[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 5, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H1750-H1753]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page H1750]]
                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) is recognized for 5 minutes.


                             General Leave

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. 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 this Special 
Order.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today I proudly rise to celebrate Greek 
Independence Day and its strong ties that bind the nation of Greece and 
the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, 184 years ago, the people of Greece began a journey that 
would mark a symbolic rebirth of democracy in the land where those 
principles to human dignity were first espoused.
  They rebelled against more than 400 years of Turkish oppression. The 
revolution of 1821 brought independence to Greece and emboldened those 
who still sought freedom across the world. I commemorate Greek 
Independence Day each year for the same reasons we celebrate our 4th of 
July. It proved that a united people, through sheer will and 
perseverance, can prevail against tyranny. Both our nations share an 
illustrious history and defense of this cherished ideal.
  The concept of democracy was first conceived by the ancient Athenians 
more than 2,500 years ago. Men such as Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, and 
Euripides developed the then-unique notion that men could, if left to 
their own devices, lead themselves rather than be subject to the will 
of a sovereign.
  It was Thomas Jefferson who said, ``One man with courage is a 
majority.'' Jefferson and the rest of the Founding Fathers looked back 
to the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers for inspiration as they 
sought to craft the Declaration of Independence. On March 25, 1821, 
Archbishop Germanos of Patras embodied the spirit of those words when 
he raised the flag of freedom and was the first to declare Greece free.
  News of the Greek revolution was met with widespread feelings of 
compassion in the United States. Several American Presidents, including 
James Monroe and John Quincy Adams, conveyed their support for the 
revolution through their annual messages to Congress.
  Various Members of Congress also showed a keen interest in the 
Greeks' struggle for autonomy. Henry Clay, who in 1825 became Secretary 
of State, was a champion of Greece's fight for independence.
  After 7 years of fighting, the Greeks finally got their independence. 
Unfortunately, many people were killed in the struggle for freedom. We 
all know that the price of liberty can be very high. History is replete 
with the names of the millions who have sacrificed for it.
  This year's celebration of Greek Independence Day is especially 
fitting in light of the current wave of political and social movements 
around the world in the name of democracy. International events in 
recent months have brought stunning news of political upheaval and 
dramatic changes from the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe. Most 
notably, through peaceful demonstrations, Syria lost its political 
stronghold on Lebanon. Ukraine elected Viktor Yushchenko as its new 
President, and Iraq held its first democratic elections. The common 
theme among all of these movements has been democracy.
  However, at a time of democratic celebration, the divided Republic of 
Cyprus remains a sore spot. Sadly, Turkey still illegally occupies 
Cyprus, as it has since its invasion in 1974. Despite sincere efforts 
by the United Nations and the United States, a fair plan was not 
presented to the people of Cyprus on April 24, 2004. Many people, 
including the Greek-Cypriots themselves, regret that the plan presented 
to them did not allow both communities to respond positively. It is one 
thing for others to comment on the terms and conditions for settlement; 
but it is the Cypriots, the Cypriots who must live with whatever plan 
that would be adopted. Finding a fair resolution for Cyprus will help 
stabilize a region marked more often by conflict than accord. I urge 
our government to remain committed to finding a peaceful settlement for 
Cyprus.
  Although the ties between Greece and America go back hundreds of 
years, the fruit of this bond is visible today. During the early 1900s, 
one out of four Greek males immigrated to the United States. Today 
there are close to 3 million Greek Americans. I am especially proud of 
my fellow Greek Americans who have made contributions to our society in 
the fields of medicine, science, business, law, and politics, among 
other areas. In the words of a notable British poet, Percy Shelley, he 
said, ``We are all Greeks! Our laws, our literature, our religion, our 
art have their roots in Greece.''
  Mr. Speaker, on this 184th birthday of Greek independence, we 
celebrate the triumph of the human spirit and the strength of man's 
will. Today we commemorate the reaffirmation of the democratic heritage 
that our two nations share so closely. Lastly, this occasion also 
serves to remind us, Mr. Speaker, that we must never take for granted 
the right to determine our own fate.
  Mr. Speaker, today I proudly rise to celebrate Greek Independence Day 
and the strong ties that bind the nation of Greece and the United 
States.
  One hundred and eighty-four years ago, the people of Greece began a 
journey that would mark the symbolic rebirth of democracy in the land 
where those principles to human dignity were first espoused.
