[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 35 (Wednesday, March 25, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H1534-H1546]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY: A NATIONAL DAY OF CELEBRATION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 7, 1997, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) is 
recognized for 60 minutes.


                             General Leave

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and 
extend their remarks on this Special Order.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am here tonight with my 
colleagues to commemorate the 177th anniversary of Greek Independence 
Day, which is a national day of celebration of Greek and American 
democracy.
  While commemorative resolutions are no longer permitted in this 
House, there is still tremendous support for Greek Independence Day. 
Every year since 1986, a resolution has been cosponsored by over 50 
Senators and passed in the Senate, as well as one in the House, 
sponsored by over 218 Members, and passed.
  The President of the United States has once again signed a 
proclamation this year recognizing this day as Greek Independence Day, 
and I would like to insert his proclamation into the Record at this 
time.

  Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and 
                        American Democracy, 1998


    by the president of the united states of america--a proclamation

       This year, as we mark the 177th anniversary of the advent 
     of Greece's struggle for independence, we celebrate with the 
     Hellenic Republic and recognize the close ties that have long 
     existed between Greece and the United States. Through two 
     centuries, our nations have enjoyed a strong and enduring 
     friendship. For more than half a century, we have stood 
     together in NATO, modern history's most successful alliance.
       Our bonds are deeper still, however, for we are joined by 
     blood, culture, and a profound commitment to shared values. 
     Greek ideals of democracy and freedom inspired our Nation's 
     founders and breathed life into America's experiment with 
     democratic self-government. Generations of Greek Americans 
     have enriched every aspect of our national life--in the arts, 
     sciences, business, politics, and sports. Through hard work, 
     love of family and community, steadfast commitment to 
     principle, and a deep love of liberty, they have contributed 
     greatly to the prosperity and peace we enjoy today.
       The bonds between America and Greece, in fact, have never 
     been stronger than they are today. We are partners in the 
     effort to find a lasting, peaceful solution in the Balkans 
     and to build an enlarged NATO that will enhance our common 
     security. As our two nations prepare for the challenges and 
     possibilities of the new millennium, we look forward to 
     building on that partnership so that the seeds of democracy 
     we have nurtured together for so long will bear fruit in a 
     bright future not only for ourselves, but for our global 
     community.
       Now, therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the 
     United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested 
     in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do 
     hereby proclaim March 25, 1998, as Greek Independence Day: A 
     National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. 
     I call upon all Americans to observe this day with 
     appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
       In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 
     twelfth day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen 
     hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the 
     United States of America the two hundred and twenty-second.
                                               William J. Clinton.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, Greece has been called the 
birthplace of United States democracy, and I would like to quote: ``Our 
Constitution is called a democracy because power is in the hands not of 
the minority, but of the whole people. When it is a question of 
settling private disputes, everyone is equal before the law. When it is 
a question of putting one person before another in positions of public 
responsibility, what counts is not the membership of a particular 
class, but

[[Page H1535]]

the actual ability which the man or woman possesses.''
  This sounds like it could have been written by one of our Founding 
Fathers, but it was actually written by Pericles in an address made in 
Greece 2,000 years ago.
  Thomas Jefferson once said, ``To the ancient Greeks we are all 
indebted for the light which led ourselves, the American colonies, out 
of Gothic darkness.''
  Just as Greek ideas of democracy and individual liberties became the 
foundation of our government, the American Revolution became one of the 
ideals of the Greeks as they fought for their independence in the 
1820s. Greek intellectuals translated the Declaration of Independence 
of the United States and used it as their own declaration.
  During the fight for independence, a Greek commander in chief, Petros 
Mavromichalis, appealed to the citizens of the United States saying, 
``Having formed the resolution to live or die for freedom, we are drawn 
toward you by a just sympathy, since it is in your land that liberty 
has fixed her abode, and by you that she is prized by our fathers. 
Hence, honoring her name, we invoke yours at the same time, trusting 
that in imitating you, we shall imitate our ancestors and be thought 
worthy of them if we succeed in resembling you. It is for you, citizens 
of America, to crown this glory.''
  Through two centuries, Greece has been a long and trusted ally. In 
fact, they fought alongside the United States in every major 
international conflict of this century. For more than half a century, 
we have stood together in NATO, in friendship, and in alliance.
  During the early 1900s, one of every four Greek males between the 
ages of 15 and 45 departed for the United States of America, and I 
might add that many of them settled in Astoria, Queens, which I am 
fortunate to represent. Astoria is one of the largest and most vibrant 
communities of Greek and Cypriot Americans in this country. It is truly 
one of my greatest pleasures in Congress to be able to participate in 
the life of this community with the wonderful and vital Greek American 
friends that I have come to know.
  I have also had the pleasure of establishing, along with my great 
friend from the great State of Florida, (Mr. Bilirakis) the 
Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues. This caucus allows Members of 
the House to join together to find ways to work together toward better 
United States Greek and Cypriot relations.
  We are here tonight because 177 years ago the revolution which freed 
the Greek people from the Ottoman Empire began. Greece remained under 
the Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years, and during this time, the 
people were deprived of all civil rights. Many volunteers from various 
localities in the United States sailed to Greece to participate in 
Greece's war for independence.
  So today, as we mark the 177th anniversary of Greece's struggle for 
independence, we celebrate with the Hellenic Republic and recognize the 
close ties that have long existed between Greece and the United States.
  On this occasion we should also direct our attention to the Island of 
Cyprus, which for 24 years now has been striving for an end to its 
tragic division and the illegal Turkish occupation of 37 percent of the 
island. Again, Cyprus is on the verge of becoming a flash-point for 
regional conflict because of Turkey's opposition to European membership 
for Cyprus. Last fall, H.R. 81 passed the House of Representatives 
unanimously calling for a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem. 
President Clerides of Cyprus was recently reelected to a second term, 
and Cyprus is to begin negotiations with the European Union next week 
on March 31st.
  Mr. Speaker, it is now time to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful 
solution. We must use Cyprus's EU accession as an impetus for positive 
progress and not let Turkey use it as an excuse for heightened 
tensions. A positive contribution by Turkey to help resolve the 
situation in Cyprus would facilitate Turkey's aspirations to become a 
member of the European Union. We should use our influence in the region 
to help Turkey to understand this.
  That is why I, along with many of my colleagues, introduced a 
resolution to assert our position on a peaceful solution to Cyprus. 
This bill encourages Turkey to work with Greece and Cyprus to find a 
just solution, and I would like to introduce into the Record at this 
time the resolution which the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) 
and I are presenting today with well over 32 cosponsors.

                             H. Con. Res--

         
       Whereas President Glafcos Clerides of the Republic of 
     Cyprus was recently re-elected for a second 5-year term with 
     a renewed mandate to resolve the situation in Cyprus arising 
     from Turkey's invasion of the island in 1974 and its 
     continuing military occupation of 37 percent of Cyprus' 
     territory;
       Whereas the international community, including the United 
     States, is expected to engage in a sustained effort to bring 
     about a just, viable, and comprehensive solution to the 
     situation in Cyprus;
       Whereas Cyprus will begin negotiations with the European 
     Union on March 31, 1998, for accession to the European Union;
       Whereas it is recognized that the prospect of Cyprus' 
     accession to the European Union could serve as a catalyst for 
     resolving the situation in Cyprus;
       Whereas the entire population of Cyprus, including the 
     Turkish Cypriots, would benefit greatly from Cyprus's 
     membership in the European Union;
       Whereas a positive contribution by Turkey to the solution 
     of the situation in Cyprus, as repeatedly called for by the 
     United States and the international community, will not only 
     facilitate Turkey's aspirations in Europe but will also 
     enhance stability and peace in the Eastern Mediterranean and 
     will safeguard the interests on the United States in the 
     region;
       Whereas the United States Government has sought to identify 
     the remains of United States citizen Andreas Kassapis and 
     hopes that this action will lead to further breakthroughs on 
     the subject of the missing from both communities in Cyprus;
       Whereas, in July 1997, the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate adopted House Concurrent Resolution 81 and Senate 
     Concurrent Resolution 41 calling for a United States 
     initiative to resolve the situation in Cyprus on the basis of 
     international law, the provisions of relevant United Nations 
     Security Council resolutions, democratic principles, 
     including respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, 
     and in accordance with the norms and requirements for 
     accession to the European Union;
       Whereas the House of Representatives and the Senate in 
     these concurrent resolutions also consider that lasting peace 
     and stability on Cyprus could be best secured by a process of 
     complete demilitarization of the island;
       Whereas United Nations Security Council Resolution 1092 of 
     December 23, 1996, states that a Cyprus settlement must be 
     based on a state of Cyprus with a single sovereignty and 
     international personality and single citizenship, with its 
     independence and territorial integrity safeguarded, and 
     comprising 2 politically equal communities as described in 
     the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions in a 
     bicommunal and bizonal federation and that such a settlement 
     must exclude union in whole or in part with any country or 
     any form of partition or secession; and
       Whereas the Congress intends to remain actively seized of 
     the matter: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That the Congress strongly urges the President--
       (1) to seize the opportunity presented by the beginning of 
     a new presidential term in the Republic of Cyprus and the 
     opening accession negotiations between Cyprus and the 
     European Union to launch an initiative to resolve the 
     situation in Cyprus based on the parameters and principles 
     set forth in House Concurrent Resolution 81 and Senate 
     Concurrent Resolution 41 of the 105th Congress and United 
     Nations Security Council Resolution 1092 of December 23, 
     1996; and
       (2) to continue the bimonthly reports to the Congress on 
     the active engagement of the United States in the efforts to 
     find a solution to such situation in Cyprus.

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Hopefully, Mr. Speaker, we will soon 
celebrate Cyprus Day when, once again, the entire island would be 
united. However, the reason we are here today is to celebrate Greek 
Independence Day. There has always been a very special bond of 
friendship between our two countries, and there is no better way to 
show this than as we did today with a concrete vote on this floor which 
was helpful to Greek citizens in our country.
  Today, Congress voted overwhelmingly, 360 to 46, for an amendment. 
This amendment will allow people from Greece to travel to the United 
States, whether for business or pleasure, without getting a visa, just 
as Greece allows Americans to travel to their country without a visa.
  I would really like to end with a quote from the great poet, Shelley, 
and he said, ``We are all Greeks. Our laws, our literature, our 
religion, our art have their roots in Greece.'' Tonight

[[Page H1536]]

we celebrate Greek independence and the many contributions of Greece to 
American culture.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida, (Mr. Bilirakis), 
the cofounder and cochair of the Hellenic Caucus. We appreciate all of 
the gentleman's hard work on behalf of a better bond of friendship 
between Greece and the United States.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman. I thank her for 
leading this Special Order and for her great work regarding the human 
rights areas particularly of Greece and Cyprus.
  Mr. Speaker, I too proudly rise today to lead my colleagues in 
honoring the valiant Greek freedom fighters who began an arduous 
struggle to win independence for Greece and its people on this day 177 
years ago. So today, we do celebrate Greek Independence Day.
  My colleagues may ask themselves, why we are commemorating those who 
secured independence for Greece, and the answer is really simple. Greek 
Independence Day, like the 4th of July, reminds us that we have a duty, 
a moral responsibility, to defend freedom, whatever the cost. Today we 
pay tribute to all of history's freedom fighters. We honor their 
triumph and spirit, because they valiantly fought and died for the 
ideals we and they hold dear.
  One American patriarch, President Ronald Reagan, said that freedom is 
a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from 
extinction. He reminded us that freedom is not ours by inheritance, but 
must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation.

