AHIPAC Testimony Highlights Positive Roles of Greece and Cyprus for U.S. Interests, Condemns Turkey as Primary Source for Regional Problems and Charges Cover-Up in Administration Policy Toward Turkey

On March 4, 1999, Eugene T. Rossides provided testimony on the Administration's foreign aid proposals to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations. A copy of his statement is attached.

The statement supported the amount of $15 million in humanitarian aid for Cyprus. This aid is an important symbol of U.S. support for Cyprus and of the U.S. commitment to achieving a comprehensive solution.

In an analysis of overall U.S. policy in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, the statement highlighted the positive roles played by Greece and Cyprus in advancing U.S. regional interests. Both countries are vigorous democracies. Greece is the only regional country which is both a member of the EU and NATO. Cyprus has established itself as a regional center of international business and finance and started substantive accession negotiations with the EU. The U.S. should maximize these opportunities by developing a closer relationship with both countries.

By contrast, the statement highlighted Turkey's negative role in terms of its violations of human rights and international law. These made Turkey the prime source of many of the region's problems. The statement called upon Congress to initiate a critical review of U.S. policy toward Turkey, including the cover-up role of the State Department regarding Cyprus, U.S. complicity in Turkish oppression of the Kurds and overlooking Turkey's violations of U.S. law.

Mr. Rossides' statement was made on behalf of the American Hellenic Institute Public Affairs Committee in conjunction with the Hellenic American National Council, the Hellenic American Women's Council, the Cyprus Federation of America, the Pan Laconian Federation of the U.S.A. and Canada, the Pan Cretan Association of America and the Pan Karpathian Progressive Association.

Exhibit 1, the 1999 Greek American Policy Statements may be found in AHI Press Release Number 5 on the AHI web page.