American Hellenic Institute

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AHI Letter to President Clinton Stresses Need for Presidential Involvement in Cyprus Problem

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: JONATHAN CLARKE
December 15, 1999 No. 44/99 (202) 785-8430

AHI Letter to President Clinton Stresses Need for Presidential Involvement in Cyprus Problem

On December 9, 1999 AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis attended the Democratic National Committee gala where, at the conclusion of the evening, he had the opportunity of exchanging a few words with President Clinton about U.S. policy toward Greece and Cyprus. To consolidate this conversation, Mr. Larigakis sent a letter to President Clinton (click here).

After referencing his conversation with the President in which Mr. Larigakis congratulated him for describing Greece as the "powerhouse of Southeast Europe," Mr. Larigakis recalls Mr. Clinton's mention in his speech of the proximity talks about Cyprus then underway in New York. The letter draws attention to the historic opportunity afforded by the EU Helsinki decision on Turkey for the President to make progress on the Cyprus problem. The letter urges President Clinton to reject pattern of double standards that has characterized the U.S. approach to Cyprus. In its place, the letter argues that President Clinton should take the important matter of Cyprus into his hands and lend it the clarity and simplicity it truly merits.