[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 39 (Thursday, March 25, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H1568-H1571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) is recognized for 5 minutes.
General Leave
Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my 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 rise with my colleague and
dear friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), with whom I
founded and cochair the Hellenic Caucus to celebrate the 183rd
anniversary of Greece's declaration of independence from the Ottoman
Empire. March 25 has the same resonance in Greece that July 4 has in
the United States.
Democracy traces its earliest roots back to ancient Greece, but it
developed new strength in modern times from American colonists who
demanded independence from Great Britain. When the Greeks of 1821
fought for independence from Turkey, they truly drew inspiration from
the ideals and institutions of the fledgling United States. After 400
years of Ottoman rule, the Greeks began an 8-year battle that ended
with the defeat of the Turkish Army.
Just as our defeat of the British Army was remarkable, so too was the
Greeks' ability to defeat the Ottomans, a tremendous achievement.
Against impossible odds, the Greeks broke free of one of the most
powerful empires in history and gained their independence.
{time} 1845
Mirroring our patriotic displays on July 4, Greeks celebrate this day
with parades, speeches and parties. As many of my colleagues know, New
York City is the home of the largest Hellenic population outside of
Greece and Cyprus.
Western Queens, which I have the honor of representing, is often
called Little Athens because of the large influence from Greece and
Cyprus in that neighborhood. Recognizing the many similarities between
our nations, it is a pleasure to take time to pay tribute to the
Hellenic American community for their many contributions to America. We
also honor the Federation of Hellenic Societies, which will lead the
Greek Independence Day Parade in Manhattan.
As the Olympics return to Greece this summer, they have wisely chosen
the Olympic spirit as the theme of this year's parade. I am pleased to
recognize this year's Grand Marshals, my friends Demetrios and Georgia
Kaloidis and John and Margo Katsimatidis and Honorary Marshals Yiannis
Skoularikis and George Papageorgopoulos. They will be accompanied by
the Federation President, Apostolos Tomopoulos, and I will place in the
Record the many names of the leaders of the Hellenic community who will
be participating this weekend.
In the year 2004, a vibrant Greek democracy once again serves as an
inspiration to its neighbors and the free world. As discussions
progress toward an end to the 30-year division of Cyprus, we hope that
the serious concerns of the Hellenic Cypriot American community will be
reflected in the final agreement.
Forty-six members of the Hellenic Caucus joined in a letter to
Secretary Colin Powell and Secretary General Kofi Annan to express
their hope that any agreement will recognize, among other provisions,
property rights, the demilitarization of Cyprus, the establishment of
the legal obligations of the guarantor powers, and the presence of
United Nations troops throughout the transition.
I also led a delegation of members of the Hellenic Caucus who met
with Secretary General Kofi Annan last Friday to discuss the
negotiations regarding the reunification of Cyprus before it enters the
European Union on May 1. We expressed our support for the Secretary
General in bringing the parties to the bargaining table, but expressed
concerns regarding some of the issues that remain open: property
rights, governance, free movement between Greek and Turkish areas of
the island, and the pace of demilitarization of the island.
In particular, we raised questions about the ability of Cypriots to
regain property that was seized or to receive fair compensation, how
compensation would be funded, the unfairness of asking Greek Cypriots
to foot the bill for buying back their own property, the ability of
Greek Cypriots to have at least the same rights to acquire property in
Turkish neighborhoods as foreigners do.
We stressed the importance of having a central government that has
the ability to make decisions, and we expressed concern about
limitations on the ability of Cypriots to travel unimpeded to all areas
of the island.
While we applauded the plan to reduce the number of troops occupying
the island, we expressed the hope that the U.N. troops would remain
available to monitor the situation in Cyprus for as long as possible.
We are hopeful that as the next round of negotiations take place,
Secretary General Annan will do everything possible to ensure that our
concerns will be addressed so that the final settlement will be
acceptable to all Cypriots and Turks when it goes to the vote on the
island.
I congratulate the Federation for honoring the Olympics in a year in
which the games will be returning to their birthplace, Greece. The
world has truly benefited from the ancient Hellenic tradition of
allowing athletic competition to triumph over political differences.
I hope this Greek Independence Day will be a symbol of independence
for all enslaved people, and we hope for the reunification of Cyprus
and its entrance into the European Union. And, finally, Zeto e
eleftheria.
Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Greek
Independence Day and to thank our colleagues, Mr. Bilirakis and Mrs.
Maloney, who have once again shown great leadership in their efforts to
organize this special order for Greek Independence Day.
