Bilirakis Questions Clinton on Greek & Cypriot Relations

WASHINGTON (22 April) During a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) questioned Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on United States relations with both Greece and Cyprus as she made her first appearance before the Committee to outline the Obama Administrations foreign policy priorities. I am encouraged to know that Secretary Clinton has a solid working relationship with Foreign Minister Bakoyiannis of Greece and hope that will translate into the Administrations ability to help encourage stronger relations between the United States, Greece, and Cyprus, as well as freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, said Bilirakis. During Wednesdays hearing, Bilirakis pressed Clinton on the status of Greeces admission into the visa waiver program, the outstanding name issue between Greece and FYROM, and reunification plans for the future of Cyprus. After outlining for Secretary Clinton the flaws in the Annan Plan which contained provisions that prohibited Greek-Cypriots from purchasing property in 1/3 of their own country and constitutionally established Turkish troops permanently on Cyprus, Bilirakis pressed her about whether the Administration will oppose similar provisions in any future settlement agreements for the reunification of Cyprus. I was pleased to hear the Secretarys support for a mutually agreed upon plan between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots, added Bilirakis. As a member of the European Affairs Subcommittee, as well as Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus of Hellenic Issues, I have a great interest in ensuring that FYROM exercises the same good faith that has characterized Greeces efforts in trying to once and for all achieve a mutually agreed upon name resolution for FYROM. Further, I will continue to press for a bizonal, bicommunal reunification plan for Cyprus. I look forward to working with the new administration to enhance our transatlantic relations with Greece, and Cyprus, and secure basic human, religious, and property rights for the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey.