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Armenian, Assyrian and Hellenic Genocide News
AHEPA Expresses concern to Greek Government over removal of "Genocide" from Decree
by Andrew Kaffes - Tuesday, March 6, 2001
Posted: Monday, March 12, 2001 06:43 am CST
Tuesday, March 6, 2001 <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Contact: Andrew Kaffes
Phone: (202) 232-6300; Ext. 204
E-mail: akaffes@ahepa.org
N E W S R E L E A S E
AHEPA EXPRESSES CONCERN TO GREEK GOVERNMENT OVER REMOVAL OF "GENOCIDE" FROM DECREE
Washington-The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the world's leading Hellenic heritage organization, expressed its concern over the Greek government's likely decision to erase from a presidential decree a reference to the "genocide" of Greeks in Asia Minor by Ottoman forces in the early 20th century, announced Supreme President Johnny N. Economy. In a letter delivered to Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday, AHEPA made clear its policy not to compromise history in order to achieve rapprochement.
"It is extremely crucial to the Hellenic American and Canadian communities that our history not be erased by any individual or government," said Economy, whose mother fled Asia Minor in 1922.
Also, Economy raised the issue with Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos in a meeting held last Friday. The decree was drafted in the Ministry of Culture in 1998.
"AHEPA applauds the members of our community who have expressed their concern and dismay to the Greek government via e-mail and letters," said Economy. "We hope to see the same energy and vigor directed to Congress, encouraging representatives to co-sponsor new legislation introduced in the 107th Congress and encouraging them to join the Hellenic Caucus."
A copy of the letter to Prime Minister Simitis follows.
AHEPA is the largest Greek American association in the world with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus and sister chapters in Australia and New Zealand. It was established in 1922 by visionary Greek Americans to protect Hellenes from prejudice originating from the KKK, and in its history, AHEPA joined with the NAACP and B'nai B'rith to fight discrimination.
The mission of the AHEPA family is to promote the ideals of Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility and family and individual excellence.
The AHEPA family consists of four organizations: AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena.
For more information about AHEPA, or how to join the AHEPA family, please contact AHEPA Headquarters, 202/232-6300. For instant information visit www.ahepa.org/.
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AH/0301/25
March 5, 2001
His Excellency Costas Simitis
Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic
Megaro Maximou
19 Herod. Attikou Street
Athens, Attica 10674
Greece
Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
On behalf of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, the world's leading Hellenic heritage organization, I wish to express our deep concern over the Greek government's likely decision to erase from a presidential decree a reference to the "genocide" of Greeks in Asia Minor by Ottoman forces in the early 20th century.
It is extremely crucial to the Hellenic American and Canadian communities that our history not be erased by any individual or government. Many of our members are descendants of survivors of the Pontian Genocide, including myself, as my mother fled Asia Minor in 1922 to escape the actions and atrocities of the time.
Although we are not your constituents, we are part of the valued Greek Diaspora. In the United States, we worked at length and with diligence, in coalition building efforts, encouraging our elected governmental officials to recognize the Armenian Genocide through a congressional resolution. As American citizens, we were extremely disappointed to learn that Turkey pressured our government to remove the resolution prior to a vote.
AHEPA comprehends the need for an easing of relations between Greece and Turkey and applauds the ongoing efforts of the Greek government and its Foreign Minister George Papandreou toward this goal. In fact, AHEPA, as a group of concerned American citizens of Hellenic descent, seeks to facilitate rapprochement by being a "bridge of communication" between all parties involved. However, it is the policy of AHEPA not to compromise our history as a people in order to achieve détente. Genocide is born of racism, bigotry, and the absence of fundamental principles of human rights and civil liberties. AHEPA was founded in 1922 to combat these evils and instill these principles in American society as they pertained to the Greek American community.
Therefore, AHEPA strongly urges that the word "genocide" be retained in the presidential decree bringing into effect law 2645/1998. If not, then we sincerely hope that Turkey will show its appreciation for this diplomatic action taken by the Greek government. Turkey must take positive steps in rapprochement with respect to the Aegean, Cyprus, and the protection of religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Respectfully submitted,
Johnny N. Economy
Supreme President
Cc: Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou
Ambassador of Greece to the United States Alexander Philon
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