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.”
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
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
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.”
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
As we are all facing such troubling times, we must take time to remember the fateful events of July 20, 1974. On that day some 46 years ago, Turkey launched “Operation Attila” and began a full fledged air, sea and infantry invasion of the Republic of Cyprus. A flotilla of 33 war ships delivered some 60,000 infantry, along with armored divisions and over 30 tanks that stormed the beaches of Northern Cyprus. Driving through with the landing of paratroops, Turkey attacked the capital city of Nicosia. Ultimately, some 160,000 Greek Cypriots were forced to evacuate the north to reach safety. Greatly outnumbered and overwhelmed, the 12,000 Cypriot military stood strong to prevent the fall of Nicosia! 4 weeks & 1 day later, in August 1974, the United Nations established a cease fire and Buffer Zone along the Green Line.
Ending with Turkey occupying 37% of the island and not accounting for some 1800 missing persons. Still the port city of Farmagusta, remains a ghost town surrounded in barbed wire and Turkish military.
To this day the so-called “Federated Republic of Northern Cyprus” remains unrecognized by the world community.
Immediately following the invasion of Cyprus, the Save Cyprus Council was formed. The immediate task was to organize our community and lobby Congress to cut off all military aid to Turkey, citing the the Foreign Assistance Act and Foreign Military Sales Act, all aid to Turkey was cut off! Under the leadership of our initial founders, Theodore Saloutos, Aris Anagnos, Peter Caloyeras, Andreas Kyprianides, Spiro Vryonis and others, the Save Cyprus Council continued to organize, instruct and lobby.
This successful effort became today’s American Hellenic Council.
Never forget,
Dr. James F. Dimitriou
President & Chairman
The American Hellenic Council
Greece and Italy sign agreement for delimitation of maritime zones
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, and his Italian counterpart, Luigi Di Maio, signed a historic agreement on the delimitation of the maritime zones between Greece and Italy in Athens, on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Read their statements here.
“Τogether we have made Greece bigger,” Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias stated on Wednesday in an interview with SKAI TV, referring to the agreement for the delimitation of the maritime zones between Greece and Italy signed on Tuesday. Read more here.
All islands have the same rights as continental territory, as established by the International Law of the Sea, US Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt told the Delphi Economic Forum, conducted online, on Wednesday. Pyatt also noted that the memorandum signed between Turkey and Libya cannot remove anything from Greece and was, additionally, unhelpful and provocative. On the other hand, he called the Greek-Italian agreement signed on Tuesday over maritime zone delineation in the Ionian Sea “the right way to do things, inclusive of all parties”. Read more here.
What is the significance of the maritime zone delimitation agreement between Greece and Italy?
The importance of the agreement was highlighted by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in a statement yesterday in which he stressed: “This is a good day for Greece, Italy, Europe and the entire Mediterranean. Athens and Rome have delimited the Exclusive Economic Zones in the waters that connect the two neighboring countries, thus removing, in a constructive way, a 40-year pending issue. The agreement is in full compliance with the rules of international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The agreement describes the extent of the maritime zones that can be exploited. Furthermore, the agreement recognizes sovereign rights in all land areas both in the mainland and the islands. It is a model of cooperation and good neighborly relations.
It is also a decisive contribution to peace and stability in our region. Greece and Italy have shown how two neighbors can transform the sea around them into calm waters of progress and development. I hope that similar agreements will be reached in the region, among other countries as well. «In his statement after the signing of the agreement, the Minister Nikos Dendias underlined that: «The constant pursuit of our country remains to determine maritime zones with all our neighbors, within the framework of international law. To this end, the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea provides all necessary instruments. Indeed, the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea in general consolidates customary International law, yet neither selectively, nor arbitrarily as certain nations are attempting to make use of it. The delimitation of maritime zones can be reached in accordance with International Law, with valid agreements. Not with agreements that are non-existent”.
What exactly were the agreements signed on Tuesday, June 9, between Greece and Italy?