                              {time}  2200

  As we know, freedom is not free. Our freedom has been paid for with 
hundreds of thousands of lives, with sweat and blood, and with a 
measurable sacrifice. The freedom we enjoy today is due to the 
sacrifices made by men and women who were willing to accept the highest 
and most noble responsibility, that of defending and promoting freedom.
  This spirit of freedom began in ancient Greece, but it has manifested 
itself around the world in different centuries throughout history. 
History has provided shining examples of heroic fights for freedom. For 
instance, we saw it in Afghanistan, where its people defied the Soviet 
Union and refused to be oppressed. Afghanistan, like Greece, was 
ravaged, its people murdered and its villages destroyed.
  Just as the Greek patriarchs fought foreign domination, the Afghan 
people refused to submit to Soviet aggression. They persevered because 
they believed that they should determine their own destiny.
  Let me emphasize that all civilized nations inherited the principles 
of freedom and democracy from ancient Greece. The Greeks forged the 
first society which was governed by these principles.
  We also celebrate this day because it marks the symbolic rebirth of 
democracy. On this day, as we have already said, 177 years ago Greece 
began to restore its glorious heritage through a desperate and unequal 
struggle for freedom. On March 25, 1821, the Greek people rose in 
rebellion, igniting a 7-year struggle for independence from 4300 years 
of foreign domination by the Ottoman Turks. That historic day led to a 
widespread revolution that attracted international attention.
  In fact, President James Monroe issued a declaration in December, 
1822, supporting, as he called it, Greece's noble struggle. It read, in 
part, and I quote, ``That such a country should have been overwhelmed 
and so long hidden under a gloomy despotism has been a cause of 
unceasing and deep regret. A strong hope is entertained that these 
people will recover their independence and resume their equal station 
among the nations of the Earth.''
  When the Greeks began this glorious revolution after 4 centuries of 
Turkish oppression, they faced what appeared to be insurmountable odds. 
It was truly David versus Goliath. The Greek freedom fighters had an 
unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom, and were prepared to 
live free or die. Reminiscent of Patrick Henry's famous declaration, 
``Give me liberty or give me death,'' the Greeks adopted their own 
creed, ``Eleftheria I Thanatos,'' liberty or death.
  In his book, Freedom and Death, renowned Greek author Nikos 
Kazantzakis recounted the last battle of his hero, a Captain and Greek 
patriarch who was surrounded by Turkish forces and contemplated the 
wisdom or folly of sacrificing himself and his men.
  Kazantzakis writes, ``He looked about him at the comrades, down at 
the Turks far below, up at the uninhabited sky high above. Freedom or 
death, he muttered, shaking his head fiercely, freedom or death. Oh, 
poor Cretans. Freedom and death, that's what I should have written on 
my banner. That is the true banner of every fighter, freedom and death, 
freedom and death.''
  In the ensuing battle moments later a bullet pierced his head and 
gave him both, freedom and death. Our Greek brothers earned their 
liberty with blood. As I have recounted many times before, the history 
of the Greek war for independence is filled with acts of heroism. The 
fabric of Greek independence is woven from remarkable acts by common 
people united with a singular purpose to break free from Turkish 
oppression.
  It is a story of the Klephts who descended upon their invaders from 
the mountain stronghold. It is also the story of the Hydriots, 
seafarers who broke the Ottoman naval blockade. It is a story about the 
Philhellenes who took tales of heroic Greek actions to Europe, where 
they gained international recognition.
  The spirit of Greek heroism continues in freedom's defense. The Greek 
landscape has changed remarkably since I came to Congress. I was 
elected to this body when tensions from the Cold War had reached epic 
proportions. We lived in a world that feared, if not expected, nuclear 
war and its devastating consequences. Eastern Europe remained behind 
the iron curtain of communism, and its people lived largely at the 
mercy of leaders in the Kremlin. We lived in a world divided between 
those who were free to determine their destinies and those who were 
not.
  There is probably no better or perhaps worse symbol of this division 
than the Berlin Wall. The wall divided Berlin physically, but its 
meaning divided the world. Through determined American leadership and a 
strong desire to be free, the winds of freedom blew through Eastern 
Europe and liberated a continent oppressed by Communist rule.
  I know my colleagues shared the pride that I felt watching tiny 
cracks of freedom grow until the Berlin Wall crumbled under the weight 
of its oppressive rule. We have witnessed freedom and democracy 
triumphing over tyranny and oppression time and time again. Yet, in 
some parts of the world, the struggle for freedom and independence 
continues today.
  Ironically, it is still being challenged in the Mediterranean. Turkey 
continues, Mr. Speaker, to illegally occupy Cyprus, as it has since its 
brutal invasion, code named Atilla, in 1974. Since the invasion, 1,614 
Greek Cypriots and five Americans have been missing.
  As a result of a congressional mandate, our government recently 
discovered the remains of one of these Americans, a young boy, Andreas 
Kasapis, who was 17 when the invasion occurred. I am proud to announce 
that I am an original cosponsor of legislation to address this serious 
matter.
  The bill was introduced by my co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus, the 
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn Maloney), and urges the 
President to resolve the unacceptable division of Cyprus. This 
legislation also asks the President to report to Congress on U.S. 
efforts to promote a solution in Cyprus.
  The United States, Mr. Speaker, we know cannot be the world's 
policeman, but we must use our freedom to help others who share our 
passion for liberty and peace. Our Nation has always been willing to 
fight for freedom on behalf of others. As Americans, as defenders of 
democracy, as righteous human beings, we must not and cannot remain 
idle while Cyprus remains divided.
  Finding a fair resolution for Cyprus will help stabilize a region 
that is more often marked by conflict than accord. Cyprus has been a 
strong U.S. ally for many, many years. As partners in the fight for 
freedom the United States must accept responsibility and meet its 
obligation to Cyprus. Actions do speak louder than words, and thus far 
our actions have paled in comparison to our words.

[[Page H1537]]

  Let me emphasize that this is certainly not a partisan issue. Cyprus 
has been divided for 24 years, a time that has spanned both Republican 
and Democratic administrations.
  To those who preach freedom but promote inaction, the U.S. did not 
remain neutral when imperialism shook Europe's foundations during World 
War I, and the U.S. did not fail to act when the clouds of German and 
Italian atrocity descended upon Europe and the rest of the globe during 
World War II. Throughout the history of the United States, we have 
answered the call of freedom.

  We are fortunate to live in the greatest democratic republic in the 
world. Therefore, as the leaders of the free world, we must foster 
freedom when it is challenged. In October we were graced by his All 
Holiness, Patriarch Bartholomew, who is the spiritual leader of 300 
million orthodox Christians worldwide, including 5 million Americans.
  In his remarks in the Capitol Rotunda, Patriarch Bartholomew 
eloquently noted that the orthodox church ``may be opposed, but opposes 
no one; may be persecuted, but does not persecute; is fettered, but 
chains no one; is deprived of her freedom, but does not trample on the 
freedom of others.''
  I was heartened, Mr. Speaker, when Congress awarded the Congressional 
Gold Medal to Patriarch Bartholomew in October. He received this honor, 
the highest that can be bestowed upon an individual by Congress, 
because of his commitment to promote peace, understanding, and 
religious tolerance around the world.
  The Patriarch spread his message of peace, even though the Ecumenical 
Patriarchate in Istanbul has been repeatedly subjected to terrorist 
attacks. The latest act of violence came only weeks after the Patriarch 
delivered his stirring speech to Congress. I have introduced 
legislation urging the U.S. government to provide protection to the 
Patriarchate and its personnel.
  Again, I would, Mr. Speaker, like to thank my friend, the chairman of 
the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from New York 
(Mr. Gilman), who always joins us in our special orders, for supporting 
the inclusion of this language in the conference report on the State 
Department Reauthorization Act. We must continue to take a strong stand 
in support of religious freedom and human rights worldwide.
  Let me close with the words of President John F. Kennedy, who in 
June, 1963, spoke to the citizens of West Berlin at the Berlin Wall. He 
correctly pointed out that freedom is indivisible, and when one man is 
enslaved, all are not free. He went on to say that all free men were 
citizens of Berlin.
  Mr. Speaker, all free men are Philhellenes. We must end the division 
of Cyprus and reaffirm our commitment to the Greek patriarchs who led 
Greece out of the darkness of tyranny and into the light of freedom and 
democracy. If we are to maintain our freedom, we can neither take it 
nor its architects for granted.
  That is why I stand here with the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. 
Maloney), and so many of my other colleagues who have yet to speak, 
every year to honor those who secured independence for Greece. Again, I 
thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).
  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his very 
eloquent remarks and leadership in the Hellenic Caucus.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Frank 
Pallone), who is the chair of the Armenian Caucus, and has been a 
leader on Greek issues and many other important issues before this 
Congress.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman. I would like to 
begin, as I do every year, by thanking the gentlewoman from New York 
(Mrs. Maloney) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) for 
organizing this hour to honor the anniversary of Greek Independence 
Day.
  My colleagues, my two colleagues, are both tireless champions of 
Greek-American relations, and I thank them both for their leadership of 
the congressional Hellenic Caucus, and their tireless efforts to 
strengthen the ties between our two countries.
  Today, March 25, it has been noted, Greece celebrates its 177th year 
of independence. And despite the late hour, many of us are pleased to 
be able to take this time to praise a society that represents, in a 
historical sense, the origins of what we call Western culture, and in a 
contemporary sense, one of the staunchest defenders of Western society 
and values.
  There are many of us in the Congress on both sides of the aisle who 
are staunchly committed to preserving and strengthening the ties 
between the Greek and the American people. I would say that Americans 
and Greeks are growing even closer, bound by ties of strategic and 
military alliance, common values of democracy, individual freedom and 
human rights, and close personal friendships.
  In the early 20th century, Mr. Speaker, Greece stood by the United 
States in World War I. When Hitler's war machine decimated Europe in 
the middle of this century, Greece again stood on the same side as the 
United States; I might add, at great cost to the Greek people and the 
Greek Nation.
  History has shown that the historic battle of Crete, in which the 
indomitable spirit of the Greek people forced Hitler to delay his 
planned invasion of Russia, was one of the most important battles of 
the Second World War.
  Last October I joined my colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey 
(Mr. Pappas), who is here tonight, in paying tribute to ``Ohi'' Day, 
commemorating that day in 1940 when Greek Prime Minister Metakis 
refused Mussolini's ultimatum to surrender with an eloquent one-word 
answer, ``Ohi'', Greek for no.
  World War II's aftermath left Europe mired in the Cold War, and 
Greece, then a NATO ally, and a NATO ally to this day, once again 
answered the call. Greece showed its national valor and sense of 
historic mission, joining forces with the United States in preserving 
and protecting the freedoms enjoyed today by an unprecedented number of 
the world's people. The qualities exhibited by the Nation of Greece, 
Mr. Speaker, are a reflection of the strong character and values of its 
individual citizens.
  The United States has been greatly enriched as many sons and 
daughters of Greece made a new life here in America. The timeless 
values of Greek culture have endured for centuries, indeed, for 
millenia. But I regret to say, Mr. Speaker, that to this day the Greek 
people must battle against oppression.
  My two colleagues have already mentioned that for almost 24 years 
now, Greece has stood firm in its determination to bring freedom and 
independence to the illegally occupied Nation of Cyprus. Like their 
forefathers, who were under control of a hostile foreign power for four 
centuries, the Cypriot people hold fast in defiance of their Turkish 
aggressors with every confidence that they will again be a sovereign 
nation. Negotiations aimed at achieving settlement to the Cyprus issue 
are an important priority for American foreign policy.
  I just want to say that I am proud to be an original cosponsor of 
legislation that was introduced today by the gentlewoman from New York 
(Mrs. Maloney) and also the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) that 
asserts our strong support for a peaceful solution in Cyprus. We have 
to keep up this effort, as these two leaders in Congress have done, in 
making it clear that we want an independent and sovereign Cyprus that 
is united and that is free of Turkish military rule.
  The reelection of President Clerides and the bid of Cyprus to join 
the European Union also offer an historic opportunity for peace on the 
island. I would point out to Turkey that a positive contribution by 
that country to both the peace process and the European Union accession 
by Cyprus could be a start in helping Turkey undo some of the damage 
they have caused with their intransigent and aggressive policies.
  We also have to continue to work with Greek leaders and the United 
Nations to secure protection for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and 
orthodox Christians residing in Turkey. As the gentleman from Florida 
(Mr. Bilirakis) mentioned, last year we were shocked by the terrorist 
attack on the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul. Many of us in this 
Congress called on our administration to issue a strong response to 
this tragic, senseless act.