  They rebelled against more than 400 years of Turkish oppression. The 
revolution of 1821 brought independence to Greece and emboldened those 
who still sought freedom across the world. I commemorate Greek 
Independence Day each year for the same reasons we celebrate our Fourth 
of July. It provided that a united people, through sheer will and 
perseverance, can prevail against tyranny. Both our nations share an 
illustrious history in defense of this cherished ideal.
  The concept of democracy was first conceived by the ancient Athenians 
more than 2,500 years ago. Men such as Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, and 
Euripides developed the then-unique notion that men could, if left to 
their own devices, lead themselves rather than be subject to the will 
of a sovereign. It was Aristotle who said: ``If liberty and equality, 
as is thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will 
be attained when all persons alike share in the government to the 
utmost.'' It was this concept that our Founding Fathers drew heavily 
upon in forming our representative government.
  It was Thomas Jefferson who said that, ``One man with courage is a 
majority.'' Jefferson, and the rest of the Founding Fathers, looked 
back to the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers for inspiration as 
they sought to craft the Declaration of Independence. On March 25, 
1821, Archbishop Germanos of Patras embodied the spirit of those words 
when he raised the flag of freedom and was the first to declare Greece 
free.
  Revolutions embody a sense of heroism, bringing forth the greatness 
of the human spirit. Encouraged by the American Revolution, the Greeks 
began their rebellion after four centuries of Turkish oppression, 
facing what appeared to be insurmountable odds. Both nations faced the 
prospect of having to defeat an empire to obtain liberty. Although many 
lives were sacrificed at the altar of freedom, the Greek people rallied 
around the battle cry ``Eleftheria I Thanatos'' ``liberty or death,'' 
mirroring the words of American Patriot Patrick Henry who said: ``Give 
me liberty or give me death.'' These words personified the Greek 
patriots' unmitigated desire to be free.
  Not surprisingly, the Greek Commander-in-Chief Petros Mavromichalis 
appealed to the citizens of America, ``Having formed the resolution to 
live or die, we are drawn toward you by a just sympathy since it is in 
your land that liberty has fixed her abode. . . . 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.''
  News of the Greek revolution was met with widespread feelings of 
compassion in the United States. Several American Presidents, including 
James Monroe and John Quincy Adams, conveyed their support for the 
revolution through their annual messages to Congress. William Harrison, 
our ninth president, expressed his belief in freedom for Greece, 
saying: ``We must send our free will offering. `The Star-spangled 
Banner' must wave in the Aegean . . . a messenger of fraternity and 
friendship to Greece.''
  Various Members of Congress also showed a keen interest in the 
Greeks' struggle for autonomy. Henry Clay, who in 1825 became

[[Page H1751]]

Secretary of State, was a champion of Greece's fight for independence. 
Among the most vocal was Daniel Webster from Massachusetts, who 
frequently roused the sympathetic interest of his colleagues and other 
Americans in the Greek revolution.
  Many Americans sympathized with the ``Philhellenic'' cause and sent 
the Greeks supplies, food, and medicine; anything that could help 
maintain and boost the moral of the Greeks. In fact, many traveled to 
Greece to join the revolution in the fight for freedom.
  After seven years of fighting, the Greeks finally got their 
independence. Unfortunately, many people were killed in the struggle 
for freedom. We all know that the price of liberty can be very high--
history is replete with the names of the millions who have sacrificed 
for it. Many great scholars throughout history warned that we maintain 
democracy only at a great costs. The freedom we enjoy today is due to a 
large degree to the sacrifices made by men and women in the past--in 
Greece, in America, and all over the world.
  Freedom is America's heart. It is central to our being, and from the 
beginning we have recognized that freedom is not just an American 
right. It is a God-given right to every citizen of the world. The 
lessons the Greeks and our colonial forefathers taught us provide hope 
and inspiration to victims of persecution throughout the world today.
  This year's celebration of Greek Independence Day is especially 
fitting in light of the current wave of political and social movements 
around the world in the name of democracy. International events in 
recent months have brought stunning news of political upheaval and 
dramatic changes from the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe. Most 
notably, through peaceful demonstrations, Syria lost its political 
stronghold on Lebanon, Ukraine elected Viktor Yushchenko as its new 
president and Iraq held its first democratic elections. The common 
theme between all of these movements has been democracy.