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 evolution of modern democracy has its
roots in ancient Athens, and as such, it is only fitting that we, as
representatives of one of the world's great democracies, pay tribute to
the Greeks and their historical contribution to democratic governance
on this 183rd anniversary of their independence.
Since the people of Greece declared their independence on March 25,
1821, our two nations have enjoyed close relations, and generations of
Greek immigrants have helped to strengthen and enrich the relations
between our two countries. As the Congressional Representative for
thousands of Greek Americans, I salute their motherland's eight-year
struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire. Our countries'
shared histories of fighting for our freedom and sovereignty creates a
common bond between the United States and Greece.
Today, the United States' relationship with Greece continues to grow
stronger. Greece has been a devoted supporter of the U.S. in every
major international conflict of this century and plays an important
role in both the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO). Greece has been one of our most loyal allies
throughout our war against terrorism and has assisted the Coalition in
both Iraq and Afghanistan by providing a military presence on land, sea
and in the air. 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 thirty years ago. I was saddened to see
the UN-sponsored negotiations break down recently, so soon before
Cyprus's impending accession to the EU on May 1st, but I will continue
my efforts to see this important matter through to its successful
resolution.
On this celebratory day of freedom and independence, I also want to
heartily congratulate the Greek nation on the honor of hosting the
Olympic Games in Athens this summer. I cannot think of a more
meaningful place to celebrate the spirit of extraordinary achievement
than in Athens, nearly 2,780 years after the first Olympics were held
in ancient Greece. I look forward to sharing in the pride and
celebration of the Olympic Games as they take place this summer and I
look forward to continuing to work with leaders from the Greek
community as we persist in our fight for a free and united Cyprus.
[[Page H1569]]
Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, as Greece celebrates its 183rd anniversary
of freedom and the successful struggle for independence, I join my
colleagues in congratulating the people of Greece and in extending
heartfelt congratulations to those of Greek descent everywhere.
Greek Independence Day--like America's Fourth of July--is a
celebration of a love of freedom and self-government. As the world's
first democracy, ancient Greece was a model and a source of inspiration
to our Founding Fathers.
In addition to shaping our early beginnings, modern Greece has been a
strong friend and ally to the United States. Millions of Greeks have
immigrated to the US and the contributions these families and
individuals have made to our nation and communities have been
immeasurable.
As a member of NATO, Greece has helped ensure the security of
Europe's southern flank. But, in addition to a strong relationship that
is steeped in common culture and philosophy, the US and Greece are also
connected by recent history. On September 11, Greece lost twenty-one
citizens at the World Trade Center. We share in their grief and note
that, since then, Greece has stepped up its efforts to combat terrorism
at home and abroad. And, on the eve of the Olympics, Greek officials
are working hard to ensure the safety of the thousands of visitors who
will be in Athens celebrating these historic and exciting games.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join my colleagues who are also committed
to strengthening US-Greek ties and to working on issues of mutual
interest. There are many international as well as regional challenges
we can only solve through cooperation and mutual respect.
Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Greece, one of America's
greatest allies and sources of inspiration, on the 183rd anniversary of
its independence from the Ottoman Empire.
Greek Independence Day marks the return of independence to the
birthplace of democracy. The Ancient Greeks profoundly shaped western
culture. Many of the fundamental elements of our modern culture can be
traced back to them--logic, mathematics, the empirical method of
scientific discovery, and of course many of the political and
philosophical ideals embraced by our Founding Fathers, especially that
of self-governance--originated with the ancient Greeks.
Today, Greece is one of our staunchest allies. It was one of the
first countries to express solidarity with the United States after 9/
11, and it has contributed significantly to the global war against
terrorism through its military and humanitarian missions.
Greek-Americans in my district of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and
throughout the United States can celebrate this day with pride as they
continue their rich tradition of philanthropy, civic duty, and
education. Indeed, Greek-Americans have contributed greatly to the
American way of life. Their commitment to family, community, and this
nation are an inspiration to us all.
