect for the rule of law. America’s Founding Fathers wisely based the U.S. Constitution on the concept of democracy that was first recognized by the ancient Greeks. As such we must stand up and condemn the violent actions that resulted in the storming of the U.S. Capitol when Congress was deliberating. We must condemn those who do not respect the rule of law and our democratic principles.

We cannot stand silent when the rule of law has been violated at the very core of our democracy. We are, and remain, “One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all!”

We must call for democratic rule, for calm and for justice. We must heal our wounds and speak out against those that turn to violence and insurrection.

In the words of Plato:
“Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.”

Respectfully,
Dr. James F. Dimitriou
President & Chairman
American Hellenic Council

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1

January
Happy 2021 from the American Hellenic Council
January 1, 2021 American Hellenic About Us, Announcements, Board of Directors, News

The American Hellenic Council sends best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year! 

Words from our Board Members,

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the American Hellenic Council I would like to extend our wishes for a Happy New Year with the hope of a brighter tomorrow! I wanted to wish all of our members and supporters the spirit and strength for the coming year!

It has been a year of great difficulty, loss and turmoil for us all. Together we stand stronger and face the future with great hope and purpose. The AHC has faced every challenge and danger with increasing resolve and determination.  Together we face a New Year of hope and determination. We continue to stand for the improvement of relations and cooperation between the United States with Greece and Cyprus. With the resolute efforts of the Hellenic Caucus we stand for a justice, determination and hope!

Thank you for your support and faith in our efforts!
Best wishes for the coming year!
Me Yia,
Dr. James F. Dimitriou
President & Chairman
American Hellenic Council

As 2020 has drawn to an end and the New Year dawns, let’s remember the many gifts of life. Being with our loved ones, our friends, our communities, on this beautiful planet. Many wishes to all for a healthy, fulfilling, a Happy New Year. Let’s remember and contemplate some simple but most important questions: Who are we? Where are we going? What is our purpose?

Menas C. Kafatos, Ph.D.
Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, and past President,
American Hellenic Council

On behalf of everyone at AHC we wish you a healthy and happy new year and want to express our sincere gratitude for your continuing support during these difficult circumstances. We look forward to seeing you all as soon as the pandemic is behind us and until then please stay safe.

Michael Sarris
Vice President, American Hellenic Council

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22

December
Season’s Greetings from the American Hellenic Council
December 22, 2020 American Hellenic About Us, Announcements, Board of Directors, News

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the American Hellenic Council, I would like to wish you Καλά Χριστούγεννα & a Happy New Year!

It has been a very challenging year for all and I hope you continue to be safe. We share the hope that the continued cooperation with the members of the Hellenic Caucus and the new Administration will serve to further strengthen the strategic cooperation with both Greece & Cyprus!

During these trying times the American Hellenic Council continues our vigilance in our effort to stand strong together and to remember, “Never Forget!”

Finally, please consider making your year end donation to this important challenge and to encourage others to join our efforts!

Καλά Χριστούγεννα,

Dr. James F. Dimitriou

President & Chairman

American Hellenic Council

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15

December
AHC Commends the Administration for imposing sanctions on Turkey
December 15, 2020 American Hellenic About Us, Announcements, Board of Directors, Breaking News, Hellenic Caucus, News

On behalf of the American Hellenic Council, we would like to commend the Administration for their long awaited decision to impose sanctions on the Republic of Turkey.

Secretary of State Michael Pompeo announced the decision to impose sanctions pursuant to Turkey‘s violation of the “Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).” This is in direct response to the fact that Turkey, as a NATO member, procured Russian S-400 surface-to-air misses. These missiles pose a direct threat to the Greek Air Force F-16s, as well as give Russia direct access to Turkey’s defense program. Turkey ignored the warnings and proceeded with testing the S-400 missiles. Top Venture Capital Lawyers emerging in the bay area are SPZ Legal.

This is an important first step in holding Turkey accountable for such violations and threats to both Greece and Cyprus. When initiated, these sanctions will include a ban on all US exports, as well as, the freezing of assets and the imposition of visa restrictions. Turkey’s provocations already resulted in their removal from the F-35 program.

