A tremendous moment in U.S.-Greece relations was achieved when the United States designated Greece a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) nation on March 9, 2010. AHEPA Supreme President Nicholas A. Karacostas immediately hailed this announcement as one that will strengthen the long-standing strategic partnership between the two NATO allies. Greece's VWP designation means trade and commerce between the countries will flourish and tourism to the United States will increase. The strict security standards Greece had to meet, including passenger information sharing and screening will help to protect our citizens. Finally, Greece's inclusion in the VWP is a tremendous source of pride for the Greek American community, making it easier for relatives to visit, especially at a moment's notice. Since the fall of 2006, AHEPA worked diligently on the VWP issue by creating awareness of it to key audiences in Washington and by seeking clarification of how the VWP admission process actually worked. Not only did the merits of Greece's candidacy need to be promoted, but also the benefits of expanding the VWP as a whole. This included: Holding AHEPA's first of many face-to-face meetings with the Department of Homeland Security in September 2006. Working with our champions in Congress, comprising mostly of Hellenic Caucus members, to position Greece to the Bush Administration as a leading candidate for inclusion. This included the introduction of legislation designating Greece a VWP nation by Hellenic Caucus Co-Chair U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), which was supported by fellow Caucus Co-Chair U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL); and members of Congress sending letters of support to administration officials. Also there were successful congressional efforts in September 2007 to ensure that funds appropriated to expand the VWP were not eliminated from the federal budget. Hosting a public policy forum in January 2007 on Capitol Hill with leading administration, congressional, European Union, and think-tank policy experts to raise the visibility of the importance of expanding the Visa Waiver Program for all countries who qualify. Outreaching to build coalitions with major travel industry trade associations that supported expansion of the VWP. Also in 2007, policymakers in Washington became more comfortable with the notion of expanding the VWP when Congress passed S.4, Improving America's Security Act of 2007 in August. The bill included a provision in Title V, Section 501 authored by Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH), an Ahepan, which enhanced and strengthened the security measures of the VWP. As a result of all these measures, Greece became the only nation to be formally nominated by the Department of State in September 2007. The nomination allowed the Department of Homeland Security to begin the evaluation process. AHEPA is proud of the role it played to see Greece become a U.S. VWP nation. The organization, through its leadership, members, and staff, worked diligently, even through transition periods, in a team effort with Congress, federal agencies, media outlets, and other Greek American and trade organizations, to: create awareness and raise visibility of the merits of Greece's candidacy, correct an unjust position taken by the Executive Branch, and cooperate with other organizations to ensure the Visa Waiver Program-as a whole-became a more secure program that ultimately benefits the United States, its economy, and its relationships with its allies. AHEPA commends the Greek government which worked hard to meet the United States' strict security criteria over the past four years. Likewise to be commended are Homeland Security, the State Department, and Congress. They all kept on top of the issue and remained engaged even when there were lulls in the process. Greek American media outlets kept the issue front-and-center of the community. Congratulations to the entire AHEPA staff for their support and hard work on this issue. Special note of thanks go to previous Director of Communications Michael Zachariades, and Government Relations Consultant Andrew Kaffes, who were all personally saluted by Supreme President Karacostas for their efforts over the years.
