For Immediate Release: July 30, 2008
Contact: Nikolaos Taneris, New York, Tel. 1-917-699-9935
NEW YORK--The Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) sends a message of solidarity to our brothers and sisters in the Chicago Council on Justice for Cyprus.
James N. Chiakulas, President, Chicago Council on Justice for Cyprus recently issued a press release calling for unity amongst all Cyprus groups in America. Unfortunately, the issue of territorial “turf wars” and egos (together with recent incidents of reported censorship and biased control of Greek-American media by larger “lobbies”) have undermined the grass-roots efforts of local Cyprus organizations, an issue that reportedly has been raised in the Cyprus political scene, especially in regards to possible support for initiatives by political organizations such as CANA.
Mr. Chiakulas calls “ for cooperation among the various Greek American congressional lobbying groups” , although CANA does not like to view itself as a lobby, we are a registered political organization for the Cyprus cause, we just recently, successfully filed with the Department of State of New York, as an incorporated Political Organization, meaning that CANA can organize and operate primarily to earn and directly accept contributions to influence the selection of any individual to public office. Effectively, CANA can directly be involved in sponsoring candidates for our cause.
We must challenge the status quo with coalition building, media attention, and bold public action to make the world aware of the suffering in Cyprus. CANA remains determined to work in coalition with all people of conscience, and urges the participation of all Hellenic societies in the cause of freedom for our Occupied Cypriot land and, remains firm in its commitment to secure full recognition and justice for Turkey’s crimes.
CANA invites Hellenes, in the homeland and throughout the Diaspora, to share their views regarding these remarks by writing to cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org
The Press Release from James N. Chiakulas is reproduced below, please help us to distribute it widely:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CYPRUS COUNCIL PRESIDENT CALLS FOR SPECIAL ENVOY
TO RESOLVE SPLIT IN GREEK AMERICAN CONGRESSIONAL LOBBY
Chicago, Illinois : James Newport-Chiakulas, President of the Chicago Council on Justice for Cyprus , called on newly-elected Cyprus President Demetris Christofias to appoint a special envoy or legislative liaison to work for cooperation among the various Greek American congressional lobbying groups.
Council President Chiakulas stated, “Our local Justice for Cyprus committee has been working since 1955 on the issue of Cyprus both nationally and in the Chicago area. Yet, the major Greek American congressional lobbying groups have not worked together and this lack of unity is hurting our cause. We need collaboration and a national strategy otherwise our time, effort and money will continue to have limited value. It is a shame that we cannot obtain a meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State because she would have to meet separately with each lobbying group as Assistant Secretary of State Nicholas Burns did in 2006. By being divided we diminish our effectiveness.”
Chiakulas continued: “I do not believe the local communal talks between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots will succeed and the EU will not admit Turkey in this era of Islamic extremism. We have concluded that only firm action by the U.S. government will effect a settlement in Cyprus . It is our hope that a unified Greek American lobby and a new administration in Washington will be a catalyst to that end.”
The contents of President Chiakulas’ letter the Cyprus President is as follows:
His Excellency, Demetris Christofias July 17, 2008
Nicosia, Cyprus
Dear President Christofias:
I am writing to congratulate you on your election as president of the Republic of Cyprus , and to introduce myself and the Chicago Council on Justice for Cyprus .
The Council was formed in 1955 by my father, Charles J. Chiakulas, who was sent to Cyprus by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions and the AFL-CIO to help organize trade unions in Cyprus . He returned to Chicago after the first of many visits to Cyprus and formed the Council along with Mr. Basil Portocalis, Dr. Christopher Costis and Dr. Theodosis Kioutas. Since 1955 our Justice for Cyprus Council has actively educated the Hellenic community and the general public as regards the Cyprus issue. Further, we have aggressively expressed our views over the years to the Illinois congressional delegation and local political leaders – who often become national leaders like Senator Barack Obama.
Our most successful endeavor occurred when my father as CCJC president organized a coalition of Greek Americans to lobby President Lyndon Johnson and Secretary of State Dean Rusk to intervene in the planned “Operation Attila” or invasion of Cyprus in 1964. My father worked with Congressman Roman Pucinski to lead a delegation of Greek Americans to meet Secretary of State Dean Rusk and Joseph Sisco, head of Mid-Eastern Affairs.
In May of 2006 I met with Ambassador Euripides Evriviades and expressed the Council’s views on the current fragmented lobbying situation in the U.S. I have attached my letter to him for your information and a letter to the current Ambassador, Andreas Kakouris. In sum, we strongly believe the key to success in resolving the Cyprus problem is a unified, coordinated American lobby with a national strategy. We believe the vast majority of Hellenic leaders agree with this position. Indeed, in 2007 the HANC Board of Directors voted unanimously to pursue this goal, and the current USA Coordinator of SAE, Ted G. Spyropoulos, also concurs with this view.
The Chicago Justice for Cyprus Council’s position is that the only way to achieve this goal is for the Cyprus government to appoint an individual who shall serve a legislative liaison to lead the American lobbying effort and coordinate the activities of the various Hellenic lobbying groups. It is our belief that the only path to the removal of Turkish troops and a fair resolution of the unification of Cyprus is pressure by the American government brought about by a coordinated Greek American congressional lobby.
Finally, we believe the advent of a new American administration necessitates a bold initiative on the part of the Cyprus government.
Very truly yours,
James Newport-Chiakulas
James N. Chiakulas
President, Chicago Council on Justice for Cyprus
5320 N. Sheridan Road #1703
Chicago, IL 60640
773.882-4550 CyprusChgo@aol.com or JNC@aol.com
###
========================
Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA)
2578 Broadway #132
New York, NY 10025
New York: Tel. 917-699-9935
Email: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org
www.cyprusactionnetwork.org
========================
The Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) is a grass-roots, not-for-profit movement created to support genuine self-determination and human rights for the people of Cyprus.
You may post any CANA article, press release or action alert on the internet as long as you credit CANA and the author(s).
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
CENSORSHIP BY AKTINA FM AND ELENA MAROULLETI
For Immediate Release: July 27, 2008
Contact: Nikolaos Taneris, New York, Tel. 1-917-699-9935
NEW YORK—The Cypriot community asks AKTINA FM’s Elena Maroulleti to provide an
answer as to WHY she censored any and all notices and announcements on her radio
production, AKTINA FM, about the Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) July
20th, 2008 demonstration against the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC, including
the CANA offer of a FREE BUS from Astoria.
Elena Maroulleti ‘s censorship has raised grave concerns about her ethical
standards and commitment as a public interest radio outlet for our community.
Elena Maroulleti censored news and announcements from her own community, from
her own supporters . Elena Marouletti continues to deny any knowledge of the
July 20th 2008 demonstration (the communications that follow give a clear
indication that she was directly informed in advance of the event)An event that
achieved American network television coverage to mark July 20th 2008 as “the
34th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.”
CBS covered the HANDS OFF CYPRUS 2008 demonstration on July 20th, and before
July 20th the news of the demonstration was announced and covered by National
Herald Greek American Daily Hellenic and English edition, by Greek News, and by
newspapers, blogs and websites across the diaspora and in our homelands.
We provide, a vast spectrum of community member letters sent directly to Elena
Maroulleti, followed by Elena Maroulleti’s emails to us, documenting her denial
of the only demonstration in the United States to mark July 20th 2008 as “the
34th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus” covered by major American
television network CBS. Finally we ask, that you follow up with our action alert
and ask Elena Marouletti to admit to her censorship, to end her denial, and to
make a public apology to the entire community.
1) Community member letters sent to Elena Marouletti Email: aktina@aktina.org
2) Elena Maroulleti emails denying the censorship .
3) ACTION ALERT: Letter writing campaign asking Elena Marouletti to admit to her
censorship, to end her denial , and to make a public apology to the entire
community.
1) COMMUNITY MEMBER LETTERS SENT TO ELENA MAROULETTI Email: aktina@aktina.org
Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:39:00 -0400
From: "Gus Kane" To: aktina@aktina.org
Subject: Re:AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI
Dear Host of Aktina FM:
My name is Kostas Kanellopoulos a 33 yr old married Greek-American living in
NYC.
As i started to get involved with Hellenic issues just like the ones i have
heard you talk about on your shows many times,
i had the honour to meet Mr Nikolaos Taneris and other members of his
organization he was someone who i researched before i met and after meeting and
discussing with him have absolutely no doubt that he is a true patriot and an
individual that is most important of all a YOUNG! Greek-American activist with a
selfless heart that we are in short supply of.
I truly hope that there is an explanation for your not promoting his protest
that was organized by the youth that is the future of our country.
A protest against turkey is not a hard thing to get behind and everyone can do
their part especially you that for better or worse have inherited a radio
program such as it is.
So what is your agenda and why or who made you not want to support these young
Greek-Americans that spent their time, money and effort to help your country as
many of these young people involved do not trace their ancestry from Cyprus!
Did a donation cause the censorship? your action leaves many doors open as to
your motive.
I will leave you with a poem that i hope you can appreciate from a true patriots
parent and remember that the old people giving each other awards should be at
home drinking chamomile not being traitors to their race.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Ioannis Fidanakis"
Subject: Open Letter to Elena Maroulleti from President of Panthracian Union of
America "Orpheus"
To: aktina@aktina.org
Dear Elena Maroulleti,
I never thought one day I’d be writing such a letter to you, an act which
saddens me deeply; however I feel that it is necessary. Recently, Saturday July
25th 2008, I happen to ketch a program on AKTINA FM, about Kypros and what was
done by PSEKA on its July 20th anniversary of the Illegal Turkish Military
invasion of the island. Like always I was proud to hear such things being
discussed on the air to keep our community informed and educated on our national
issues. Something I’ve always thought AKTINA FM has done an excellent job with,
and because of such I as President of Panthracian Union of America ‘Orpheus’
have advocated continued support and funding for your programs. However, I was a
bit confused as to why no mention had been made of another patriotic event held
on the same day in Washington D.C. by Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA),
an event that I participated in and was helped organized by Nikolaos Taneris, a
member of the Board of Directors of Panthracian Union of America . This event
was far more important and successful then anything PSEKA did that day. It was
the CANA protest outside the Turkish Embassy that achieved U.S. Media attention
on such key networks as CBS. This censorship of CANA’s activities led me to call
in to ask just why nothing had been said about CANA ’s actions. A phone call,
which I must say has left a bad taste in my mouth for AKTINA FM. I was rudely
told that AKTINA FM had not been informed about the event and that there were no
live calls being taken and hung up upon. I find it very hard to believe that an
event publicized in the National Herald, throughout the internet, and plastered
on fliers across Astoria , could have been overlooked by the Hellenic-American
Media, while American TV stations were aware and present. I personally feel
offended by AKTINA’s censorship and rude behavior towards this event and me,
personally. I will be sure to remember this when Panthracian Union of America is
asked to open its heart and pocket to keep AKTINA FM on the air.
Respectfully,
Ioannis Fidanakis
President of Panthracian Union of America “Orpheus”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Alex A [mailto:malista9@hotmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2008 12:50 AM
To: aktina@aktina.org
Subject: Censoring July 20th Protest was An Error.....
Dear Elena of Aktina,
I participated in the July 20, 2008 peaceful protest at the Turkish Embassy
in Washington DC.
I feel somehow that Aktina is responsible for the low turnout for not offering a
public service announcement to the Greek Americans who have came out for the
protest.
Remember, I am former radio talk show on international human rights. I
listen to alot of
American talk radio. I remember a situation that arose in Afghanistan in the
summer of 2006.
A Muslim convert to Christianity was being sentenced to death. Talk Radio on
630 AM of Washington DC heard about this. Some Christian activists called into
the radio talk show host and said that there will be a Protest at the
Afghanistan Embassy in Washington DC.
The radio talk show host announced the protest at the Afghanistan. From
this, media took hold
of a Christian man being sentencing to death in Kabul for converting to
Christianity. Many people attented the protest in Washington DC. The whole world
noticed because of this one protest at the Afghani Embassy in DC. The Afghani
government was embarrassed and released the man for him to immigrant to Italy.
So, yes, Elena, protests have been announced before on talk radio. The
Cyprus cause
needs to garner public attention to expose the Turkish Government for their 34
year invasion and occupation. You could have played a role to expose the Turkish
government, but instead you chose to be silent about the July 20th protest. Your
silence contributes to the continued Turkish occupation of Cyprus. Bravo, what
have you accomplished? Tipota.
Sincerely,
Alex Aliferis
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This following letter is from Hellenic poet and writer Sevasti Boutos, the pdf
version is available for download here:
http://cyprusactionnetwork.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/NTROPI-STA-ERTZIANA.208200614.pdf
From: "Sevi Boutos"
Subject: Re: Logokrisia h adiaforia?
To: aktina@earthlink.net
Γράφει η Σεβαστή
Μπούρα- Μπούτου
Λογοκρισία η
αδιαφορία;
Επειδή η ζωή
μας είναι μια
σκηνή θεάτρου,
όπου ο κάθε ηθοποιός
αγαπιέται με
την ικανότητά
του να κρύβει η
να φανερώνει τα
δάκτυλά του,
για να τον χειροκροτά
ο κοσμάκης, έτσι
και τα Ελληνικά
Μέσα Ενημέρωσης
τής Νέας Υόρκης,
που εκπέμπουν
ήχο, παίζουν το
θεατράκι τους.
Όμως αγαπητοί
μου, όποιοι κι
αν είσθε εσείς
που αντιπροσωπεύετε
ένα φωνητικό
πομπό, ο λώρος
που μας δένει
με την γενέτειρα
δεν εξαγοράζεται
με το εισητήριο
μιας θεατρινίστικης
εκπομπής, αλλά
υπάρχει επειδή
υπάρχει η μάννα
που κυοφόρησε.
Κι αυτή η μάννα
έχει χάσει πολλά
παιδιά.
Αν είσαι ραδιόφωνο,
ο μόνος τρόπος
να κλάψεις αυτά
τα παιδιά, είναι
να σπέρνεις το
Λόγο για βάλσαμο
στις καρδιές
τών ανθρώπων.
