O C V ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ Bringing the news ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ to generations of ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald Greek Americans A WEEKLY GREEK AMERICAN PUBLICATION c v www.thenationalherald.com VOL. 11, ISSUE 542 March 1, 2008 $1.00 GREECE: 1.75 EURO Christofias Wins Runoff In Presidential Elections Cyprus’ New President-Elect Says He Wants to Meet with Turkish Cypriot Leader Very Soon

By Evan C. Lambrou neck until the last minute, but Special to The National Herald 516,000 Cypriot voters, 390 of whom were Turkish Cypriots, gave NEW YORK – Demetris the new President-Elect a comfort- Christofias, speaker of the Cypriot able edge, with the final tally at House of Representatives (2001- 53.36 percent for Mr. Christofias 08), was elected president of and 46.64 percent for Mr. Ka- Cyprus in the presidential runoff soulides. Voter turnout was more last week, promising to restart than 90 percent (voting is manda- moribund talks to reunify the war- tory in Cyprus). divided island republic and imme- AKEL grew out of Cyprus’ then diately agreed to meet the leader of outlawed communist party in the the breakaway state in Cyprus’ 1940’s, and enjoys close ties with Turkish-occupied north. the Turkish Cypriot left wing, but President-Elect Christofias’ first despite AKEL’s communist roots, speech offered a message of unity. analysts stress that Mr. Christofias, He promised his defeated conserva- a Soviet-educated history profes- tive rival, former Foreign Minister sor, is no traditional communist. Ioannis Kasoulides, that they “We’re not talking about Fidel would work together for a solution Castro or Kim Il Sung here, but a to the longstanding Cyprus prob- Euro-communist like one finds in lem, one of the international com- almost every Western European munities most intractable disputes. country,” said John Sitilides, chair- “Tomorrow, a new day begins. man of the Washington-based We will see many difficulties ahead of us. As of tomorrow, we unite our Continued on page 12 forces to achieve the reunification of our country,” he told jubilant supporters who flooded Nicosia’s AP PHOTO/PETROS KARADJIAS streets, honking car horns and WITH THIS ISSUE Communist President-elect Dimitris Christofias waves to his supporters during a victory celebration outside his campaign headquarters in di- lighting flares. vided capital Nicosia, Sunday, February 24, 2008. Christofias won with 53.36 percent of the vote, against 46.64 percent for conservative rival Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ioannis Kasoulides, final results showed. Ali Talat phoned Mr. Christofias to congratulate him on his election victory. Both expressed hopes to meet shortly, but did not agree on a specific date or venue, a Talat aide told the Associated Press. Leadership 100’s New Chairman Ready for Duty Mr. Christofias beat Mr. Ka- soulides, 59, who hails from the By Theodore Kalmoukos “I have been a membership Yeonas said. lis. The reason for that is many rightwing DISY party, the long- Special to The National Herald chairman and a disciple of George Asked about his plans for the Or- members cannot attend the Confer- standing rival of the new President- Behrakis. I watched what he did for ganization, its new chairman said. ence for various reasons. This way, Elect’s communist-rooted AKEL BOSTON – Stephen Yeonas, newly two years and he has moved the Or- “The number one plan will be to all the members will be able to at- party, sending supporters flooding elected chairman of the Leadership ganization to the highest level archive the goal Mr. Behrakis has tend a one day mini conference in onto the streets of Nicosia waving 100, discussed his goals and aspi- ever,” he said. set on to 1,000 members by Decem- each Metropolis.” Cypriot flags and banners of rations for the Organization in his As to why Mr. Behrakis did not ber 31, 2009 because that com- He announced that “the next Ernesto Guevara de la Serna (1928- first interview with the National seek reelection for another two pletes our 25th anniversary. We conference will be in Puerto Rico. 67), commonly known as Che Gue- Herald. Mr. Yeonas, a prominent year term, Mr. Yeonas said, “He told have 755 now and we need 250 to The reason is we are trying to diver- vara, the Argentine-born Marxist Greek American businessman from me that he feels it is better for the achieve our goal. Actually, it is a sify all our locations. We are con- revolutionary, international politi- Virginia is involved with the Lead- Organization to bring new people great challenge but I believe the sidering having a meeting in cal figure, medical doctor, and ership 100 for a number of years as every two years rather than have quality of our membership is such Greece.” leader of Cuban and other guerril- chairman of New Membership Dri- one person staying three or four that we will be able to achieve it.” Asked if the School of Theology las. ve, as well as vice-chairman the last years. Our goal for the future is to He also said “the second plan is Mr. Christofias and Mr. Ka- two years. bring in younger people,” Mr. to have meetings in each Metropo- Continued on page 3 soulides were running neck-and- Teachers Federation Meets Karamanlis: With SAE, Discuss Benefits, “No Solution, Salary and Visa Extensions No Invitation”

