[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 46 (Friday, March 29, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3233-S3234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           GREEK INDEPENDENCE

-Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I rise today to salute the Greek 
people, who on March 25 commemorated the l75th Anniversary of the 
beginning of their

[[Page S3234]]

struggle for independence from nearly four centuries of Ottoman Turkish 
rule. Against great odds, Greek patriots reestablished freedom and 
self-government in the country that gave birth to democracy.
  This decade-long struggle attracted the attention of freedom-loving 
peoples throughout the world but enjoyed particularly strong support 
from the young American Republic. Americans held rallies in support of 
the Greek cause and sent both supplies and volunteers to aid the 
independence effort.
  From that time, the American and Greek peoples forged an alliance for 
democracy which has stood the test of time and political change. In 
both World Wars and through the cold war period, America and Greece 
remained steadfast in their commitment to freedom and together fought 
successfully against the forces of modern tyranny and totalitarianism. 
In all of these struggles, the Greek people fought valiantly and at 
great sacrifice to their land and lives. It can be rightly said that no 
land so small gave so much to the modern cause of freedom.
  As the challenges and opportunities of the post-cold-war world begin 
to emerge, the resourceful people of Greece are poised to join with 
America and other democracies in encouraging new hopes for freedom and 
democracy in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Greece, as one 
of the oldest continuing democracies of the modern period, has the 
experience in self-government to be of enormous assistance to nations 
struggling to develop open societies.
  Greece is also the only country in the Balkans and Eastern 
Mediterranean region with membership in the European Union. This fact 
equips Greece to play a special role in the economic and political 
reconstruction of those regions. From the dawn of history, Greek 
travelers and traders have lived and worked in these areas developing 
relationships that can promote peace and prosperity in this new era.
  Mr. President, the significance of the longstanding and close 
partnership between the United States and Greece is being reinforced by 
the exchange of official visits and by representatives of our two 
countries. As I speak, Hillary Clinton, our First Lady, is in Greece 
participating in the lighting of the Olympic Torch, which will 
eventually make its way to Atlanta, GA, for the centennial of the 
modern Olympics. Mrs. Clinton's presence at this important event 
reflects America's respect for and recognition of Greece's historic 
role in establishing these games and promoting friendly competition and 
cooperation among nations.
  Within days, the Honorable Costas Simitis, newly installed Prime 
Minister of Greece, will visit Washington for a series of meetings with 
President Clinton and other administration officials. Prime Minister 
Simitis represents a new generation of Greek political leadership which 
promises to build on the strength of the existing United States-Greek 
relationship while seeking new areas of cooperation. In early May, 
Greek President Costas Stephanopoulos will also visit Washington for an 
official state visit. This again will offer an opportunity for renewing 
and reinforcing the ties between the citizens of these two democratic 
countries. We look forward to these visits and express warm 
appreciation to President Clinton for extending these invitations.
  These are occasions also for the leaders of both America and Greece 
to recognize the impressive contributions that Greek-Americans have 
made to the strength and progress of democracy in both nations. The 
ties between our two countries have been tangibly strengthened by the 
constructive involvement of Greek-Americans in virtually every sphere 
of American life.
  As we celebrate the bravery of the heroes and heroines of March 25, 
l82l, we recall with pride their unshakeable devotion to freedom. It is 
a commitment they have honored with their blood and tears over two 
centuries and an undertaking which has always found them in alliance 
with the American people and all those who value democracy and the rule 
of law. As we enter this new post-war period, I am confident that 
America and Greece will work together in the great effort to build and 
expand democracy. That will be the highest tribute to the spirit of 
Greek Independence first proclaimed on March 25, 1821.

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