[[Page H1538]]

Many of us have also staunchly opposed the transfer of U.S. military 
hardware to Turkey.

                              {time}  2215

  As the cochair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenia Issues, and I 
know the gentlewoman from New York mentioned that before and I 
appreciate it, and also as a member of the Hellenic Caucus, I have 
consistently fought to change U.S. policy with regard to Turkey. I have 
sought to block the Turkish Government's efforts to pay big money for 
Turkish studies chairs at prestigious American universities as an 
instrument of spreading Turkish propaganda.
  The gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) has joined me in many 
occasions here on the floor, trying to prevent the Turkish Government 
and the acceptance of money by various American universities from the 
Turkish Government through these various Turkish studies programs or 
Turkish chairs that come with strings attached, that basically allow 
them to spread Turkish propaganda and not tell the truth about the 
history of Turkey or the history of Armenia or the history of Greece. 
Turkish leaders must understand that they will not continue to benefit 
from U.S. economic subsidies if they continue to flout the very values 
that America, Greece, and other freedom-loving nations of this world 
stand for.
  In closing, I just want to congratulate the Greek people for 177 
years of independence and thank them for their contributions to 
American life.
  And I want to thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) and 
the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) for organizing this tonight. 
All of us are going to continue with our efforts to not only continue 
to bring up Greek Independence Day, but fight for Cyprus and fight for 
the other values that Greece and the Greek people hold dear.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania for his statement.
  Mr. Speaker, I would now like to yield to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Klink). He is a leader in the Hellenic Caucus. He is 
one of the reasons that we were successful on the floor today in 
achieving the visa waiver. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania 
(Mr. Klink).
  Mr. KLINK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. 
Maloney) for her leadership, and also thank my dear friend, the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), for his leadership in the 
Hellenic Caucus. We have risen on the floor together so many times on 
issues that were of importance to Hellenes and philhellenes. We have 
met together with very important dignitaries who have arrived, from the 
patriarchy to the leaders in the Greek Government. Many of us have 
traveled together to Greece.
  Mr. Speaker, I want recall, and I have shared with my dear friend, 
the gentlewoman from New York, stories of a trip that the gentleman 
from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) and I took last August. She has been such 
a great leader on these issues that many people in the Greek-American 
community often refer to her as Bouboulina, who is, of course, the lady 
who risked her life, her fortune, and everything else in building a 
fleet of ships to fight for the independence of Greece. The gentleman 
from Florida and I had the wonderful opportunity last year to travel to 
the home of Bouboulina, and we wish that our friend, the gentlewoman 
from New York (Mrs. Maloney), had been with us because I tell her that 
she was in our minds and our hearts the whole time we were there.
  We appreciate the fact that people because, we have a reason for the 
feelings that we have, and that is the fact that I am of Greek 
parentage, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) and the gentleman 
from New Jersey (Mr. Pappas) as well, but our friends and colleagues 
who take on this issue, because this is in their heart and their mind, 
and we appreciate what they have done.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his 
statement and all of his hard work and leadership.
  Mr. KLINK. Mr. Speaker, if the gentlelady would yield, I thank her 
very much. Every family who has come from Greece has stories. If we 
look at the ceremonial uniforms of the Greek soldiers, they have the 
pleated kilts; and these tall, strong-looking Greek soldiers, and there 
are 376 pleats in their kilt, one for each year that the Greek nation 
was held in domination by the Ottoman Empire.
  My own family, and I did not have the opportunity to meet the Greek 
half of my family, it is a long story which I will not go into here. 
But I did not have the opportunity to meet the Greek half of my family, 
because of estrangement and divorce, until I was almost 40 years old. I 
had the opportunity to go to Kalimnos, which is an island off the coast 
of Turkey where my family came from, as well as the family of the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), my dear friend. In fact, we 
found here we are a Republican from Florida and a Democrat from 
Pennsylvania, and our families lived on the same tiny island off the 
coast of Turkey. In fact, we were neighbors, when we got to talking 
about where we come from, and here we are neighbors on issues in 
Congress.
  They told us about what had happened to the family during almost 400 
years of what was practically servitude and enslavement by the Ottoman 
Empire and by the Ottoman Turks. In fact, the family name at that point 
had been Papaelias, which meant there was a priest back in the family 
heritage whose name was Elias. During the time they were under 
domination by the Turks, the name became Giavasis, which came from the 
word ``giavasis,'' which is a Turkish word for ``slowly,'' and the 
reason was simply that they had gone into a 400-year work slowdown.
  My family were architects and builders, and so during the virtual 
servitude to the Turks, 400 years of it, they used to build and to draw 
designs of buildings. They went into this work slowdown, and so the 
Turks said ``giavas,'' or ``slowly,'' and the family name eventually 
became Giavasis for the fact that they had this slowdown that lasted 
generation after generation after generation.
  Every family has stories, some of them very tragic, of what happened 
to their ancestors during this almost enslavement and involuntary 
servitude under the Ottoman Turks.
  It is ironic that the birthplace of democracy was subjected for so 
many centuries to a form of domination as the Greeks lived under the 
Turkish domination for 376 years, political oppression, no kind of 
freedom. But in 1821, Greece began a very successful fight for 
independence and today, 177 years later, we celebrate the fact of Greek 
independence.
  Mr. Speaker, I would say there are truly many words in the statement 
of the gentleman from Florida that freedom fighters all over the world, 
of whatever nation or whatever race, share together that vision of 
freedom.
  Greece is the home of democracy. Democracy will, I think, for all 
time, be the greatest gift of the nation of Greece to the rest of the 
world. The ancient Greeks passed down to us a government that places 
authority directly in the hands of all the people. How wonderful that 
we have the opportunity here to stand in the people's House and to talk 
and to share the heritage of what at that time was a very 
revolutionary idea that not kings, not emperors, not some quasi-God, 
should be the dictator of what would happen in men's lives, but that 
the men and women themselves would be able to make those decisions 
themselves.

  Our founders chose to adopt a Democratic system, just as the Greek 
Constitution enshrines democracy as the governing rule of the Hellenic 
Republic. I had an opportunity on a previous trip to Greece to go to 
the island of Khios that lost much of its population back in 1974 after 
the Turks invaded the island of Cyprus.
  When we start to learn about the struggle that took place over that 
400 years of Turkish rule, we find that people like Thomas Jefferson 
had a constant correspondence with the Greeks to encourage them to 
fight for themselves and to once again become a nation of democracy. If 
we go back to the roots of our tree of democracy, we find that our 
Founding Fathers and the people who eventually got to the point where 
they were able to lead a successful Greek revolution, share their 
ideals and corresponded and had a dream that people themselves 
throughout this

[[Page H1539]]