By Stavros Marmarinos Hotel, in Queens, New York Greek By Evan C. Lambrou Special to The National Herald American teachers’ eligibility for Special to The National Herald pension benefits from Greece, NEW YORK – The Pan-American salary increases, a possible visa ex- NEW YORK – Greece has threat- Hellenic Federation of Teachers to- tension for Greek teachers coming ened to veto FYROM’s bid to join gether with the Education Commit- to work in the U.S. from Greece, as NATO in April, and to the European tee for the U.S. Region of the World the evaluation of course materials Union later, unless the name dis- Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) were some of the issues discussed. pute between the two countries is held a meeting at the Crowne Plaza On hand for this meeting were resolved. SAE U.S. Regional Coordinator Ted Greek Prime Minister Costas Spyropoulos, the Education Coor- Karamanlis has warned FYROM dinators at the Greek Consulates in that “no solution means no invita- New York, Washington, D.C. and tion” to join either NATO or the San Francisco, the Director of E.U., in both of which Greece is a Vendor Files Greek Education at the Greek Or- veto-wielding member, with re- thodox Archdiocese of America Dr. spect to the thorny issue plaguing Claim Against Ioannis Efthimiopoulos, the Presi- relations between the Hellenic Re- dent of the Pan-American Hellenic public and its small landlocked Federation of Teachers Stella neighbor along its northern border. Hillary Clinton Kokoli, the President of the “Without a mutually acceptable Prometheus Greek Teachers Associ- solution, there can be no relations ation of New York Apostolos Foun- as allies; there can be no invitation By Michael Luo tas, and many other teachers and to the neighboring country for par- New York Times officials from various cities all ticipation in the same alliance,” Mr. across the U.S. Karamanlis told the Hellenic Parlia- NEW YORK – It was just Much of the discussion at the ment last Friday, February 22, in re- $2,492.63, a pittance, really, along- meeting centered on the need for sponse to a question posed by Pop- side million-dollar television buys the Greek Government to count the ular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) Party and direct mail drops. total years teachers spend in Greek leader George Karatzaferis con- But with Senator Hillary Rod- American schools when factoring A photo of one of the artifacts from Crete’s Minoan era, dating between 1350 – 1200 B.C., on display in the cerning developments in Kosovo ham Clinton’s bid for the Democra- their pension benefits, regardless of upcoming exhibition presented by the Onassis Cultural Center in New York, from March 13th to Septem- and the Balkans. tic presidential nomination endur- whether their particular school is ber 13th 2008. The exhibition has already started attracting wide public interest. “If the neighboring state wishes ing a rough patch, Peter Semetis, recognized. to accede to NATO; if it truly de- the owner of a deli and catering It was motioned that teachers be sires to accede to the European business in Lower Manhattan, had eligible for pension after 20 years Union, it is obliged to prove, in been following the news and grow- of service, based on a fifteen-hour practice, that it can be a real ally ing increasingly worried that he weekly work schedule. Further- Onassis Center Presents Minoan Exhibit and partner. It is obliged to prove, was not going to be paid for the as- more, in cases where there is no ev- in practice, respect for the princi- sorted breakfast trays, coffee, tea idence to certify a teacher’s claim, it By Stavros Marmarinos successful that this very same exhi- ing presented in conjunction with ples of international law. It is oblig- and orange juice he had provided was suggested that certification by Special to The National Herald bition, which we sponsored back in the Greek Ministry of Culture, and ed to prove that it fulfills all of the the campaign for an event in mid- three other individuals validate this the year 2000 in conjunction with the contribution of the Archeologi- prerequisites. It is obliged to travel December. claim. Teachers also asked that any NEW YORK – A new exhibition de- the National Gallery, was chosen to cal Museums of Herakleion, Cha- the distance corresponding to it, in “I’m afraid of her dropping out Social Security benefits they re- voted to the Minoan Civilization is represent Greece in Beijing at an nia, Rethymnon and Siteia. The en- order to arrive at a mutually ac- of the campaign and me becoming ceive not be deducted from their set to open at the Onassis Cultural event for the coming Olympic tire exhibition is being overseen by ceptable solution,” Mr. Karamanlis a casualty,” Mr. Semetis said. pensions and called on local Greek Center in New York in just under Games. It is currently on display in the curators of the museums men- added. So on Thursday, February 21, he Consulates to show more flexibility two weeks. The exhibition, entitled Rome. Afterwards, we put present- tioned above Dr. Maria Vlazaki FYROM is one of three coun- went to small claims court and filed in processing pension claims. “From the Land of the Labyrinth: ed exhibitions on Cycladic Art, (Chania and Rethymnon), who is tries, along with Albania and Croa- suit. Mr. Semetis, 53, said he was In addition, Greek American Minoan Crete 3000 B.C. – 1100 Byzantine Art, and Post-Byzantine also the exhibition coordinator, Dr. tia, which could be invited to join hardly a political pundit but like teachers requested a special B.C.,” will feature a total of 281 ar- Art, and Contemporary Greek Art. Nota Dimopoulou (Herakleion) NATO at some future date during others across the country, he had stipend from the Greek Govern- tifacts, which will be displayed out- We also organized a children’s ex- and Dr. Stavroula Apostolakou the 26-nation Alliance’s upcoming ment to ensure that there would side Greece for the first time ever. It hibition on the ancient world, an (Siteia). summit in Bucharest on April 2-4. Continued on page 3 not be any salary inequities be- will run from March 13 to Septem- exhibition on the legacy of Athens “The Pancretan Association of FYROM wants to be recognized tween them and their colleagues ber 13, 2008. and Sparta, along with many oth- America has played a great role in as the “Republic of Macedonia.” To subscribe call: 718.784.5255 who have been sent over from “The Onassis Center’s attempts ers. We are currently working on helping put together this exhibi- Athens argues that the historically e-mail: Greece on special assignment. It