  However, at a time of democratic celebration, the divided Republic of 
Cyprus remains a sore spot. Sadly, Turkey still illegally occupies 
Cyprus, as it has since its invasion in 1974. Despite sincere efforts 
by the United Nations and the United States, a fair plan was not 
presented to the people of Cyprus on April 24, 2004. Many people--
including the Greek-Cypriots themselves--regret that the plan presented 
to them did not allow both communities to respond positively. It is one 
thing for others to comment on the terms and conditions for settlement, 
but it is the Cypriots who must live with whatever plan would be 
adopted. Finding a fair resolution for Cyprus will help stabilize a 
region marked more often by conflict than accord. I urge our government 
to remain committed to finding a peaceful settlement for Cyprus.
  I believe these principles of which my colleagues and I have spoken 
about today are not uniquely Greek or American. They are our promise to 
the world and they form a legacy that we all cherish and have 
responsibility to protect and defend.
  The priceless ideas of democracy and equality born in ancient Greece 
have strongly shaped the American national identity. We continue to 
give hope and inspiration to millions around the world who yearn to 
live in a free society like ours. We enjoy our freedom only because we 
have been willing to fight and die for it, just like our forefathers 
and the valiant Greeks in 1821. Greece set the example for us and we 
have set the example for countless others.
  Although the ties between Greece and America go back hundreds of 
years, the fruit of this bond is visible today. During the early 1900s 
one out of four Greek males immigrated to the United States. Today 
there are close to three million Greek-Americans. I am especially proud 
of my fellow Greek-Americans who have made contributions to our society 
in the fields of medicine, science, business, law and politics, among 
other areas. In the words of a notable British poet, Percy Shelley, 
``We are all Greeks! Our laws, our literature, our religion, our art, 
have their roots in Greece.''
  Mr. Speaker, on this 184th birthday of Greek Independence we 
celebrate the triumph of the human spirit and the strength of man's 
will. Today we commemorate the reaffirmation of the democratic heritage 
that our two nations share so closely. Lastly, this occasion also 
serves to remind us that we must never take for granted the right to 
determine our own fate.
  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 which is regarded with such deep affection by millions of Americans 
of all ethnic origins.
  Western civilization as we know it today owes the deepest debt and, 
indeed, its very origins, to the Greek nation. 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 and, in many respects, its role model.
  Mr. Speaker, the history of Greek independence is one of the 
inspiring stories of our time. It is the tale of the revival of an 
ancient and great 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 nineteenth century, and great and 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 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 have been honored with a monument in Athens.
  Mr. Speaker, 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 five million 
Americans claim Greek ancestry, with understandable pride.
  Our close relations with Greece became even closer after World War 
II. The Truman Doctrine helped save Greece from communism, indeed 
helped save it for the Western and democratic world, and the Marshall 
Plan helped in Greece's 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, Mr. Speaker, Greece has been one of the world's 
amazing success stories. A full-fledged member of the European Union 
for nearly a quarter-century, Greece has become increasingly 
prosperous; it whipped chronic inflation and joined the ``Euro currency 
zone.'' Its once unsettled domestic politics--including the sad chapter 
of military rule from 1967-74--has long since given way to an 
incontestably stable, yet still colorful, democracy. The Greek people 
cherish democracy not only as their contribution to world civilization 
but as a system which they achieved only through enormous sacrifice and 
commitment in modern times.
  Greece remains one of our critical strategic partners 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 a 
just, lasting, and democratic settlement of the Cyprus issue. More than 
1,300 Greek troops took part in Operation Enduring Freedom and helped 
liberate Afghanistan from Taliban tyranny. And I'm sure everybody in 
this body applauds Greece's historic and courageous effort to resolve 
differences with its neighbor Turkey, punctuated by its strong backing 
last year for Turkey's successful bid to open accession talks for EU 
membership.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
Greek people on the 184th anniversary of their independence and in 
thanking them for their substantial contributions to world civilization 
and especially to our nation.
  Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to honor a great American 
ally and an inspiration to people striving for freedom throughout the 
whole world--Greece.
  Today the House observes the 184th anniversary of Greek independence 
from the Ottoman Empire. This anniversary not only represents a triumph 
for the nation of Greece but a triumph for all Western democratic 
nations. The ancient city-states of Greece created many of the 
fundamental elements that have shaped our modern culture such as logic, 
mathematics, the empirical method of scientific discovery, politics, 
and the philosophical ideals that were embraced by our Founding 
Fathers, especially the motion of democracy and self-governance.
