[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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