AHEPA, U.S. Ambassador Pyatt Discuss Latest in U.S.-Greece Relations

American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association

AHEPA, U.S. Ambassador Pyatt Discuss Latest in U.S.-Greece Relations U.S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt and Supreme President George G. Horiates discussed the latest developments in U.S.-Greece relations in a call today. “We sincerely thank Ambassador Pyatt for the generous time afforded us,” Supreme President Horiates said. “The United States and Greece are experiencing the ‘Golden Years’ of their enduring relationship. Along with strong military and strategic cooperation, growth in energy and tech sectors are positive developments, vital to the interests of both countries. As it has for nearly a century, AHEPA is proud to serve as a bridge between the two nations, lending its support to the flourishing relationship.” When asked about Turkey’s stated plans to survey for natural resources in areas over which Greece and Cyprus assert jurisdiction in the Eastern Mediterranean, Ambassador Pyatt responded, “We urge Turkish authorities to halt any plans for operations and to avoid steps that raise tensions in the region. Such actions are provocative and raise tensions in the region. Resource development in the Eastern Mediterranean should promote cooperation and provide a foundation for durable energy security and economic prosperity throughout the region.” # # # Photo caption: Ambassador Pyatt and Supreme President Horiates following a January 2020 meeting at the ambassador's residence. American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association Advocacy Issue Update AHEPA-backed Congressional Amendment Passes An AHEPA-backed bipartisan amendment sponsored by U.S. Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) that is accompanied by language that encourages the U.S. Department of State to denounce Turkey for taking formal action to change the status of Hagia Sophia has passed the U.S. House of Representatives, announced Supreme President George G. Horiates. The language also encourages the State Department to engage with Turkey for purpose of returning its status to a museum. The amendment is part of a larger FY2021 funding bill, H.R.7608, the House is expected to pass tomorrow. "We applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for passing language that encourages the State Department to take action with regard to Hagia Sophia's status," Horiates said. "We sincerely appreciate the lead sponsorship of Congresswoman Titus, who testified to the Rules Committee and who spoke in support of her amendment on the House floor today. We are grateful for the bipartisan support of the amendment's co-sponsors that propelled its passage." On July 20, Supreme President Horiates sent a letter of strong support to the House Rules Committee for the amendment to advance to the House floor for a vote. "We appreciated the opportunity to work in cooperation with Congresswoman Titus on this important measure," he added. AHEPA support letter | view Rep. Titus testimony Photo credit: Ekathimerini Amb. Pyatt's Statement on Kastellorizo Welcomed In statements made today, U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt reiterated his previous statements that islands have "exactly the same" continental shelf and exclusive economic zone rights as mainland territory, according to news reports. "I have also made a point on many occasions and I will make it again today, that the United States adheres to the principal of international maritime law that islands, including Kastellorizo,” Ambassador Pyatt told ANA-MPA, per a report in Ekathimerini. Ambassador Pyatt also reiterated, "I want to echo the clear message from Washington and elsewhere in Europe urging Turkish authorities to halt operations that raise tensions in the region, such as plans to survey for natural resources in areas where Greece and Cyprus assert jurisdiction in the Eastern Mediterranean." "We welcome Ambassador Pyatt's statements and appreciate the dialogue we are having with the State Department on this pressing matter that is ongoing," Supreme President George G. Horiates said. "However, we do emphasize that any reference to Greece's continental shelf as 'disputed waters' is unacceptable and only emboldens Turkey." On July 22, President Horiates sent a letter to Secretary Pompeo to convey AHEPA's alarm and grave concern about Turkey’s dangerous aggression toward fellow Greece in the Aegean. read ekathimerini article | read AHEPA letter to Secretary Pompeo | Acting Asst. Secretary of State Reeker weighs in Two Congressional Amendments to Defense Bill Supported by AHEPA In a July 17 letter to the the House Rules Committee, Supreme President George G. Horiates conveyed AHEPA's support for two amendments offered to the FY2021 annual defense authorization bill (NDAA), H.R.6395. The amendments were:  Kinzinger/Spanberger 196 - Requires a determination on the imposition of sanctions with respect to the Government of Turkey’s acquisition of the S-400 air and missile defense system from the Russian Federation Bilirakis/Pappas 654 - Requires a feasibility study on increased rotational deployments to Greece and encourages enhanced U.S. diplomatic engagement w/ Greece-Cyprus-Israel & Greece-Cyprus-Egypt. Both amendments were adopted and passed by the House of Representatives as part of the larger annual defense bill on July 21. H.R.6395 also included an authorization of appropriations of $50.18 million for construction at NSA Souda Bay, Crete. "We applaud the U.S. House for passing these amendments," Supreme President George G. Horiates said. "We sincerely thank the leadership of Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and the co-sponsors of their amendments, Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). Measures that aim to hold Turkey accountable or to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece are to be commended and supported." read AHEPA's support letter