U.S. Ambassador Designate to Cyprus Visits AHI

Washington, DC—On July 8, 2008, the U.S. Ambassador Designate to Cyprus, Frank C. Urbancic, visited AHI for a one hour long meeting with the leadership and staff. Mr. Urbancic was accompanied by Terry Netos, Cyprus Desk Officer. The AHI attendees included: AHI Chairman James Marketos, AHI President Gene Rossides, AHI Advisory Committee member Nick Karambelas, AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis, and staff. The AHI leadership voiced their perspective on items of mutual interest regarding U.S. relations with Cyprus, with an emphasis on the importance to the U.S. of an equitable and viable  solution to the Cyprus problem and the views of the State Department on the issues. Everyone at the meeting agreed that a resolution to the Cyprus problem is necessary for the betterment of the island. The Ambassador Designate stated that he wishes to stay in close contact with AHI, and invited them to visit him in Cyprus.

Prior to his current position, Ambassador Designate Urbancic was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy to the Coordinator, Office of the Coordinator for Counter terrorism. He was responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of counterterrorism activities at the Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism. AsCharge d’Affaires, and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, Mr. Urbancic coordinated U.S. priorities with the host government and managed the bilateral relationship to ensure access for U.S. and coalition forces into Iraq in 2003. Having specialized in East European, Middle Eastern and African affairs at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in 1990-1991 and 2004-2005, he also has extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy. As U.S. Consul General in Istanbul, Turkey, Mr. Urbancic administered the multi-million dollar assistance program to that country when it suffered one of the worst earthquakes of the twentieth century in 1999. He was awarded the Department of State’s highest award for Deputy Chiefs of Mission (DCM) in 2003: the Baker-Wilkins Award as DCM of the Year. He has received additional distinctions, including Meritorious and Superior Honor Awards. He speaks French, Arabic, and Turkish (State Department).

“We look forward to working closely with Ambassador Designate Urbancic. His extensive experience and background in the area coupled with his willingness to listen and seek additional information will serve him well as he embarks on his new post,” said AHI President Gene Rossides.

L-R: Nick Karambelas, Nick Larigakis, Gene Rossides, Ambassador Designate Urbancic, Terry Netos and James Marketos.