[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 26, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 25, 2003

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 182nd 
anniversary of Greek independence. Greece is a nation with a great 
democratic tradition. Athens and the United States share the same 
values of freedom and democracy. We are both part of what the 
distinguished scholar Karl Deutsch aptly labeled a ``pluralistic 
security community,'' a community based on shared values and common 
interests. Indeed, despite all the current differences, the Euro-
Atlantic Alliance, in which our nations are firmly embedded, remains 
the cornerstone of the zone of the democratic peace.
  Maintaining and extending the zone of peace is the most important 
task for democracies. Greece and the United States have been united in 
this endeavor for decades. We were allies in the fight against Naziism 
during World War II, we were allies in the victorious fight against 
Soviet Communism. After the end of the Cold War, we have also been 
allies in confronting new threats to world peace. When the powder keg 
on the Balkans exploded, for example, the Greek and the U.S. 
governments worked together by promoting peace and supporting 
humanitarian aid. Particularly with respect to Kosovo, the Greek 
government's help was essential.
  We are also allies in the war against terror, the greatest threat to 
global peace. Following the September 11 attacks, Greece immediately 
assured us of its support, and Greek aircrews secured our skies with 
NATO AWACS. Greece also joined the International Assistance Force in 
Afghanistan by dispatching a frigate with a crew of over 200. Athens 
further successfully fought terrorism on its own soil by arresting 
members of the November 17 group. The arrest and trial of these 
terrorists has created a sense of security not only among Greek society 
but--when we look to the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004--among the 
wider international community that threats of this kind can be 
mastered.
  We are also allies in the goal of helping achieve a just a permanent 
solution to the Cypriot conflict. I applaud the work of the Greek 
government in working with their colleagues in the Republic of Cyprus 
along with the leaders of Turkey to promote a peaceful settlement of 
the situation in Cyprus and reunification of the island. I regret that 
the negotiations failed but I hope that a solution can be achieved in 
the near future.
  Finally, let me conclude by stressing that good U.S.-Greek relations 
are not merely achieved at governmental and official levels. Instead, 
the Greek Americans in our country enrich our lives and provide for a 
better cultural understanding. The area of Queens in New York City, 
parts of which I represent, is home to the largest Greek population 
outside of Greece. These people are well integrated in our society. As 
their interactions form the basis for a healthy relationship at all 
levels, I am optimistic that the U.S.-Greek relationship will remain 
marked by friendship and trust.

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