to promote Greek culture are con- another project that will focus on tion,” Ambassador Tsilas stated. Greek name, “Macedonia,” could [email protected] was suggested that this stipend be tinually spreading out further and the role of women in the classical “As is the case when working on imply territorial claims on the made available to teachers of Greek wider,” the Onassis Foundation’s age. It would certainly have been any exhibition, you always run into northern Greek province of Mace- Afternoon Schools as well, who are Executive Director in New York an oversight if we did not direct our some difficulties or unwillingness donia. traditionally low paid. Ambassador Lucas Tsilas told The attention to the Minoan Civiliza- from museums to loan out there ar- The small Balkan country of 2.1 Additionally, the motion was National Herald. “When we first tion as well, since it stands as Eu- tifacts. In this instance, the Presi- million people – a third of which is made to form a committee to evalu- undertook these efforts, our inau- rope’s first civilization,” Ambas- dent of the Pancretan Association ethnically Albanian – is officially ate the existing educational materi- gural exhibition was dedicated to sador Tsilas said. of America, my friend Manolis Veli- referred to at the United Nations Classical Memories in Modern This upcoming exhibition orga- Continued on page 5 Greek Art. It turned out to be so nized by the Onassis Center is be- Continued on page 2 Continued on page 9 2 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 1, 2008 Daugther GOINGS ON... ■ MARCH 3 cast.net. WASHINGTON, D.C. – The South- Seeks Silver east Europe Project, in conjunction ■ MARCH 17 with the Middle East Program, cor- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Presi- dially invites the community to a dent of the Alexander S. Onassis Star for Luncheon Forum, “Recent Develop- Public Benefit Foundation Mr. An- ments in the Politics of the Kurdish thony Papadimitriou cordially in- Question in Turkey,” at the vites the community to a dramatic WWI Hero Woodrow Wilson Center (1300 reading of selected passages Pennsylvania Ave., NW) on Monday, “Thucydides’ History of the Pelopon- March 3 at 12:00 – 2:30 PM. Speak- nesian War,” with commentary by By John Clayton ers for this forum are Henri Barkey, Dr. Josiah Ober Professor of Classics New Hampshire Union Leader Chair, Department of International and Political Science; Constantinos Relations, and Bernard L. and Mitsotakis Chair, School of Humani- Persephone Agrafiotis is not like Bertha F. Cohen Professor, Lehigh ties and Sciences, Stanford Universi- revisits World War I every day. University; Gokhan Cetinsaya, Fel- ty, California at The Shakespeare She does so because her father, low, Woodrow Wilson Center; Aliza Theatre Company Lansburgh The- Chris Agrafiotis, lived through it. In Marcus, Author of “Blood and Be- atre (450 7th Street NW) on Mon- fact, he did more than live through it. lief: The PKK and the Kurdish Fight day, March 17 at 7 PM. Dramatic He was a hero, plain and simple, and for Independence,”; and Nicole reading by professional actors. Di- now she is trying to keep his memory Watts, Assistant Professor, Depart- rected by David Muse, Associate Di- alive by acquiring a memento that ment of Political Science, San Fran- rector, Shakespeare Theatre Compa- will carry her father's legacy through cisco State University. For more in- ny. The Spartans consider argu- another generation. It's a Silver Star. Onassis Center Prepares for Six formation, e-mail ments for and against going to war Chris Agrafiotis earned it by fight- [email protected]. with the Athenians, exposing time- ing in battles in France and Belgium less issues of foreign policy. Pericles that few of us remember. There was a Month Minoan Civilization Exhibit ■ MARCH 5 delivers his great funeral oration defensive action at Montdider- NEW YORK – The Cathedral Fellow- setting forth the highest ideals of the Noyen, and coordinated attacks at Continued from page 1 ship of the Holy Trinity Greek Ortho- civilization of Classical Athens. Aisne-Marne (where there were dox Archdiocesan Cathedral cor- Those ideals are tested when Athens 30,000 Allied casualties), St. Mihiel vasakis, stood by us along with oth- dially invites the community to “Tri- destroys Melos. Alcibiades urges the and the Meuse-Argonne. er Cretans and supported our deep odion: A Spiritual Guide for the Athenians to expand their empire, His courage was tested early on. desire to promote Crete by helping Lenten Journey” during its annual but the invasion in Sicily fails, lead- "He saw service in the battles of us through their contacts and sup- Pre-lenten Lecture Series on ing to Thucydides' sober assessment Cantigny," The Manchester Evening port. Wednesday March 5, 2008 at 7 PM of the most momentous event in all Leader reported, "where he was George Voulgarakis – a member at the Cathedral Center (337 East Hellenic history. struck by a piece of shrapnel and his of the Greek Cabinet who is also of 74th Street). The presentation will gas mask ruined. This nearly did him Cretan origin – also helped us a be by the new Dean of the Cathe- ■ MAY 2 – JUNE 1 in, as he was gassed and for a while great deal. The Cretans wanted dral, Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos. New- NEW YORK – Theatron Inc. cordial- thought to be a hopeless case." this. Archeologists were also be- ly appointed Dean of the Greek Or- ly invite the community to the play A month later, he was back at the hind this idea, but they showed thodox Archdiocesan Cathedral of “39 & Single!” (Despoinis... eton front. So was the enemy. greater reservation and caution – the Holy Trinity, Father Frank 39!) at The Hellenic Cultural Center The headline atop the story - "Lo- and rightfully so.” Marangos has served the Greek Or- Theatre (the intersection of Cres- cal Soldier Brought in 10 Prisoners Ambassador Tsilas added that thodox Archdiocese as an adminis- cent Street and Newtown