I hope that my colleagues and the American people will join me today
in honoring Greek Independence Day and the continued democratic
friendship that exists between our nations.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, the 183rd anniversary of
Greece's revolt against the Ottoman Empire is an opportune time to
congratulate the people of Greece for their ability to prevail against
great odds in creating their modern, progressive state. Having just
returned from Athens with my colleagues Ben Cardin, and following the
recent elections that resulted in a change in government, I think we
should take this opportunity also to review the numerous challenges
Greece faces if she is to meet her obligations as a participating State
of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Since 1821, the people of Greece have overthrown the Ottoman Empire,
survived a war with Turkey which created 1.3 million refugees, turned
back an invasion by Italy and suffered through occupation by Nazi
Germany. Since World War II they have lived through a full-fledged
civil war against communism in which 100,000 Greeks were killed and
700,000 were internally displaced. And, from 1967 through 1974, they
were under the control of a right-wing military junta. It is important
to remember this tumultuous history of Greece when we acknowledge their
success, and when we discuss outstanding issues.
Security for this summer's Athens Olympic Games is a matter of
concern among Members of Congress due to our ongoing War against
terrorism. The United States has helped Greece by providing funding and
manpower to develop as fine a security system as possible, and I hope
the American people will take advantage of the joint efforts between
our government and the Government of Greece and enjoy the Games.
As Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, I am concerned also
about the efforts Greece must make to fulfill her OSCE human rights
obligations, particularly those involving trafficking in persons,
freedom of religion and rights of the Greek Roma minority.
Through the assistance of Ambassador Thomas Miller, Rep. Cardin and I
met with officials of the Government of Greece and representatives of
various NGOs to discuss Greece's progress in addressing and solving
problems involving human trafficking. As the author of the US
Trafficking Victims Protection Act, I am concerned that Greece has just
barely moved from Tier Three to Tier Two. The police-based Committee on
Trafficking, created in November 2001, clarified how their victims of
trafficking screening process works and reported that in 2003, 49
criminal organizations had been broken up with 284 arrests, and 93
victims had been liberated with 28 characterized as victims. Others did
not get victim status because they either opted to go home or were in
Greece legally with passports. They described their two major anti-
trafficking units, in Athens and Thessaloniki, and the training in
anti-trafficking that is being taught at all levels of the police
academies. The Committee has produced, in thirteen languages, ``Know
Your Rights,'' a pamphlet explaining to the trafficked steps toward
safety. Victims are sent to NGO-supported shelters. After touring a
shelter in Athens we were struck by the positive attitudes of the
women, and came away with renewed hope for them. While these are all
positive steps, the visit made clear that Greece needs to put more
effort and funding into curbing human trafficking, especially in
supporting the NGOs who are providing critical services in the field. I
urge the new government of Prime Minister Karamanlis to focus on this
issue.
We sought clarification of the problems non-Orthodox religious
believers face in Greece and met with Muslim, Jewish, Protestant and
Catholic religious leaders. The Thrace Muslim Association pointed out
that although there are more than 11,000 Muslims in Athens, there is no
mosque, and yet 22 unofficial houses of prayer with no imam. As there
is no Muslim cemetery, Muslim dead must be transported over 800
kilometers to Thrace for proper burial. Ironically, there is a new
mosque being constructed in Athens--it is nowhere near where the
Muslims live, and it will be funded by Wahabi Saudis, a sect not
particularly welcome by the local Moslem community nor by the Greek
Government. We heard their complaints about limited military
promotions, no work in the judiciary, limited job availability, and a
poorly applied immigration law. Non-Orthodox Christian leaders spoke
about discrimination as opposed to persecution, emphasizing the need to
change society for their acceptance.
Greek Jews--the Jewish community that, at 80 percent, lost a larger
portion than any other country under the Nazis--number around 10,000,
concentrated in Athens and Thessaloniki. With 3 functioning synagogues,
Rabbis must be brought in from other countries for the High Holidays.
We were told ``anti-Semitism is not widely and visibly expressed, but
is expressed in many ways.'' The press is anti-Semitic under the guise
of anti-Zionist or anti-Israeli statements, and is pro-Palestinian
Liberation Army. School texts continue to have anti-Semitic materials
and lack acknowledgement of the Holocaust, but have improved since the
past. Vandalism of Jewish sites occurs, with little to no police
follow-up.
Finally, we visited the relocated Roma camp in Spata, near the Athens
airport, which is on an abandoned toxic NATO dump. They lack reliable
running water or sewers, which is justified by the authorities since
this is an illegal settlement on airport land, yet the 24 families, all
with legal papers, live in portable homes supplied by the municipality
and the children go to public school. They are never visited by local
authorities, including doctors, despite promises. Their village is only
accessible by terrible mud roads, which become a barrier in wet
weather. It became clear that the two most important things needed for
this community are permanent homes and a job for everyone that is
seeking the opportunity.
