AHEPA Welcomes Under Secretary's Remarks on Visa Waiver Entry for Greece

Washington, D.C. - The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) welcomes the statements made by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, R. Nicholas Burns, on prospects for Greece’s entry into the Visa Waiver Program, following a working luncheon with Greece’s Tourism Minister, Fanny Palli-Petralia, on Wed., Dec. 13, 2006. According to press reports, Under Secretary Burns stated the U.S. government wants to “proceed as quickly as possible to work out arrangements to provide Visa Waiver Status….” “We are pleased to learn of his remarks,” said Supreme President Gus J. James. “We have been at the forefront of working on this issue by creating awareness of Greece’s qualifications as a Visa Waiver nation to key members of Congress and federal agencies. Greece certainly is well-positioned for entry based on its own merits.” He continued, “Greece’s entry into the Visa Waiver Program is crucial for the development of tourism and commerce between the two nations; however, there is also something to be said about the goodwill this will generate, not just with Greece, but with the European Union as well.” James added that he expects there to be significant progress made on this effort in 2007.

The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is the largest and oldest American-based, Greek heritage grassroots membership organization. Its scope is international with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus, and "sister" chapters in Australia and New Zealand under the auspices of AHEPA Australasia. AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922 in response to the evils of bigotry and racism that emerged in early 20th century American society. It also helped Greek immigrants assimilate into society. Today, AHEPA brings the ideals of ancient Greece, which includes philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence to the community. The AHEPA family consists of four organizations: AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena. For more information about the organization or how to join, contact AHEPA Headquarters (202-232-6300) or visit the organization's newly redesigned website at http://www.ahepa.org. HCS maintains an extensive archives of AHEPA articles and press releases which readers are invited to browse under the AHEPA Family Releases section of the site archives at http://www.helleniccomserve.com/archiveahepa.html.

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