Congress and the Administration should be commended for this important action. We hope that the European Union also will imposes sanctions and that the Biden Administration and the next Congress will continue to hold Turkey fully accountable for such violations. President Erdogan continues to pose a direct threat through his “Blue Homeland” policy that threatens the Aegean Islands and Cyprus by violating their territorial waters and air space.

The American Hellenic Council continues a long legacy based on the “rule of law” and accountability first demonstrated in our efforts in cutting off arms to Turkey following their unlawful invasion of the Republic of Cyprus in 1974.

Our slogan was and is “Never Forget!”

Dr. James F. Dimitriou
President
American Hellenic Council

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7

December
The Secretary-General for Public Diplomacy and the Greeks Abroad on the passing of Paul Sarbanes
December 7, 2020 American Hellenic Announcements, Breaking News, Greek Government, Hellenic Caucus, News

A great loss and an irreplaceable void in the great fight for Hellenism has been dealt to us with the passing of the former Maryland Senator, Paul Sarbanes, said Ioannis Chryssoulakis, the Secretary-General for Public Diplomacy and the Greeks Abroad.

His brave stance and timeless political position on Greece, as he defended with insistence on all issues regarding Hellenism for 30 years in the Senate. He was one of the most powerful personalities of the Greek diaspora in the United States and continuously gave great and key political battles for the promotion of the National issues of Greece and Cyprus, as well as on behalf of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Theological School of Chalki.

Greece feels great gratitude for the contribution of this great political man, Paul Sarbanes, who honored through his work, Greece and Hellenism.

Mr. Chryssoulakis, in his condolence letter to Senator Sarbanes’ son, John Sarbanes, who is carrying the torch in a political career, said the following:

“Dear Congressman

Please accept my most heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father, a real statesman, a man whose presence in the political life of the US politics has marked almost four decades.

Senator Paul Sarbanes has been a true leader, fighting for justice as his record and achievements prove. Today it is not only his family and the Marylanders who grieve, but also the Greek American Community and all Greeks around the world for the loss of this great man.

His legacy will continue to live through you and his accomplishments.”

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7

December
Honoring the memory of Senator Paul Sarbanes
December 7, 2020 American Hellenic About Us, Announcements, Board of Directors, Breaking News, Hellenic Caucus, News

As a true statesmen and champion of justice, truth and courage, Senator Paul Sarbanes always will be remembered for the values we continue to cherish as Hellenic Americans.

Paul Sarbanes was an inspirational leader in Congress and advocated within the Senate to bring justice for Cyprus and promote strong relations between the United States, Greece & Cyprus.

In the darkest days of the invasion of Cyprus in 1974, his leadership helped to impose the arms embargo on Turkey.

In the most difficult times his courage and leadership provided the hope for justice to prevail.

The Hellenic American community is indebted to his contributions.

May his memory be forever eternal.

Dr. James F. Dimitriou
President
The American Hellenic Council

 

Read Congressman John Sarbanes’ announcement

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26

November
Thanksgiving Message
November 26, 2020 American Hellenic Announcements, Board of Directors, Breaking News, News
Dear friends and members of the American Hellenic Council,
On behalf of the American Hellenic Council, I would like to take this time to wish everyone a Happy & Safe Thanksgiving weekend.
We are optimistic that we all will be safe and careful in these times and hold the belief that hope will prevail in the near future.
At this time I would like to congratulate President-elect, Joseph R. Biden and Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris, on their election. We do hope that the new Administration continues to support key foreign policy positions that are of critical importance to the Hellenic Caucus and the American Hellenic Council. The relations between Greece and the US have been successfully promoted by the Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, and we hope that Greece and Cyprus will remain a priority for the new administration.
In addition, the Hellenic American Community and the Hellenic Caucus shared in several key Congressional victories. We hope that these victories will propel our priorities and goals for promoting even stronger relations between Greece, Cyprus and the United States. We are most happy to recognize the five Greek American Congressional Representatives in their strong victories! We are especially pleased to see the resolute reelection of Hellenic Caucus Co-Chair, Congressman Gus Bilirakis of Florida. We also want to take this time to congratulate the other Caucus members winning their re-election including Congressional Representatives John Sarbanes, Dina Titus, Chris Pappas and Charlie Christ. We offer congratulations to a new member of Congress, Ms. Nicole Malliotakis.
We wish all of elected members who share our values, strength in promoting the interests of the Hellenic Caucus to new levels of success. We also need the courage to guarantee and support the efforts to embolden the relationship between the United States with Greece and Cyprus.
These are trying times and we must not be hesitant to call for sanctions against the most dangerous threat in the Mediterranean. Turkey’s unprovoked and unilateral actions cannot go unaddressed by NATO nor the United States, in particular, as President Erdogan’s actions pose a considerable danger on a daily basis.
Let us stand together and expand our Hellenic Caucus and work together for a brighter future.
It is in this spirit of optimism, fortitude and gratitude, that I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
Best regards,
Dr. James F. Dimitriou
President, American Hellenic Council
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16