The major and most significant agreement is regarding the delimitation of maritime zones between the two states. This is the first agreement signed by our country in regards to EEZ and has been concluded in accordance with UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). Therefore, the Agreement confirms the right of the islands to maritime zones. It also confirms the median line of the 1977 agreement on the delimitation of the continental shelf between Greece and Italy as a borderline between the Greek-Italian EEZ. Consequently, that median line will also apply to the superjacent waters of the continental shelf. This is an extremely important agreement, a development of historical significance for our country.
– A Joint Declaration of Greece and Italy on the Resources of the Mediterranean was also signed. With this declaration, the two states express their commitment to a balanced and sustainable management of these resources and agree to hold consultations to assess the impact of various factors on the existing practices of fishermen of the two states. (Sustainable management).
-Finally, a Joint Notification was signed, addressed to the European Commission, requesting the amendment of the regulation on common fisheries policy so that, when Greece decides to expand its maritime zone to 12 nm, the existing fishing activity of Italian fishermen in the area between 6 and 12 n.m., which is now within international waters, will be maintained. What is of paramount importance is the reference, within the Agreement, of the right to expand everywhere our territorial sea. The existing fishing rights of Italian fishermen are described restrictively, both in terms of the number of vessels and the species they can fish, which are excluded from the species Greek fishermen can fish.
I am reaching out to our community, for the third time in such a short period, to extend my heartfelt support to all members, friends and family of the American Hellenic Council and to all those enduring the difficulties of the past three months.
In the beginning, we experienced, and in some cases continue to experience, life under strict quarantine measures due to the threat of the corona virus; a quarantine that has caused hardships on families, businesses, and students. Then, as a nation we grieved after the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. And now, as civil unrest is expressed through peaceful protests and demonstrations, we also watch our cities go up in flames by opportunists who choose to inflict harm and violate private property.
It is an unsettling time. A time for concern. A time for reflection, but also a time for action.
As Greeks, we have faced injustice and discord many times throughout history and know the generational trauma is causes. It has been 567 years since the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, a tragic anniversary we commemorated just last week, on Friday, May 29th. Today, Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aims to open those wounds by holding a celebration of the Fall in Hagia Sophia, that will include a reading of the so-called “victory verse” of the Quran.
But through the centuries, under occupations and dictatorship, during civil and world wars, and even while under siege from an invisible foe in the form of Covid-19, Greeks fought with an unyielding spirit and courage to preserve fundamental human rights. We remember the two young men, Manolis Glezos and Lakis Santas, who on May 30, 1941, risked their lives as they tore down the Nazi flag from atop of the Acropolis. We remember Archbishop Iakovos, who marched in Selma, Alabama alongside Martin Luther King Jr. some 55 years ago, in 1965.
In Archbishop Iakovo’s own words:
“I came to the United States from Turkey where I was a third category citizen. So, when Martin Luther King, Jr had his walk at the courthouse of Selma, Alabama, I decided to join him because this is my time to take revenge against all.”
The Archbishop further recounts how young Greek immigrants faced much of the same hatred and violence during the turn of the last century as they traveled to the United States in search of a better life. Go ahead and click here to learn more information on how to contact the best attorney near you.
On June 3, 2020, Archbishop Elpidophoros marched in Brooklyn, NY, in a peaceful protest denouncing the killing of Louisville EMT, Breonna Taylor.
“I came here to Brooklyn today,” said His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros, “In order to stand in solidarity with my fellow sisters and brothers whose rights have been sorely abused. This was a peaceful protest, one without violence of any kind, and I thank all of those involved, because violence begets only more violence. We must speak and speak loudly against the injustice in our country. It is our moral duty and obligation to uphold the sanctity of every human being. We have faced a pandemic of grave physical illness, but the spiritual illness in our land runs even deeper and must be healed by actions as well as words. And so, I will continue to stand in the breach together with all those who are committed to preserving peace, justice, and equality for every citizen of goodwill, regardless of their race, religion, gender or ethnic origin.”
