[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 12, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E197-E198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN RECOGNITION OF THE PANPAPHIAN ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 2003

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to the 
Panpaphian Association of America, Inc., on the occasion of the Fourth 
Evagoras Pallikarides Award of Merit. An outstanding organization 
established in 1987, the Panpaphian Association has enriched its 
community through its promotion of the rich culture of Cyprus.
  Founded by a small group of Cypriot Americans of Panpaphian ancestry, 
the Panpaphian Association of America has grown considerably in the 
past two decades. It has played a significant role in educating others 
about Cyprus and it history, traditions, and customs. The Panpaphian 
Association's contributions to the community include a choir and a 
soccer team, as well as various educational lectures on Paphian 
archaeological excavations and their findings. Originally a small 
community organization, the Panpaphian Association prospered remarkably 
and has developed into a pillar of the Cypriot American community.
  In addition to supporting Cyprus and increasing awareness of Cypriot 
heritage, the association is involved in motivating and aiding its 
community in various ways. It promotes and stresses the importance of 
education through its annual academic excellence awards. Further, the 
association has made a major effort in fundraising for those who 
require medical attention, and it has made helpful donations to Paphos 
Hospital.

[[Page E198]]

  In 1999, the Panpaphian Association established the Evagoras 
Pallikarides award, honoring the memory of Pallikarides, a Cypriot hero 
who was killed in 1956 while fighting for his country's freedom. Dennis 
C. Droushiotis, the Trade Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, has 
been selected as the honored recipient of the 2003 Evagoras 
Pallikarides Award of Merit.
  Among his many accomplishments are the establishment of the first 
Cyprus Trade Center in the United States and the implementation of many 
successful exports and investments programs, leading to the exponential 
growth of Cypriot exports to the U.S. The Trade Center's bilateral 
initiatives were a crucial factor in the United States becoming the 
main exporter to Cyprus and the growth of two-way trade.
  Mr. Droushiotis is also the founding member of the Cyprus-U.S. 
Chamber of Commerce, inaugurated in 1998 by President Glafcos Clerides 
and Minister Nicos Rolandis. He has served as a delegate to the World 
Trade Organization, the United Nation 33rd and 37th General Assembly 
Sessions, and other such prestigious gatherings. His many civic 
involvements include work with the European Travel Commission, the 
Cyprus Olympic Committee, and the Cyprus Children's Fund.
  Throughout his life, Mr. Droushiotis has been committed to the cause 
of justice, peace, and prosperity for Cyprus. He has been honored by 
the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce, and in 2000, he received the Ellis 
Island Medal of Honor for his work in international trade. As an 
individual who has contributed greatly not only to his nation but to 
both the Cypriot and Cypriot American communities, he is truly worthy 
of the Evagoras Pallikarides Award.
  The organization has also chosen Charles Socrates as 2003 Member of 
the Year. Mr. Socrates, who originates from a small village in Cyprus, 
immigrated to the United States and, despite limited resources, 
developed a successful career while establishing an extensive network 
of family and friends. The Panpaphian Association honors Mr. Socrates 
today for his hard work and pride in his ethnicity.
  In recognition of the Panpaphian Association of America's many 
contributions for the Cypriot American community, I ask my colleagues 
to join me in saluting this organization and all of tonight's honorees 
on the fourth anniversary of their annual Evagoras Pallikarides Award 
of Merit.

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