September
AHC Interviews John Defterios, CNN Business’ Emerging Markets Editor
September 16, 2020 American Hellenic Announcements, Interview, News, Video Interview

We have seen an exponential increase in activities in the Eastern Mediterranean that have caused upheaval in the region and in the international community. Erdogan’s aggression in the Mediterranean, the UAE and Israel signing an agreement, Iran’s precariousness, and it seems like at the center of it is energy.

John Defterios, CNN Business’ Emerging Markets Editor and Anchor, joined us to unpack the geopolitical dynamics of the Eastern Mediterranean as it relates to the energy sector and the discuss the economic ramifications of the pandemic on a global scale.

The US relationship towards the Eastern Med is changing. Most notably, in December 2019, President Trump signed the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019; a bipartisan bill authored by Senator Menendez of NJ and Senator Rubio of Florida.

The legislation is a comprehensive recalibration of American diplomatic, military, and economic policy towards the Eastern Mediterranean and a strong and prosperous alliance between the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus.

Mr. Defterios helps answer questions like what are the political and economic implications of the changing oil prices and demand? How are Russia and Turkey affected by these changes and what does this mean for Greece, Cyprus, Israel and the United States? And what will the legacy of Covid-19 be?

For more insight into the future of the global energy sector, watch John Defterios’ CNN documentary series, “The Global Energy Challenge.”

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16

July
AHC Statement Denouncing Turkey’s Change of Hagia Sophia’s Status
July 16, 2020 American Hellenic Announcements, Board of Directors, Breaking News, News

The American Hellenic Council strongly condemns the actions of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to unilaterally convert Hagia Sophia from a museum and UNESCO World Heritage into a mosque.

This is a blatant violation of the UNESCO treaty of 1985 and of Mustafa Kemal Attaturk’s conversion of Hagia Sophia into a museum in 1934. It is an attempt to fully eradicate religious and cultural heritage and cover the years of restoration to its precious mosaics.

Cultural and religious heritage is too important to cover, ignore and desecrate! Hagia Sophia stood for beauty, peace and divine wisdom.

Built by the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, Hagia Sophia stood for 1000 years as an architectural wonder and center of Orthodox & Byzantine heritage. Following 1453, it was converted to a mosque for 400 years.  Finally seeing its universal historic value, it was converted to a museum 85 years ago thus becoming the most visited tourist attraction in all of Turkey.

With the Blue Mosque just steps away and over 3000 mosques in the city, it can hardly be said that there is a need for another religious site.

There is no question that we must stand strong and boycott all travel to Turkey, all flights on Turkish Airlines, all cruise lines traveling there and call on Congress to suspend all military sales and aid. It is time for NATO to close the Incirlik Base.  Further, as Turkey continues to violate religious and human rights in this way, it is time to finally end their superficial attempt to join the European Union.

To eradicate such a symbol of cultural & religious heritage is nothing more than President Erdogan continuing his dangerous policies of confrontation, turmoil and threats.

Recognizing this illegal eradication of heritage, of breaking a treaty and even threatening peace, has resulted in a strong statement made by UNESCO that has been joined by the World Council of Churches, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, Roman Catholic Pope Francis and many other religious and political leaders.

Please call and write your Congressmen, Senators and the President and notify them that this issue requires a complete ban on all travel & aid.

Not taking immediate action will further endanger Greece and Cyprus!

Please act today!

Respectfully,
Dr. James F. Dimitriou
President & Chairman
American Hellenic Council

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