GREEK AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS SEND LETTER TO PRESIDENT BUSH STATING ANNAN PLAN "NOT IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE U.S." WASHINGTON, DC—On April 19, 2004, Greek American organizations sent a letter to President Bush stating that the Annan Plan "is not in the best interests of the U.S." The letter to President Bush follows: The Honorable George W. Bush Re: The Annan Plan is not in the best interests of the U.S. Dear Mr. President: The fifth and final Annan Plan submitted March 31, 2004 is still not in the best interests of the U.S. It continues to need serious changes to make it functional, financially viable, just and compatible with American values and the EU’s acquis communautaire and democratic norms, the European Convention on Human Rights and key UN resolutions. In addition to not being functional and viable, the Annan Plan unbelievably:
Enclosed is a copy of our February 19, 2004 letter to you in which we informed you that the major Greek American membership organizations are calling for serious changes in the Annan Plan "in the interests of the U.S. to make the Plan democratic, workable, financially viable and just." That position has not changed today. The fifth Annan Plan still has serious flaws which need to be changed. On April 1, 2004 at the White House ceremony commemorating Greek Independence Day, you responded to a question regarding Cyprus by stating that the Cypriot people will be making their own decision on their future in a referendum and that " . . . we are not going to tell them how to vote." However, actions and comments this past week by members of your Administration, show the contrary. State Department Spokesperson Richard Boucher on April 12, 13, 14 and 15 repeatedly stated "we urge everybody to support the plan" and referred to numerous phone calls being made by administration officials. The orchestrated lobbying campaign by your administration to pressure the Greek Cypriots is a rank interference in the internal affairs of the Greek Cypriots, is contrary to your stated comment to Greek Americans and unworthy of our nation. The U.S. caused the problem in 1974 by the illegal actions of Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger. The U.S. has an obligation to redress the situation and not condone Turkish aggression. A "no" vote on the Annan Plan on April 24, 2004 is in the interests of the U.S. and will create a favorable climate for further negotiations after May 1, 2004 which will benefit all parties to the negotiations and will be in the interests of the U.S. The U.S. needs to support a solution that reflects U.S. values, that unites the people of Cyprus and which has a real chance to establish a long-lasting functional and viable Cyprus. Respectfully,
The following Greek American membership organizations have also approved this letter:
Enclosure cc: Vice President Richard B. Cheney |
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Greek American Organizations Send Letter to President Bush Stating Annan Plan "Not in the Best Interests of the U.S."
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