world would be the ones to govern, people themselves would make the 
decisions.
  Americans and Greeks fought together for the principles of democracy 
during World War II. We stuck together during the Cold War. And today 
we celebrate Greek independence.
  We also have to take time to remember those who still endure 
oppression anywhere in the world, those who are denied freedom. 
Democracy does come with responsibilities to always seek peace, but to 
fight for freedom and to fight for human rights when we must fight, and 
to continue to build upon a strong democratic foundation.
  Again, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), my friend, 
mentioned, and I am not going to go too far into detail because I know 
some other friends are waiting to talk, we have to go back, ``Ich bin 
ein Berliner.'' We were all Berliners because people were behind that 
wall when President Kennedy said, Mr. Kruschev, take down that wall. 
Today the divided city is Nicosia in Cyprus.
  Since 1974, that city has been divided; 1,609 Greek Cypriots and 
American citizens remain missing. And it was only March 5, after nearly 
24 long years, that the family of Andrew Kasapis of Detroit finally 
found the remains of that 17-year-old American citizen who was ripped 
from the hands of his family, ripped away with his passport still on 
him, and was murdered.
  They found his bones scattered in what was no more than a field. And 
although it took this Congress to take action and it cost millions of 
dollars to do the most modern DNA screening to determine that that was 
the remains of this young 17-year-old American citizen, we still do not 
know where are the over 1,600 other bodies. When will those families 
seek the peace of at least knowing what happened to their relatives?
  On this island nation of Cyprus, the Turks must again allow freedom 
to move forward, must allow Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to live 
together, to have free elections, to live together as neighbors; allow 
the Greek Cypriots, who were taken from 30 percent of that island where 
the green line cuts across, to go back into their homes, to go back 
into their churches of worship which have now become stables, barns, 
brothels, bars. Imagine such degradation to have one's church turned 
into a brothel or bar or barn.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to add to some of the 
gentleman's comments. Today the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) 
and I had a meeting with the Hellenic Caucus and Mr. Miller, the 
special assistant to Richard Holbrooke, the special envoy who has been 
supported by President Clinton to support peace efforts in Cyprus, he 
gave a detailed report which the gentleman from Pennsylvania has 
brought part of it to the floor today. He also mentioned that they have 
not received information on the other four missing Americans, but they 
are working on the report, and he hopes to be able to bring it back to 
Congress and report to all of us exactly what happened.
  I just want to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for helping pass 
this resolution that led to this report that has brought some 
conclusion for the Kasapis family, but not for all the other families.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back to my colleague.
  Mr. KLINK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for those comments. 
One family out of 1,619 families has answers. They are not pleasant 
answers to think that your 17-year-old son, who would now be 41 years 
old, died in this field, his bones scattered. Only through plowing and 
digging have these bones been recovered, and not in a grave.
  Mr. Speaker, what kind of peace is that? At least they have the 
knowledge of knowing that he is not languishing in a prison or in 
slavery, but in fact probably suffered a horrendous death. That is 
little peace, but at least we know what has happened.
  The division of Cyprus has been a problem for the international 
community since Turkey's invasion of the island in 1974. Its subsequent 
illegal military occupation of the northern 37 percent of the country 
has stopped any kind of growth. Cyprus could become a flashpoint for 
regional conflict because of Turkey's opposition to European membership 
for Cyprus into the European Union.
  Cyprus should be allowed to thrive. Last fall, H. Con. Res. 81 passed 
the House of Representatives unanimously, calling for a peaceful 
solution to the Cyprus problems. The President of Cyprus was recently 
reelected to a second 5-year term, and Cyprus is about to begin 
negotiations with the European Union.
  Mr. Speaker, we want peace. We would like to see Turkey admitted to 
the European Union. And Greece would like to see that. The gentleman 
from Florida and I spoke to the leaders of Greece. They would like to 
see Turkey admitted to the European Union. But to do that, Turkey must 
obey the U.N. resolutions, they must become a member of the family of 
nations, which they have ceased to do.
  We do not look forward to having votes where we spank Turkey. We want 
them to do the right thing and they have not done that.

                              {time}  2230

  And they have not done that. So I thank my friends for their 
leadership. I will yield back my time because I have some other friends 
who are waiting here to speak.
  But we could take hour upon hour. These are things that are near and 
dear to our heart. And the leadership that the gentlewoman from New 
York (Mrs. Maloney) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) and 
the friendship that you have given us and the leadership in taking us 
to Cyprus, to Greece, has given us a tremendous education not only of 
the current situation but of the history of mankind and the need for 
conscientious, freedom-loving people to stand up for other people who 
are oppressed whenever they can.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his 
really moving statement tonight.
  I now yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pappas), newly 
elected to the 105th Congress, but already a leader here on Hellenic 
issues and many other issues of concern for New Jersey and our country. 
I thank him for participating.
  Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. And I 
want to thank her and our colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. 
Bilirakis), for their work on behalf of all of us who are interested in 
the Hellenic issues.
  As cochairs of the Hellenic Caucus, they both have been active in 
informing this Congress about issues of importance to the millions of 
Americans of Greek descent. Today's successful vote on visa waiver 
extension is an important example of why the Hellenic Caucus' role is 
important in this Congress, and I thank both my colleagues for their 
leadership.
  One hundred seventy-seven years ago, the Greek people declared their 
independence from foreign oppression by the Ottoman Empire. After 
inspiring America with the democratic ideals of ancient Greece, Greece 
was, in turn, inspired by the American Declaration in 1776. The idea 
for democratic independence was the first of a long-standing tradition 
for these two allies to share great ideas and common values.
  The events of March 25, 1821, are critically important to the modern 
world. By throwing off the yoke of more than 400 years of Ottoman Turk 
domination, Greece retained its sovereignty, it marked the return to 
democratic values and civil society in southeastern Europe. It also 
sowed the seeds for a long-lasting and mutual relationship between 
Greece and the United States.
  Greece has been one of four allies to fight with the United States in 
every conflict in this century. This has happened because both 
countries recognize the importance of democracy and that it is better 
to fight for it than to roll over and suffer under tyranny. As such, I 
am glad to celebrate this happy occasion with my colleagues on the 
floor of this House, the embodiment of democracy for many as created by 
ancient Greece.
  Here on this floor, I am a Greek American sent here by citizens in 
central New Jersey to carry on the right to advocate on their behalf, 
knowing full well that democracy was created by Greeks and places the 
ultimate power to govern not in me, not in us in this Chamber, but in 
the people we represent. What an awesome idea. This

[[Page H1540]]

country is eternally grateful for their foresight in ancient times and 
for their fortitude to break free from the Ottoman oppression and 
restate their unwavering commitment to democratic ideals.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I think it is fully appropriate that we take pride 
in celebrating this day and acknowledge the debts we owe to Greek 
ideals.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his 
statement.
  The gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) is a member of the very 
important Committee on International Relations. He has worked hard not 
only on the Hellenic Caucus but on many, many important issues before 
this Congress.
  I now yield to my colleague from California.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York for 
yielding, and I thank both her and her co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus 
for not only convening this hour to commemorate Greek independence, but 
for inviting me to be part of this effort.
  One hundred seventy-seven years ago today, on March 25, 1821, the 
Greek people declared their independence and began a ten-year effort to 
throw off the yoke of Ottoman oppression. Greek patriot Regas Fereos 
issued a rallying cry in that struggle, ``Better an hour of freedom 
than 440 years of imprisonment and enslavement.''
  Today, 177 years later, we in this House, just a few hours ago, I 
think found an interesting way to commemorate Greek independence by 
allowing citizens of Greece to independently visit the United States as 
tourists, free and liberated from paperwork, just as we have allowed 
tourists from other parts of Europe and the European Community to visit 
the United States without undue restriction.
  Greek freedom fighters looked to the American Revolution and to 
American democracy 177 years ago today, just as the American 
revolutionaries looked to ancient Greece and its tradition of 
democracy. After a 10-year struggle, the Greek people won their 
independence and reestablished democracy. Greece and America are bound 
not only by a common dedication to democracy, but also because Greek 
philosophy and Greek culture are so much the foundation of the society 
in which we live, the society which has gradually established many of 
the cultural norms, many of the philosophic underpinnings for an 
emerging world culture.
  Since its liberation, Greece has stood by America, and America should 
stand by Greece. Greece is one of three nations in the world outside 
the British Empire that has been allied with the United States in every 
major international conflict of this century. As has been pointed out 
by earlier speakers, one out of every nine Greeks lost their life 
fighting the Nazis in World War II. Just as Greece joined the United 
States in that effort, immediately after that war the Marshall Plan was 
critical to reviving Greek society and the Greek economy.
  Today, Greece remains a staunch NATO ally and it deserves America's 
support. In the past year, Greece held the historic Inter-Balkan 
Conference in Crete and has worked to promote regional stability in the 
Balkan Peninsula, an area that has been contentious throughout this 
century and an area that Americans are coming to know better today. As 
we focus on Kosovo, as we focus on Bosnia, we should recognize Greek 
efforts to bring peace and stability to that troubled region.
  As the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) pointed out, I serve 
on the Committee on International Relations, and in that capacity, had 
the opportunity, along with her and many other Philhellenes to meet 
with the Greek foreign minister just yesterday. And we had an 
opportunity to praise Greece for not only its constructive role in the 
Balkans, but also because it is Greece, and the supporters of Greece 
here in the United States who have urged upon the United States a 
very interesting approach to foreign aid.

  Greece and the supporters of Greece here in the United States have 
urged that zero be appropriated in military aid to Greece and 
commensurately zero be appropriated in aid to Turkey. And given the 
fact that we must diminish the amount that is spent, especially by 
military forces in that troubled region of the world, this is a very 
constructive position, a position reflected in President Clinton's most 
recent budget.
  I should point out that, quite wisely, President Clinton's budget 
does provide continuing aid to Cyprus, a society that continues to 
suffer from division as a result of the occupation of Turkish forces. 
Not only is the zero decision one that is included in the President's 
budget, it is also helpful to the United States as we continue to face 
budgetary pressures.
  There are several outstanding problems that continue to be the focus 
of those of us who work with the Hellenic Caucus, and I am happy to 
have been a member of that caucus from my first day in the United 
States Congress. One of those outstanding problems is that of the 
Aegean. The Greek-Turkish dialogue should go forward. But many of us 
have urged that before it goes forward, the Turkish Government, must 
indicate its respect for international law in the Aegean, and that 
Turkish overflights of Greek and Cypriot airspace and other acts of 
aggression, should cease. The Turkish Government should agree to be 
bound by international law on all issues involving the Aegean and 
should cease its acts of aggression.
  I have joined, most of the leaders of the Hellenic Caucus as a 
cosponsor of the Peace in Cyprus Resolution last year, and a resolution 
introduced today reaffirming our commitment to a peaceful resolution of 
the Cyprus problem with the withdrawal of all Turkish troops from that 
troubled island. I take special interest in seeing the peace talks move 
forward now that the Cypriot elections are over and President Clerides 
has been reelected.
  U.S. Presidential envoy Richard Holbrook should move forward toward 
peace, toward a withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island. 
Regrettably, there has not been much progress to date. We mentioned 
earlier in this hour the fact that four Americans are still missing. 
The remains of one American, Andrew Kasapis, have been returned. But 
certainly, as important as it is to his family for those remains to 
have been discovered and returned, we need to see much more progress 
toward peace and unity in Cyprus.
  This is an historic movement for Cyprus, as the European Union 
accession talks are scheduled to begin next week. The European Union's 
decision to invite Cyprus to join ranks will benefit a reunified Cyprus 
and should be an impetus towards peace.
  Unfortunately, the Turkish Government seems to wants to hold Cyprus 
hostage for its own membership in the European Union. If Turkey wishes 
to join the European Union, Turkey should seek to meet the standards of 
that union on its own rather than holding Cyprus hostage.
  Finally, Turkey must accord protection to the Ecumenical Patriarch, 
should allow the reopening of the School of Theology, which was closed 
in 1971, and allow the work of the Patriarch to continue in safety and 
protection. I also want to call upon my colleagues to join with me and 
the others in the Hellenic Caucus in cosponsoring House Resolution 148 
commemorating the 75th anniversary of the destruction of Smyrna, as it 
is time for Turkey to come to grips with its past.
  Unfortunately, the Turkish Government has decided to embark on a 
program of denial, of denying the massacres at Smyrna, at denying the 
genocide of the Armenian people. And this has taken the form of seeking 
to plant academics in the United States.
  I am a proud graduate of UCLA. I was there when we won the NCAA 
championship after championship. And I was proud of my alma mater then. 
But as proud as I was when Bill Walton was sinking jump shots, I was 
even prouder when earlier this year UCLA turned down a gift of over a 
million dollars from the Turkish Government because that gift came with 
strings attached which would have curtailed academic freedom and would 
have given the Turkish Government control over how the occupant of that 
chair pursued scholarship and teaching in the area of Ottoman and 
Turkish history. Academic freedom is not for sale at UCLA.

