Congressman Frank Pallone Discusses Importance Of Cyprus EU Accession At AHI Noon Forum

WASHINGTON, DC -- On June 27, 2002, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.(D-NJ, 6th District) was the guest speaker at the American Hellenic Institute's (AHI) Noon Forum, held at Hellenic House. Congressman Pallone's presentation, titled "The Importance of Congressional Support for Cyprus Accession to the European Union", focused on the current status of Congressional legislation (H.Con.Res.164 and S.Con.Res.122) working towards this goal.

With key dates for Cyprus accession to the European Union (EU) on the immediate horizon, Cyprus is currently one of two countries at the forefront of the negotiations process, having closed 28 of the 30 chapters under the Acquis Communautaire. At this critical juncture, Congressman Pallone emphasized the importance of Congressional and broader U.S. support of Cyprus' EU accession with or without a settlement to the long-standing division on the island as in the best interests of the U.S.

"The most important thing that we can do right now is pass this resolution [H.Con.Res.164], send a message from the Congress that this EU accession is important because I think it is the only wedge, if you will, that could make a difference in terms of a peaceful settlement and U.S. support in the longrun," said Congressman Pallone.

Congressman Pallone also emphasized the critical role that each individual can make in urging their Representatives and Senators to support H.Con.Res.164 and S.Con.Res.122. He stated, "I can't underestimate the significance of doing the grassroots work. It really is crucial."

In terms of gaining enough support to move H.Con.Res.164 out of its current standing in the House Subcommittee on Europe, Congressman Pallone stated that, "I'm going to primarily work on the Democratic side. We really are optimistic that we can get this out of both Subcommittee and Full Committee hopefully before the August recess. Right now I would like to see us move this bill to the House Floor."

Currently, H.Con.Res.164 has 79 co-sponsors. Its Senate version, S.Con.Res.122 which was introduced on June 19, has 5 co-sponsors.

For additional information about the AHI's Noon Forum featuring Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., please contact Chrysoula Economopoulos at (202) 785-8430 orchrysoula@ahiworld.org. For general information regarding the activities of AHI, please view our website at https://www.ahiworld.org.

On June 27, 2002, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.
(D-NJ, 6th District) was the guest speaker at the
American Hellenic Institute's (AHI) Noon Forum.