The American Hellenic Council stands committed to justice and the pursuit of happiness of all people. Our mission to advocate for Hellenism, extends into advocating not only for Greeks and Cypriots, but for all those whose human rights are violated, because advocacy must be based on truth, understanding and justice for all.
We condemn all acts of hatred and discrimination and denounce those who disrupt peaceful, democratic protests with acts of violence and destruction.
We encourage people to learn our own history, of the violence and hatred committed against the early Greek immigrants arriving in the United States.
We must end all forms of racism and discrimination and as Archbishop Iakovos did in 1965 and Archbishop Elpidoforos did just yesterday, we must stand for justice and equality, not only for those among us who share our race or religion, but for all people.
I hope all of you stay safe and take time to learn our own immigrant history. We have great challenges ahead and, as a nation, will need the courage to face them!
Geopolitical Volatility & Stability in the Eastern Mediterranean
Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou, faculty member of Tufts University’s, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and Director of the Fletcher Initiative on Religion, Law and Diplomacy speaks on the 567th anniversary of the Fall of Constantinople. This auspicious day, as she puts it, brings to light the modern Neo-Ottoman imperialist plans that the Erdogan regime has been actively working on for many years.
As policy makers and scholars alike, increasingly refer to Turkey as a rogue state, it is time for the international community to address the “adventurist foreign policies” of the Erdogan government, which is threatening, not only Greek and Cypriot sovereignty, but stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as, NATO and global security.
Watch AHC’s interview in which Dr. Prodromou dissects Turkey’s actions, Erdogan’s ambitions to become a global hegemon and the possibility of a hot conflict this summer in Greek territory.
Read more about Dr. Prodromou’s professional experience and policy work here.
The members of the American Hellenic Council are deeply saddened to hear of the news of the passing of a true patriot and leader of the Hellenic American Community, Eugene T. Rossides.
On behalf of the American Hellenic Council, I would like to pay tribute to Eugene T. Rossides, the founder of the American Hellenic Institute in Washington, DC, former Under Secretary of the Treasury and a true patriot and outstanding leader in the cause of Hellenism, the “rule of law, and support of Cyprus and Greece for over 50 years.
In a time of turmoil and threats, he was of the first to rise up to challenge the ruthless invasion of Cyprus in 1974. His influence and focus on the “rule of law” as American Hellenes helped to forge a national effort to lobby Congress as Turkey violated the Foreign Assistance Act and the Foreign Military Sales Act when they illegally used American arms to invade a neutral, peace loving country. With the bi-partisan support of Rep. John Brademas, Sen. Paul Sarbanes, Sen. Thomas Eagleton, Sen. Olympia Snow, & Sen. Paul Tsongas a successful embargo on Turkey was imposed.
This grass roots focus helped to launch an organized effort leading to what the news media called a “Greek Lobby.” This battle through several votes of Congress would finally result in an embargo on Turkey.
Gene Rossides would be the spark to see the creation of our own Save Cyprus Council (today’s American Hellenic Council) following the invasion in 1974. His efforts and coordination with the newly formed Council leadership of Theodore Saloutos, Peter Caloyeras, Spyros Vryonis, Aris Anagnos and the Hon. Andreas Kyprianides expanded the lobby effort for “the rule of law” to prevail throughout all California Congressional Districts. An intense effort would spread to the entire Southern California Community. Mr. Rossides would later be honored by the Council at our annual awards dinner and in a book-signing at the University of Southern California.
Mr. Rossides would continue his work as a continual member of the Board of the American Hellenic Institute in Washington, DC, and in the creation of the coordinated efforts of AHEPA, HALC, Pan Cypriots and others in the creation of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus.
Eugene T. Rossides will be remembered for his intense & focused efforts on behalf of Hellenism and the Rule of Law!
He will be remembered as our Pericles standing tall and leading in a time of need.
The members of the American Hellenic Council extends its deepest condolences to the Rossides family. He will be remembered as a pillar of Hellenism rising in a time of need & offering hope & justice.