                              {time}  2245

  Now the Turkish government has turned its attention to the north, to 
the University of California at Berkeley. I hope that our cousins in 
northern

[[Page H1541]]

California will reject all strings and will insist that the occupant of 
any academic chair be free to pursue academic inquiry wherever it 
leads. What greater tribute to American universities, what greater 
tribute to the philosophy of free thinking that we have inherited from 
the ancient Greeks. As I mentioned, ancient Greece inspires us all. Its 
philosophy and culture underpin American philosophy and culture, and 
its greatest gift, as was remarked before, is that of democracy. We owe 
a lot to the ancient Greeks and we owe a lot to the modern Greeks. They 
stood with us and we stood with them in World War II and the Cold War. 
In just a few years, we will have a chance to celebrate the Olympics in 
the year 2004 as it returns to Greece, its ancient home, and also the 
place where the modern Olympics were reborn. We have a lot to thank the 
ancient Greeks for; a lot to thank modern Greeks for. I think the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) said it just perfectly when he 
said all free men are Philhellenes.
  Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, the occasion of Greek 
Independence Day is an opportunity to thank the Greek people for their 
long tradition of friendship and partnership with the United States, 
and to reflect on the great values that Greeks and Americans have 
shared throughout the centuries.
  Greek-Americans have helped build the United States and have 
contributed immeasurably to the nation's cultural and intellectual 
enrichment. Devoted to education and advancement, Greek-American 
families have produced great leaders such as Massachusetts' Michael 
Dukakis and Paul Tsongas. I am currently helping to set up a foundation 
in the name of Senator Tsongas. The foundation is designed to foster 
scientific achievement and innovation and honor his life and service.
  The United States and Greece are the two cornerstones of democratic 
tradition in the world, whose shared history is a proud tradition of 
cooperation. Our experiences have intertwined at some of the most 
precarious junctures of history. Over 600,000 Greeks died fighting on 
the side of the Allies in the Second World War. During the Cold War, 
the friendship between the United States and Greece helped stall the 
spread of communism, and maintained the freedom and security of the 
Mediterranean.
  Today, the U.S.-Greek relationship is more important than ever. The 
occasion of Greek Independence Day gives us a chance to reaffirm our 
commitment to helping Greece with the challenges it faces today. The 
United States must strengthen its cooperative relationship with Greece 
to secure our many mutual interests. And Congress must ensure that the 
United States remains engaged in the region in order that we may secure 
those interests.
  Greece and the U.S. can merge their talents to prevent ethnic 
conflict from spreading throughout the Balkans and to help the region 
to develop economically.
  In Cyprus, the United States has a duty to lead the charge for a 
lasting, peaceful solution. Congress must continue to support the 
Administration's diplomatic efforts for the island. We must insist on 
demilitarization of the island and demand Turkey's full compliance with 
international law and the United Nations resolutions on Cyprus which 
call for its withdrawal. We have still not answered lingering questions 
about the Greek-Cypriots who disappeared at the hands of Turkish 
soldiers. The victims and their families deserve answers.
  But the peace talks will not work if the arms race continues. We must 
have a demilitarization process in action alongside the peace talks. 
How can we talk peace when both sides are stockpiling sophisticated 
weaponry on both sides of the green line? What kind of negotiations can 
you have if both sides are looking down the barrel of a gun?
  We can honor those who perished and those who have lost loved ones in 
Cyprus if we work to help today's Cypriots realize their dreams of a 
free, unified Cyprus. In doing so, we may be able to secure a lasting 
peace and economic security for a people who are so richly deserving of 
it.
  In sum, Mr. Speaker, let us use the occasion of Greek Independence 
Day to thank our Greek friends, to salute Greek-Americans, and to 
reaffirm our commitment to working with Greece to solve the challenges 
that will face us all in the future.
  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
offer congratulations to the people of Greece who today are celebrating 
their 177th year of independence from the Ottoman Empire. Their story 
is one that closely mirrors that of our own country and is deeply 
engrossed in the very principles that our nation was founded. Like our 
forefathers, the people of Greece arduously fought against oppression 
to win their independence and their right to self-determination. We 
share a common appetite for the individual freedoms that characterize 
our democracies and common disdain for those who threaten that liberty.
  In fact, the society we live in today--a democracy where freedoms and 
liberties are paramount--was crafted, in theory, by the great thinkers 
and politicians of ancient Greece. Our Founding Fathers relied heavily 
on the political and philosophical experiences of the ancient Greeks as 
they themselves toiled with the blueprints of this great nation.
  We can easily equate the observance of the Greek Independence Day 
with the celebration of our own independence on the Fourth of July. 
Both represent opportunities to trumpet the successes of democracy, 
revel in our freedoms and pay our respects to those who have come 
before us and perished to protect our liberties.
  Mr. Speaker, Greece remains one of the United States' closest allies. 
It is interesting to note that they are one of only three nations, 
outside the British Empire, which has fought alongside American 
soldiers in every war this century. Their loyalty is commendable and 
deserves our continued reciprocity.
  As I stand in the chamber of this great legislative body, surrounded 
by renderings of several of the most notable Greek philosophers, I am 
compelled to recognize the legacy left behind by the original pioneers 
of democracy. I thank the people of Greece for their continued goodwill 
and offer them my sincere best wishes as they celebrate their lasting 
independence.
  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today to recognize 
the 177th anniversary of Greek Independence Day. As the U.S. 
Representative of a region with over 5,000 people of Greek descent, I 
know that this important event will be joyously celebrated throughout 
Northwest Indiana.
  I would like to honor not only this important day in Greek history, 
but the strong and unique relationship that exists today between the 
United States and Greece. The development of modern democracy has its 
roots in ancient Athens. The writings of Plato, Aristotle, Cicero and 
others were the first to espouse the basic tenets of a government of 
the people and by the people. While these ideals were not always 
followed in ancient Greece, these writings provided a roadmap for later 
governments in their attempts to establish democracy in their 
countries.
  The Founding Fathers of the United States were particularly 
influenced by the writings of the ancient Greeks on democracy. A 
careful reading of The Federalist Papers reveals the significant part 
the early Greeks played in the formation of our government. Thomas 
Jefferson called upon his studies of the Greek tradition of democracy 
when he drafted the Declaration of Independence, espousing the ideals 
of a government representative of and accountable to the people. 
Decades later, these ideas were a catalyst in the Greek uprising and 
successful independence movement against the Ottoman Empire--the event 
we celebrate today.
  On March 25, 1821, the Archbishop of Patros blessed Greek flag at the 
Aghia Laura monastery, marking the proclamation of Greek independence. 
It took eleven years for the Greeks to finally defeat the Ottomans and 
gain their true independence. After this long struggle against an 
oppressive regime, Greece returned to the democratic ideals that its 
ancestors had developed centuries before.
  Today, this country's relationship with Greece is as strong as ever. 
Greece has been our ardent supporter in every major international 
conflict of this century, and they play an important role in the North 
Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union. Greece is also a 
key participant in the United Nations peacekeeping force in Bosnia, 
providing troops and supplies. In turn, the United States has worked to 
attain a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Cyprus, the island 
nation that was brutally invaded by Turkey in 1974.
  Mr. Speaker, I would thank our colleagues, Mr. Bilirakis and Mrs. 
Maloney, for organizing this Special Order, and I join all of our House 
colleagues in recognizing Greek Independence Day. I salute the spirit 
of democracy and family that distinguish the Greek people, as well as 
their courage in breaking the bonds of oppression 177 years ago. I look 
forward to many more years of cooperation and friendship between our 
two nations.
  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Greek 
Independence Day.
  For the Greek-Americans I represent, and indeed for all Greek-
Americans, this day represents the determination of the Greek people to 
live free. Under Ottoman rule for four centuries, the Greek people 
proudly secured their independence in 1829. From that moment forward, 
America's warm relationship with Greece and the Greek people has grown, 
bringing our two nations closer together in enduring ways.
  Today, Greece is a moderm nation and a global force in an ever 
demanding world marketplace. As Greece moves closer to adopting

[[Page H1542]]

