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GREEK-AMERICAN LEADERS OF U.S. EFFORT ON MISSING IN CYPRUS HAIL MAJOR STEP FORWARD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- AUGUST 4, 1997

"The agreement to immediately and simultaneously exchange all information on the missing in Cyprus is a major step forward toward ending this tragic chapter in the history of the invasion, ethnic cleansing and occupation of Cyprus. It is our hope that this effort, supplemented by the results of the U.S. investigation mandated by U.S. law, may finally and fully determine the fate of the 1,619, including five American citizens, captured alive by Turkish troops over 23 years ago," said Philip Christopher, president of PSEKA and the Pancyprian Association of America.

In 1994 Christopher was joined by Andrew A. Athens, the current president of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), and Andrew E. Manatos, president of the National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes, in initiating and coordinating a major effort in the United States that resulted in the enactment of a U.S. law directing the President of the United States to undertake a thorough investigation to determine the whereabouts of the U.S. citizens and others missing from Cyprus since 1974. This bill, which was one of only four percent of the 7,852 bills introduced in the 103rd Congress that made it all the way through the difficult legislative process, passed with overwhelming support -- more co-sponsors than 98% of all bills introduced and unanimous passage in both houses.

"It is important that this effort result in the determination of the fate of all of the 1,619 missing persons. It is our hope that very soon the over 23 years of suffering that each and every family of the missing has endured will be greatly lessened," said Andrew A. Athens.

"The U.S. law that we fought hard to secure, specifically calls on the President to `do everything possible to return to their families...the U.S. citizens...and others who have been missing, including returning the remains of those who are no longer alive.' Only when this is done can this tragic chapter be closed," said Andrew Manatos.

Manatos added that, "At the news of this recent agreement, the members of Congress who spearheaded this effort in the U.S. Congress, Congressmen Eliot Engel (D-NY) and John Porter (R-IL), sent a letter to President Clinton stating that, `we believe that the time has come to release the results of your Administration's probe...and urge you to present...the ample research and analysis conducted...to Congress without delay.'"

For more information, please contact Mike Manatos at (202) 393-7790.