Ακόμη τινάζεις
στον αέρα, μια
φορά το χρόνο,
αυτούς που κρύβονται
από πίσω σου
για να κρατάς
στο χέρι το μικρόφωνο.
Δεν έπραξες
αγαπητό ραδιόφωνο
το αυτονόητο.
Το αυτονόητο
ήταν, ότι φέτος,
για δεύτερη
χρονιά, μια οργάνωση
που υποτιμάς,
έκανε μια ειρηνική
διαδήλωση μνήμης,
για τα 34 χρόνια
της εισβολής
τών Τούρκων
στην Κύπρο, έξω
από την Τουρκική
πρεσβεία στην
Ουάσινγκτον,
που από ό,τι γνωρίζω
δεν έχει γίνει
ποτέ στα χρονικά
από το 1974. Δεν έκανες
λοιπόν τίποτε
να το ανακοινώσεις,
παρόλα τα τηλεφωνήματα
που έλαβες από α
;ρκετούς ανθρώπους.
Τελικά διερωτώμαι,
πώς τα ξένα μέσα
ενημέρωσης,
όπως το CBS το έβγαλε
πρώτη είδηση το
ίδο βράδυ, και
εσύ ελληνικό
ραδιόφωνο δεν
το έβγαλες;
Σταματήστε
επιτέλους κύριοι
και κυρίες τού
ήχου, υπερήχου
και αποήχου να
παίζετε τραγουδάκια
για «το λαιμό
τής Ελένης» που
λέει και ο Ελύτης.
Ο λαιμός τής
Ελένης γέρασε
και ρυτίδιασε
από τότε που
πήγε στην Τροία
με τα ξένα αγρίμια
για να παίξει
στα ζάρια τίς
ψυχές ακόμη και
αυτών που προσκύνησε.
Έλεος επιτέλους!
Οι δικοί μου
δυό άνθρωποι,
που χάθηκαν
στην Κύπρο, δεν
έχασαν σπίτια
αλλά την ίδια
την ζωή τους. Ο
Μιχάλης ο κτηνίατρος,
όπως έχει μείνει
στα χρονικά η
αναζήτησή του,
που ήταν και
Κύπριος, είχε
δυο παιδιά στην
Θεσσαλονίκη
και επισκέφθηκε
την μάννα του
εκείνο το καλοκαίρι.Παρόλες
τις φωνές της
να γυρίσει πίσω
στην Ελλάδα,
αφού ήταν και
προστάτης οικογενείας,
έφυγε στο μέτωπο
και αγνοεί&
#964;αι ακόμη. Ο άλλος,
το φιλαράκι
μου, ο Μπάμπης ο
Γλαρέντζος,
Ελλαδίτης που
υπηρετούσε τη
στρατιωτική
του θητεία, θεωρείτο
αγνοούμενος
μέχρι που πριν
λίγους μήνες .
Τα κόκκαλά του
βρέθηκαν, και
θάφτηκε στην
ιδιαίτερη πατρίδα
μας τα Μελίσσια
Αθηνών.
Κι εσύ χτενίζεσαι
ωραία Ελένη,
στους ωραίους
καθρέπτες της
Τροίας, για να
μη χάσεις το
χρυσάφι τών
πλούσιων Τρώων.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This letter is from established and beloved Cypriot community activist Andreas
Savva
From: "Andreas Savva"
To: aktina@aktina.org
Subject: Open letter to Ms Elena Marouleti
Dear Ms Elena Marouleti,
I am writing this letter to you to express my disappointment on the way you’ve
handled requests to inform the public about the July 20th, Demonstration in
Washington DC against the Turkish Invasions and Occupation of our homeland
Cyprus, and your refusal to inform the public about a free bus, which was
donated by a high ranking member of our community, and took people to Washington
DC from the Stathakion Center in Astoria.
We had our differences in the past, and I need to stress this out, this is not
because of our differences. Differences of opinion are good in a democracy, as
long as we deal with our differences as civilized and mature individuals. I will
attempt with this email to relate to you how wrong you were and to ask that you
offer a public apology.
Let me remind you of a few situations in which your actions were wrong, in my
opinion:
A number of years back; I was serving on the board of Directors of the Cypriot
Student Association of America (EFOKA). We had decided to have a memorial
service for my childhood best friend and your cousin, I believe, Panikos
Demetriou. Panikos was brutally killed by the British military during a
demonstration at Akrotiri British Military Base. Â We requested from you to make
free public announcements for the memorial service and the event following the
religious service and you refused. Â Were you wrong refusing to announce the
event? This is something that I would let you ask yourself and deal with this
question for the rest of your life.
A few years ago Mr. Raouf Denktash, the then pseudo-president of the
pseudo-state TRNC, was visiting New York, and you interviewed him on the air. I
still remember the public outrage when you had referred to him with the title
“His Excellency”. Were you wrong back then? I think you were, but again, I will
let you keep asking this question to yourself.
Your beloved mother, may her memory be eternal, was a frequent listener to my
radio show. In one particular case, I made the mistake to recognize her by her
last name, and she immediately stopped me by saying she was not Mrs. Loukia
Marouleti, and she called me again once off the air to inform me that you were
not happy when she was calling my radio show, and not to recognize her on the
air because it will upset you. In respect to her wish only, I accepted her
request and never mentioned her name on the air again. I occasionally go back
and listen to your mother’s commentaries from recordings of my show, and I
question myself… Were you right or wrong censoring your own mother  to listen
on the radio and whether or not to call me on the air and discuss the Cypriot
Culture, History, and most of all the Cypriot Dialect that she so much loved?
Finally, on July 20th last week, you were asked to inform the public about a bus
that was donated by a high ranking member of our community, so people can
participate in the demonstration outside the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC.
The event was organized by Cyprus Action Network of America, and was supported
by many other community organizations. Were you again wrong not making a public
announcement informing people about the demonstration and the free bus outside
the Stathakion Center?
In one of your responses to a CANA member that I’ve happened to read, you were
so concerned about UNITY in our community. What you did not know is that it took
many efforts and hard work to maintain that unity. We finally were able to get
members of CANA and members of the leadership of the Greek-Cypriot community
together on the same table and talk out their differences. Were you aware of
this? I very much doubt it.
Were you aware that one of these outstanding members of our community supported
financially the CANA event? Again I very much doubt it. But in any case, whether
the event was supported by all or by a few; it was your duty as a producer of a
program that is aired on public airwaves to at least make the announcement.
Censoring it on your own judgment, because you probably did not like to do so,
or because as you said, you did not know the group that was organizing the
demonstration in Washington DC for 2 years in a row, is insulting to say the
least. Insulting because one of the journalists that works on your show
(Demetris Robotis), not only is very much aware of CANA, but in email
communications he had with them, was offering his opinion in a professional and
civilized manner.
We live in a pluralistic society and everyone’s opinion is welcomed. If you
would like to be called a producer of public service programming, then act like
one, without censorship, serving the public interests only.
Respectfully,
Andreas Savva
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following is from John Soudas, a strong CANA supporter who travelled to
Washington DC to participate in the HANDS OFF CYPRUS 2008 Protest Against the
Turkish Embassy, all the way from Seattle , Washington USA.
From: John Soudas To: aktina@aktina.org Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2008 4:06
PMSubject: The Turkish Embassy Protest, July 20th 2008... Response to your
purported voiced opinions
July 27th, 2008
To Ms. Elena Maroulleti,
I understand that you and your media outlets have taken a position to censor
the July 20th 2008 demonstration at the Turkish embassy. I heard that in
private you and your cronies are privately "ranting at“those that organized and
led the protest at the Turkish Embassy. What nonsense is this? Maybe you can
confirm this yourself if I am mistaken in this characterization of your
comments. If my characterization is correct then my comments below apply.
I suppose that you are against this because it is anti-Turkish?
Maybe you are one of those Cypriots that believe that Cyprus should give up
their sovereignty, surrender its National Guard to the Turks, give up 50% of its
governing apparatus and tax dollars to the Turks and accept the Turkish army to
rule over all of Cyprus for another 30 years. And I failed to mention that not
only are we talking about all these take aways and more but all this is to
benefit just 3% of the Greek Cypriot population leaving 97% of the Greeks on
Cyprus defenseless and out in the cold.
It is never easy to understand the motives of someone who controls the
community information, but I can only conclude the following about your words
and actions:
• YOU must be an avid Turko-phile (Turk appeaser), who buys the STATE
DEPARTMENT line that the Greeks must learn to accept their losses and accept the
Turkish viewpoint in all matters,
• YOU could be like the Greek American and Cypriot leadership which are
STATE DEPARTMENT puppets that are sent out by the State department to pimp their
own community and surrender them to Ottoman rule.
• YOU and a few of your buddies( in the Cypriot Lobby) think that you
have an ordained right to run the Greek American community and control its
thought patterns, money, and the issues of the community like some kind of
"Mafia Godfather/Godmother". That is nobody in Greek New York does anything
without kissing your slippers and bowing (getting on ones knees) to the self
proclaimed leaders of Greek Americans in New York.
Maybe you can tell us what category you belong to?
It would be interesting to find out.
I participated in the Protest in front of the Turkish embassy to mark the brutal
genocidalist invasion of Cyprus by Turkey on the day of July 20th 1974. I did
so, to join with others to say that we as Greeks do not accept the fait accompli
of the results of the Turkish invasion of the island of Cyprus. I want to send
a message to the White house and the Turks that the Greeks do not forget, nor
forgive the events of July 20th and August 14th 1974. We as Greek Americans do
not accept the State Department plan that was instituted long ago by Nicholas
Burns to make Greece a Satellite State of Turkey and to render all Greek
American Anti-Turkish protest as neutered and eliminated.
I will say this to you. Your censorship of the demonstration in Washington DC
is not only wrong but it does immense destruction to the Cypriot and Greek
cause. You and people like you are setting the stage for the destruction of
Cyprus. You and your patrons over at PSEKA, and the Cyprus Federation have done
their best to transform the Cyprus and Greek community into a state of ignorance
and dissolution. Maybe these are your marching orders from the State Department
who get their orders from the White House?
YOUR MOTHER showed valor and courage .
Now what kind of Greek are you?
John Soudas
Seattle Washington
PS
My Profile:
I have been involved in the Cyprus issue since 1974 when I was in college. I am
an AHEPA member, Past District Governor of District 22, AHI member and past
coordinator state of Washington, and long time attendee of the AHEPA Cyprus &
Hellenic affairs. I have attended one PSEKA conference and know the bullshit
that goes on there.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgia Maratheftis originally forwarded the supportive message below to Elena
Maroulettis , below you will see her letter to CANA, also sent to Elena
Marouletti, and her reply to Elena Marouletti ‘s denial of the act of
censorship.
From: Maratheftis, Georgia
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 4:51 PM
To: 'cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org'
Subject: RE: AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI
Dear CANA,
I am in total agreement with the sentiments of this open letter. I participated
in the peaceful "Hands Off Cyprus 2008" demonstration on July 20 in DC. It was
a proud and loud group that stood up for Cyprus. Thank you for the opportunity
to participate and let it be known that Turkey's brutality will be challenged
and the Cypriots will not be cowed and silenced by brute and might of the
Turkish war and propaganda machine.
Sincerely,
Georgia Maratheftis
From: Maratheftis, Georgia [mailto:maratheftisg@sullcrom.com]
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 6:15 PM
To: 'aktina@earthlink.net'
Subject: RE: AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI
Dear Ms. Maroulleti,
Thank you for replying. I cannot know what you deem to be the false and
unfounded accusations. I am personally aware of two people who called your show
on Saturday, July 19, 2008, while it was on the air to ask that an announcement
be made to Astoria residents of the free bus to DC for people wishing to
participate in the Cyprus demonstration. At least one of these people spoke
directly to you and the request to mention the demonstration was rejected out of
hand. My grandmother was shot and killed by Turkish soldiers in Aheridou on
August 31, 1974. She was 58 years of age. Another lady who participated in the
demonstration lost a brother-in-law during the war. We are members of your
community. We look to the Greek media to inform the Greek community of events
that are pertinent to our history, culture and interests. Censorship owing to
personal bias or misinformation or, indeed, a lack of information, fails to
fulfill any purpose. It is also a disservice to the community being served.
Sincerely,
Georgia Maratheftis
2)
LETTER FROM ELENA MAROULETTI IN WHICH SHE DENIES KNOWING ABOUT CANA, followed by
a letter to CANA leader Nikolaos Taneris congratulating a “SUCCESFUL
EVENT”,followed by another letter to Taneris where she says she changes her mind
about airing anything about the event after the event, followed by her most
latest letter, sent to community activist Alex Aliferis, where she characterizes
her own community as “sick”
-----Original Message-----
From: aktina [mailto:aktina@earthlink.net]
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 5:54 PM
To: Maratheftis, Georgia
Subject: RE: AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI
Dear Ms. Maratheftis,
I will not engage myself in a back and forth communication with the members of
this unknown to me group. However, since you took the trouble to forward to me
their email, I will only note that it is filled with false and un-founded
accusations.
Best,
Elena Maroulleti
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "aktina"
To: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org
Subject: RE: AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI
Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:11:00 -0400
Dear Mr. Taneris,
Thanks for your email. Congratulations sounds like you had a
successful
event. I'll address all of your points on my radio program this coming
Sunday which airs from 1:30-6pm
Elena Maroulleti
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "aktina"
To: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org
Subject: RE: AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI
Date: Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:39:40 -0400
Dear Mr. Taneris,
Under further thought, I have decided not to respond on the air because
I
believe in unity and harmony.
The struggle of the Cypriot people for freedom and justice has been
going on
for (34) years. There are individuals and organizations in our
community
that have spent millions and have dedicated their lives to this cause.
As you know, my family came to the States as refugees from Famagusta.
Aktina FM has been founded to support this cause. I have sacrificed
all my
personal wealth and have dedicated all my time and effort to this
cause.
You may be too young to remember the many demonstrations, candlelight
processions, both in Washington, DC and New York. I don't need lessons
in
patriotism. We applaud and embrace all individuals and organizations
that
support the struggle of the Cypriot people.