the single European currency, the fact of her economic strength becomes 
ever clearer. All Greek-Americans are rightly proud of Greece's 
vigorous and growing economy. Their homeland's unique ability to 
preserve its remarkable history while moving proudly into the twenty-
first century is a tribute to the Greek people.
  On this day, as we celebrate and recognize Greek Independence Day, I 
would also like to highlight the fact that Greece will play host to the 
2004 Olypmic Games. The historic importance of the Olympic Games 
returning to their roots in Athens is a story of rediscovery and 
restoration. I understand that the Greek Cabinet is already planning 
for a ``Cultural Olympiad'' which will be organized in connection with 
the 2004 Olympics. All efforts in support of the Olympic Games in 
Athens, efforts that I know the Greek-American community will be 
backing, should be supported by this Congress.
  To conclude, let me add my name to my many colleagues who today are 
saluting Greek Independence Day. By remembering this memomentous 
occasion, this Congress serves to memoralize the sacrifice of a 
generation of Greeks who gave their last measure so that independence 
and freedom could be secured for the Greek people. It is a just cause 
the Greek people fought for in 1829 and one that we honor here today.
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to rise on the floor of 
this chamber of American democracy in honor of the 50th Anniversary of 
Greek Independence Day.
  All the world looks to Greece as the fountain and inspiration for 
every modern-day democracy, including our own.
  it is a tragedy of history that the people who created democratic 
rule were subject to harsh subjugation and robbed of independence for 
so many centuries.
  For 400 years--from the fall of Constantinople in 1453 until the 
Greek people once again declared their independence in 1821--Greece 
remained under the Ottoman Empire. During this time, Greeks were 
deprived of all civil rights. Schools and churches were closed down. 
Greek Christian and Jewish boys were kidnaped and raised as Moslems to 
serve the Ottoman Sultan.
  In 1823, a famous U.S. Representative from Massachusetts, Daniel 
Webster, described this period of Greek history in this way: ``This 
[Greek] people, a people of intelligence, ingenuity, refinement, 
spirit, and enterprise, have been for centuries under the atrocious 
unparalleled Tartarian barbarism ever oppressed the human race.''
  So today, in reality, marks the 177th anniversary of the beginning of 
the revolution that freed the Greek people from the Ottoman Empire.
  But Greece also lost its freedom during World War II to Nazi 
Occupation and afterwards briefly to communist rule. In 1948, it once 
again regained its independence and for the past 50 years, the people 
of Greece have controlled their own destiny.
  It's for these reasons that we gather here today to honor the 
strength, courage and vision of the Greek people.
  I am also here to honor the contributions made by Greek-Americans in 
my own district in Central Massachusetts. Since the turn of the 
century, over 5,000 Greek men, women and children have made Worcester, 
Massachusetts their home, contributing significantly to all aspects of 
civic life.
  The Cathedral of St. Spyridon in Worcester reminds us of this vibrant 
Greek-American community. In Worcester, this important day is 
celebrated by teaching children to recite poetry and songs 
commemorating their past and their heritage. Discussion groups are held 
to honor the memory and history of the heroic deeds and patriotism of 
the Greek and Greek-American men and women who fought and died for the 
freedom I and my constituents enjoy today.
  Similar celebrations are held throughout my district--in Fall River 
and Dartmouth, in Attleboro and Seekonk.
  No one standing on the floor of the U.S. House of Representative can 
fail to honor the contributions of Greece to American democracy, 
freedom, literature and philosophy. Throughout this Capitol and this 
city, everywhere you might look, you will see homage to Greek ideas and 
ideals. They are engraved on our buildings, enshrined in our laws, and 
they surely influenced the minds and hearts of the men and women who 
founded this nation.
  I want to thank the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Michael Bilirakis]--a 
fine example of the contribution Greek heritage continues to make to 
American democracy--and to the gentlelady from New York [Mrs. Carolyn 
Maloney] for organizing this special order on this historic occasion.
  I would like to remind them that, if Massachusetts would have had its 
way, we might have had two Greek-Americans as President of the United 
States. And so I thank them for their leadership of the Hellenic Caucus 
and for all their fine efforts to educate and involve other Members on 
the issues challenging Greek and U.S. policy today.
  Mr. LoBiondo. Mr. Speaker, I rise as a member of the Congressional 
Caucus on Hellenic Issues to again recognize Greek Independence Day. 
This is a day to honor the sacrifices made by the Greek people over 
hundreds of years in their struggle against the oppressive rule of the 
Ottoman Empire.
  This day also reminds us that Greece and the United States share much 
in common, including the 1.1 million American citizens who are of Greek 
descent. I am pleased to join New Jersey's Greek-American citizens in 
their celebration. Many of my constituents in southern New Jersey bear 
a proud ancestry to Greece. Their culture, food, and heritage add to 
the diversity and richness of our district.
  In fact, many artistic and intellectual traditions have been handed 
down to the people of the United States of America by the people of 
Greece. Our nation is richer for these traditions, and we remain 
grateful to Greece.
  The ties that bind America to Greece are not only historical, but 
also modern. Americans have fought side by side with Greeks in two 
World Wars as well as in the Persian Gulf War. Today, Greece is our 
invaluable ally in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. I call upon 
President Clinton and the Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, to 
make Greece--and the protection of Greeks in Cyprus and Turkey--a 
primary focus of U.S. foreign policy.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would ask all Members of the House to join 
with me in honoring the historical ties between the United States and 
Greece and in continuing to foster the close relationship between our 
two countries that has proven so successful.
  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, today thousands of Greeks and Greek 
Americans will celebrate the 177th anniversary of the beginning of the 
revolution that resulted in the liberation of the Greek people from 
nearly 400 years of domination under the Ottoman Empire.
  Approximately 2000 years ago the democratic principles of equality, 
freedom and self rule were espoused by such great thinkers as 
Aristotle, Plato and Polybius. Tragically, under the Ottoman Empire 
those principles were repressed and for hundreds of years Greeks were 
deprived of their civil rights. Fortunately, the foundations of 
democracy formed in Athens resurfaced and inspired the Greeks to stage 
a revolution in 1821 and break their ties of oppression.
  These democratic principles of freedom, equality, and self rule 
inspired our founding fathers and were heavily relied upon as they 
drafted the Declaration of Independence and the United States 
Constitution.
  Greece has been a strong ally of the United States. Every time the 
United States entered into international conflict this century, the 
people of Greece have shown their support by allying themselves with 
us. For that, I thank the citizens and soldiers of Greece.
  I look forward to continued good relations with Greece and its 
citizens and working with them to preserve and expand democracy 
throughout the world. Again, I congratulate Greece on 177 years of 
independence.
  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the Greek community in 
celebrating the 177th anniversary of Greek independence. I also want to 
thank my colleagues Mr. Bilirakis and Ms. Maloney for organizing this 
event.
  On March 25, 1821, the Archbishop of Patras blessed the Greek flag at 
the Aghia Lavra Monastery near Kalavrita, marking the beginning of the 
Greek war of independence in which nearly 400 years of Ottoman rule 
were turned aside.
  Ancient Greece was the birthplace of democratic values. It brought 
forth the notion that the ultimate power to govern belongs in the hands 
of the people. It inspired a system of checks and balances to ensure 
that one branch of government does not dominate any other branch.
  These ideals inspired our Founding Fathers as they wrote the 
Constitution. In the words of Thomas Jefferson: ``to the ancient Greeks 
. . . we are all indebted for the light which led ourselves out of 
Gothic darkness.''
  Today, the United States is enriched not only by Greek principles but 
also by its sons and daughters. Greek-Americans have made major 
contributions to American society, including our arts, sports, 
medicine, religion, and politics.
  My home State of Michigan has been enhanced by the Greek community. 
In Macomb and St. Claire Counties, we are served by St. John's Greek 
Orthodox Church and Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. These 
institutions provide a multitude of community services and add to the 
rich diversity of the area.
  Mr. Speaker, I join the people of Greece and those of Greek ancestry 
around the world celebrating Greek Independence Day.
  I salute all of them for the tremendous contributions to freedom and 
human dignity which they have made.
  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Greek 
Independence Day, a national day of celebration of Greek democracy.

[[Page H1543]]

This day marks the beginning of the revolution which freed the Greek 
people from the Ottoman Empire. The Greeks were finally liberated after 
year of oppressive treatment and civil rights violations. Their 
communities were slowly deteriorating schools and churches were being 
closed down, and Christian and Jewish boys were kidnapped and raised as 
Moslems to serve the Sultan.
  I spent eight magnificent days last August in Greece and Cyprus. 
There is no better way to learn about the troubles of Cyprus and the 
splendors of Greece than to speak directly with the people who live 
there.
  I enjoyed my visit to Athens very much, and learned a great deal 
about the history of Greece. Greece is one of only three nations in the 
world allied with the United States in every major international 
conflict this century. During the early 1900's one in every four Greek 
males between the ages of 15 and 45 immigrated to the United States. 
Through their extraordinary compatibility with the people of America, 
Greek-Americans have made tremendous contributions to the United 
States.
  The American Revolution became one of the ideals of the Greeks as 
they fought for their independence in the 1820's Greek intellectuals 
translated the American Declaration of Independence and drew from it in 
drafting their declaration of freedom.
  In 1953, after Greece's post-World War II struggle against the 
Communist rebels, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appropriately said. 
``. . . Greece asked a favor except the opportunity to stand for those 
rights which it believed, and it gave to the world an example of 
battle, a battle that thrilled the hearts of all free men and free 
women everywhere.''
  Mr. Speaker, as a supporter of issues of concern to the Greek-
American community, I am proud to recognize this population and their 
day of pride and freedom. Greek civilization touches our lives as 
Americans, and enhances the culture and traditions of this great 
Nation.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, we are pleased once again to recognize and 
celebrate Greek Independence Day, commemorating the successful struggle 
of the Greek people for national sovereignty. Since that time, Greece 
and the United States have enjoyed a close relationship, characterized 
by a shared commitment to democracy, peace, and respect for human 
rights. The ancient Greek civilization was the birthplace of democracy 
and we as a nation are proud to carry on the principles which were 
first created there.
  We are especially proud to have had Greece as our ally during this 
last century's upheavals. Greece has been our ally in every major 
international conflict during this time, and has always acquitted 
itself with bravery and honor. In particular we recognize the valiant 
resistance to Axis occupation as commemorated by ``OXI'' day and the 
refusal of the Greeks to cooperate with or accede to the Holocaust. We 
also celebrate the heroism and determination shown by Greek soldiers in 
the crucial Battle of Crete, a turning point in the struggle for 
democracy and against fascism and oppression.
  The many Greek-Americans who have participated in the economic, 
cultural, and political life of America are testimony to the special 
relationship between our two peoples. The celebrations for Greek 
Independence Day which occur both in Greece and all across America 
demonstrate the spirit of civic pride and participation which have 
enriched both of our cultures.
  I am glad to have this opportunity to once again celebrate Greek 
culture and toast the Greek people. I had the opportunity late last 
year to demonstrate my commitment to preserving the territorial 
integrity of Greece by co-sponsoring a resolution expressing our 
recognition of Greece's claim to the Imia islands. I will continue to 
support our Greek allies in the future and express my best wishes to 
all those who are now celebrating the 177th Greek Independence Day.
  Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today to 
mark the 177th anniversary of Greek independence, when Greece set 
themselves free from the jaws of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. I thank my 
colleagues, Congressman Bilirakis and Congresswoman Maloney, for their 
steadfast leadership on Greek issues and for organizing this Special 
Order to recognize this historic event.
  As the shining star of modern civilization, Greece has made a 
tremendous contribution throughout its history to not only Western 
Europe and the United States, but also the world. As the birthplace of 
democracy, Greece was the role model for the foundation of the 
democratic government and freedom the United States has enjoyed for 
over two hundred years. With their vast interest in expanding their own 
knowledge, the Greeks have also increased cultural awareness throughout 
the world. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe perhaps said it best, ``Of all 
peoples, the Greeks have dreamt the dream of life best.''
  Since Greece achieved independence, their relationship with the 
United States has only grown stronger. In the beginning, Greece 
fashioned guaranteed freedom for the people after our Declaration of 
Independence. During World War II, more than 600,000 Greek soldiers 
died fighting against the Axis powers, illustrating Greece's commitment 
to the United States and freedom loving people everywhere. Although 
their struggle continued after World War II with their fight against 
Communist rebels, Greece was still able to stabilize the future and 
strength of their country.
  Today, the relationship between the United States and Greece 
continues to prosper. The recent visit of Foreign Minister Theodore 
Pangalos to the United States illustrates the lasting harmony our two 
governments have on a number of issues affecting both our nations.
  Since coming to Congress, I have had the pleasure of representing a 
number of Greek-Americans in the Seventh District of New York. Their 
influence and active participation in the life of their communities has 
fostered economic, political and social growth throughout New York 
City.
  As we celebrate Greek independence, we must keep in mind the struggle 
for freedom and demand for human rights continues on the island of 
Cyprus. I am confident the work by Richard Holbrooke and Tom Miller 
will create the chance for peace to be a reality on an island that has 
been home to division and violence for far, far too long.
  Mr. Speaker, on this occasion of commemorating the unique 
relationship between the United States and Greece, I encourage my 
colleagues to join me as a member of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus. 
Members of the Caucus have the opportunity to work on a number of 
issues affecting Greeks and Greek-Americans in a bipartisan manner.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, let me assure my colleagues I intend to 
continue my strong commitment to Greek communities in my district, the 
country, and throughout the world. Their strength and dedication to 
democracy has provided a strong and stable country and has made Greece 
the democracy it is today.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise on this occasion on 
which we salute the great nation and people of Greece, the Hellenic 
Republic as they celebrate the 177th anniversary of Greece's 
independence. I commend the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, for 
taking the initiative once again to ensure that members have the 
opportunity to convey our thoughts on this important day. The United 
States and Greece have enjoyed a long and close relationship. The 
people of the United States recognize and revere Greece as the cradle 
of the democratic tradition that has allowed this country to rise to 
the heights of its greatness.
  We are fortunate to have benefitted from the contributions of those 
immigrants from Greece who have contributed their toil, their knowledge 
and their culture to our American civilization, and we appreciate the 
warmth of the citizens of Greece reflected in the welcome they provide 
to Americans who are fortunate enough to be able to visit the shores of 
Greece, its beautiful islands and countryside.
  Greece plays an important role in helping to stabilize the Balkans, 
one of the more dangerous neighborhoods of Europe. I was privileged 
yesterday to host a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Greece, 
Theodoros Pangalos, during which we reviewed the issues affecting 
Greek-American relations. I am pleased to report that the state of our 
relations is healthy. On this occasion let us call on our government to 
exercise even-handedness between our two important NATO allies in the 
eastern Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey.
  I hope that all of our colleagues and fellow citizens will avail 
themselves of this occasion to reflect upon the blessings of democracy, 
for which we will be forever indebted to the ancient Hellenes, and upon 
our good fortune today in having such a close and reliable ally as the 
great nation of Greece.
  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, today, as the people of Greece celebrate the 
177th anniversary of their struggle for independence, I join my 
colleagues in commemorating this day, and in extending heartfelt 
congratulations to the people of Greece and to those of Greek descent 
everywhere.
  Mr. Speaker, the culture, history, and political philosophy of our 
country are deeply steeped in the Greek tradition. Greece, the cradle 
of democracy, inspired our Founding Fathers as they struggled to 
fashion the American form of government. In turn, the American 
Revolution inspired Greeks fighting to gain their freedom after 400 
years of rule by the Ottoman Empire.
  As we speak, the influence of Greek art and architecture surrounds us 
in our classically-inspired Capitol. And who can ignore the fact that 
our country has grown culturally richer and economically stronger 
because of the presence and contribution of countless Greek immigrants? 
In California's 36th district, which I represent, Greek Americans are a 
vibrant part of a culturally-diverse community--the South Bay would be 
less than what it is today were it not for the wide-ranging civic 
contributions of Greek-Americans.