Avenue in Alone" - only begins to tell the tale “the Pancretan Association, led by trator, parish priest and professor of Astoria) from May 2 – June 1 on Fri- that prompted Brig. Gen. Parker to their President Manolis Velivasakis, Theology. Father Marangos is newly day and Saturday at 8PM, Sundays nominate Agrafiotis for the Silver stood by us and we want to give appointed Adjunct Assistant Profes- at 2:30 & 7:30PM. This bitter-sweet Star. them the recognition they deserve. sor at St. Johns University in New comedy written by one of Greece’s "At the advance south of Soissons That is why we are having a special York and was previously Adjunct As- foremost teams, Sakellarios and Gi- where an attack was made on the reception on March 13th in honor sistant Professor of Religious Educa- annakopoulos, examines an old Hun Lines, he almost met the same of the Cretans, with former Greek tion Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Greek tradition as it relates to mar- fate that overtook his party of six, five Prime Minister Constantine Mitso- School of Theology, Brookline, MA, riage. Tilemachos postpones marry- of whom were killed by machine gun takis in attendance. Adjunct Assistant Professor of ing his girlfriend in order for his old- fire, leaving Agrafiotis and his lieu- Three rare frescos and one of Homiletics Holy Cross Greek Ortho- er sister, whom he lives with, to mar- tenant, J.C. Andres, to take 10 Hun the two remaining Bull’s Head Rhy- dox School of Theology, Brookline, ry first. His closest friend convinces prisoners. tons in the entire world will be MA, and Adjunct Professor of Ortho- him that the fastest way to attract "Before the two Americans could among the artifacts that will be on dox Theology St. Vincent de Paul potential husbands is to place an ad reach their own lines with their cap- display. The Bull’s Head Rhyton is Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, in the newspapers. The suitors ar- tives, the lieutenant was cut down by believed to date back to 1450 B.C. FL.1988 – 1997. The presentations rive and are ready to marry but it machine gun fire and died where he and was discovered at the Minoan will be followed by a period for turns out that the women they meet fell. Place of Zakros. It is currently questions and comments by the au- in Tilemachos’ house, are not his sis- housed at the Archeological Muse- dience and the evening will con- ter. This leads to a series of hilarious “At the advance south um of Herakleion. A small gold vo- clude with hors d’oeuvres and re- episodes and farcical encounters. tive double ax along with two large freshments. For more information, Directed by Larisa Antipa. For more of Soissons where an ones will also be on display. The e-mail Dean Sirigos at information, call 718-721-7610. attack was made on the double ax is one of the best recog- [email protected]. Hun Lines, he almost nized and most characteristic ex- ■ THROUGH MAY 2008 amples of Cretan art. Other arti- ■ MARCH 6 NEW YORK – The Children’s Muse- met the same fater that facts to be featured include rare NEW YORK – Dean Poll, Nicholas um of Manhattan cordially invites overtook his party of boar’s tusk helmets, large sarcoph- Larigakis and John Sitilides (Former the community to “Gods, Myths & six” aguses, where the Minoans placed Legislative and Communications Mortals: Discover Ancient Greece,” their dead in a seated position, Advisor to U.S. Senator Alfonse an exhibition which allows children "Left alone with 10 husky Ger- beautiful clay statues, a Linear A D'Amato of New York) cordially in- to explore the world of ancient mans on his hands - all of them tablet, which illustrates a script vite the community to a fundraiser Greece at CMOM (The Tisch Build- treacherous - Private Agrafiotis man- that linguists have still not been in support of Dean Scontras, Greek ing, 212 West 83rd Street). Your ini- aged to get his prisoners within the able to decipher, as well as various American Candidate for the United tial tour guides will be the great allied lines." He was cited for "gallant vases with beautiful scenes, etc. States Congress, at The Central Park gods Zeus, Poseidon and Athena as and courageous conduct." “The Bull’s Head Rhyton, which Boat House (East 72nd St., Park Dri- they reminisce about their powers When he came home from the was a type of Minoan emblem, is ve North) on Thursday, March 6, and responsibilities. Learn how the war, he became a teacher. In addition going to be one of our most impor- 2008 at 6-8 PM. Father Alexander Ancient Greeks believed gods and to teaching - rather than pursue the tant pieces,” Ambassador Tsilas Karloutsos, Protopresbyter of the mortals interacted and take an on- honors and medals that were due said. “The bull was worshipped in Ecumenical Patriarchate will be in screen personality quiz to determine him - Chris Agrafiotis dedicated him- ancient Crete because it was con- attendance. $200 per person. For which mythological character you self to honoring other Greek-Ameri- sidered to be a symbol of strength.” more information, call 207-221- are most like. Visit the gymnasium cans from Manchester who served. The album that will accompany the 3447. (school) and oikos (home) to dis- Foremost among them was Chris- exhibition will feature articles by cover which skills were most valued tos Kalivas. Kalivas was the first renowned experts from Greece and ■ MARCH 7-8 in Ancient Greek boys and girls. Ex- Greek-American from Manchester to abroad specializing in the Minoan TAMPA BAY, Fla. – The American plore the importance of athletic die in the Great War, and it was Chris Civilization. Some of contributing Foundation for Greek Language and competition as you arm wrestle an- Agrafiotis who launched the effort to authors will be Christos Boulotis, Culture (AFGLC), in partnership cient Greek counterparts using me- rename Park Common in his honor. from the Academy of Athens, Left- with theInterdisciplinary Centers for chanical arms, or test your leg