Please continue your work without disparaging those who have given
everything for freedom."
Elena Maroulleti
From: aktina@earthlink.net
To: malista9@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: Censoring July 20th Protest was An Error.....
Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:07:14 -0400
You guys are sick!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3) ACTION ALERT: Please write to Elena Maroulleti and ask for a clear
explanation on WHY AKTINA FM censored any and all notices and announcements
about the Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) July 20th, 2008 demonstration
against the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC. Please remember to ask Elena
Marouletti to make a public apology to the entire community.
AKTINA FM , Tel: 718-545-1151
Email: aktina@aktina.org
========================
Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA)
2578 Broadway #132
New York, NY 10025
New York: Tel. 917-699-9935
Email: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org
www.cyprusactionnetwork.org
========================
Contact: Nikolaos Taneris, New York, Tel. 1-917-699-9935
NEW YORK—The Cypriot community asks AKTINA FM’s Elena Maroulleti to provide an
answer as to WHY she censored any and all notices and announcements on her radio
production, AKTINA FM, about the Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) July
20th, 2008 demonstration against the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC, including
the CANA offer of a FREE BUS from Astoria.
Elena Maroulleti ‘s censorship has raised grave concerns about her ethical
standards and commitment as a public interest radio outlet for our community.
Elena Maroulleti censored news and announcements from her own community, from
her own supporters . Elena Marouletti continues to deny any knowledge of the
July 20th 2008 demonstration (the communications that follow give a clear
indication that she was directly informed in advance of the event)An event that
achieved American network television coverage to mark July 20th 2008 as “the
34th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.”
CBS covered the HANDS OFF CYPRUS 2008 demonstration on July 20th, and before
July 20th the news of the demonstration was announced and covered by National
Herald Greek American Daily Hellenic and English edition, by Greek News, and by
newspapers, blogs and websites across the diaspora and in our homelands.
We provide, a vast spectrum of community member letters sent directly to Elena
Maroulleti, followed by Elena Maroulleti’s emails to us, documenting her denial
of the only demonstration in the United States to mark July 20th 2008 as “the
34th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus” covered by major American
television network CBS. Finally we ask, that you follow up with our action alert
and ask Elena Marouletti to admit to her censorship, to end her denial, and to
make a public apology to the entire community.
1) Community member letters sent to Elena Marouletti Email: aktina@aktina.org
2) Elena Maroulleti emails denying the censorship .
3) ACTION ALERT: Letter writing campaign asking Elena Marouletti to admit to her
censorship, to end her denial , and to make a public apology to the entire
community.
1) COMMUNITY MEMBER LETTERS SENT TO ELENA MAROULETTI Email: aktina@aktina.org
Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:39:00 -0400
From: "Gus Kane"
Subject: Re:AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI
Dear Host of Aktina FM:
My name is Kostas Kanellopoulos a 33 yr old married Greek-American living in
NYC.
As i started to get involved with Hellenic issues just like the ones i have
heard you talk about on your shows many times,
i had the honour to meet Mr Nikolaos Taneris and other members of his
organization he was someone who i researched before i met and after meeting and
discussing with him have absolutely no doubt that he is a true patriot and an
individual that is most important of all a YOUNG! Greek-American activist with a
selfless heart that we are in short supply of.
I truly hope that there is an explanation for your not promoting his protest
that was organized by the youth that is the future of our country.
A protest against turkey is not a hard thing to get behind and everyone can do
their part especially you that for better or worse have inherited a radio
program such as it is.
So what is your agenda and why or who made you not want to support these young
Greek-Americans that spent their time, money and effort to help your country as
many of these young people involved do not trace their ancestry from Cyprus!
Did a donation cause the censorship? your action leaves many doors open as to
your motive.
I will leave you with a poem that i hope you can appreciate from a true patriots
parent and remember that the old people giving each other awards should be at
home drinking chamomile not being traitors to their race.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Ioannis Fidanakis"
Subject: Open Letter to Elena Maroulleti from President of Panthracian Union of
America "Orpheus"
To: aktina@aktina.org
Dear Elena Maroulleti,
I never thought one day I’d be writing such a letter to you, an act which
saddens me deeply; however I feel that it is necessary. Recently, Saturday July
25th 2008, I happen to ketch a program on AKTINA FM, about Kypros and what was
done by PSEKA on its July 20th anniversary of the Illegal Turkish Military
invasion of the island. Like always I was proud to hear such things being
discussed on the air to keep our community informed and educated on our national
issues. Something I’ve always thought AKTINA FM has done an excellent job with,
and because of such I as President of Panthracian Union of America ‘Orpheus’
have advocated continued support and funding for your programs. However, I was a
bit confused as to why no mention had been made of another patriotic event held
on the same day in Washington D.C. by Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA),
an event that I participated in and was helped organized by Nikolaos Taneris, a
member of the Board of Directors of Panthracian Union of America . This event
was far more important and successful then anything PSEKA did that day. It was
the CANA protest outside the Turkish Embassy that achieved U.S. Media attention
on such key networks as CBS. This censorship of CANA’s activities led me to call
in to ask just why nothing had been said about CANA ’s actions. A phone call,
which I must say has left a bad taste in my mouth for AKTINA FM. I was rudely
told that AKTINA FM had not been informed about the event and that there were no
live calls being taken and hung up upon. I find it very hard to believe that an
event publicized in the National Herald, throughout the internet, and plastered
on fliers across Astoria , could have been overlooked by the Hellenic-American
Media, while American TV stations were aware and present. I personally feel
offended by AKTINA’s censorship and rude behavior towards this event and me,
personally. I will be sure to remember this when Panthracian Union of America is
asked to open its heart and pocket to keep AKTINA FM on the air.
Respectfully,
Ioannis Fidanakis
President of Panthracian Union of America “Orpheus”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Alex A [mailto:malista9@hotmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2008 12:50 AM
To: aktina@aktina.org
Subject: Censoring July 20th Protest was An Error.....
Dear Elena of Aktina,
I participated in the July 20, 2008 peaceful protest at the Turkish Embassy
in Washington DC.
I feel somehow that Aktina is responsible for the low turnout for not offering a
public service announcement to the Greek Americans who have came out for the
protest.
Remember, I am former radio talk show on international human rights. I
listen to alot of
American talk radio. I remember a situation that arose in Afghanistan in the
summer of 2006.
A Muslim convert to Christianity was being sentenced to death. Talk Radio on
630 AM of Washington DC heard about this. Some Christian activists called into
the radio talk show host and said that there will be a Protest at the
Afghanistan Embassy in Washington DC.
The radio talk show host announced the protest at the Afghanistan. From
this, media took hold
of a Christian man being sentencing to death in Kabul for converting to
Christianity. Many people attented the protest in Washington DC. The whole world
noticed because of this one protest at the Afghani Embassy in DC. The Afghani
government was embarrassed and released the man for him to immigrant to Italy.
So, yes, Elena, protests have been announced before on talk radio. The
Cyprus cause
needs to garner public attention to expose the Turkish Government for their 34
year invasion and occupation. You could have played a role to expose the Turkish
government, but instead you chose to be silent about the July 20th protest. Your
silence contributes to the continued Turkish occupation of Cyprus. Bravo, what
have you accomplished? Tipota.
Sincerely,
Alex Aliferis
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This following letter is from Hellenic poet and writer Sevasti Boutos, the pdf
version is available for download here:
http://cyprusactionnetwork.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/NTROPI-STA-ERTZIANA.208200614.pdf
From: "Sevi Boutos"
Subject: Re: Logokrisia h adiaforia?
To: aktina@earthlink.net
Γράφει η Σεβαστή
Μπούρα- Μπούτου
Λογοκρισία η
αδιαφορία;
Επειδή η ζωή
μας είναι μια
σκηνή θεάτρου,
όπου ο κάθε ηθοποιός
αγαπιέται με
την ικανότητά
του να κρύβει η
να φανερώνει τα
δάκτυλά του,
για να τον χειροκροτά
ο κοσμάκης, έτσι
και τα Ελληνικά
Μέσα Ενημέρωσης
τής Νέας Υόρκης,
που εκπέμπουν
ήχο, παίζουν το
θεατράκι τους.
Όμως αγαπητοί
μου, όποιοι κι
αν είσθε εσείς
που αντιπροσωπεύετε
ένα φωνητικό
πομπό, ο λώρος
που μας δένει
με την γενέτειρα
δεν εξαγοράζεται
με το εισητήριο
μιας θεατρινίστικης
εκπομπής, αλλά
υπάρχει επειδή
υπάρχει η μάννα
που κυοφόρησε.
Κι αυτή η μάννα
έχει χάσει πολλά
παιδιά.
Αν είσαι ραδιόφωνο,
ο μόνος τρόπος
να κλάψεις αυτά
τα παιδιά, είναι
να σπέρνεις το
Λόγο για βάλσαμο
στις καρδιές
τών ανθρώπων.
Ακόμη τινάζεις
στον αέρα, μια
φορά το χρόνο,
αυτούς που κρύβονται
από πίσω σου
για να κρατάς
στο χέρι το μικρόφωνο.
Δεν έπραξες
αγαπητό ραδιόφωνο
το αυτονόητο.
Το αυτονόητο
ήταν, ότι φέτος,
για δεύτερη
χρονιά, μια οργάνωση
που υποτιμάς,
έκανε μια ειρηνική
διαδήλωση μνήμης,
για τα 34 χρόνια
της εισβολής
τών Τούρκων
στην Κύπρο, έξω
από την Τουρκική
πρεσβεία στην
Ουάσινγκτον,
που από ό,τι γνωρίζω
δεν έχει γίνει
ποτέ στα χρονικά
από το 1974. Δεν έκανες
λοιπόν τίποτε
να το ανακοινώσεις,
παρόλα τα τηλεφωνήματα
που έλαβες από α
;ρκετούς ανθρώπους.
Τελικά διερωτώμαι,
πώς τα ξένα μέσα
ενημέρωσης,
όπως το CBS το έβγαλε
πρώτη είδηση το
ίδο βράδυ, και
εσύ ελληνικό
ραδιόφωνο δεν
το έβγαλες;
Σταματήστε
επιτέλους κύριοι
και κυρίες τού
ήχου, υπερήχου
και αποήχου να
παίζετε τραγουδάκια
για «το λαιμό
τής Ελένης» που
λέει και ο Ελύτης.
Ο λαιμός τής
Ελένης γέρασε
και ρυτίδιασε
από τότε που
πήγε στην Τροία
με τα ξένα αγρίμια
για να παίξει
στα ζάρια τίς
ψυχές ακόμη και
αυτών που προσκύνησε.
Έλεος επιτέλους!
Οι δικοί μου
δυό άνθρωποι,
που χάθηκαν
στην Κύπρο, δεν
έχασαν σπίτια
αλλά την ίδια
την ζωή τους. Ο
Μιχάλης ο κτηνίατρος,
όπως έχει μείνει
στα χρονικά η
αναζήτησή του,
που ήταν και
Κύπριος, είχε
δυο παιδιά στην
Θεσσαλονίκη
και επισκέφθηκε
την μάννα του
εκείνο το καλοκαίρι.Παρόλες
τις φωνές της
να γυρίσει πίσω
στην Ελλάδα,
αφού ήταν και
προστάτης οικογενείας,
έφυγε στο μέτωπο
και αγνοεί&
#964;αι ακόμη. Ο άλλος,
το φιλαράκι
μου, ο Μπάμπης ο
Γλαρέντζος,
Ελλαδίτης που
υπηρετούσε τη
στρατιωτική
του θητεία, θεωρείτο
αγνοούμενος
μέχρι που πριν
λίγους μήνες .
Τα κόκκαλά του
βρέθηκαν, και
θάφτηκε στην
ιδιαίτερη πατρίδα
μας τα Μελίσσια
Αθηνών.
Κι εσύ χτενίζεσαι
ωραία Ελένη,
στους ωραίους
καθρέπτες της
Τροίας, για να
μη χάσεις το
χρυσάφι τών
πλούσιων Τρώων.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This letter is from established and beloved Cypriot community activist Andreas
Savva
From: "Andreas Savva"
To: aktina@aktina.org
Subject: Open letter to Ms Elena Marouleti
Dear Ms Elena Marouleti,
I am writing this letter to you to express my disappointment on the way you’ve
handled requests to inform the public about the July 20th, Demonstration in
Washington DC against the Turkish Invasions and Occupation of our homeland
Cyprus, and your refusal to inform the public about a free bus, which was
donated by a high ranking member of our community, and took people to Washington
DC from the Stathakion Center in Astoria.
We had our differences in the past, and I need to stress this out, this is not
because of our differences. Differences of opinion are good in a democracy, as
long as we deal with our differences as civilized and mature individuals. I will
attempt with this email to relate to you how wrong you were and to ask that you
offer a public apology.
Let me remind you of a few situations in which your actions were wrong, in my
opinion:
A number of years back; I was serving on the board of Directors of the Cypriot
Student Association of America (EFOKA). We had decided to have a memorial
service for my childhood best friend and your cousin, I believe, Panikos
Demetriou. Panikos was brutally killed by the British military during a
demonstration at Akrotiri British Military Base. Â We requested from you to make
free public announcements for the memorial service and the event following the
religious service and you refused. Â Were you wrong refusing to announce the
event? This is something that I would let you ask yourself and deal with this
question for the rest of your life.
A few years ago Mr. Raouf Denktash, the then pseudo-president of the
pseudo-state TRNC, was visiting New York, and you interviewed him on the air. I
still remember the public outrage when you had referred to him with the title
“His Excellency”. Were you wrong back then? I think you were, but again, I will
let you keep asking this question to yourself.
Your beloved mother, may her memory be eternal, was a frequent listener to my
radio show. In one particular case, I made the mistake to recognize her by her
last name, and she immediately stopped me by saying she was not Mrs. Loukia
Marouleti, and she called me again once off the air to inform me that you were
not happy when she was calling my radio show, and not to recognize her on the
air because it will upset you. In respect to her wish only, I accepted her
request and never mentioned her name on the air again. I occasionally go back
and listen to your mother’s commentaries from recordings of my show, and I
question myself… Were you right or wrong censoring your own mother  to listen
on the radio and whether or not to call me on the air and discuss the Cypriot
Culture, History, and most of all the Cypriot Dialect that she so much loved?
