HELLENIC ORGANIZATION OF UNIVERSITY GRADUATES OF AMERICA, INC. - HOUGA
"Dedicated to promoting Hellenism in America"
34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106
e-mail: asavva@gramercy.ios.com

Sir, We are disturbed by and very concerned with the recent statements of the state department spokesman Nicholas Burns, concerning the contract between the govern ment of Cyprus and Russia for the Russian S-300 anti-aircraft missile system, to be bought by Cyprus. Do we still have any decency ? Have we lost any sense of justice in this country? Can someone please tell us how much the so called "US interests" can redefine humanity, decency and justice? What is this "US interests" anyway, that can make us so blind when it comes to Turkey? Why is it to the best interests of the Unites States for Turkey, to maintain an air superiority, and be a constant threat to the Cypriot people? Why Mr. Burns the US government regrets the decision of the Cypriot people to buy a defensive utility? Please tell us why these 22 year old policies, of supporting the aggressor, offered nothing to the stability of the region and the safety of the Cypriot people?

Turkey has been the worst violator when it comes to human rights, International treaties and US law. Read any human rights organization report, and you will find that Turkey is at the top of the list of countries that violate basic human rights. We constantly read in the press about Turkey's human rights violations almost daily. The numerous UN security council resolutions, UN resolutions, European Union Parliament Resolutions, International courts , UNESCO, The International Council of Churches, and many more, find Turkey in violation of basic human rights, International treaties and laws. The US Congress , almost annually, condemns Turkey for the 1974 Turkish illegal invasion and occupation of 40% of Cyprus. The US Government even issued an Arms embargo on Turkey , hoping that Turkey would finally obey US LAWS but nothing happened. The arms embargo has stopped but the crime is still going on. US weapons are illegally been used in Cyprus. US Courts decisions find Turkey as a Thief of the Greek Orthodox heritage of Cyprus, and you Mr. Burns say that it is not OK for the Cypriot government to defend its people.

The cup is full. We can not stand this hypocrisy any more. No longer will we remain silent. we will not be a part of this hypocritical behavior. As American citizens, we believe that we are as guilty as the criminal if we do not protest when the crime is committed. Mr. Burns, there is a limit to everything. supporting the criminal and protesting the rights of the victim to defend himself makes you a criminal also. Since Turkey's Invasion of Cyprus, and the illegal occupation of 40 % of its territory, US has done everything possible to please Turkey in the name of "US Interests".

In support of "US interests" we have sided with the criminal, and now we are asking the victim not to defend its people, because this will make it difficult, when we try to talk to Turkey about finding a "just" solution for the conflict. The President of Cyprus, Mr. Glafkos Clerides, rightfully rejected your protest, of the plan to buy the Russian missiles, and he reminded you of his proposal for a total demilitarization of the Island. Simple logic tells us that not only Mr. Burns, are you equating the victim with the criminal, but you are shamelessly trying not to upset the criminal.

Cyprus should no longer cry for mercy from Turkey or anyone else. Any normal human being can clearly see what is going on. It is time for our government to redefine "US Interests" and do everything possible so that the criminal be brought to justice.

Respectfully yours

Andreas Savva
V.P. of HOUGA

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