Armenian, Assyrian and Hellenic Genocide News

Ahepa Expresses Outrage To U.S. Secretary Of State Over Abduction Of Greek Cypriot
by Andrew Kaffes
Posted: Saturday, December 30, 2000 01:49 am CST

Friday, December 29, 2000

Contact: Andrew Kaffes

Phone: (202) 232-6300

E-mail: akaffes@ahepa.org

N E W S R E L E A S E

Washington-The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the world's leading Hellenic heritage organization, expressed

outrage today regarding the abduction of Mr. Panicos Tsiakourmas, a citizen of the Republic of Cyprus, by the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime, within the territory of the British Bases in Cyprus, Dec. 13, 2000.

In a letter written to U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on behalf of the Hellenic-American community, AHEPA Supreme President Johnny N. Economy stated, "As a result [of the evidence presented], Mr. Tsiakourmas' seizure can be characterized as a terrorist act equivalent to hostage taking and as a human rights issue that is to be monitored closely."

Economy requested Secretary Albright's immediate assistance to secure the swift release of Mr. Tsiakourmas and his safe return to his family.

Also, he asked that pressure be exerted on Turkey, whose government is ultimately responsible for the actions of the local administration in the occupied area of Cyprus, to promptly resolve the issue.

The supreme president added that the abduction of Mr. Tsiakourmas does not bode well for any progress in finding a just and peaceful resolution to the Cyprus issue in light of what appears to be a postponement to the sixth round of proximity talks due to the unacceptable demands of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

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