Finally, on July 20th last week, you were asked to inform the public about a bus
that was donated by a high ranking member of our community, so people can
participate in the demonstration outside the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC.
The event was organized by Cyprus Action Network of America, and was supported
by many other community organizations. Were you again wrong not making a public
announcement informing people about the demonstration and the free bus outside
the Stathakion Center?
In one of your responses to a CANA member that I’ve happened to read, you were
so concerned about UNITY in our community. What you did not know is that it took
many efforts and hard work to maintain that unity. We finally were able to get
members of CANA and members of the leadership of the Greek-Cypriot community
together on the same table and talk out their differences. Were you aware of
this? I very much doubt it.
Were you aware that one of these outstanding members of our community supported
financially the CANA event? Again I very much doubt it. But in any case, whether
the event was supported by all or by a few; it was your duty as a producer of a
program that is aired on public airwaves to at least make the announcement.
Censoring it on your own judgment, because you probably did not like to do so,
or because as you said, you did not know the group that was organizing the
demonstration in Washington DC for 2 years in a row, is insulting to say the
least. Insulting because one of the journalists that works on your show
(Demetris Robotis), not only is very much aware of CANA, but in email
communications he had with them, was offering his opinion in a professional and
civilized manner.
We live in a pluralistic society and everyone’s opinion is welcomed. If you
would like to be called a producer of public service programming, then act like
one, without censorship, serving the public interests only.
Respectfully,
Andreas Savva
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following is from John Soudas, a strong CANA supporter who travelled to
Washington DC to participate in the HANDS OFF CYPRUS 2008 Protest Against the
Turkish Embassy, all the way from Seattle , Washington USA.
From: John Soudas To: aktina@aktina.org Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2008 4:06
PMSubject: The Turkish Embassy Protest, July 20th 2008... Response to your
purported voiced opinions
July 27th, 2008
To Ms. Elena Maroulleti,
I understand that you and your media outlets have taken a position to censor
the July 20th 2008 demonstration at the Turkish embassy. I heard that in
private you and your cronies are privately "ranting at“those that organized and
led the protest at the Turkish Embassy. What nonsense is this? Maybe you can
confirm this yourself if I am mistaken in this characterization of your
comments. If my characterization is correct then my comments below apply.
I suppose that you are against this because it is anti-Turkish?
Maybe you are one of those Cypriots that believe that Cyprus should give up
their sovereignty, surrender its National Guard to the Turks, give up 50% of its
governing apparatus and tax dollars to the Turks and accept the Turkish army to
rule over all of Cyprus for another 30 years. And I failed to mention that not
only are we talking about all these take aways and more but all this is to
benefit just 3% of the Greek Cypriot population leaving 97% of the Greeks on
Cyprus defenseless and out in the cold.
It is never easy to understand the motives of someone who controls the
community information, but I can only conclude the following about your words
and actions:
• YOU must be an avid Turko-phile (Turk appeaser), who buys the STATE
DEPARTMENT line that the Greeks must learn to accept their losses and accept the
Turkish viewpoint in all matters,
• YOU could be like the Greek American and Cypriot leadership which are
STATE DEPARTMENT puppets that are sent out by the State department to pimp their
own community and surrender them to Ottoman rule.
• YOU and a few of your buddies( in the Cypriot Lobby) think that you
have an ordained right to run the Greek American community and control its
thought patterns, money, and the issues of the community like some kind of
"Mafia Godfather/Godmother". That is nobody in Greek New York does anything
without kissing your slippers and bowing (getting on ones knees) to the self
proclaimed leaders of Greek Americans in New York.
Maybe you can tell us what category you belong to?
It would be interesting to find out.
I participated in the Protest in front of the Turkish embassy to mark the brutal
genocidalist invasion of Cyprus by Turkey on the day of July 20th 1974. I did
so, to join with others to say that we as Greeks do not accept the fait accompli
of the results of the Turkish invasion of the island of Cyprus. I want to send
a message to the White house and the Turks that the Greeks do not forget, nor
forgive the events of July 20th and August 14th 1974. We as Greek Americans do
not accept the State Department plan that was instituted long ago by Nicholas
Burns to make Greece a Satellite State of Turkey and to render all Greek
American Anti-Turkish protest as neutered and eliminated.
I will say this to you. Your censorship of the demonstration in Washington DC
is not only wrong but it does immense destruction to the Cypriot and Greek
cause. You and people like you are setting the stage for the destruction of
Cyprus. You and your patrons over at PSEKA, and the Cyprus Federation have done
their best to transform the Cyprus and Greek community into a state of ignorance
and dissolution. Maybe these are your marching orders from the State Department
who get their orders from the White House?
YOUR MOTHER showed valor and courage .
Now what kind of Greek are you?
John Soudas
Seattle Washington
PS
My Profile:
I have been involved in the Cyprus issue since 1974 when I was in college. I am
an AHEPA member, Past District Governor of District 22, AHI member and past
coordinator state of Washington, and long time attendee of the AHEPA Cyprus &
Hellenic affairs. I have attended one PSEKA conference and know the bullshit
that goes on there.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgia Maratheftis originally forwarded the supportive message below to Elena
Maroulettis , below you will see her letter to CANA, also sent to Elena
Marouletti, and her reply to Elena Marouletti ‘s denial of the act of
censorship.
From: Maratheftis, Georgia
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 4:51 PM
To: 'cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org'
Subject: RE: AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI
Dear CANA,
I am in total agreement with the sentiments of this open letter. I participated
in the peaceful "Hands Off Cyprus 2008" demonstration on July 20 in DC. It was
a proud and loud group that stood up for Cyprus. Thank you for the opportunity
to participate and let it be known that Turkey's brutality will be challenged
and the Cypriots will not be cowed and silenced by brute and might of the
Turkish war and propaganda machine.
Sincerely,
Georgia Maratheftis
From: Maratheftis, Georgia [mailto:maratheftisg@sullcrom.com]
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 6:15 PM
To: 'aktina@earthlink.net'
Subject: RE: AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI
Dear Ms. Maroulleti,
Thank you for replying. I cannot know what you deem to be the false and
unfounded accusations. I am personally aware of two people who called your show
on Saturday, July 19, 2008, while it was on the air to ask that an announcement
be made to Astoria residents of the free bus to DC for people wishing to
participate in the Cyprus demonstration. At least one of these people spoke
directly to you and the request to mention the demonstration was rejected out of
hand. My grandmother was shot and killed by Turkish soldiers in Aheridou on
August 31, 1974. She was 58 years of age. Another lady who participated in the
demonstration lost a brother-in-law during the war. We are members of your
community. We look to the Greek media to inform the Greek community of events
that are pertinent to our history, culture and interests. Censorship owing to
personal bias or misinformation or, indeed, a lack of information, fails to
fulfill any purpose. It is also a disservice to the community being served.
Sincerely,
Georgia Maratheftis
2)
LETTER FROM ELENA MAROULETTI IN WHICH SHE DENIES KNOWING ABOUT CANA, followed by
a letter to CANA leader Nikolaos Taneris congratulating a “SUCCESFUL
EVENT”,followed by another letter to Taneris where she says she changes her mind
about airing anything about the event after the event, followed by her most
latest letter, sent to community activist Alex Aliferis, where she characterizes
her own community as “sick”
-----Original Message-----
From: aktina [mailto:aktina@earthlink.net]
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 5:54 PM
To: Maratheftis, Georgia
Subject: RE: AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI
Dear Ms. Maratheftis,
I will not engage myself in a back and forth communication with the members of
this unknown to me group. However, since you took the trouble to forward to me
their email, I will only note that it is filled with false and un-founded
accusations.
Best,
Elena Maroulleti
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "aktina"
To: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org
Subject: RE: AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI
Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:11:00 -0400
Dear Mr. Taneris,
Thanks for your email. Congratulations sounds like you had a
successful
event. I'll address all of your points on my radio program this coming
Sunday which airs from 1:30-6pm
Elena Maroulleti
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "aktina"
To: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org
Subject: RE: AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI
Date: Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:39:40 -0400
Dear Mr. Taneris,
Under further thought, I have decided not to respond on the air because
I
believe in unity and harmony.
The struggle of the Cypriot people for freedom and justice has been
going on
for (34) years. There are individuals and organizations in our
community
that have spent millions and have dedicated their lives to this cause.
As you know, my family came to the States as refugees from Famagusta.
Aktina FM has been founded to support this cause. I have sacrificed
all my
personal wealth and have dedicated all my time and effort to this
cause.
You may be too young to remember the many demonstrations, candlelight
processions, both in Washington, DC and New York. I don't need lessons
in
patriotism. We applaud and embrace all individuals and organizations
that
support the struggle of the Cypriot people.
Please continue your work without disparaging those who have given
everything for freedom."
Elena Maroulleti
From: aktina@earthlink.net
To: malista9@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: Censoring July 20th Protest was An Error.....
Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:07:14 -0400
You guys are sick!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3) ACTION ALERT: Please write to Elena Maroulleti and ask for a clear
explanation on WHY AKTINA FM censored any and all notices and announcements
about the Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) July 20th, 2008 demonstration
against the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC. Please remember to ask Elena
Marouletti to make a public apology to the entire community.
AKTINA FM , Tel: 718-545-1151
Email: aktina@aktina.org
========================
Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA)
2578 Broadway #132
New York, NY 10025
New York: Tel. 917-699-9935
Email: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org
www.cyprusactionnetwork.org
========================
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The Quest for the origins of the ancient Thracians spreads further
I would like to thank several other web sites who have also been publishing the most recent article about the origins of the ancient Thracians. It is thanks to them and all the other web sites who have helped to send this article all over the internet, that makes it possible for those interested in Thrace to understand the Hellenic view on Thraki and its history. Thank you!
Wikio News
Starry Skies Network
Wikio News
Starry Skies Network
Karadzic lawyer challenges arrest
Officials at the war crimes tribunal in The Hague have said that they have no idea when Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian leader, will be transferred to their custody.
Read Full Article Here
Read Full Article Here
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Η Θράκη, μια άλλη Κύπρος
Θέμος Χ. Στοφορόπουλος
Το θέμα μου είναι: < <Η Θράκη, μία άλλη Κύπρος;>>. Θα προσπαθήσω, δηλαδή, να απαντήσω στο ερώτημα, αν η Θράκη κινδυνεύει να ακολουθήσει την Κύπρο στον τραγικό κατήφορο της. Και, αν αυτό συμβαίνει, τι οφείλει να πράξει ο Ελληνισμός, για να αντιστρέψει μια τέτοια καθοδική πορεία.
Read Full Article Here
Το θέμα μου είναι: < <Η Θράκη, μία άλλη Κύπρος;>>. Θα προσπαθήσω, δηλαδή, να απαντήσω στο ερώτημα, αν η Θράκη κινδυνεύει να ακολουθήσει την Κύπρο στον τραγικό κατήφορο της. Και, αν αυτό συμβαίνει, τι οφείλει να πράξει ο Ελληνισμός, για να αντιστρέψει μια τέτοια καθοδική πορεία.
Read Full Article Here
Article on Ancient Thracians spreads across Internet
I would like to personally thank both The Official Graham Hancock , Archaeonews, Archaeological News, and The Morien Institute websites for publishing links to the newest article that was released recently on the origins of the ancient Thracians.
European Parliament approves new rules on party formation in blow to far right
By PAUL AMES,AP
Posted: 2008-07-09 08:55:43
STRASBOURG, France (AP) - The European Parliament adopted new internal rules Wednesday making it harder for fringe lawmakers - notably the far right - to secure funding, speaking time and prominent positions within the EU assembly.
Read Full Article Here
Posted: 2008-07-09 08:55:43
STRASBOURG, France (AP) - The European Parliament adopted new internal rules Wednesday making it harder for fringe lawmakers - notably the far right - to secure funding, speaking time and prominent positions within the EU assembly.
Read Full Article Here
Σε αναμονή απάντησης
Ψυχρή ήταν η υποδοχή της Κομισιόν στην επιστολή Γκρουέφσκι που θέτει θέμα "μακεδονικής" μειονότητας" στην Ελλάδα. Όπως προκύπτει από τις δηλώσεις του εκπροσώπου της, η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή θα απαντήσει εν ευθέτω χρόνο και αφού πρώτα η επιστολή αξιολογηθεί από τις αρμόδιες κοινοτικές υπηρεσίες."Πάγια τακτική είναι να μην αντιδρά εν θερμώ η Επιτροπή, είπε χαρακτηριστικά ο εκπρόσωπος". Η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση και όλοι οι εταίροι έχουν μια πλήρη και λεπτομερή ενημέρωση για τις ελληνικές θέσεις, σχολίασε σχετικά η Ντόρα Μπακογιάννη. Εν τω μεταξύ, τρεις μόλις ήμερες μετά την επιστολή του Σκοπιανού πρωθυπουργού προς τον κ. Μπαρόζο, μία χώρα - μέλος των Ηνωμένων Εθνών αλλάζει την πολιτική της έναντι των Σκοπίων.
Read Full Article Here
Read Full Article Here
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Cyprus Action Network of America Protest Turkish Embassy
The Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) demonstration on July 20, 2008 in front of , and against, the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC, to mark 34 years of criminal Turkish military invasion and Turkish illegal military occupation of Cyprus that began on July 20, 1974 by order of the brutal Turkish government. Turkey Out Of Cyprus!
Support www.cyprusactionnetwork.org
Gunay Evinch President Elect of ATAA Sings
This video was recorded on July 20,2008 and it documents Gunay Evinch President Elect of ATAA Assembly of Turkish American Associations and "the lawyer of the Turkish Embassy" singing "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" in front of the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC, when Gunay Evinch led the Turkish Embassy hecklers insulting the peaceful Cypriot American Hands Off Cyprus 2008 demonstration that marked the Turkish government's 34 years of illegal military-invasion and military-occupation of Cyprus . This is ATAA President Elect Gunay Evinch, Turkey's head lobbyist, expressing himself when faced with Turkey's human rights violations.