These are snapshots of Greece, the invisible Greece that tourists and
the outside world, even many Greeks, never see. Trafficked women who
are forced to serve as sex slaves. Jews, Muslims and non-Orthodox
Christians treated as second-class citizens. And Greek Roma whose basic
needs are disregarded.
Yes, we should commemorate the 183rd anniversary of the fight for
freedom, but still must wait for all Greeks to equally share that
freedom.
The new government under Prime Minister Karamanlis has a great
opportunity to step forth and work toward solutions in these matters.
In my capacity as OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Special Representative on
Human Trafficking Issues, and as Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki
Commission, I look forward to working with the Prime Minister and with
Greek parliamentarians to help find answers to these problems.
Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, on March 25, 1821, after nearly 400
years of Ottoman
[[Page H1570]]
rule, Greece became an independent state. But, even before there was a
state, the influence of the Greek people was well established by their
countless contributions to art, sport, culture, literature and
government. No Congressional recognition of Greek Independence Day, can
be made without an acknowledgment of the profound contribution the
Greek people have made to the pursuit of democratic ideals here in the
United States and the world over.
Every school-aged child is familiar with the story of how the
Founding Fathers modeled the framework for American government on
principles first laid down and discussed by the ancient Greeks
thousands of years ago. Thomas Jefferson called ancient Greece, ``the
light which led ourselves out of Gothic darkness.'' Today, as we meed
to celebrate Greek Independence Day, and celebrate the Greek-American
heritage that continues to strengthen our communities and enrich our
society, let us also recognize the influence the Greek people, past and
present, have had on the strength of our democracy.
Greece and the United States are bound by history, mutual respect,
and common ideals. In the coming year, the world will converge on
Greece to participate in the Olympic Games, the largest pageant of
ahtletic skill and competitive spirit on the planet. On Greek
Independence Day, as we pause to reflect on the many ways Greece
continues to touch our lives, I encourage all Americans to celebrate
the contributions the people of Greece and Greek Americans have made to
our country.
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as a Member of the Hellenic
Caucus, to celebrate the 183rd anniversary of Greek Independence Day.
Today, the Olympic flame was lit in Olympia, Greece marking the day in
the Julian calendar that the Modern Games began in Athens in 1896.
It is fitting that the Olympic torch returns to its homeland, as we
mark the independence of a nation Thomas Jefferson called ``the light
which led ourselves out of Gothic darkness.'' Ancient Greece sparked
many flames of political, social, and artistic innovation--the
philosophy of Plato and Socrates, the plays of Sophocles and
Aristophanes, and the epic poetry of Homer.
But Ancient Greece's greatest legacy is the establishment of
democratic government and the Hellenic belief that the authority to
govern derives directly from the people. After 400 years of rule by the
Ottoman Empire, independence was especially meaningful to the people
who burn with a deep rooted commitment to freedom. Greek ancestors
passed on the traditions of liberty and freedom, of hard work and an
appreciation of culture to their children and grandchildren, many of
whom are proud Greek Americans and continue to provide important
contributions to American life.
Today Greece is a true ally of the United States, a valued partner in
NATO, and host to the world for the 2004 Olympics in Athens. My
district celebrates the Greek heritage as an important part of
community providing diversity and culture to our churches, schools, and
neighborhoods.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Greece for its contributions past and
present, as they continue to light flames of freedom.
Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 183d
anniversary of Greek Independence Day. Nearly two centuries ago, a
small band of dedicated patriots rose up to end four centuries of
oppression and foreign domination of their homeland. The great Greek
thinker Herodotus once wrote ``Great deeds are usually wrought at great
risks.'' Today, Greeks worldwide join in celebration of this great deed
and honor the bravery and self-sacrifice of this small band of heroes.
Twenty-five hundred years ago, the birth of democracy in Greece
ushered in one of the golden ages of world history. The ancient
Athenians created a civilization unparalleled in its original thinking
and in its contributions to Western thought. They created a culture
which not only valued human life and dignity, but saw the dawn of a new
era in political and social thought and artistic and scientific
innovation.
Thomas Jefferson called ancient Greece ``the light which led
ourselves out of Gothic darkness.'' In fact, our founding fathers drew
heavily on the political experience and thinking of the ancient Greeks.
Many of these great philosophers are honored in the House chamber,
their faces adorning the walls above the visitors gallery. If ancient
Greece's greatest accomplishment is the establishment of democratic
government, then its greatest legacy is the enshrining of these
principles in American law and the founding of our Constitution.