  In a perplexing world where terrorism and war confront our nation, it 
is comforting to know that we can count on the nation of Greece for 
support. Greece remains one of our staunchest allies. Greece was one of 
the first nations to express solidarity for the United States after 9/
11 and since then has been in the forefront of the War on Terror.
  I join Greek Americans in my district of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and 
throughout the world in celebrating a proud nation with a rich long 
heritage in inspiring and influencing men and women around the world. I 
am proud to stand here today to recognize and honor

[[Page H1752]]

Greece on this the 184th Anniversary of its independence.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join millions of Greeks 
and Greek-Americans in celebration of the 184th anniversary of Greek 
independence from the Ottoman Empire.
  Through it was 184 years ago this day that the Greek people fought 
for their unquestioned freedom, the Greek tradition of liberty and 
self-governance extends back thousands of years. The city-states of 
that storied peninsula were truly the forefathers of our democratic 
lineage. Our own founders drew upon the teachings and experiences of 
the ancient Greeks in their pursuit of individual freedom.
  There is no area of human thought that does not pay homage to the 
enduring contributions of Greece. Our greatest masters of mathematics, 
literature, science, art, architecture, theatre and philosophy all 
trace their intellectual heritage through its people. It is without 
question that the ancient Greeks were responsible for bringing light on 
what was an otherwise dark world.
  In two centuries, we have watched as a new democracy has been 
reforged where the very idea of democracy was born. The Greek people 
have also helped build America as well. Greek-American communities 
continue to add to the richness and tradition of many of America's 
cities, not least of all, in my own district in New York City. Our 
shared values of freedom and individual excellence have made Greek-
Americans an important part of the quilt of American society.
  Mr. Speaker, on this occasion in which we celebrate Greeks 
independence, let us all remember the great debt we owe to the 
civilization that has given so much of itself to become the foundation 
of all democracies. By carrying on the great tradition of democracy, 
let us remember and honor the legacy of ancient Greece, as we stand 
with our Greek friends and allies of today.
  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
commemorate Greeks Independence Day.
  March 25, 2005 marked the 184th anniversary of the revolution that 
freed the people of Greece from the Ottoman Empire. Today, I extend my 
solidarity in commemoration of this celebration of independence and 
democracy.
  As the cradle of western civilization, we are deeply indebted to the 
nation of Greece and the Greek people for their wisdom and commitment 
to the ideals of freedom and democracy. Our own democracy was created 
from the blue prints of ancient Greece.
  The contribution of Greeks to the arts, sciences, and political 
fields are felt profoundly to this day. It is through Greek experiences 
and insight that the ideals of self-governance were shaped. In modern 
times, the Greek people have reaffirmed their commitment to the goals 
of their proud past. As a member of the European Union, Greece has 
constantly championed democratic principles and been an important 
advocate for freedom fighters throughout the world.
  I congratulate the people of Greece for their vital contributions to 
our world, in both ancient and modern times, as we celebrate Greek 
Independence Day.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, March 25, 2005 has 
been designated ``Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration 
of Greek and American Democracy.'' I am pleased to join my colleagues 
in recognizing the unique contribution of Greece and of Greek-
Americans.
  Ancient Greeks created a form of government that got people involved 
in the task of governing themselves. Our founding fathers, as ratified 
in our Constitution, enshrined this principle in American law and 
created a system of ``Grecian republics'' which was based on the 
Hellenic belief that the authority to govern derives directly from the 
people. We will always owe a great intellectual debt to that rich and 
vibrant civilization. Today, our two countries share a great cultural 
affinity, are partners in the NATO alliance, and have many other ties 
that bind us together.
  In Dallas, Texas, the warm winds of the Greek Isles are just a step 
away in Yiayia Sofia's Greek Village, the permanent exhibit at the 
Dallas Children's Museum which offers children the rare opportunity to 
explore a replica of a home and village square in Greece. Mr. Speaker, 
more than a million citizens of Greek descent live in America today, 
and their devotion to family, faith, community, and country has 
enriched me, my community in Dallas, Texas, as well as our Nation. For 
that I am always appreciative of the Greek beauty and culture that has 
enriched my entire life. I'm pleased we take time out each year to 
recall how we are all enriched by the art, the ideals, and the spirit 
of Greece.
  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of the 184th 
Anniversary of Greek Independence and to thank my colleagues, Mr. 
Bilirakis and Mrs. Maloney, who have once again shown great leadership 
in their efforts to organize this special order.