Support www.cyprusactionnetwork.org
Cypriots Protest At The Turkish Embassy Washington DC To Mark 34th Anniversary
For Immediate Release: July 21, 2008
Contact: Nikolaos Taneris, New York, Tel. 1-917-699-9935
CBS NEWS COVERS 34th ANNIVERSARY OF TURKISH INVASION THANKS TO CANA ACTION!
WASHINGTON DC—The crowd of diverse Cypriot demonstrators braved the scorching
sun outside the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC, and long distances, travelling
from as far away as Seattle, Annapolis, Philadelphia and New York to mark the
34th Anniversary of Turkey’s criminal military-invasion and ongoing illegal
military-occupation of Cyprus and to protest Turkey’s continued denial of that
crime against humanity.
“Turkey's efforts to deny the invasion of Cyprus, coupled with its systematic
destruction of cultural and religious monuments, the renaming of cities and
other geographic landmarks and its methodical program of illegal Turkish
settlers make the current Turkish government an accomplice to and culpable for
Crimes Against Humanity in Cyprus," stated Nikolaos Taneris, who heads the
Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA). “We reiterated our message to the
Turkish regime and its collaborators that we will not go away and we will not be
silent until Turkey admits the invasion, returns occupied Cypriot lands and
makes appropriate reparations,” he continued.
A bus load of Cyprus supporters from the STATHAKION CENTER of the FEDERATION of
HELLENIC SOCIETIES of GREATER NEW YORK in Astoria, were joined by dozens of
others who came to Embassy Row in the downtown area of Washington DC for the
demonstration. Representatives from the Hellenic societies of the Lakonians,
the Athenians, the Pan Thracian Union of America “ORPHEUS” and, most notably,
support from the Brotherhood of MANI, helped make this demonstration such a
great success. Demonstrators distributed flyers while, loudly and proudly,
chanting slogans such as “Turkish Troops Out of Cyprus” and “Turkish Murderers
Out of Cyprus.”
This year, the Turkish Embassy organized numerous Turks, many of whom were seen
coming in and out of the Turkish Embassy, to provoke and heckle the
demonstrators. These actions call into question grave ethical and legal
questions about a foreign embassy (that is, Turkey’s Embassy) directly
supporting and organizing “so-called” political demonstrators on American soil.
The Turkish Embassy directly interacted with their Turk “so-called” political
demonstrators , some of whom flashed the Grey Wolf (this is the Turkish version
of the Ku Klux Klan) hand signal. The Turks, with numerous portraits of
“Ataturk” and flags representing the illegal pseudo-state of Occupied-Cyprus,
were in front of their Turkish Embassy many hours before the official CANA
protest was set to begin, and were seen giving directions to their Turk
“so-called” demonstrators and to their lawyer through the gates and doors of the
Turkish Embassy. All the Turkish signs in the beginning looked like they were
printed out by computer, with denialist propaganda slogans, and lame outdated
quotes from the 1960s about Cyprus, that they most likely copied quickly off of
a random Turkish website. At one point, some Turks went into the Turkish
Embassy empty-handed and came out moments later carrying hand written signs
scrawled with the slogans 'Greek Troops Occupy Macedonia' and 'Istanbul since
1453'. Many of the Turk so-called demonstrators were sighted driving around
with Turkish diplomatic license plates. Some of the Turks drove up and down
Embassy Row honking their horns and waving Turk flags, until they were pulled
over by the police. It is noteworthy to mention that Yenal Kucuker, the Turkish
born intern of U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (KY-01), co-chair of the
Congressional Caucus on Turkey, was one of the Turkish Embassy’s so-called
demonstrators. Gunay Evinch President Elect of ATAA (Assembly of Turkish
American Associations) and "the lawyer of the Turkish Embassy” led the Turks who
provoked our demonstrators. Gunay Evinch acted as th
eir spokesperson, he spent his whole day on July 20th 2008, standing in front of
the Turkish Embassy, trying to provoke our demonstrators. Hear and see Gunay
Evinch in our CANA grassroots You Tube video. Gunay Evinch (wearing a white
t-shirt and white shorts), standing in front of the Turkish Embassy in
Washington DC on July 20, 2008, singing "Old MacDonald Had a Farm." GUNAY
EVINCH PRESIDENT ELECT OF ATAA ASSEMBLY OF TURKISH AMERICAN ASSOCIATIONS is now
on You Tube, for all to view, please distribute widely. This is “the brains” of
the Turkish lobby and “the lawyer of the Turkish Embassy”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35YupEDq1Nw
The demonstration was aired on the CBS affiliate (WUSA9), in the July 20th
evening broadcast. CANA now has earned remarkable success for the Cyprus cause.
The Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) through bold and assertive public
advocacy, managed to achieve American network television coverage to mark July
20th 2008 as “the 34th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus”
Please visit this link to view CBS television news coverage of the CANA
demonstration to Mark “the 34th Anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus”:
http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=74159&catid=158
In addition to the CBS coverage, CANA supporter, Kathryn Cameron Porter,
President of the Leadership Council for Human Rights, joined our demonstration
in Washington and published a commentary entitled “Cyprus solution , please” in
The Washington Times on July 20th 2008, which she asked to be read aloud at the
CANA protest::
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/20/cyprus-solution-please/
Senator Leonidas P. Raptakis of Rhode Island also sent a letter to The Cyprus
Action Network of America (CANA), to be read into the record at our
demonstration to mark the 34th Anniversary Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the
letter can be read in pdf format in this link:
http://cyprusactionnetwork.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/Cyprus1.202195930.pdf
Washington DC Greek press correspondent Lambros Papantoniou wrote a Hellenic
language report on our demonstration, for large circulation Hellenic daily
Eleftheros Typos, available in this link:
http://cyprusactionnetwork.org/report_in_hellenic_on_hands_off_cyprus_2008_protest
On July 20th of each year Cypriots worldwide commemorate Turkey's criminal
military-invasion of Cyprus. July 20, 1974, was the date when the Turkish
government with use of napalm, bombs and warplanes began a campaign of rapes,
terror and murder that resulted in the illegal military-occupation of well over
one-third of Cypriot land, The Cypriot community holds a picket in front of the
Turkish Embassy in London every year, and an all night vigil is also held in
Syndagma Square in Athens, in addition to demonstrations and memorials in Cyprus
and around the world. This July 20, 2008 marks the second time in history that
Cypriots demonstrated directly in front of the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC.
The Turkish State continues to deny responsibility for Crimes Against Humanity
in Cyprus and finances endowed chairs of Turkish Studies at various American
universities, and spends millions of dollars each year on lobbies in America,
to deny Turkish crimes in Cyprus.
Despite such pressure, grass-roots activism spearheaded by this Cyprus Action
Network of America (CANA) demonstration in front of the Turkish Embassy in
Washington DC has managed on July 20th 2008 in marking the 34th Anniversary of
the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus, to send the message out to millions of
Americans and to the entire Turkish State that we will not be silent and we will
not go away, until Turkey admits to the invasion, returns occupied Cypriot lands
and makes appropriate reparations,
Several videos of the CANA demonstration marking the 34th Anniversary of the
Turkish invasion of Cyprus have been uploaded to the CANA Grassroots channel on
YouTube, available in this link: http://www.youtube.com/CANAgrassroots
Please visit our homepage (www.cyprusactionnetwork.org) for pictures.
========================
Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA)
2578 Broadway #132
New York, NY 10025
New York: Tel. 917-699-9935
Email: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org
www.cyprusactionnetwork.org
========================
The Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) is a grass-roots, not-for-profit
movement created to support genuine self-determination and human rights for the
people of Cyprus.
You may post any CANA article, press release or action alert on the internet as
long as you credit CANA and the author(s).
Contact: Nikolaos Taneris, New York, Tel. 1-917-699-9935
CBS NEWS COVERS 34th ANNIVERSARY OF TURKISH INVASION THANKS TO CANA ACTION!
WASHINGTON DC—The crowd of diverse Cypriot demonstrators braved the scorching
sun outside the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC, and long distances, travelling
from as far away as Seattle, Annapolis, Philadelphia and New York to mark the
34th Anniversary of Turkey’s criminal military-invasion and ongoing illegal
military-occupation of Cyprus and to protest Turkey’s continued denial of that
crime against humanity.
“Turkey's efforts to deny the invasion of Cyprus, coupled with its systematic
destruction of cultural and religious monuments, the renaming of cities and
other geographic landmarks and its methodical program of illegal Turkish
settlers make the current Turkish government an accomplice to and culpable for
Crimes Against Humanity in Cyprus," stated Nikolaos Taneris, who heads the
Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA). “We reiterated our message to the
Turkish regime and its collaborators that we will not go away and we will not be
silent until Turkey admits the invasion, returns occupied Cypriot lands and
makes appropriate reparations,” he continued.
A bus load of Cyprus supporters from the STATHAKION CENTER of the FEDERATION of
HELLENIC SOCIETIES of GREATER NEW YORK in Astoria, were joined by dozens of
others who came to Embassy Row in the downtown area of Washington DC for the
demonstration. Representatives from the Hellenic societies of the Lakonians,
the Athenians, the Pan Thracian Union of America “ORPHEUS” and, most notably,
support from the Brotherhood of MANI, helped make this demonstration such a
great success. Demonstrators distributed flyers while, loudly and proudly,
chanting slogans such as “Turkish Troops Out of Cyprus” and “Turkish Murderers
Out of Cyprus.”
This year, the Turkish Embassy organized numerous Turks, many of whom were seen
coming in and out of the Turkish Embassy, to provoke and heckle the
demonstrators. These actions call into question grave ethical and legal
questions about a foreign embassy (that is, Turkey’s Embassy) directly
supporting and organizing “so-called” political demonstrators on American soil.
The Turkish Embassy directly interacted with their Turk “so-called” political
demonstrators , some of whom flashed the Grey Wolf (this is the Turkish version
of the Ku Klux Klan) hand signal. The Turks, with numerous portraits of
“Ataturk” and flags representing the illegal pseudo-state of Occupied-Cyprus,
were in front of their Turkish Embassy many hours before the official CANA
protest was set to begin, and were seen giving directions to their Turk
“so-called” demonstrators and to their lawyer through the gates and doors of the
Turkish Embassy. All the Turkish signs in the beginning looked like they were
printed out by computer, with denialist propaganda slogans, and lame outdated
quotes from the 1960s about Cyprus, that they most likely copied quickly off of
a random Turkish website. At one point, some Turks went into the Turkish
Embassy empty-handed and came out moments later carrying hand written signs
scrawled with the slogans 'Greek Troops Occupy Macedonia' and 'Istanbul since
1453'. Many of the Turk so-called demonstrators were sighted driving around
with Turkish diplomatic license plates. Some of the Turks drove up and down
Embassy Row honking their horns and waving Turk flags, until they were pulled
over by the police. It is noteworthy to mention that Yenal Kucuker, the Turkish
born intern of U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (KY-01), co-chair of the
Congressional Caucus on Turkey, was one of the Turkish Embassy’s so-called
demonstrators. Gunay Evinch President Elect of ATAA (Assembly of Turkish
American Associations) and "the lawyer of the Turkish Embassy” led the Turks who
provoked our demonstrators. Gunay Evinch acted as th
eir spokesperson, he spent his whole day on July 20th 2008, standing in front of
the Turkish Embassy, trying to provoke our demonstrators. Hear and see Gunay
Evinch in our CANA grassroots You Tube video. Gunay Evinch (wearing a white
t-shirt and white shorts), standing in front of the Turkish Embassy in
Washington DC on July 20, 2008, singing "Old MacDonald Had a Farm." GUNAY
EVINCH PRESIDENT ELECT OF ATAA ASSEMBLY OF TURKISH AMERICAN ASSOCIATIONS is now
on You Tube, for all to view, please distribute widely. This is “the brains” of
the Turkish lobby and “the lawyer of the Turkish Embassy”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35YupEDq1Nw
The demonstration was aired on the CBS affiliate (WUSA9), in the July 20th
evening broadcast. CANA now has earned remarkable success for the Cyprus cause.
The Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) through bold and assertive public
advocacy, managed to achieve American network television coverage to mark July
20th 2008 as “the 34th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus”
Please visit this link to view CBS television news coverage of the CANA
demonstration to Mark “the 34th Anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus”:
http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=74159&catid=158
In addition to the CBS coverage, CANA supporter, Kathryn Cameron Porter,
President of the Leadership Council for Human Rights, joined our demonstration
in Washington and published a commentary entitled “Cyprus solution , please” in
The Washington Times on July 20th 2008, which she asked to be read aloud at the
CANA protest::
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/20/cyprus-solution-please/
Senator Leonidas P. Raptakis of Rhode Island also sent a letter to The Cyprus
Action Network of America (CANA), to be read into the record at our
demonstration to mark the 34th Anniversary Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the
letter can be read in pdf format in this link:
http://cyprusactionnetwork.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/Cyprus1.202195930.pdf
Washington DC Greek press correspondent Lambros Papantoniou wrote a Hellenic
language report on our demonstration, for large circulation Hellenic daily
Eleftheros Typos, available in this link:
http://cyprusactionnetwork.org/report_in_hellenic_on_hands_off_cyprus_2008_protest
On July 20th of each year Cypriots worldwide commemorate Turkey's criminal
military-invasion of Cyprus. July 20, 1974, was the date when the Turkish
government with use of napalm, bombs and warplanes began a campaign of rapes,
terror and murder that resulted in the illegal military-occupation of well over
one-third of Cypriot land, The Cypriot community holds a picket in front of the
Turkish Embassy in London every year, and an all night vigil is also held in
Syndagma Square in Athens, in addition to demonstrations and memorials in Cyprus
and around the world. This July 20, 2008 marks the second time in history that
Cypriots demonstrated directly in front of the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC.
The Turkish State continues to deny responsibility for Crimes Against Humanity
in Cyprus and finances endowed chairs of Turkish Studies at various American
universities, and spends millions of dollars each year on lobbies in America,
to deny Turkish crimes in Cyprus.
Despite such pressure, grass-roots activism spearheaded by this Cyprus Action
Network of America (CANA) demonstration in front of the Turkish Embassy in
Washington DC has managed on July 20th 2008 in marking the 34th Anniversary of
the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus, to send the message out to millions of
Americans and to the entire Turkish State that we will not be silent and we will
not go away, until Turkey admits to the invasion, returns occupied Cypriot lands
and makes appropriate reparations,
Several videos of the CANA demonstration marking the 34th Anniversary of the
Turkish invasion of Cyprus have been uploaded to the CANA Grassroots channel on
YouTube, available in this link: http://www.youtube.com/CANAgrassroots
Please visit our homepage (www.cyprusactionnetwork.org) for pictures.
========================
Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA)
2578 Broadway #132
New York, NY 10025
New York: Tel. 917-699-9935
Email: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org
www.cyprusactionnetwork.org
========================
The Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) is a grass-roots, not-for-profit
movement created to support genuine self-determination and human rights for the
people of Cyprus.
You may post any CANA article, press release or action alert on the internet as
long as you credit CANA and the author(s).
Menendez in battle between countries
Sides with Greece against Macedonia's own name
Sunday, July 20, 2008
BY ROBERT COHEN
STAR-LEDGER WASHINGTON BUREAU
WASHINGTON -- Robert Menendez has never been known to shy away from a political brawl, even one that is thousands of miles from New Jersey, has its roots in antiquity and touches the raw nerves of two sovereign nations.
From his perch on Capitol Hill, the New Jersey senator has injected himself into a bitter dispute over the name of a small Balkan nation -- a country that since independence in 1991 has called itself the Republic of Macedonia, and which neighboring Greece insists should be known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia or FYROM.
Read Full Article Here
Sunday, July 20, 2008
BY ROBERT COHEN
STAR-LEDGER WASHINGTON BUREAU
WASHINGTON -- Robert Menendez has never been known to shy away from a political brawl, even one that is thousands of miles from New Jersey, has its roots in antiquity and touches the raw nerves of two sovereign nations.
From his perch on Capitol Hill, the New Jersey senator has injected himself into a bitter dispute over the name of a small Balkan nation -- a country that since independence in 1991 has called itself the Republic of Macedonia, and which neighboring Greece insists should be known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia or FYROM.
Read Full Article Here
Greek And Turkish Supporters Battle With Words In Washington
WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA)--Greek and Turkish supporters yelled at each other across Massachussetts Avenue NW on the 34th anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus. In July 1974, a military coup deposed the then president of Cyprus Archbishop Makarios, a Greek Cypriot, who was elected president after giving up plans to unify with Greece.
Read Full Article Here
Read Full Article Here
Sparta: Journal of ancient Spartan and Greek History
Recently published the newest article written by Ioannis Fidanakis about the origins of the Ancient Thracians.
A Link to the site can be found here
And a personal thank you to Mr. Nikolaos Markoulakis for helping spread this article around the internet.
A Link to the site can be found here
And a personal thank you to Mr. Nikolaos Markoulakis for helping spread this article around the internet.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Quest for the origins of the ancient Thracians
Ioannis Fidanakis - 7/16/2008
© 2004-2008 Global Politician
The search for the identity of the ancient Thrakiotes (Thracians) lies within the question of just who was a Hellene in the ancient world. Whether through ancient mythology, history or modern archeology and anthropology the search for just who were the ancient Hellenes lead us on a difficult journey with today’s political climate. The fact that the ancient Hellenic people were polyonymous people just add to the friction between scholars with each owns political motives. How do we define the ancient Hellenic ethnos, when it was divided in to tribes, which did not feel a common kindred till later on in history, a process, which in and of itself was slowly realized and crudely selective. Are only the ancient city-states of Athens and Sparta the center of our people? A misconception held by some today, mostly because of our neighbor’s claims on different parts of our history and present territory. What defines people? Is it their common culture, religion, language, and descendant? Even so, where do we draw the line as what is a common anything? Are only those who shared the culture, religion, and dialects of southern Hellas to be considered Hellenes? What about others whose culture, religion, and language may have evolved differently far from their southern Hellenic brothers?
Read Full Article Here
© 2004-2008 Global Politician
The search for the identity of the ancient Thrakiotes (Thracians) lies within the question of just who was a Hellene in the ancient world. Whether through ancient mythology, history or modern archeology and anthropology the search for just who were the ancient Hellenes lead us on a difficult journey with today’s political climate. The fact that the ancient Hellenic people were polyonymous people just add to the friction between scholars with each owns political motives. How do we define the ancient Hellenic ethnos, when it was divided in to tribes, which did not feel a common kindred till later on in history, a process, which in and of itself was slowly realized and crudely selective. Are only the ancient city-states of Athens and Sparta the center of our people? A misconception held by some today, mostly because of our neighbor’s claims on different parts of our history and present territory. What defines people? Is it their common culture, religion, language, and descendant? Even so, where do we draw the line as what is a common anything? Are only those who shared the culture, religion, and dialects of southern Hellas to be considered Hellenes? What about others whose culture, religion, and language may have evolved differently far from their southern Hellenic brothers?
Read Full Article Here
LCHR condemns Turkey for destruction of cultural treasures in occupied Cyprus
Press Release: LCHR condemns Turkey for destruction of cultural treasures in occupied Cyprus
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
202-638-0066
From: "Leadership Council for Human Rights"
Date: July 16, 2008 4:22:46 PM ADT
LCHR condemns Turkey for destruction of cultural treasures in occupied Cyprus
The Leadership Council for Human Rights decries the continued devastation of Cyprus’s cultural heritage, as precipitated by Turkey’s extreme disregard for the country’s historic wealth since its 1974 invasion.
Turkish policies in the occupied northern region of the Mediterranean island have contributed to a massive exploitation of the country’s priceless treasures of antiquity. Cyprus is world-renowned for its rich cultural history and precious Byzantine works of art. Tragically, many of these pieces have been demolished or stolen as the Turkish government continues to be complicit in the pillaging and destruction of the hundreds of places of worship that house the items. Tens of thousands of ancient artifacts now reside outside the country, the result of illegal smuggling. To make matters worse, in many instances Greek Orthodox churches, chapels and monasteries have been converted into military facilities as Ankara continues its repressive occupation.
The U.S. and the EU have put forth some measures to ameliorate the situation, with Washington enacting import restrictions, and the European Parliament calling for the protection of religious sites. Still, more must be done. Turkey’s actions are in stark violation of its obligations under several U.N. conventions to which it is a signatory; this must be properly addressed. The Leadership Council calls on the international community to recognize the true scale of the destruction already witnessed and urge Turkey to take remedial action to restore and preserve a cultural heritage that resonates so deeply across political borders.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
202-638-0066
From: "Leadership Council for Human Rights"
Date: July 16, 2008 4:22:46 PM ADT
LCHR condemns Turkey for destruction of cultural treasures in occupied Cyprus
The Leadership Council for Human Rights decries the continued devastation of Cyprus’s cultural heritage, as precipitated by Turkey’s extreme disregard for the country’s historic wealth since its 1974 invasion.
Turkish policies in the occupied northern region of the Mediterranean island have contributed to a massive exploitation of the country’s priceless treasures of antiquity. Cyprus is world-renowned for its rich cultural history and precious Byzantine works of art. Tragically, many of these pieces have been demolished or stolen as the Turkish government continues to be complicit in the pillaging and destruction of the hundreds of places of worship that house the items. Tens of thousands of ancient artifacts now reside outside the country, the result of illegal smuggling. To make matters worse, in many instances Greek Orthodox churches, chapels and monasteries have been converted into military facilities as Ankara continues its repressive occupation.
The U.S. and the EU have put forth some measures to ameliorate the situation, with Washington enacting import restrictions, and the European Parliament calling for the protection of religious sites. Still, more must be done. Turkey’s actions are in stark violation of its obligations under several U.N. conventions to which it is a signatory; this must be properly addressed. The Leadership Council calls on the international community to recognize the true scale of the destruction already witnessed and urge Turkey to take remedial action to restore and preserve a cultural heritage that resonates so deeply across political borders.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Turkish hackers target European Commission's Web site
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Nationalist Turkish hackers attempted to hijack the European Commission's computer system and to get hold of confidential information, according to an article in the German magazine Focus, a private broadcaster reported yesterday.
Read Full Article Here
Nationalist Turkish hackers attempted to hijack the European Commission's computer system and to get hold of confidential information, according to an article in the German magazine Focus, a private broadcaster reported yesterday.
Read Full Article Here
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
URGENT: Protest Turkish Embassy: Hands Off Cyprus 2008!
WHERE: Turkish Embassy 2525 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC
WHEN: July 20, 2008, Sunday, 2PM-5PM
The Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) will be demonstrating outside the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC to demand an end to the ongoing criminal Turkish military-occupation or land grab of Cyprus initiated by the Turkish government by sheer, brute military-invasion on July 20, 1974.
A FREE BUS will be leaving on Sunday morning at 8 AM from Astoria at:
STATHAKION CENTER
22-51 29th Street
Astoria, NY 11105
Please email us your name, telephone number, and number of people in your party so that we may reserve a seat for you.
Contact: Nikolaos Taneris, New York, Tel. 1-917-699-9935
cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org
WHEN: July 20, 2008, Sunday, 2PM-5PM
The Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) will be demonstrating outside the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC to demand an end to the ongoing criminal Turkish military-occupation or land grab of Cyprus initiated by the Turkish government by sheer, brute military-invasion on July 20, 1974.
A FREE BUS will be leaving on Sunday morning at 8 AM from Astoria at:
STATHAKION CENTER
22-51 29th Street
Astoria, NY 11105
Please email us your name, telephone number, and number of people in your party so that we may reserve a seat for you.
Contact: Nikolaos Taneris, New York, Tel. 1-917-699-9935
cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org
Monday, July 14, 2008
Bosnian Serbs Remember Relatives killed in 1990s War
Serbs in Bosnia-Herzegovina have held a commemoration ceremony in honor of some 35-hundred ethnic Serbs killed during the Balkan conflict of the 1990s.
Read Full Article Here
Read Full Article Here
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
ECB ups interest rate to 4.25 percent, as eurozone inflation pressure persists
THE EUROPEAN Central Bank raised its benchmark interest rate on July 3 by a quarter percentage point to 4.25 percent in an effort to rein in escalating inflation in the 15-nation euro zone.
Read Full Article Here
Read Full Article Here
'We need new rules'
Four years of New Democracy rule and two decades of immigrationpolicymaking later, the head of the Hellenic Migration Policy Institute saysthe country needs a new strategy and more help from the EU
Read Full Article Here
Read Full Article Here
First Humans To Settle Americas Came From Europe
ScienceDaily (July 1, 2008) — Research by a Valparaiso University geography professor and his students on the creation of Kankakee Sand Islands of Northwest Indiana is lending support to evidence that the first humans to settle the Americas came from Europe, a discovery that overturns decades of classroom lessons that nomadic tribes from Asia crossed a Bering Strait land-ice bridge. Valparaiso is a member of the Council on Undergraduate Research.
Read Full Article Here
Read Full Article Here
Monday, July 7, 2008
Remarks by Ambassador Daniel V. Speckhard
AHEPA 86th Supreme Conference, Athens, Greece
June 30, 2008
...Greece is rightly proud of its ancient history, as it was known to Alexander the Great and his father Philip, whose tomb I had the honor of visiting earlier this year in Vergina....
Read Full Speech Here
June 30, 2008
...Greece is rightly proud of its ancient history, as it was known to Alexander the Great and his father Philip, whose tomb I had the honor of visiting earlier this year in Vergina....
Read Full Speech Here
Turkey probes coup plot, ruling party in court
Thu Jul 3, 2008
ANKARA, July 3 (Reuters) - Documents seized by Turkish police indicate that a shadowy, ultra-nationalist illegal organisation planned to trigger a coup to unseat the government, newspapers reported on Thursday.
Read Full Article Here
ANKARA, July 3 (Reuters) - Documents seized by Turkish police indicate that a shadowy, ultra-nationalist illegal organisation planned to trigger a coup to unseat the government, newspapers reported on Thursday.
Read Full Article Here
WASHINGTON POST COVERS TURKISH EMBASSY CORRUPTION AND MANIPULATION
For Immediate Release: July 7, 2008
Contact: Nikolaos Taneris, New York, Tel. 1-917-699-9935
NEW YORK—The Washington Post reported in its Saturday edition on the ongoing
corruption and manipulation of American scholarship by the Turkish government,
Susan Kinzie’s article “Board Members Resign to Protest Chair’s Ousting Leader
in Georgetown-Based Agency Encouraged Scholars to Research Mass Killing of
Armenians” details the most recent scandal surrounding the ITS (Institute of
Turkish Studies) founded with a $3 million dollar grant paid directly by the
Turkish government.
Beginning in the 1980s, in response to the Congressional arms embargo of the
1970s following Turkey’s criminal military invasion of Cyprus, the Turkish
Embassy in Washington DC, under the leadership of then Turkish Ambassador Sukru
Elekdag, initiated a far flung campaign in America to whitewash Turkish criminal
history. The practically non-existent ,apathetic community of Turks in America,
was reorganized with the help of millions of dollars of funding-- buying high
priced advisors to set up such Cyprus Invasion denying entities as the
Washington DC-Based “American Friends of Turkey” the ATC (American Turkish
Council) recently reorganized under the new name “Turkish Coalition of America”
,the ATAA (Assembly of Turkish American Associations) and the New York-New
Jersey-Based FTAA (Federation of Turkish American Associations) whose job was to
organize a “Turkish-American” parade to counter the decades long parade by
Greek-Americans on New York’s Fifth Avenue.
The Parade like the funding of Turkish ‘academic’ institutes was set up for the
dual purposes of Genocide denial and Cyprus Invasion denial. According to the
Turkish Daily News ( May 21, 2007) “In the 1980s the parade was a platform where
Turkish Americans tried to draw the attention of American public to some of
Turkey's international conflicts such as those with Armenia and Greek Cyprus…The
first official Turkish Day Parade in the city was held on April 23 1980. Those
who attended that parade remember vividly that there were only two flags in the
150 people cortege. The FTAA could not get a permit for the parade in 1981
either. In 1982 however, with support from Ankara FTAA was able to get the
permit to organize first official Turkish Day Parade. It was decided that the
parade would take place on the weekend that is closest to May 19th,” (NOTE: May
19th is the day in 1919 that Turk leader Mustafa Kemal landed in Pontus to
perpetrate the Pontian Genocide, In Turkey this is celebrated as “Turkish
liberation day”)
Greek-American scholar Speros Vryonis wrote the first detailed academic study of
Turkish government manipulation of American scholarship in his monumental work
“The Turkish State and History: Clio Meets the Grey Wolf.” Vryonis documents the
ITS (Institute of Turkish Studies) attempt to manipulate American scholarship,
and in turn US public opinion, with the granting of monies to Genocide deniers,
activities that question the objectivity of this group and its role in
essentially lobbying on behalf of the Turkish Embassy.
Turkey has also bankrolled the establishment of endowed Chairs of Turkish
Studies at various American universities, at least one such Chair, the endowed
Chair of Turkish Studies at Portland State University , paid for directly by
funding from the Turkish Embassy, is involved in actively producing Cyprus
Invasion denial literature, and is home to the “Cyprus Peace Initiative”. The
“Cyprus Peace Initiative” actively lobbied for the discredited, so-called Annan
Plan, which made provisions that call for Turkish military to remain and
intervene over all of Cyprus.
The Washington Post article follows on the heels of a long list of credible news
outlets that have reported on Turkey’s false historical revisionism and the
Turkish Embassy’s morally bankrupt attempts to present a distorted image of
Turkey’s true face to the American public.
(Article is reproduced for Fair Use and Educational Purposes)
Board Members Resign to Protest Chair's Ousting
Leader in Georgetown-Based Agency Encouraged Scholars to Research Mass Killing
of Armenians
By Susan Kinzie
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, July 5, 2008; B05
The issue that has roiled U.S.-Turkish relations in recent months -- how to
characterize the mass killing of Armenians in 1915 -- has set off a dispute over
politics and academic freedom at an institute housed at Georgetown University.
Several board members of the Institute of Turkish Studies have resigned this
summer, protesting the ouster of a board chairman who wrote that scholars should
research, rather than avoid, what he characterized as an Armenian genocide.
Within weeks of writing about the matter in late 2006, Binghamton University
professor Donald Quataert resigned from the board of governors, saying the
Turkish ambassador to the United States told him he had angered some political
leaders in Ankara and that they had threatened to revoke the institute's
funding.
After a prominent association of Middle Eastern scholars learned about it, they
wrote a letter in May to the institute, the Turkish prime minister and other
leaders asking that Quataert be reinstated and money for the institute be put in
an irrevocable trust to avoid political influence.
The ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Nabi Sensoy, denied that he had
any role in Quataert's resignation. In a written statement, he said that claims
that he urged Quataert to leave are unfounded and misleading.
The dispute shows the tensions between money and scholarship, and the impact
language can have on historical understanding.
Hundreds of thousands of Armenians were killed when the Ottoman Empire collapsed
after World War I. Armenians and Turks bitterly disagree over whether it was a
campaign of genocide, or a civil war in which many Turks were also killed.
In the fall, when Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) championed a bill
that would characterize the events of 1915 to 1917 as genocide, the Bush
administration fought it and several former defense secretaries warned that
Turkish leaders would limit U.S. access to a military base needed for the war in
Iraq.
The Turkish studies institute, founded in 1983, is independent from Georgetown
University, but Executive Director David Cuthell teaches a course there in
exchange for space on campus.
Julie Green Bataille, a university spokeswoman, wrote in an e-mail, "we will
review this matter consistent with the importance of academic freedom and the
fact that the institute is independently funded and governed."
The institute's funding, a $3 million grant, is entirely from Turkey.
A few years ago, Quataert said, members of the board checked on what they
thought was an irrevocable blind trust "and to our surprise it turned out to be
a gift that could be revoked by the Turkish government."
Quataert, a professor of history, said the institute has funded good scholarship
without political influence. The selection of which studies to support is done
by a committee of academics on the associate board, he said, and approved by the
board, which includes business and political leaders. Never once, he said, did
he think a grant application was judged on anything other than its academic
merits.
He also noted that during his time there, no one applied for grants that would
have been controversial in Turkey. Asked if any of the research characterized
the events as genocide, Cuthell said, "My gut is no. It's that third rail."
Roger Smith, professor emeritus of government at the College of William and
Mary, questioned whether the nonprofit institute deserves its tax-exempt status
if there is political influence -- and whether it is an undeclared lobbying arm
for the Turkish government.
Cuthell said none of the institute's critics ever bothered to check the truth of
Quataert's account with the institute: It does not lobby, Cuthell said, and "the
allegations of academic freedom simply don't hold up."
The controversy began quietly in late 2006 with a review of historian Donald
Bloxham's book, "The Great Game of Genocide." Quataert wrote that the slaughter
of Armenians has been the elephant in the room of Ottoman studies. Despite his
belief that the term "genocide" had become a distraction, he said the events met
the United Nations definition of the word.
He sent a letter of resignation to members of the institute in December 2006,
and one board member resigned.
But in the fall, around the same time that Congress was debating the Armenian
question, Quataert was asked to speak at a conference about what had happened at
the institute. He told members of the Middle Eastern Studies Association that
the ambassador told him he must issue a retraction of his book review or step
down -- or put funding for the institute in jeopardy.
His colleagues were shocked, said Laurie Brand, director of the school of
international relations at the University of Southern California.
Ambassador Sensoy, who is honorary chairman of the institute's board, said in a
statement this week, "Neither the Turkish Government nor I have ever placed any
pressure upon the ITS, for such interference would have violated the principle
of the academic freedom, which we uphold the most. The Turkish Government and I
will be the first to defend ITS from any such pressure."
Since the May 27 letter from the scholars association was sent, several
associate and full members of the board have left. Marcie Patton, Resat Kasaba
and Kemal Silay resigned; Fatma Muge Gocek said she would resign, and Birol
Yesilada said his primary reason for stepping down at this time is his health,
but that he is concerned about the conflicting accounts of what had happened.
"It's a very difficult line that scholars walk," Patton said, "especially
post-9/11, especially because of the Iraq war."
####
========================
Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA)
2578 Broadway #132
New York, NY 10025
New York: Tel. 917-699-9935
Email: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org
www.cyprusactionnetwork.org
========================
The Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) is a grass-roots, not-for-profit
movement created to support genuine self-determination and human rights for the
people of Cyprus.
You may post any CANA article, press release or action alert on the internet as
long as you credit CANA and the author(s).
Contact: Nikolaos Taneris, New York, Tel. 1-917-699-9935
NEW YORK—The Washington Post reported in its Saturday edition on the ongoing
corruption and manipulation of American scholarship by the Turkish government,
Susan Kinzie’s article “Board Members Resign to Protest Chair’s Ousting Leader
in Georgetown-Based Agency Encouraged Scholars to Research Mass Killing of
Armenians” details the most recent scandal surrounding the ITS (Institute of
Turkish Studies) founded with a $3 million dollar grant paid directly by the
Turkish government.
Beginning in the 1980s, in response to the Congressional arms embargo of the
1970s following Turkey’s criminal military invasion of Cyprus, the Turkish
Embassy in Washington DC, under the leadership of then Turkish Ambassador Sukru
Elekdag, initiated a far flung campaign in America to whitewash Turkish criminal
history. The practically non-existent ,apathetic community of Turks in America,
was reorganized with the help of millions of dollars of funding-- buying high
priced advisors to set up such Cyprus Invasion denying entities as the
Washington DC-Based “American Friends of Turkey” the ATC (American Turkish
Council) recently reorganized under the new name “Turkish Coalition of America”
,the ATAA (Assembly of Turkish American Associations) and the New York-New
Jersey-Based FTAA (Federation of Turkish American Associations) whose job was to
organize a “Turkish-American” parade to counter the decades long parade by
Greek-Americans on New York’s Fifth Avenue.
The Parade like the funding of Turkish ‘academic’ institutes was set up for the
dual purposes of Genocide denial and Cyprus Invasion denial. According to the
Turkish Daily News ( May 21, 2007) “In the 1980s the parade was a platform where
Turkish Americans tried to draw the attention of American public to some of
Turkey's international conflicts such as those with Armenia and Greek Cyprus…The
first official Turkish Day Parade in the city was held on April 23 1980. Those
who attended that parade remember vividly that there were only two flags in the
150 people cortege. The FTAA could not get a permit for the parade in 1981
either. In 1982 however, with support from Ankara FTAA was able to get the
permit to organize first official Turkish Day Parade. It was decided that the
parade would take place on the weekend that is closest to May 19th,” (NOTE: May
19th is the day in 1919 that Turk leader Mustafa Kemal landed in Pontus to
perpetrate the Pontian Genocide, In Turkey this is celebrated as “Turkish
liberation day”)
Greek-American scholar Speros Vryonis wrote the first detailed academic study of
Turkish government manipulation of American scholarship in his monumental work
“The Turkish State and History: Clio Meets the Grey Wolf.” Vryonis documents the
ITS (Institute of Turkish Studies) attempt to manipulate American scholarship,
and in turn US public opinion, with the granting of monies to Genocide deniers,
activities that question the objectivity of this group and its role in
essentially lobbying on behalf of the Turkish Embassy.
Turkey has also bankrolled the establishment of endowed Chairs of Turkish
Studies at various American universities, at least one such Chair, the endowed
Chair of Turkish Studies at Portland State University , paid for directly by
funding from the Turkish Embassy, is involved in actively producing Cyprus
Invasion denial literature, and is home to the “Cyprus Peace Initiative”. The
“Cyprus Peace Initiative” actively lobbied for the discredited, so-called Annan
Plan, which made provisions that call for Turkish military to remain and
intervene over all of Cyprus.
The Washington Post article follows on the heels of a long list of credible news
outlets that have reported on Turkey’s false historical revisionism and the
Turkish Embassy’s morally bankrupt attempts to present a distorted image of
Turkey’s true face to the American public.
(Article is reproduced for Fair Use and Educational Purposes)
Board Members Resign to Protest Chair's Ousting
Leader in Georgetown-Based Agency Encouraged Scholars to Research Mass Killing
of Armenians
By Susan Kinzie
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, July 5, 2008; B05
The issue that has roiled U.S.-Turkish relations in recent months -- how to
characterize the mass killing of Armenians in 1915 -- has set off a dispute over
politics and academic freedom at an institute housed at Georgetown University.
Several board members of the Institute of Turkish Studies have resigned this
summer, protesting the ouster of a board chairman who wrote that scholars should
research, rather than avoid, what he characterized as an Armenian genocide.
Within weeks of writing about the matter in late 2006, Binghamton University
professor Donald Quataert resigned from the board of governors, saying the
Turkish ambassador to the United States told him he had angered some political
leaders in Ankara and that they had threatened to revoke the institute's
funding.
After a prominent association of Middle Eastern scholars learned about it, they
wrote a letter in May to the institute, the Turkish prime minister and other
leaders asking that Quataert be reinstated and money for the institute be put in
an irrevocable trust to avoid political influence.
The ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Nabi Sensoy, denied that he had
any role in Quataert's resignation. In a written statement, he said that claims
that he urged Quataert to leave are unfounded and misleading.
The dispute shows the tensions between money and scholarship, and the impact
language can have on historical understanding.
Hundreds of thousands of Armenians were killed when the Ottoman Empire collapsed
after World War I. Armenians and Turks bitterly disagree over whether it was a
campaign of genocide, or a civil war in which many Turks were also killed.
In the fall, when Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) championed a bill
that would characterize the events of 1915 to 1917 as genocide, the Bush
administration fought it and several former defense secretaries warned that
Turkish leaders would limit U.S. access to a military base needed for the war in
Iraq.
The Turkish studies institute, founded in 1983, is independent from Georgetown
University, but Executive Director David Cuthell teaches a course there in
exchange for space on campus.
Julie Green Bataille, a university spokeswoman, wrote in an e-mail, "we will
review this matter consistent with the importance of academic freedom and the
fact that the institute is independently funded and governed."
The institute's funding, a $3 million grant, is entirely from Turkey.
A few years ago, Quataert said, members of the board checked on what they
thought was an irrevocable blind trust "and to our surprise it turned out to be
a gift that could be revoked by the Turkish government."
Quataert, a professor of history, said the institute has funded good scholarship
without political influence. The selection of which studies to support is done
by a committee of academics on the associate board, he said, and approved by the
board, which includes business and political leaders. Never once, he said, did
he think a grant application was judged on anything other than its academic
merits.
He also noted that during his time there, no one applied for grants that would
have been controversial in Turkey. Asked if any of the research characterized
the events as genocide, Cuthell said, "My gut is no. It's that third rail."
Roger Smith, professor emeritus of government at the College of William and
Mary, questioned whether the nonprofit institute deserves its tax-exempt status
if there is political influence -- and whether it is an undeclared lobbying arm
for the Turkish government.
Cuthell said none of the institute's critics ever bothered to check the truth of
Quataert's account with the institute: It does not lobby, Cuthell said, and "the
allegations of academic freedom simply don't hold up."
The controversy began quietly in late 2006 with a review of historian Donald
Bloxham's book, "The Great Game of Genocide." Quataert wrote that the slaughter
of Armenians has been the elephant in the room of Ottoman studies. Despite his
belief that the term "genocide" had become a distraction, he said the events met
the United Nations definition of the word.
He sent a letter of resignation to members of the institute in December 2006,
and one board member resigned.
But in the fall, around the same time that Congress was debating the Armenian
question, Quataert was asked to speak at a conference about what had happened at
the institute. He told members of the Middle Eastern Studies Association that
the ambassador told him he must issue a retraction of his book review or step
down -- or put funding for the institute in jeopardy.
His colleagues were shocked, said Laurie Brand, director of the school of
international relations at the University of Southern California.