Once that was achieved in 1940, he eris Platon, Giorgos Rethemiotakis, Hellenic Studies (ICHS) at the Uni- strength as you learn about ancient also started a fundraising campaign Malcom Wiener, etc. versity of South Florida (USF) and jumpers. Become familiar with the to erect a monument in memory of This album will be an important the Richard Stockton College of NJ ancient Greek alphabet by translat- Kalivas. He was unflagging in his ef- commemorative publication con- (RSCNJ) cordially invites the com- ing messages from Greek to English. forts, but the flow of money abruptly taining hundreds of pages with ar- munity to “The Hellenic Legacy Learn about the heroism of ancient ceased with the onset of World War ticles from academicians and fabu- through the Ages,” a conference at Greek women in myth and daily life II. Soon after that struggle ended, lous photos. “It is very fortunate for the USF campus on March 7-8, and compete with the goddess Chris Agrafiotis died - complications this exhibition that the Museum of 2008. The Conference will bring to- Athena in a virtual weaving contest. from his gassing never left him - at Herakleion, which has 90% of the gether academicians, scholars, and Climb inside a 12 foot tall Trojan the tender age of 46. Minoan Art on display, is being ren- interested individuals who will ad- Horse before stepping into Homer’s "I was very young when my dad ovated. Except for one small sec- dress a) the long-term influence of great epic poem, The Odyssey, died," Persephone Agrafiotis said, tion, the entire museum is going to Hellenism in the world, and b) the where you will journey through "and when they buried him, they be closed. This allowed them to on-going and projected educational rocky caves and over open seas; es- buried him in his uniform. He was send us various architectural trea- contributions of the Interdiscipli- cape the crawl-through Cyclops very active with the American Legion sures which otherwise may not Photos of some of the artifacts that will be displayed at the Onassis Cul- nary Centers – which AFGLC has es- Cave; and sing like a Siren in the - I was even a Junior Legionnaire - have left the Museum,” Ambas- tural Center’s upcoming exhibition in New York. Left, a votive ax from tablished in institutions of higher Sirens Karaoke Cove. Be prepared to and when they were rededicating sador Tsilas explained. the Mid-Minoan Period (1650 – 1600 B.C.); middle, one of two Bull’s learning. The cost of the Conference face on-screen dilemmas, your Kalivas Park a few years ago, I The Executive Director of the Heads discovered at a Minoan Palace, dating back to 1450 B.C.; right, a will be underwritten by the well- choices will be tracked along the brought along his scrapbook. Onassis Foundation in New York al- fresco from Knossos Palace, dating back to 1700 – 1525/1500 B.C. known philanthropists and AFGLC way and your personalized on- "When Spike Plentzas saw the let- so spoke about what makes this ex- benefactors George and Margo screen Hero Record can be e-mailed ter from the officer recommending hibition special, highlighting the This exhibition will end in Sep- The exhibition will be open to Behrakis. For more information, go home. Budding archaeologists can my father for the Silver Star, he real- fact that these antiquities have tember, following an international the public from Monday to Satur- to website of the Foundation at visit the Temple of Zeus at Olympia ized that they never followed been sent over from Greece and the conference, in keeping with the day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admis- www.afglc.org; or contact Acting and assist in the reconstruction of a through with it. I know my father Minoan Civilization is being pro- Onassis Cultural Center’s tradition- sion is free. The Onassis Cultural President of AFGLC, Dr. John U. 3-D temple; learn about column would never have gone after it for moted abroad. He added that it is al way of ending its exhibitions. Center is located at 645 Fifth Av- Balis at [email protected], construction, sculptures and the gi- himself, so Spike asked me if he could the first time that this sort of exhi- Ten top researchers from all over enue, between Park and Madison or the Conference Program Chairs, ant statue of Zeus (one of the Seven pursue it. bition has ever been put together. the world will be invited to the con- Avenues. It is accessible from both Dr. James Strange at Wonders of the Ancient World). For "Since then, it's become some- There is only a small collection of ference to present their findings. 51st and 52nd Street. [email protected], or Dr. Tom Pa- more information, call Janet Ralston thing of an obsession for me," she Minoan artifacts at Oxford’s Ash- pademetriou at apapadem@com- at 212-721-1223. said. Toward that end, Persephone molean Museum in Great Britain. contacted Sen. John Sununu. Just “Up until today, these artifacts last month, his constituent liaison, could not be sent abroad due to Stephen McAllister, forwarded the safety concerns, but modern tech- medal request to R.L. Hindman, the nology has helped in this area,” QUESTION OF THE WEEK director of the National Personnel Ambassador Tsilas said. Records Center. And now she waits. The Ambassador also added that "When I get it, I'm going to give it the Onassis Foundation is collabo- Vote on our website! to my nephew," she said. rating on a project with the Metro- Her nephew is Steve Agrafiotis. politan Museum of Art in New York, You have the chance to express your opinion on our website on an He's the chief of police in Hooksett. where it has established a state-of- important question in the news. "He's my father's first grandchild," the-art library dedicated to Greek The results will be published in our printed edition next week Persephone explained. "He never got and Roman Art worth several mil- along with the question for that week. to meet his grandfather, and as much lion dollars. This library is similar The question this week is: as I'd be honored to have the medal, I to others, with the exception that it Will Cyprus' new president-elect Dimitris Christofias' communist think it would mean a lot to him." is digital and lends itself to re- party affiliation cause problems with the country's foreign relations? It will also mean a lot to Manches- search. ❏ Yes ter's Greek community. The Onassis Foundation’s up- ❏ No "The fact is that Chris Agrafiotis coming exhibition is already catch- ❏ I Don’t Know never got his medal nor did he get the ing the interest of the general recognition he rightfully deserved," American public and art lovers in The results for last week’s question: Spike Plentzas said. "The damage he particular. In fact, many visitors United Nations envoy Matthew Nimetz has suggested new official, suffered in combat during the gas at- and groups have already called to alternative names for FYROM. Which name do you prefer? tacks were contributing factors to his schedule private tours. “The Greek Results so far... death at the age of 46, but a Purple American Community has always 2.06% voted "Democratic Republic of Macedonia" Heart is not a Silver Star." shown interest in the Onassis Foun- 0.68% voted "Constitutional Republic of Macedonia" "We'd like to set that right," he dation’s exhibitions. Young people 2.06% voted "Independent Republic of Macedonia" added, "for Persi, and for him, too." have a lot to learn from this exhibi- 27.58% voted "Republic of Upper Macedonia" tion in regards to their place of ori- 8.96% voted "None of the Above" The New Hampshire Union gin and their culture; the very roots “The Onassis Center’s attempts to promote Greek culture are 58.62% voted "No Name is Acceptable with "Macedonia" in the Ti- Leader published the above on of this culture in fact,” Ambassador continually spreading out further and wider,” the Onassis Foundation’s tle" February 18. Tsilas noted. Executive Director in New York Ambassador Lucas Tsilas said. Please vote at: www.thenationalherald.com THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 1, 2008 COMMUNITY 3 Leadership 100’s New Chairman Ready for Work Christopher Columbus: Continued from page 1 Was He Really a Hellene? is asking Leadership 100 to give them another ten million dollars, By Niko Zavero ion from the Greek Island of Chios. would Mr. Yeonas give it to them? His signature was “Columbus de ter- “It is under consideration,” Mr. LOS ANGELES – There has been ra Rubra” which means of the red Yeonas said. “My philosophy is that more written about Christopher earth. The Mastic areas of Chios the School is our number one prior- Columbus than about any person were known for the red color of ity and the reason is the great and yet his past has been shrouded earth. He banked at St. George in shortage of priests we have,” but he in mystery. In Greek school growing Genoa which took care of the clarified that “anything we do up in Greece students are sometimes colonies like Chios. If you look at his again will be based on study and on told that he was a Greek prince. logs on his journey, the first one was a year to year basis and not a com- While in history class here in the real and the second was false. The mitment for ten years. We have to United States, students are taught true log used the measurements in review each situation annually.” that he came from Genoa, a city in Greek leagues and the false log was Asked to discuss comments that Italy and sailed for Isabella and Fer- in Roman. If I take his real logs and some members of Leadership 100 dinand, the king and queen of Spain. reconstruct Columbus discovery of have made stating that the organi- But most of what is known about the island of San Salvador it would zation is not only there to sustain Columbus is conjecture and much of clear up many discrepancies in the the Theological School, Mr. Yeonas his history was written by people geography of the area. First of all the said “I would agree with them that who never knew him or had reasons Columbo family of Genoa was illiter- it is not our only major purpose, but of their own for rewriting or present- ate and second of all the Genovese at this time the needs for priests is ing as truth something that was just Christophoro family were wool the reason why we are doing that. a theory. weavers. For this person to acquire Obviously we can change direction By the time you read this article the knowledge experience, and spiri- at any time. We can change our di- you will be convinced that Columbus tuality that Columbus had that could rection in three months. We also was from the Greek Island of Chios. will help the Theological School to Let’s go back to the Byzantine history do some fundraising on their own.” era. Columbus and his kinsman Chios was part of the Asked to comment about a letter Colon-the-Younger came to France Republic of Genoa at the Fr. Nick Triantafillou wrote to the with the Paleologi and mixed with time and the Columbus priests two years ago claiming he the royalty of the period. Why has raised $42 million for the would the King and Queen of Spain name can be traced School of Theology the last five give him three ships and tons of back 600 years there. years and where he believes that money if he was the son of a Gen- money is, Mr. Yeonas said, “Yes I ovese wool-worker? No King or convince a foreign king and queen to know of the letter, but unfortunate- D. PANAGOS Queen will give a poor man money entrust a small navy and a fortune to ly they do not have the money to Outgoing Leadership 100 Chair- and ships to travel the world. him does not seem probable. Maybe give to the scholarships, so I cannot man George Behrakis (middle) Extensive research shows that today if you take a farmer born and answer the question about what he passes the presidency onto Columbus was never from Genoa. raised in America he can and might did with his $42 million. All I can Stephen Yeonas (left and photo He did say that he was from the Re- have a great chance to become Presi- tell