  On Greek Independence Day, we celebrate our special ties of 
friendship, history, and shared values with Greece. In doing so, we not 
only honor such an important day in Greek history, but also the strong 
and unique relationship that exists today between the United States and 
Greece.
  Our two nations have enjoyed close relations since the people of 
Greece declared their independence on March 25, 1821. Our country has 
welcomed generations of Greek immigrants, and we are grateful for how 
they have enhanced our culture and contributed to our country in a 
variety of fields, including philosophy, architecture, politics and the 
arts. I am so proud to have a thriving community of Hellenic-Americans 
in the 9th District of New Jersey. I salute them and their ancestors' 
struggle for freedom on the anniversary of Greek Independence Day and I 
commend them for their tremendous contributions to the very fabric of 
our community.
  For nearly 200 years, the American and Greek peoples have shared a 
profound commitment to democratic principles, and have worked to create 
societies built on these principles. The United States and Greece have 
stood together in every major struggle for freedom and democracy and 
now they continue to work together in the fight against terrorism. 
Greece continues to be a valuable military partner to the United 
States, as is evident through their support of both Operation Enduring 
Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and an important member of both 
NATO and the European Union.
  I am so pleased to have this opportunity to toast the Greek people 
and celebrate Greek culture once again. It is an honor to rise and 
commemorate the 184th Greek Independence Day. On this day we celebrate 
more than just Greece's independence, we celebrate Greece as an 
important military ally and longstanding friend of the United States.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition of the 
184th anniversary of Greek Independence. On this special day for 
Greece, we commemorate the strength and determination of its people to 
restore their democratic roots and identity.
  The political philosophies of both the United States and Greece have 
been challenged by oppressive powers, and both nations have proudly 
defended their right to self-government and individual freedoms. Greece 
endured eleven long years of war to succeed in gaining independence 
from the Ottoman Empire. American and Hellenic cultures greatly respect 
this tradition of independence and recognize the importance of 
democratic principles.
  The United States and Greece have always enjoyed a friendship and 
alliance in international and cultural endeavors. Hellenic principles 
resonate in our culture and politics, since the United States was 
founded on the principles of democracy developed thousands of years ago 
in the city-states of ancient Greece. The beauty of Greek architecture 
can even be found while taking a walk through our beloved Capitol 
building. Likewise, our country's influence on Greece can be seen in 
their first Constitution, which was based on our Declaration of 
Independence and the principles behind the American Revolution.
  On a cultural level, I would like to commend Greece on the great 
success of the Olympic Games in Athens last August. Since Greece 
resurrected the Olympics in 1896, they have symbolized peace and 
excellence for people around the world. The Olympics show that great 
athletic skill and spirited competition can bring nations together 
despite their differences. Greece served as a gracious host of the 
Games, and the 25th Summer Olympics proved again to the world how 
Hellenic ideals such as equality and friendship have stood the test of 
time and continue to flourish at a global level. Hellenic culture, 
whether through its development of democratic government or its 
espousal of friendly competition, encourages people to come together 
amicably even during the most difficult of times.
  Mr. Speaker, it would be hard to imagine the United States of 
America, or the world for that matter, without the great contributions 
of Greece. I will continue to work in Congress to support Hellenic 
causes, and I would like to join my colleagues in congratulating Greece 
on the anniversary of its independence.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating this anniversary.
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join my colleagues here in 
the United States Congress in celebration of the 184th anniversary of 
Greece's Independence Day. We would not be standing in this very 
building were it not for the influences of ancient Greek architecture 
and ancient Greek notions of freedom, democracy, and independence.
  On the anniversary of Greek independence, we honor the achievements 
and contributions of the Greek people and the Greek state, and salute a 
proud nation that has accomplished so much in history, science, 
philosophy, mathematics, literature, and art. But by far the most 
notable of all their achievements is the notion of democracy. Our own 
founding fathers incorporated the ancient Greek's political experience 
and philosophy when they formed our

[[Page H1753]]

representative democracy. In 1821, the Greeks continued this tradition 
by revolting against nearly 400 years of repressive rule by the Ottoman 
Empire and began their journey toward independence.
  Greek concepts of government and freedom have had an immense and 
inestimable influence on the world. The world witnessed this as Greece, 
home of the first Olympics, hosted the Games once again in 2004. So 
March 25th marked a historic day for the world, not just for Greece 
alone. It is yet another day for all to celebrate the principles of 
democracy, freedom and self-governance.