Barely a generation after our own struggle for independence, Greek
patriots turned to the American Revolution for inspiration in their
struggle for liberty. They saw in the success of our Republic the hope
for their own future. Many Americans fought alongside the Greeks, and
this Congress sent supplies to aid the patriots in their quest for
freedom.
My grandmother comes from the Greek town of Soliniki. Although her
family was forced to flee, they maintained their Greek roots. I was
raised in a household that celebrated both our Judaism and our Hellenic
background. Last year, I was fortunate enough to return to my family's
ancestral home and bring back a small jar of soil. It brightened my
mother's final days to finally see and touch the soil of her ancestors.
Last year, when I visited Greece, I was impressed by the graciousness
and hospitality of the Greek people, which made me even more proud of
my Greek ancestry. America has cultural roots in the classical history
of Greece, and I believe our shared heritage can draw us closer
together on bridging the boundaries between East and West.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to pay tribute on
Greek Independence Day to one of the United States' most important
allies--and one that is held in such deep affection by millions and
millions of Americans.
Western civilization as we know it today owes a profound debt and,
indeed, its very origins, to Greece. Classical Greek philosophy,
sculpture, and theater set standards to which today's practitioners
still aspire. And, as the cradle of democracy, Athens is the spiritual
ancestor of our own Republic. The very word democracy comes from Greek,
and so when we speak of the principles most dear to us, we are, in
effect, speaking Greek.
The history of Greek independence is one of the inspiring stories of
our time. It is the tale of the revival of a great and ancient people
through sheer commitment, sacrifice, and love of freedom and heritage.
Transmitted through the generations, the ideals of the ancient Greeks
inspired their revolutionary descendants in the 19th century, when
gallant stalwarts of the War of Independence such as Theodore
Kolokotronis and Rigas Velestinlis wrote of their belief in the rights
of man.
The histories and fortunes of the United States and Greece have been
intimately intertwined ever since the beginning of modern Greek
sovereignty. The cause of Greek independence evoked sympathy throughout
the Western world. Well known is Lord Byron, whose uncompromising
commitment to Greece was epitomized by his declaration ``In for a
penny, in for a pound.'' Less renowned but no less committed were the
many American Philhellenes, who repaid their debt to Greek culture by
crossing the ocean to fight for Greek liberation. I am pleased that
these American citizens were honored with a monument in Athens 4 years
ago.
Greek citizens also crossed the ocean in the other direction,
emigrating to the United States, where they enjoyed great success and
shared their prosperity with their kinfolk in their original homeland.
They have served as a bridge of understanding between our two nations,
and they have refreshed America with their spirit, their patriotism,
and their hard work. Today, some 5 million Americans claim Greek
ancestry, with understandable pride.
Greece is one of less than a handful of nations which have stood
shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States in every major war of the
20th century. Our close relations became even closer after World War
II. The Truman Doctrine helped save Greece from communism, indeed
helped save it for the Western world, and the Marshall Plan helped in
its economic regeneration. In 1952, Greece joined NATO, formalizing the
deep, mutual commitment of Greece and the rest of the Western world to
protecting freedom.
In more recent times, Greece has been one of the world's amazing
success stories. A full-fledged member of the European Union for two
decades, Greece has become increasingly prosperous; it has whipped
chronic inflation and qualified to join the ``Euro currency zone.''
This year we celebrate the passage of three decades since modern Greece
reclaimed its mantle as a democratic role model for the nations of the
world. Its once unsettled domestic politics has long since given way to
an incontestably stable, yet colorful, democracy. Just this month, we
once again witnessed the peaceful electoral transfer of power from one
democratic party to another.
This year we have more reason than ever to celebrate the legacy of
Greece, as the Olympics return to their birthplace and real home. Just
as Greeks gave the world democracy, so they taught us the Olympic
ideals of peace, cooperation, and fair and noble competition. And so it
is appropriate that Athens, the city that first lit the torch of
Democracy, now plays host to the Olympic flame.
Greece remains our critical strategic partner in today's post-cold-
war world. We cooperate closely in promoting peace and stability in the
Balkans. Economic ties with Greece are vital to virtually every Balkan
state. Athens has been a firm supporter of efforts to settle the Cyprus
problem, and it remains committed to a just, lasting, and democratic
settlement of the Cyprus issue. And I'm sure everyone in this body
applauds Greece's historic and courageous efforts in recent years to
resolve differences with its neighbor Turkey.
[[Page H1571]]
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Greek people on the 183d anniversary
of their independence, and I join my colleagues in thanking them for
their vast contributions to world civilization and especially to our
Nation.
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