is they do not have enough below) who was vice-chairman public of Genoa, something much dent of the United States, but not in money to provide for the scholar- up till now. Mr. Yeonas has been more different. The Greek Island of the Europe of the 15th century, it is ships that are needed.” in charge of inducting new mem- Chios was part of the Republic of unlikely he could make captain, Mr. Yeonas was also asked about bers to the organization. Genoa at the time. In Chios, many much less admiral in command of a what happened to the sources that homes with Columbus’s name are fleet. History cannot trace the used to give scholarships to the “I think that is a good question carved above doors in the villages of Columbo family or the Genovese Theological School before Leader- for Fr. Nick Triantafilou,” he said. Pirgi and Cimbori. People living their family to owning ships or even work- ship 100 gave their $10 million dol- Leadership 100 has often been can trace the Columbus name back ing on them as crew. As a matter of lars. criticized for not spreading the to 600 years ago. That would be fact while he was writing about his “They are still giving them, but wealth to other areas other than around the early 1400’s. At the same father at the time in Genoa the they are not adequate to provide the Theological School. The group time there are many Genovese Fami- Columbo and the Genovese families what is needed,” Mr. Yeonas said, has given $25 million in grants lies who trace their ancestry back to were never mentioned in his writ- “In order to meet the needs for the throughout the years, but not to the Chios. Columbus also wrote about ings. Christopher Columbus was an all the Greek Orthodox churches in Hellenic Paideia, Greek Schools, the gumastic called mastika which educated man with royal blood in America, we need to double gradu- Culture, Civilization or History, comes from the Greek Island of him and possessed the knowledge of ates from the Theological School.” among others Mr. Behrakis even Chios. Columbus spelled Chios with navigation, astronomy, philosophy, Asked to comment on the fact brought the issue upat the last con- a Greek ‘X’. He also named Cape psychology, languages, and the pow- that Hellenic College and Holy ference. Maysi in Cuba using Greek words, er to convince kings to give him Cross combined today have only “Of course we take it seriously,,” Alpha and Omega. What is also in- whatever he wanted. This was a 198 students, including the stu- Mr. Yeonas said. “I think the issue teresting is that Columbus never man of lifetime education, culture, dents from other Orthodox denom- there is the grant requests that we asked Italy for ships or aid for food experience and inspiration who had inations, but that the school’s annu- have received in that area have not and shelter when he needed help. If a sense of his own destiny and the al budget is $10 million dollars, a been as many as they should be. We he was originally from Genoa, than drive to fulfill it. Christopher Colum- high number for such few students, need more grant requests.” why not? Nor does he mention the bus was not the son of an itinerant Mr. Yeonas stated that changes He was told that after Mr. Columbo family of Genoa to whom Genovese wool-worker, but a Byzan- need to be made. Behrakis’ recent interview with the history says he was related. Christo- tine Prince from the Greek Island of “I think the answer to that ques- National Herald he invited schools tainly. We have a procedure. All re- or it. My feeling is that we would pher Columbus could not even speak Chios who came from a life of en- tion is they need to get more stu- to submit requests. While many quests have to go through a grant approve it. We would honor it.” Italian. Yet in his favorite book Ima- lightened education and spiritual as- dents,” he said. “Unfortunately it is did, none of them have been hon- committee, and then it goes to the When asked if he is inviting go Mundi by Cardinal Pierre D’ Ailly pirations. Could America’s first dis- like business, they need to increase ored as of yet., executive committee.” Greek schools to resubmit their re- he wrote in the margins in Greek. coverer be Greek? the student body dramatically. That “I have to look into it,” Mr. Mr. Yeonas was asked if Arch- quests, he said, “Yes, and they When it came to the way he was is the challenge at the Theological Yeonas said. “You have to keep in bishop Demetrios makes a sugges- should send them to the grant com- dressed people got confused. Niko Zavero is a member of School.” mind that I have been chairman tion to Leadership 100 this year to mittee in the Leadership 100 Office Columbus was called Genovese be- (S.A.G.& A.F.T.R.A), motion pic- Mr. Yeonas was asked if he was just a few days. I will be happy to donate $500,000 to the Hellenic in New York.” cause he dressed in Genovese fash- ture industry, Hollywood, CA happy with the academic level of review those matters.” Paideia, would he honor his re- the School and why Hellenic Col- When asked, as the new chair- quest. lege has not become a number one man of the Leadership 100 if he is “It depends of the context of Center for Hellenic Studies, Lan- committed to financially help with what other grants we have in that guage, Culture and Civilization in the Hellenic Paideia with a substan- particular time,” he said. “I would the U.S. tial grant, Mr. Yeonas said, “Cer- say in my opinion that we will hon- Small Vendor Feels the Pinch of Clinton’s Money Troubles and Files Court Claim