  Over the years, the United States and Greece have shown their 
commitment to and admiration for democratic ideals. Greece is one of 
only a handful of countries that stood by the United States in every 
major international conflict in the 20th century: World War I, World 
War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and the Balkans. 
The Greek government responded to the September 11th terrorist attacks 
with strong political support, as well. The United States and Greece 
have formed a special bound based upon their shared commitment to 
democracy and freedom.
  Today, the world needs to come together and stand on the basis of 
Greek principles to protect the human and religious rights of the 
Ecumenical Patriarchate. While this is an issue that concerns the Greek 
community, it is one that is vital to all communities. We must protect 
the rights of Ecumenical Patriarchate as Turkey has: refused to 
recognize the Ecumenical Patriarchate's international status and its 
significance of Orthodox Christians around the world; prevented the 
Orthodox Christian church from selecting bishops from anywhere in the 
world to become the Ecumenical Patriarch by requiring Turkish 
citizenship; confiscated Ecumenical properties since 2002; and levied a 
retroactive tax on the Balukli Hospital, a philanthropic institution 
run by the Ecumenical Patriarchate which treats thousands of patients a 
year.
  We also call on Turkey to grant appropriate international recognition 
and ecclesiastic succession to the Ecumenical Patriarch, along with the 
right to train clergy of all nationalities.
  Finally, the resolution calls on Turkey to respect the property 
rights and religious rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
  From the history of democracy to the religious freedom and human 
rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, we share a common vision with 
Greece and all of her people. On this day, the United States of America 
and Greece stand side-by-side in our commitment to the principles of 
democracy, freedom, and independence. And I would like to thank the 
Greek people for leading the way and giving us the inspiration and 
strength to pursue these ideals.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, on March 25th Greece celebrated its 184th 
year of independence. I am here tonight 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 Congress, on 
both sides of the spectrum, who are staunchly committed to preserving 
and strengthening the ties between Greek and American people.
  In the years since Greek independence, Americans and Greeks have 
grown ever closer, bound by ties of strategic and military alliance, 
common values of democracy, individual freedom, human rights, and close 
personal friendship.
  The timeless values of Greek culture have endured for centuries, 
indeed for millennia. Four hundred years of control by the Ottoman 
Empire could not overcome the Greek people's determination to be free. 
But, I regret to say, Mr. Speaker, to this day, the Greek people must 
battle against oppression. For over 30 years now, Greece has stood firm 
in its determination to bring freedom and independence to the illegally 
occupied nation of Cyprus.
  I also have grown increasingly concerned over the Bush 
administration's blatant shift in policy towards Cyprus that's become 
apparent since the Greek Cypriots rejected a United Nations 
reunification proposal offered by U.N. Secretary General Koffi Annan 
last year. I reject the belief that the United States Government should 
punish Greek Cypriots for going to the voting booth and concluding, 
rightly in my opinion, that the Annan Plan forced the Greek Cypriots to 
make far more concessions than Turkey.
  I'm particularly concerned by comments made earlier this year by 
Secretary Rice in Turkey in which she stated: (and I quote) ``We are 
looking at what we can do to ease the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots 
because, we, like everyone else, were disappointed that the Annan plan 
was not adopted. We have taken some steps, direct aid for instance to 
Turkish Cypriots, but there are probably other things that we should 
look at doing.''
  I shouldn't have to remind the Secretary of State that the isolation 
of the Turkish Cypriots derives from the ongoing occupation of the 
northern third of the island by Turkish troops and that our nations 
efforts should be concentrated on the withdrawal of these troops.
  While the U.S. government should work to make the lives of Turkish-
Cypriots better, it's simply unacceptable for our government to help 
the Turkish-Cypriot 'government' that continues to illegally rule the 
northern third of the island. The Bush administration simply cannot 
ignore well-established international law as a way to punish the Greek 
Cypriots for their democratic vote in opposition to the Annan Plan.
  It's important that Secretary of State take a historic look at the 
Cyprus problem over the last 30 years when developing U.S. policy. It's 
important the U.S. Government not only look at the Cyprus problem 
through the lens of the Annan vote last year, but also from the 
perspective of three decades of illegal actions on the Turkish side.
  I would hope that the Bush administration would then conclude that 
it's in the best interests of our nation to support a united democratic 
Cyprus, free of any Turkish occupation or any Turkish troops.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to once again congratulate the Greek people for 
184 years of independence, and hope someday soon we can celebrate the 
independence of the Greek-Cypriots.

                          ____________________