AHEPA hosts new US ambassador to Greece

WASHINGTON – The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the world’s leading Hellenic heritage organization, hosted a dinner reception for new US Ambassador to Greece Thomas Miller on Thursday, September 27, in Washington, announced Supreme President Andrew T. Banis.

            “The ambassador’s concern for the stability of southeastern Europe and his deep interest and knowledge of the Cyprus problem makes him the best qualified representative of the United States in Greece,” said Banis in his introductory remarks.

            Ambassador Miller addressed the audience on issues pertaining to the tragic events of September 11, US-Greece relations which he described as being “sound and secure”, and the Cyprus problem.

            “The outpouring of support from Greek-Americans, and in general from Americans, reaffirms the strength and fiber of our nation from which we all can take solace,” said Ambassador Miller about the community’s response to the attack upon America. “I have a strong sense that we will get through this and we will succeed.”

            With respect Greece’s response, the ambassador said, “The Greek government has been absolutely fantastic so far in supporting this effort and has realized that this is an international problem.” He described recent demonstrations in Greece as “noise” and should be treated as such.

            A large part of the ambassador’s focus when he arrives in Greece will be on the situation resulting from the events of September 11.

Thoughts on the Cyprus problem

            In commenting about the Cyprus problem, Ambassador Miller said, “I honestly believe there is a solution.” He referred to his two-year experience in Bosnia as reason for his optimism.

            The diplomat hopes to use his past experience to lend a helping hand in the continued improvement of Greek-Turkish relations without infringing on the two governments.

            “Tension between Greece and Turkey are a lot less now than when I was in Greece last time,” said Ambassador Miller who served in Greece twice, once in the 1980s as a political officer and a second time from 1994 to 1997 as Deputy Chief of Mission. “I am returning to a Greece that has moved forward with remarkable accomplishments given where it was several years ago.”

            The ambassador cited the reduction of inflation, the stabilization of debt, and Greece’s entry into the European Monetary Union as examples of the country’s recent progression.

            “This is a dream come true for us,” said the ambassador about returning to Greece with his wife Bonnie. “We love Greece, we have a lot of friends there, and we are thrilled to be going back.”

            Following his remarks, Ambassador Miller presided over a question and answer period with the audience. There he described the philanthropic activities of AHEPA as “terrific” and encouraged the organization to continue educating its constituents and the American public in the same “extremely effective” manner.