[[Page H1544]]

  Mr. Speaker, the familial ties between the United States and Greece 
are mirrored in the close political cooperation our countries share. As 
members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the United 
States and Greece work together to ensure security on Europe's southern 
flank. As newspaper headlines sadly remind us, south eastern Europe 
continues to experience political turbulence, and US-Greek cooperation 
remains an essential element in bringing stability to this part of the 
world. I remain committed to strengthening U.S.-Greek ties, and to 
working on issues of interest to the Greek American community, 
including a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem.
  I thank my colleague, Mr. Bilirakis, for his leadership in organizing 
this special order to highlight the important contributions of Greece 
to our country, and once again congratulate the people of Greece on 
this memorable occasion.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 177th 
anniversary of Greece's independence from the Ottoman Empire, and to 
celebrate the shared democratic heritage of Greece and the United 
States. I thank Congressman Bilirakis and Congresswoman Maloney for 
organizing this special order and for their leadership on issues of 
importance to the Greek-American community.
  On March 25, 1821, after more than 400 years of Ottoman Turk 
domination, Greece declared its independence and resumed its rightful 
place in the world as a beacon of democracy.
  The people of Greece and the United States share a common bond in 
their commitment to democracy. Our Founding Fathers looked to the 
teachings of Greek philosophy in their struggle for freedom and 
democracy. And the American experience in turn inspired the Greek 
people who fought so hard for independence 176 years ago.
  This bond between our two peoples stretches beyond the philosophy of 
democracy. The relationship between the U.S. and Greece has grown 
stronger and stronger through the years, and Greece remains today one 
of our most important allies.
  And the contribution Greece makes to life in America is even stronger 
than the ties between our two countries. Greek-Americans are a vital 
part of our cultural heritage. My district in New York would not be 
what it is today without the valuable contributions made by the Greek-
American community.
  I am proud to stand today in commemoration of Greek independence and 
in recognition of the contribution Greece and Greek-Americans have made 
to our country.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues, Ms. Maloney and Mr. 
Bilirakis for organizing this Special Order. As I rise to join with 
them in the celebration of the 177th anniversary of Greek Independence 
Day, I am reminded of the words of the great 20th century Greek writer 
and philosopher Nikos Kazantzakis: ``What first truly stirred my soul 
was not fear or pain, nor was it pleasure or games; it was the yearning 
for freedom.'' Deep within the Greek soul is this unmistakable 
blueprint for democratic freedoms. It is what propelled the Greek 
people to revolt against the scourge of the Ottoman Empire which 
plunged one of the world's most enlightened societies into a Dark Ages 
that spanned 400 years.
  Today, as we celebrate this anniversary we find ourselves revisiting 
history. The story of Greek Independence is inextricably linked to the 
terror of Turkish oppression on the island of Cyprus. When the Greeks 
began their war of independence on March 25th, 1821 the people of 
Cyprus were singled out for a particular form of bloody retribution, 
meant to send a message to the rest of occupied Greece. Naturally, the 
Cypriots were sympathetic to the Greek cause, and were among the first 
to offer whatever support they could. For this they were sternly 
punished by the Turkish authorities. The island's Turkish governor was 
particularly brutal. On July 9th, 1821 he ordered a massacre to begin 
with the torture and murder of the Archbishop of Cyprus, Kyprianos, his 
three bishops, and many other members of the clergy and civilians. The 
Archbishop was hanged from a fig tree outside his residence. The 
killing and torture continued until December of the same year.
  This anniversary of Greek Independence is observed, as it has since 
1974, with the notable inclusion of Turkey's bloody invasion of Cyprus 
in that year. Although the Greek and Cypriot governments have shown a 
willingness to resolve the issues that undermine a stable peace in the 
region, the Turkish government continues to dodge the critical 
questions at hand.
  While we celebrate the principles of democracy given to us by the 
ancient Greeks; While we commemorate the actions of the brave Greeks 
who fought for their birthright 177 years ago; we must acknowledge that 
the island of Cyprus is divided and under siege, and until this act of 
Turkish aggression is reversed, our joy is muted and our sense of 
outrage sharpened.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues 
today in commemorating the 177th anniversary Greek Independence Day.
  I wish to thank Congressman Mike Bilirakis and Congresswoman Carolyn 
Maloney for calling the special order to raise the public's awareness 
of the history of Greece and the important role Greece has played in 
the United States and the world.
  Many people believe that Greece's greatest gift to the United States 
and to the world is the government system of democracy. That is indeed 
a great gift which has brought much happiness to the world. But the 
world needs to know that democracy is not easily attained or kept.
  When we celebrate Greek Independence Day, we need to note that March 
25 is not the day when all of Greece gained its independence. March 25 
was the day that Athens and a small portion of Greece gained 
independence and then areas populated by Greeks were liberated one by 
one until we have the Greece of today.
  The Greek people, through their history, have shown an indomitable 
will to fight for their freedom. The Greek victories are well known 
throughout history. There was the Greek war for independence that freed 
part of Greece from the Ottoman Empire and later during World War II, 
they fought against the Nazi invaders. But Greeks have also suffered 
less known tragedies that would have broken the spirit or destroyed a 
lesser people.
  One famous battle had the Greek Spartans defending against a Persian 
invasion. the Greeks said ``molon lave'' to the invaders.
  ``Molon lave,'' means ``come and get them'' and in 480 B.C. it was 
the response that 300 Greek Spartans gave to the Persian Army, who 
numbered in the tens of thousands, when the Persians offered mercy, if 
the Spartans would hand over their weapons and surrender.
  The Greek Spartans said ``molon lave'' or come and get them.
  The Spartans would not hand over their weapons and surrender, because 
they would be handing over their dreams of being a free people. They 
would not hand over their dreams of a free Sparta. They fought for 
those dreams.
  That city state of Sparta grew, and is now part of Greece, and that 
famous battle is part of Greek history and Greek tradition.
  Greeks, Greek Cypriots and Greek Americans all come from that same 
strong tradition.
  Today Greek minorities in Turkey and other places in Eastern Europe 
are suffering political and religious persecution. Just a few months 
ago a bomb was thrown at the Ecumenical Patriarchate and exploded 
injuring a church deacon and damaging the cathedral. These repeated 
attacks on Greek minorities must stop.
  We need to raise public awareness of the difficulties faced by our 
democratic birth place.
  In addition to reminding the American people of our roots to the 
cradle of democracy in Greece, we need to continue raising the public's 
awareness of the constant threat Greeks live under in Eastern Europe.
  On this day that we commemorate Greek independence, it is important 
to note that the most important and urgent problem facing the 
international Greek community is Cyprus.
  The next few months will bring Cyprus the greatest opportunity for 
peace, and the greatest risk for further violence.
  We have heard this in years past, but I believe it certainly applies 
today.
  Finding a solution to the Cyprus problem has become a priority to the 
United States and to the international community.
  The House has adopted House Concurrent Resolution 81, which I 
cosponsored, which states clearly and firmly that ``The status quo on 
Cyprus is unacceptable and is detrimental to the interests of the 
United States in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.''
  I introduced H. Con. Res. 181 last year to help relieve the suffering 
of the enclaved Greek Cypriots and am considering similar legislation 
in this Congress. We must end the senseless persecution of these brave 
people. I thank the 60 Members who have co-sponsored and I will work 
with them to move this legislation forward.
  The Greek Cypriots in occupied northern Cyprus live under intolerable 
inhuman conditions since their land was occupied by a military force. 
Tensions continue to rise around Cyprus and I urge the administration 
to apply the same degree of commitment to finding a peaceful solution 
to the Cyprus crisis that it applied to the Bosnian crisis.
  I commend the administration for the appointment of Special 
Presidential Emissary For Cyprus, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and for 
assigning Tom Miller to work with Ambassador Holbrooke to negotiate a 
peaceful solution for Cyprus.
  I believe a solution of the Cyprus problem is crucial to the safety 
of Greece and all Greeks living in Eastern Europe.
  Mr. Speaker, the link between the United States and Greece is a 
strong bond and I believe the United States should thank the Greek

[[Page H1545]]

people for not just being a good ally to America but for their gifts of 
our heritage of democracy and individual liberty. I am happy to join my 
colleagues in celebrating this joyous anniversary.
  Again, I thank my friends Congressman Bilirakis and Congresswoman 
Maloney for calling this special order and for their leadership on 
Hellenic issues.
  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my 
colleague from Florida for yet again taking the leadership to organize 
this special order which provides us the opportunity to celebrate one 
of greatest days in the history of Greece, our close ally.
  I also want to commend the Gentleman from Florida and the Gentleman 
from New York for organizing the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic 
Issues. I am pleased to be part of an organized and concerted effort to 
speak out on those issues which are important to Greece, Cyprus, and 
our constituents of Hellenic descent.
  Our war for independence was an example for Greece to begin its own 
struggle for freedom on March 25, 1821. And so it is appropriate for us 
to take time to celebrate the beginning of Greece's struggle for 
independence from the cruel oppression of the Ottoman Empire. Just as 
American colonists were an inspiration for revolution, the Athenian 
democracy was an inspiration to our revolutionaries.
  The bonds between these two countries are long and strong. As the 
years run into decades, and the decades run into centuries we realize 
and appreciate the great debt that America owes to Greece for founding 
the principles of democracy. We pay tribute to this every day when we 
meet and debate and freely share ideas.
  Further, there is much to be attributed to the hard work of the sons 
and daughters of Greece who have come to the United States have made a 
tremendous impact on their communities. In my own state of Rhode 
Island, there are remarkably strong and productive Greek communities. 
Since the turn of the century, Greek immigrants have moved into 
Providence, Pawtucket, and Newport, Rhode Island. There they built 
business, neighborhoods, churches, schools, and raised families. Today, 
the grandchildren of those immigrants are leaders in our state, and 
Rhode Island is richer because of all they have given.
  Today, we celebrate what Ancient Greece gave to founding our nation 
and what Greek-Americans have given in the development of the United 
States. Again, I thank my colleagues for all of their hard work in 
making this Special Order possible and look forward to further work 
with the Hellenic Caucus.
  Mr. COYNE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to take part once again in 
this annual special order celebrating the anniversary of Greek 
independence.
  As a Member of Congress representing a district with a vibrant Greek-
American community, I can testify personally to the many contributions 
that Greek Americans have made to our nation. Today is a day when the 
more than 1 million Greek Americans join the people of Greece in 
remembering and reflecting upon an event that took place 177 years 
ago--the beginning of the fight for Greek Independence.
  It is only fitting that each year, the Congress of the United States 
pays tribute to the establishment of the modern nation of Greece, the 
land that was the cradle of democracy. The ancient city-states of 
Greece made many seminal contributions to western civilization. Western 
architecture, literature, science, and philosophy can each trace much 
of their heritage to the people of ancient Greece. But perhaps ancient 
Greece's most important gift to the modern world was the creation of 
the concept of democratic self-government. The Founding Fathers of this 
country, educated in the classics, looked back to, among others, the 
ancient Greeks for their inspiration in breaking from England's 
domination and creating a new, democratic nation in North America.
  And yet, two hundred years ago when our country was newly 
established, Greece--once the cradle of democracy--no longer enjoyed 
the benefits of self-government. In 1821, most of Greece was, in fact, 
part of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire had dominated the Greek 
people for over 400 years, and the Ottoman Government's corrupt, 
autocratic rule was becoming increasingly oppressive.
  Unwilling to tolerate Ottoman domination any longer, Greek patriots 
rose up against the Ottomans in March of 1821. The Greek struggle for 
independence lasted for nearly ten long years, but the Greek people 
never wavered in their fight for freedom.
  The struggle of the courageous Greek patriots against an overwhelming 
imperial power won the hearts of many influential figures in Western 
Europe and the United States. Europeans and Americans identified with 
the descendants of the nation that had done so much to shape western 
civilization. Eventually, the French, British, and Russian governments 
declared their support for Greek independence, and together, they 
pressured the Ottoman Empire to recognize Greece as an independent 
state in 1829.
  Mr. Speaker, these Greek patriots fought and died for the same 
principles of freedom and self-government that inspired the Founding 
Fathers. Consequently, it is appropriate that we remember them today, 
the 177th anniversary of the advent of Greek independence. I am pleased 
to join my colleagues in celebrating this very special day.
  Mr. BATEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join my colleagues today in 
recognizing the 177th anniversary of the beginning of the revolution 
that freed the Greeks from the subjugation of Ottoman rule.
  On March 25, 1821 Greek patriots began their long struggle for 
freedom and won independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. 
Throughout their history, the Greeks have defended democracy and remain 
a valued member of the international community. During World War II, 
the Greeks fought courageously and suffered severe casualties in their 
efforts to fend off Nazi armies. With the cessation of hostilities at 
the conclusion of WWII, democracy in Greece was threatened by the 
forces of communism, a resistance in which the United States was proud 
to support. Although faced with many challenges, the people of Greece 
have demonstrated their resolve, courage, and fortitude. Their 
dedication to freedom has ensured the ultimate success of democracy in 
modern-day Greece.
  The United States is truly indebted to Greece for all its 
contributions to our society. Western art, architecture, literature, 
and philosophy stem from the numerous achievements of the ancient 
Greeks. The citizens of Greece occupy a unique and proud place in world 
history. Of all their contributions, the ideal of democracy has had the 
greatest impact on our world today. Greek democracy has undeniably 
formed the foundation of the government of the United States. It is 
appropriate that during the Greek war for independence, they looked to 
our Declaration of Independence to guild them in the struggle to 
rediscover democracy.
  In closing, I would like to note that no nation has contributed more 
to modern Western civilization than Greece, and no nation has had to 
struggle harder or more often to preserve its liberties. I salute our 
friends in Greece and our many Greek-American citizens on this day of 
independence.
  Mrs. KENNELLY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate Greece on the 177th anniversary of the revolution which 
freed the Greek people from the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Greece has 
remained under the Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years until it 
declared its independence in 1821. Just as our forefathers relied on 
the ancient Greek traditions of self-governance in their fight for 
independence, the Greeks looked to the ideals of our pioneers in 
declaring their own independence in 1821. Greek intellectuals 
translated the U.S. Declaration of Independence and used it as their 
own.
  The Greek fight for independence has been highly regarded and closely 
followed by Americans throughout the years. In his 1922 message to the 
17th Congress, President James Monroe praised the efforts of the Greek 
population in their fight for independence. ``A strong hope is 
entertained that these people will recover their independence, and 
resume their equal station among the nations of this earth,'' he said.
  Greece and its people have always been close friends and allies of 
the United States. The Greeks have fought bravely by our side against 
oppression and for freedom and democracy throughout the 20th Century. 
Greeks and Greek-Americans have played an important role throughout 
history, people like Dr. George Papanicolaou who invented the pap test 
for cancer, and world famous soprano Maria Callas, have improved the 
quality of our lives. Let me extend my heart felt congratulations to 
Greece and its people on this important anniversary.
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with both great pride and humility 
that I rise to join in the celebration of the 177th Anniversary of 
Greek Independence.
  On March 25, 1821 the Greeks began their long struggle for 
independence from what then was the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire, 
present day Turkey, had ruled Greece for almost 400 years. Freedom from 
the Ottoman Turks' subjugation had been dreamed of for many generations 
prior to Bishop Germano of Patras hoisting the Greek flag over a 
Peloponnese monastery. This simple act of defiance marked the beginning 
of a long and bitter struggle for the Greek people, but a struggle that 
few rejected and many embraced.
  Not only were the Greek patriots willing to fight for freedom, but 
they were willing to sacrifice their lives to ensure their 
independence. Their success was such during the first years of conflict 
that the Turks were surprised and confounded. To turn the tide of the 
war, the Sultan sought and received the help of Egyptian forces. And 
although the Greeks were

[[Page H1546]]

fighting what appeared a losing battle, they never yielded, they never 
ceased to believe, and they never gave up their hopes and dreams of 
independence.
  Finally, with help from Britain, France, and Russia, in 1829, the 
Greeks not only routed the Egyptian and Turkish forces, but also 
demanded and received the Sultan's recognition of independence.
  Mr. Speaker, we all in America are taught from childhood about the 
heroics of George Washington, Paul Revere, Patrick Henry, Lighthorse 
Harry Lee, John Paul Jones, and the Minutemen of Lexington and Concord. 
The individuals and events of our own War for Independence are known 
throughout the world.
  But we should also take time to commemorate the struggles of the 
brave men and women of Greece who fought and died for their own 
independence. The Greek culture and heritage has greatly influenced our 
country and the world. It is the spirit of the Greeks who fought for 
independence that we commemorate and honor today. Because they stood up 
for freedom and honor and dignity, we in America and Greeks everywhere, 
owe them a great debt.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate 
the people of Greece on this, the 177th anniversary of the start of the 
revolution that led to Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire. That 
conflict restored Greece's ancient and proud democratic tradition--a 
tradition that greatly influenced our own Founding Fathers.
  Today, Greece stands tall in the world community, with memberships in 
the EU, NATO, and dozens of other multilateral organizations. Its 
commitment to democracy is an example for all nations. I salute the 
Greek people on their achievement and proudly celebrate our joint 
democratic heritage.
  Mr. PICKETT. Mr. Speaker, today Greeks and Greek Americans observe 
Greek Independence Day which marks the 177th anniversary of the 
revolution which freed Greece from the Ottoman Empire. History records 
the oppression and deprivation of human liberty to which the Greeks 
were subjected to during the period prior to the revolution. The Greek 
people were able to emerge from this period of their history and 
quickly reestablish their national identity and continue intact their 
cultural and religious institutions. It is a tribute to the spirit and 
determination of the Greek people that they prevailed in their struggle 
for liberty after such a long period.
  Greek Independence Day, however, is not just a day of celebration for 
the Greek nation and for individuals of Greek descent, but rather, it 
is a day of triumph and celebration for democratic nations and 
proponents of democracy around the world. Today marks an occasion on 
which we can all celebrate and revere the birthplace of democracy and 
democratic ideals.
  If you look at history and the teachings of the ancient Greek 
philosophers, you will quickly discover that it was the Greeks who 
introduced the notion of democracy into the political theories of the 
day. The ancient Greeks were the first to advance the principles that 
people should be equal before the law, that majorities should respect 
the rights of minorities, that men can govern their own affairs, and 
that merit should determine a person's place in society. Much of our 
own constitution is based upon the ideas and the theories recorded 
years ago by Pericles, Plato, Aristotle and other philosophers of 
ancient Greece.
  In more modern times, the Greeks have continued to cherish their 
liberty and democratic institutions. More than 600,000 Greeks lost 
their lives fighting on the side of the Allies in World War II. Greece 
continues to this day its fundamental commitment to freedom and 
individual liberty.
  So on this anniversary of Greek independence, I join with people of 
goodwill everywhere in recognizing the successful struggle by the Greek 
people to gain their independence, and in what their successful 
struggle means to freedom loving people throughout the world.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I thank the gentleman for his very 
thoughtful statement. The time for our special order is ending. The 
bonds between our two countries have never been stronger.
  As we prepare for the new millennium, we look forward to building on 
our partnership for democracy in our own countries and throughout the 
world. I thank my colleagues for participating in this special order.

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