Conferences on Greek American grassroots activity

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From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" <dist@hri.org>

Originally From: Arthur Lampros <ahiworld@mindspring.com>

American Hellenic Institute

December 6, 1996 PR: 41/96

AHIPAC IN COOPERATION WITH AHEPA AND HANC ANNOUNCES THREE LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCES HIGHLIGHTING GREEK AMERICAN GRASSROOTS ACTIVITY WITH THE NEWLY ELECTED 105TH CONGRESS

The American Hellenic Institute Public Affairs Committee (AHIPAC) announces it will be holding three one-day Legislative Policy Conferences in early 1997 in cooperation with the Order of AHEPA and the Hellenic American Nation Council (HANC) to kick off a concerted effort with the Greek American grassroots community to focus on the newly elected 105th Congress.

Also co-sponsoring these conferences are the Cyprus Federation of America, the Pancretan Association of America, the Chian Federation of New York and the Panepirotic Federation of America. More co-sponsors are expected to be added to this list.

The one-day conferences will be held:

• January 11, 1997, New York City, New York, Grand Hyatt Hotel
• January 25, 1997, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles Airport Marriott
• February 8, 1997, Chicago, Illinois, Chicago Airport Marriott

The primary focus of the conferences is to discuss the issues of importance to the Greek American community and reach a common policy position on each of them. These positions will serve as the backbone of the grassroots effort with the 105th Congress. Speakers will include members of the academic community, elected officials and the leaders of the various sponsoring organizations.

"We are pleased to note the progress made in the 104th Congress. The Porter and Visclosky amendments proved to be very successful. The several legislative initiatives sent a clear message that the U.S. Congress is gradually taking a substantive look at our issues. Our issues are now getting more attention than in previous years. We need to continue to raise that level by building on our successes," remarked AHIPAC Chairman Savas Tsivicos.

"These conferences will be of major significance to the advancement of our issues in the 105th Congress. The main policy issues we will address at these conferences will be the Aegean, Cyprus, minority rights in Albania, the elimination of U.S. aid to Turkey, and religious freedom in Turkey and the protection and safety of the Christian Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul and the reopening of the Halki Patriarchal School of Theology," explained AHIPAC General Counsel Eugene T. Rossides.

In an effort to maximize the effectiveness of the Greek American community, the participants will also discuss AHIPAC's extensive grassroots program which is intended to provide a vehicle for participation by anyone interested in becoming part of the political process. "The Congressional Contact Leadership Team (CCLT) is an integral part of the organization. It has the potential to become a powerful tool in the formulation of U.S. public policy toward Greece, Cyprus and Turkey," noted Tsivicos.

Reservations for the conference and luncheon ($75) may be made by contacting AHIPAC at 202-785-8430 or 800-424-9607.

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