Ambassador Sensoy, who is honorary chairman of the institute's board, said in a
statement this week, "Neither the Turkish Government nor I have ever placed any
pressure upon the ITS, for such interference would have violated the principle
of the academic freedom, which we uphold the most. The Turkish Government and I
will be the first to defend ITS from any such pressure."
Since the May 27 letter from the scholars association was sent, several
associate and full members of the board have left. Marcie Patton, Resat Kasaba
and Kemal Silay resigned; Fatma Muge Gocek said she would resign, and Birol
Yesilada said his primary reason for stepping down at this time is his health,
but that he is concerned about the conflicting accounts of what had happened.
"It's a very difficult line that scholars walk," Patton said, "especially
post-9/11, especially because of the Iraq war."
####
========================
Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA)
2578 Broadway #132
New York, NY 10025
New York: Tel. 917-699-9935
Email: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org
www.cyprusactionnetwork.org
========================
The Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) is a grass-roots, not-for-profit
movement created to support genuine self-determination and human rights for the
people of Cyprus.
You may post any CANA article, press release or action alert on the internet as
long as you credit CANA and the author(s).
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
CANA TO PICKET CYPRUS INVASION DENIERS, TURKISH COALITION OF AMERICA AND CONGRESSMAN WEXLER
For Immediate Release: July 3, 2008
WHERE: Dacor Bacon House, 1801 F St NW, Washington DC
WHEN: Monday, July 14th, 2008 7PM-9PM
WASHINGTON DC—The Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) will be picketing
outside the Turkish Coalition of America sponsored event celebrating Cyprus
invasion denier Congressman Robert Wexler in the DACOR BACON HOUSE in Washington
DC, on the evening of Monday, July 14th at 7PM.
Turkey’s international industry of denial is financed to the tune of millions of
dollars, vomited up from the stolen lands and thefts of our people, then poured
into the coffers of Turkish lobbies such as Turkish Coalition of America, which
recently announced the establishment of the “Turkish Anti-Defamation League”,
that mirrors the paranoia of Ankara’s racist anti-Cypriot conspiracies. Its
highlights include a call to import Turkey’s Cyprus invasion denial into this
country with an emphasis on the alleged “political power of Armenians, Greeks,
Greek Cypriots, or otherwise.”
Congressman Robert Wexler will be discussing and signing his new book,
FIRE-BREATHING LIBERAL, according to the Turkish Coalition invitation, “Wexler's
book focuses on his leading role in US foreign policy and highlights his efforts
to strengthen America's partnership with NATO ally Turkey…Since being elected in
1996, Wexler has led several high-level Congressional delegation trips to Turkey
meeting with leading Turkish political leaders to promote close US-Turkish
relations including former Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, former President Ahmet
Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, President Abdullah Gul, military
leaders in the Turkish General Staff as well as leading Turkish business
organizations and Think Tanks.”
Former TMT Turkish terrorist leader, Denktash (who ruled the forces that
murdered Cypriot demonstrators ISSAK AND SOLOMOU) was one of the Turkish
political leaders Wexler met with while visiting illegally Occupied-Cyprus.
The Turkish Congressional Caucus was founded by Wexler, and in the past few
months, has ballooned to around eighty members, thanks largely to Wexler.
Wexler’s record is abysmal. His staffer flew illegally into the Tymbou airport
in Occupied Cyprus in August of 2005 with a Turkish sponsored congressional trip
which included pro-Turkish congressman Edward Whitfield (R-KY). The trip ignored
international law because the legal entry points of Cyprus are through Nicosia,
Paphos, Larnaca, or Limassol.
In a statement prominently displayed on the website of the “Turkish Coalition of
America”, Congressman Robert Wexler makes public his plans to legitimize
Turkey’s ongoing, illegal military-occupation of Cyprus: “We need to, in a
very dramatic way, increase America’s Turkish Cypriot relations. We should have
direct flights, have more economic development, push more recognition of Turkish
Cypriot interests in world affairs,” says Wexler.
In regards to Turkish atrocities in Cyprus, condemned by numerous UN
resolutions, and in violation of all human rights conventions, Congressman
Wexler has advanced false historical revisionism to absolve Turkey of any
responsibility for its crimes in Cyprus, following one of Wexler’s visits to the
illegal pseudo-regime in Turkish-occupied Cyprus, Wexler said “Unfortunately,
most people of the U.S. don’t know anything about Cyprus Those that do will
often understand it to be a Turkish attack, and not a response to a historical
effort to unify Cyprus with Greece. “ (“The New Anatolian” Turkey’s only
independent English- language daily, Monday April, 10th 2006)
Wexler never made a clear statement calling for troop reduction in Cyprus, he
wrote a letter last year, that like Turkey, vaguely calls for a solution, or
basically, he repeated Turkey’s Cyprus invasion denial party line, he wrote
"“Troop deployment on Cyprus seems to be disproportional – given the low threat
level facing Turkish-Cypriots”, Wexler said, adding that ''thirteen
million crossings of the Green Line have occurred without incident''.
If read carefully that letter basically reinforces Turkish arguments that Turkey
has “rights” to be there because of a "threat level facing Turkish Cypriots",
he's simply saying the threat level is “low”, but hasn't gone away, basically
Wexler reiterates the false historical revisionist "Peace Intervention"
argument of Turkey, that argues that Turkish military forces have a “right” to
intervene on Cypriot territory because of Turkish claims that Greek Cypriots
pose a “danger” or “threat level” to Turkish Cypriots, and is AGAIN Cyprus
invasion denying, no surprise, Genocide deniers are also Cyprus invasion
deniers.
The criminal Turkish invasion or land grab of Cyprus initiated by the Turkish
government on July 20, 1974, was inflicted on innocent Cypriot people by sheer,
brute force. Hundreds of thousands of Cypriots remain refugees following
Turkey’s systematic campaign of rapes, terror, bombings, burnings and forced
displacement. Over one thousand missing Cypriots, reportedly used for barbaric
scientific experiments by the Turks, remain unaccounted.
As the days draw near to the memorial date of July 20th, marking the Turkish
Crime of illegal invasion in Cyprus, we are making a moral call to picket Cyprus
invasion deniers, Cyprus Haters, and Turkish revisionist hate groups, --the time
has come to draw public attention to Turkey’s continuing crimes in Cyprus.
Our picket will also function as a teach-in, hundreds of t-shirts with the
slogans, SHAME ON WEXLER! SHAME ON TURKEY! CYPRIOTS WANT THEIR LAND BACK!
TURKISH TROOPS OUT OF CYPRUS! , will be distributed to passer-bys and
pedestrians, along with our educational pamphlet “Turkish Crimes”
It is imperative for Cypriots to demonstrate courage and picket these Cyprus
Haters. Please contact the CANA by email cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org for
details. Join the CANA and demand action. And be good, dedicated Cypriots with
courage. Spread our message and get involved.
With Love of Cyprus, Nikolaos Taneris,
Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA)
========================
Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA)
2578 Broadway #132
New York, NY 10025
New York: Tel. 917-699-9935
Email: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org
www.cyprusactionnetwork.org
WHERE: Dacor Bacon House, 1801 F St NW, Washington DC
WHEN: Monday, July 14th, 2008 7PM-9PM
WASHINGTON DC—The Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) will be picketing
outside the Turkish Coalition of America sponsored event celebrating Cyprus
invasion denier Congressman Robert Wexler in the DACOR BACON HOUSE in Washington
DC, on the evening of Monday, July 14th at 7PM.
Turkey’s international industry of denial is financed to the tune of millions of
dollars, vomited up from the stolen lands and thefts of our people, then poured
into the coffers of Turkish lobbies such as Turkish Coalition of America, which
recently announced the establishment of the “Turkish Anti-Defamation League”,
that mirrors the paranoia of Ankara’s racist anti-Cypriot conspiracies. Its
highlights include a call to import Turkey’s Cyprus invasion denial into this
country with an emphasis on the alleged “political power of Armenians, Greeks,
Greek Cypriots, or otherwise.”
Congressman Robert Wexler will be discussing and signing his new book,
FIRE-BREATHING LIBERAL, according to the Turkish Coalition invitation, “Wexler's
book focuses on his leading role in US foreign policy and highlights his efforts
to strengthen America's partnership with NATO ally Turkey…Since being elected in
1996, Wexler has led several high-level Congressional delegation trips to Turkey
meeting with leading Turkish political leaders to promote close US-Turkish
relations including former Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, former President Ahmet
Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, President Abdullah Gul, military
leaders in the Turkish General Staff as well as leading Turkish business
organizations and Think Tanks.”
Former TMT Turkish terrorist leader, Denktash (who ruled the forces that
murdered Cypriot demonstrators ISSAK AND SOLOMOU) was one of the Turkish
political leaders Wexler met with while visiting illegally Occupied-Cyprus.
The Turkish Congressional Caucus was founded by Wexler, and in the past few
months, has ballooned to around eighty members, thanks largely to Wexler.
Wexler’s record is abysmal. His staffer flew illegally into the Tymbou airport
in Occupied Cyprus in August of 2005 with a Turkish sponsored congressional trip
which included pro-Turkish congressman Edward Whitfield (R-KY). The trip ignored
international law because the legal entry points of Cyprus are through Nicosia,
Paphos, Larnaca, or Limassol.
In a statement prominently displayed on the website of the “Turkish Coalition of
America”, Congressman Robert Wexler makes public his plans to legitimize
Turkey’s ongoing, illegal military-occupation of Cyprus: “We need to, in a
very dramatic way, increase America’s Turkish Cypriot relations. We should have
direct flights, have more economic development, push more recognition of Turkish
Cypriot interests in world affairs,” says Wexler.
In regards to Turkish atrocities in Cyprus, condemned by numerous UN
resolutions, and in violation of all human rights conventions, Congressman
Wexler has advanced false historical revisionism to absolve Turkey of any
responsibility for its crimes in Cyprus, following one of Wexler’s visits to the
illegal pseudo-regime in Turkish-occupied Cyprus, Wexler said “Unfortunately,
most people of the U.S. don’t know anything about Cyprus Those that do will
often understand it to be a Turkish attack, and not a response to a historical
effort to unify Cyprus with Greece. “ (“The New Anatolian” Turkey’s only
independent English- language daily, Monday April, 10th 2006)
Wexler never made a clear statement calling for troop reduction in Cyprus, he
wrote a letter last year, that like Turkey, vaguely calls for a solution, or
basically, he repeated Turkey’s Cyprus invasion denial party line, he wrote
"“Troop deployment on Cyprus seems to be disproportional – given the low threat
level facing Turkish-Cypriots”, Wexler said, adding that ''thirteen
million crossings of the Green Line have occurred without incident''.
If read carefully that letter basically reinforces Turkish arguments that Turkey
has “rights” to be there because of a "threat level facing Turkish Cypriots",
he's simply saying the threat level is “low”, but hasn't gone away, basically
Wexler reiterates the false historical revisionist "Peace Intervention"
argument of Turkey, that argues that Turkish military forces have a “right” to
intervene on Cypriot territory because of Turkish claims that Greek Cypriots
pose a “danger” or “threat level” to Turkish Cypriots, and is AGAIN Cyprus
invasion denying, no surprise, Genocide deniers are also Cyprus invasion
deniers.
The criminal Turkish invasion or land grab of Cyprus initiated by the Turkish
government on July 20, 1974, was inflicted on innocent Cypriot people by sheer,
brute force. Hundreds of thousands of Cypriots remain refugees following
Turkey’s systematic campaign of rapes, terror, bombings, burnings and forced
displacement. Over one thousand missing Cypriots, reportedly used for barbaric
scientific experiments by the Turks, remain unaccounted.
As the days draw near to the memorial date of July 20th, marking the Turkish
Crime of illegal invasion in Cyprus, we are making a moral call to picket Cyprus
invasion deniers, Cyprus Haters, and Turkish revisionist hate groups, --the time
has come to draw public attention to Turkey’s continuing crimes in Cyprus.
Our picket will also function as a teach-in, hundreds of t-shirts with the
slogans, SHAME ON WEXLER! SHAME ON TURKEY! CYPRIOTS WANT THEIR LAND BACK!
TURKISH TROOPS OUT OF CYPRUS! , will be distributed to passer-bys and
pedestrians, along with our educational pamphlet “Turkish Crimes”
It is imperative for Cypriots to demonstrate courage and picket these Cyprus
Haters. Please contact the CANA by email cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org for
details. Join the CANA and demand action. And be good, dedicated Cypriots with
courage. Spread our message and get involved.
With Love of Cyprus, Nikolaos Taneris,
Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA)
========================
Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA)
2578 Broadway #132
New York, NY 10025
New York: Tel. 917-699-9935
Email: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org
www.cyprusactionnetwork.org
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Bosnia's black gold
By Alan Fisher in Tuzla, Bosnia
MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2008
20:30 MECCA TIME, 17:30 GMT
Drive three hours north from Sarajevo, through the sweeping hills and valleys of central Bosnia and you arrive in the city of Tuzla.
It is a pretty enough place with its elegantly dressed people and numerous cafes, but this place could be about to undergo a remarkable transformation.
The talk here is about oil. Not just the prices which are affecting everyone but supplies, deep underground. It is nothing new. They have been talking about it since the 19th century, during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Read Full Article Here
MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2008
20:30 MECCA TIME, 17:30 GMT
Drive three hours north from Sarajevo, through the sweeping hills and valleys of central Bosnia and you arrive in the city of Tuzla.
It is a pretty enough place with its elegantly dressed people and numerous cafes, but this place could be about to undergo a remarkable transformation.
The talk here is about oil. Not just the prices which are affecting everyone but supplies, deep underground. It is nothing new. They have been talking about it since the 19th century, during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Read Full Article Here
Cypriot leaders hail peace talks
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
21:32 Mecca time, 18:32 GMT
Rival Cypriot leaders say they have made progress at talks aimed at reunifying the divided island.
Read Full Article Here
21:32 Mecca time, 18:32 GMT
Rival Cypriot leaders say they have made progress at talks aimed at reunifying the divided island.
Read Full Article Here
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