American Hellenic Institute

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I Hosts Thomas J. Miller, Newly-Appointed U.S. Ambassador To Greece
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: CHRYSOULA ECONOMOPOULOS
September 20, 2001 No. 45/01 (202) 785-8430

AHI Hosts Thomas J. Miller, Newly-Appointed U.S. Ambassador To Greece

WASHINGTON, DC -- On September 12, 2001, the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) welcomed U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Thomas J. Miller, for a briefing and luncheon. The events were held to meet and congratulate the new ambassador, and to discuss key issues in U.S. relations with Greece. In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks, the AHI discussed canceling the events, but followed the State Department's suggestion that all appointments continue as scheduled and with as much normalcy as possible. The briefing took place at the AHI Hellenic House and was followed by a luncheon at the Capitol Hilton. Present during the event were AHI leadership and staff, and other representatives of the Greek American community.

During the briefing and luncheon, Ambassador Miller discussed current U.S. foreign policy with respect to Greece, and emphasized his readiness and eagerness to take on this new ambassadorial posting. Furthermore, he looks forward to continuing the positive relationship which already exists between the U.S. Embassy in Greece and prominent Greek American organizations such as AHI. According to Ambassador Miller, "AHI plays an important role in the political system by promoting discussion and action on key issues related to Greece and Cyprus."

The Ambassador also emphasized the strong civic role played by Greek Americans in the U.S., pointing out that "every time there is a real crisis, Greek Americans always rally and they are the most patriotic, solid Americans there are in this country bar none. We're in one of those crises right now."In concluding the luncheon, Ambassador Miller answered questions from the event attendees regarding his future role as U.S. Ambassador to Greece.

Ambassador Miller recently concluded his post as U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will assume his new post in Athens in late September 2001. He previously has served as Special Coordinator for Cyprus (with the rank of ambassador) from August 1997 until July 1999. Prior to that post, Ambassador Miller served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece from 1994 to 1997. He has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Department of State's Equal Opportunity Award, its Superior Honor Award (five times), and its Meritorious Honor Award.

The moderator for the briefing and luncheon was AHI Chairman James Marketos, partner at Berliner, Corcoran & Rowe, L.L.P. Extending their thanks and warmest congratulations to Ambassador Miller were: AHI Advisory Committee members Kostas Alexakis (chairman of Public Sector Solutions), Nick Karambelas (partner at Sfikas, Karambelas & Akaras, L.L.P.); George Christakos, entrepreneur; Demo Kolaras, executive director of AHEPA; Jim and Ted Pedas, longtime AHI members; Manny Rouvelas, chairman of Preston Gates Ellis and Rouvelas Meeds, L.L.P.; Chris Zirps, president of AHI's Northern Virginia chapter; and AHI founder Gene Rossides and executive director Nick Larigakis.

For additional information, please contact Chrysoula Economopoulos at (202) 785-8430 or chrysoula@ahiworld.org, and visit our Web site athttps://www.ahiworld.org.