Sean Patrick Maloney: “once again as I have every year that I have been a Member of Congress, it is my distinct honor and great privilege to…”

“once again as I have every year that I have been a Member of Congress, it is my distinct honor and great privilege to stand with the gentleman from Florida and commemorate the tragic invasion and occupation of Cyprus. I am sure Mr. Bilirakis will agree with me when I state that a lot has transpired in the year since we stood in this well to discuss the fate of this beautiful island. First, I am pleased of the success that the gentleman and I had in the formation of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues. This has become a large and active organization. We now have 50 Members from both parties from all regions of the country and from all political ideologies. Democrats, Republicans, liberals, and conservatives have all joined together to pursue our common objectives of justice, human rights and stronger ties between the United States and its strong democratic allies, Cyprus and Greece. The Hellenic Caucus has organized important and informative meetings with Greek President Stephanopoulos and Ambassador Tsilas, with Cypriot President Clerides, as well as a touching and very special meeting with this Eminence Archbishop Iakavos, who retired this year after 37 years of service to the community. In addition, the Hellenic Caucus members have strongly urged President Clinton to forcefully condemn hostile Turkish actions regarding the Greek Islands of Imia and Gavdos and other aggressive actions in the eastern Mediterranean.”