American Hellenic Institute

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Cypriot Foreign Minister Visits The AHI Hellenic House
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: CHRYSOULA ECONOMOPOULOS
June 18, 2003 No. 30 (202) 785-8430

Cypriot Foreign Minister Visits The AHI Hellenic House

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Foreign Minister of Cyprus, H.E. George Iacovou, accompanied by the Ambassador of Cyprus to the US, H.E. Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis visited the Hellenic House on June 13, 2003. The Cypriot officials met with members of the AHI leadership, including AHI founder, Gene Rossides, Advisory Committee member James H. Lagos, Legal Counsel Nick Karambelas, Executive Director Nick Larigakis and the staff for a one-hour meeting.

Mr. Iacovou discussed with AHI's leadership elements of his recent visit to the U.S., where he highlighted issues of mutual interest regarding U.S. relations with Cyprus, Cyprus accession to the European Union (EU), and working toward a resolution of the long-standing division of the island. His overall assessment of the visit was positive and stated that the Cypriot delegation accomplished the goals that they had set. With regard to the Cyprus problem, he stressed that the Cypriot government clearly made its case and showed its determination to find a solution. Mr. Iacovou also noted that time is of the essence in pushing Turkey now on resolving the Cyprus problem, and noted that he had conveyed these thoughts to U.S. government officials.

During his high-level visit to the U.S. the Cypriot Foreign Minister met with among others, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, Vice President Richard B. Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Dr. Condoleeza Rice. He also met with prominent members of the U.S. Congress including from the House: Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert (R-IL), Co-Chairs of the Hellenic Caucus Rep. Michael Bilirakis (R-FL) and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). From the Senate, Mr Iakovou met with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN), Ranking Member Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE) and Member Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE). He also met with Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D-MD).

For photographs or additional information regarding the Foreign Minister's visit to AHI please contact Chrysoula Economopoulos at (202) 785-8430 or chrysoula@ahiworld.org. For general information regarding the mission and activities of AHI, please visit our website at https://www.ahiworld.org.