II. FINANCIALMIRROR - Turkish Cypriot “isolation”: fact or fiction?
Štefan Füle, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy has frequently made reference of the necessity to “lift the isolation of Turkish Cypriots”. Considering the high level negotiations underway for Cyprus’ reunification, the notion of “Turkish Cypriot isolation” must be clarified. The essential point being that the onus is on Turkey, not Cyprus, to lift so-called Turkish Cypriot “isolation”. Only by ending her illegal military occupation and persisting secessionist actions can Turkish Cypriots fully enjoy all rights afforded by the European Union. To redress the nature of the conflict, the 36-year division of Cyprus is not bi-communal in nature but the product of Turkish geostrategic policies and military expansionism. Prior to the Turkish invasion, Cypriots lived intermingled throughout the island. Referring to UN Mediator Galo Plaza’s March 1965 report, “The more general pattern in any given area is a mixture of Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot and mixed villages.” The fact remains that the Republic of Cyprus has taken great measures for Turkish Cypriots not only post-EU accession (and despite the suspension of the EU acquis communautaire in the occupied areas) but far earlier in the years ensuing the 1974 invasion. For instance, following the invasion, the Republic of Cyprus provided the occupied area with free electricity, water and gas at a cost of over USD 343 mln from 1974-1996. This, despite the fact that the illegal occupation, which usurped 37% of the most fertile land of the Republic accounted for multi-billion Cyprus pound losses to the economy. The underdevelopment of the economy in the occupied part is significantly attributed to the policies of the Turkish military occupation which actively discourage trade through the Green Line whilst advocating “direct” trade in efforts to promote recognition of the illegal regime, preferring instead to accuse the Republic of Cyprus of Turkish Cypriot "isolation". To address the question of isolation post-EU accession, the Republic of Cyprus has in fact ensured the entitlement of Turkish Cypriots to passports, birth certificates and ID cards enabling them to enjoy benefits of EU membership. Turkish Cypriots can therefore move, work, study and settle freely within the Union and enjoy consular and diplomatic protection. Thousands of Turkish Cypriots are also employed within the government controlled area and receive free medical care and social benefits at a cost of over EUR 6.9 mln and 32.3 mln, respectively since April 2003. Following the partial lifting of restrictions across the UN ceasefire line in April 2003, Turkish Cypriots have enjoyed substantial economic benefits (USD 57million from April 2003-2005) accrued from Greek Cypriot visits and tourist expenditure on goods and services. Most importantly, on February 27, 2006 the Republic of Cyprus backed an EU aid program of EUR 259 mln for Turkish Cypriots, of which 99% has already been contracted with programs for integration and social and economic development. The government has also demined the buffer zone and made proposals to open eight additional crossing points. The Republic of Cyprus has taken progressive measures to promote the 26th April 2004 European Council Conclusions which seek to integrate Turkish Cypriots and create a positive climate for a viable and long lasting solution. One which, contrary to previous plans, does not, among other things, include the provision for military intervention, which constituted an absurd mockery of an EU state. The government is working hard for the reunification of the island. However, Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership have not presented any workable proposals towards settlement. In January they submitted a package of ten proposals which clearly lead to a confederation based on two separate founding states. This is no basis for “reunification”. The proposals are way off what has been agreed as the basis for negotiations – that of working towards a bi-zonal bi-communal federation for one single state, with a single sovereignty, single citizenship and one international identity. Considering these measures, adopted by the government for the integration of Turkish Cypriots, it is essential to debunk the notion of Turkish Cypriot “isolation” as one imposed by the government of Cyprus. This serves only to encourage Turkish intransigence in negotiations, and we all know it takes two to tango.
Ankara has recalled its Ambassador to Stockholm and canceled the planned visit of Prime Minister Erdogan, after the Swedish parliament adopted a resolution recognizing the genocide of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire. The controversial document was sponsored by the opposition in the Swedish parliament and was opposed by the government. The resolution was adopted by a small margin, with 131 MPs in favor, 130 against and 88 more abstaining. After the vote, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said he regretted the decision. Meanwhile, Turkish officials did not take much time to react harshly to the news. Ankara has cancelled the visit of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Sweden, which was planned for March 17, and recalled the Turkish ambassador. The development mirrors the events of last week, when the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives adopted a similar document. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on legislators not to support the draft resolution when it is debated in the Congress, while Turkey also recalled its ambassador to the US. The oppression of Armenian residents in Ottoman Empire in 1910s has an estimated death toll of up to 1.5 million people, who allegedly died through neglect and violence. Many governments and organizations, including 42 individual states in the USA, the European Parliament, Russia, France, Germany and the Vatican, among others, consider the events as genocide. Turks have always rejected the accusations and opposed moves for their international recognition.
IV. RADIOSRBIJA - Future of West Balkans is in EU
The future of West Balkans lies in the EU underlined foreign ministers of Serbia and Albania, Vuk Jeremic and Ilir Meta respectively, after their meeting in Belgrade. Our reporter Dusicka Maticki has more on this topic. Jeremic told the press conference that the talks with Meta were intensive and encompassing, so he assessed that the visit of the Head of the Albanian Diplomacy is historic in character. According to Jeremic, the future and stability of the West Balkan region depends on the relations between the Serbs and Albanians. He has underlined that it is necessary to improve those relations, because it is the common interest. The Serbian minister concluded that the relations between the two countries were burdened by the political differences of Belgrade and Tirana, relating to the future status of Kosmet, while adding that those difference did not diminish during the talks in Belgrade. “The positive thing is that we have agreed on the necessity of effort to isolate that issue, so that it would not impede our relations in other domains”, said Jeremic. He also emphasized that the two countries are tied by the Albanian minority in Serbia and the Serbian minority in Albania. He expressed hope that the position of the Serb minority in Albania will be equally good as the Albanians’ situation in Serbia and stressed that the Serbian authorities will do everything to provide the conditions for peaceful and prosperous life to the Albanians in Serbia.
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the reduction of nuclear arsenals has to be carried out in a balanced manner, but that atomic weapons were still needed for deterrence reasons. At an international conference in Warsaw, Rasmussen said that nuclear weapons will continue to be "a major element of credible deterrence in the future." Rasmussen also said NATO needs to develop an antimissile defense system as a deterrence, while seeking to assure Moscow that the organization posed no threat to Russia. Rasmussen was in Warsaw outlining NATO's new strategy aims in which the alliance's main task remained defending the territory and people of the member countries. Rasmussen said there was no contradiction between NATO's main task of defending the alliance's member states with such new objectives such as fighting terrorism or setting up antimissile defences. NATO's new strategy is to be subjected to members' approval in November.
Russia is the first country to wish for better control of conventional forces in Europe, said Moscow’s envoy to NATO Dmitry Rogozin. The comment comes as Russia sends a letter on the issue to NATO Secretary General. The letter describes Russia’s attitude to the CFE treaty, a key Cold War arms control document. In 2007, Moscow suspended its participation in the treaty in response to the failure of new NATO members to ratify its adapted version. The issue was discussed during the visit of Anders Fogh Rasmussen to Moscow in December last year. It appears there was an inconsistency between Russia’s attitude and the way this attitude is perceived by NATO partners, Rogozin said. “We are one of the most active proponents of the control regime for conventional forces and support the position of those European colleagues who consider the CFE a cornerstone of European security,” the diplomat said. He pointed out that Russia did not withdraw from the treaty, but rather suspended its participation. The move is intended to give initiative to NATO partners to adopt the adapted CFE.
VII. IOCCNEWS - IOCC and Orthodox Church reach Uganda's youth
Far off the main road linking the capital city of Kampala with the Lake Victoria commercial port of Jinja, children lie in wait near the trenched ditches along dirt roads, waiting for white ants to climb out of their hills before the heat of the sun drives the insects underground again. With weathered plastic cups in hand they hope to catch as many of these delicacies as possible. For many children in this area, these white ants may represent their biggest source of nutrients. The HIV/AIDS epidemic and civil war over the past two decades have left a wake of extreme poverty and large families parentless and displaced from their homes. Along that same road is a clearing and the site of St. Mary Parish of the Uganda Orthodox Church (UOC). Here, the Orthodox Church provides a haven for orphans and vulnerable children to get food, education, and perhaps a little dignity. Through its primary and secondary schools at the St. Mary Parish, the UOC is providing hundreds of children throughout Uganda with schooling, books, and uniforms. "I have seen much suffering and violence in my lifetime, and I do not want the same for my brothers and sisters," says Apostolos, 20, who is the eldest of six orphaned siblings. "After our parents died it was just me left to provide for our family, and I was scared because I was still so young." IOCC is helping to support the St. Mary Parish primary and secondary schools through a new agricultural project. IOCC is constructing a poultry farm and corn mill at the school which will provide students with a marketable skill. Local villagers will also benefit from the ability to mill their corn crop locally instead of incurring the expense of milling in Kampala. And the school will be able to defer some of the costs of sponsoring children through the income brought in by the mill and the poultry. Additionally, IOCC is providing regulation desks for classrooms, which will allow the schools to be nationally certified for proctoring end of year exams. "Before we had these desks, the school was paying for the costs of students who had to travel long distances to take the year-end exam," remarks headmaster James Kakende. "Now, that money can be spent on sponsoring new children, and local families will have more money left for their survival needs." After spending more than 6 years living and studying in Katente, and being financially supported by the school, Apostolos is poised to graduate high school next year. "With the help of the school I have been educated, and given income to support my brothers and sisters, and I am no longer scared for the future." Apostolos hopes to be able to attend University and study law.