Continued from page 1 Unbeknownst to Mr. Semetis, proof. Mrs. Clinton was navigating some When asked to explain the de- become caught up in the election in dire financial straits. She was hav- lay, he said only: “We do our best to the last year and was able to offer ing a dismal month of fund-raising pay our vendors in a timely fash- some analysis. “There is potential while spending a million dollars a ion.” for her to lose Texas,” he said — an day to battle Senator Barack Oba- Mr. Semetis, however, is not the assessment not at odds with the ma. She finished January essential- only one who has been having trou- polls — “which would pretty much ly in the red, with $7.6 million in ble lately collecting money from force her to quit.” debts, and she was forced to lend the Clinton campaign. The Hotel Mr. Semetis catered a Clinton her campaign $5 million. Ottumwa, a family-owned hotel in event, a rally she did not attend, at It was when news broke about Ottumwa, Iowa, played host to an the offices of District Council 37, Mrs. Clinton’s loan earlier this event attended by former President the public employees’ union, on month that Mr. Semetis became Bill Clinton on New Year’s Eve for Dec. 15, charging the campaign positively alarmed and started call- several hundred people and had $2,300, plus $192.63 in tax. Offi- ing the campaign almost every day. been trying for almost a month and cials promised him that his busi- “The fact she’s lost 10 states in a a half to get paid. ness, Sale & Pepe Fine Foods, row has increased the phone calls,” The hotel had initially asked for would be paid by check or credit he said. payment of the $9,125 bill up front card in a couple of weeks. After a After a reporter from The New but kept being put off. But the own- few weeks passed, he started call- York Times contacted the Clinton ers figured that if any political cam- ing to see about the holdup. campaign on Friday, Howard Wolf- paign was good for it, Mrs. Clin- Often he never reached anyone; son, Mrs. Clinton’s communica- ton’s would be. other times he was told that his bill tions director, said a check to pay “People were a little more com- had been put through to the cam- Mr. Semetis had been put through fortable with Clinton because paign’s headquarters in northern the day before, and he furnished a they’ve got money,” said Kay Whit- Virginia. copy of the check, dated Feb. 21, as tington, one of the hotel owners. Last week, the owners heard about an item on the local news about a Des Moines cleaning com- pany, Top Job Services Cleaning, which had been trying unsuccess- fully to recoup $7,500 from the Clinton campaign. Hotel Ottumwa’s owners con- tacted the television station, which broadcast the hotel’s story right away. Both businesses were paid last week. Oddly enough, Mr. Semetis, the deli owner, said he was a longtime Republican who was supportive of Mrs. Clinton, because he believed Mr. Obama was too inexperienced and Senator John McCain, the pre- sumptive Republican nominee, would be too much like President Bush. Mr. Semetis’s business closed for several weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, forcing him to downsize, and Mr. Semetis said he was still trying to regain his foot- ing. “This is not politically motivat- ed, believe me,” he said. “This is fi- nancially motivated.” Peter Semetis, owner of Sale & Pepe Fine Foods in Lower Manhattan, was just paid for an event he catered in mid-December. He filed a The New York Times published claim against the Clinton campaing on February 21 before the pay- the above on February 23. ment arrived. 4 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 1, 2008

PHOTOS: TNH/COSTAS BEJ Kalavryta Fraternity Dance Getting People’s Attention

The Kalavrytan Fraternity “Lavaron of 1821” held their annual dance on Saturday, February 23, 2008 Dr. Anagnostis P. Agelarakis (holding the microphone) of Adelphi University warned that there will at Dante’s Caterers in Jackson Heights. The young people stole the show at the event giving hope for be more fires in Greece in the future as he spoke to members of AHEPA Chapter #349 of Staten Is- the future of the group and the omogenia. From left to right, Sofia Mantzoutou, Theodora Makris, land. The audience was transfixed on every word. Standing next to Dr. Agelarakis is Professor Elizabeth Milonas, Georgia Vasilopoulou, Kelly Vasilopoulou and Leonidas Milonas. JohnAntonopoulos who organized the event for AHEPA #349.

Celebrating the Liberation of Ioannina Syllogos Analipsi Trichonidas

The Epirus Societies of Anagennisis, Souliotissai, Pyrrhus, Thigateres of Epirus and Epirus Neolaia all The Syllogos Analipsi Trichonidas celebrated their 30th Annual dance on Saturday, February 23, 2008 came together to celebrate the liberation of Ioannina. The city had been given to Greece along with in Venetia, New Jersey. Pictured: Thomas Glavas, President, Thala Saketos, Vice President, Georgios the rest of Epirus by the Congress of Berlin in 1878, but remained under Turkish rule for 35 more Spyropoulos, Alexandros Zgourgos, Athanasios Vitas, Sotiria Trika, Kostas Aristopoulos-Klarino, years. On February 21, 1913, the Greek army finally liberated Ioannina. Georgios Velisarios-Tragoudistis. The children are ChaidoKourkoudeli and Andonios Stathopoulos.

Remembering the Holocaust

Consul General of Greece in New York Agi Balta speaks during a Remembrance Day for the Holocaust of One of the main interesting parts in the event was when Mr. Panagiotou discussed Cyprus’ role in the pro- Greek Jews at the Greek Consulate on Thursday, February 21, 2008. Among the guests at the event were tection of Jews during World War II. Mr. Panagiotou stated that 52,384 men, women and children came to the president of the American Friends of the Jewish Museum of Greece, Solomon Asser, Rabbi Martin Co- the English bases on the island. 100 couples were married during this time and 1,919 children were born hen, professor of Jewish History at Hebrew Union College, the Consul General of Cyprus Andreas Pana- in various Cypriot hospitals. He added that 134 Jews passed away and were buried in Cyprus, while 1,789 giotou, and John and Margo Catsimatides. escaped with the help of Cypriots. SUV Crashes Into Holy Transfiguration Church in Lowell

By Theodore Kalmoukos built six years ago, told the Nation- Special to The National Herald al Herald that “just minutes before the crash I was at the church and I BOSTON – A Lexus SUV slammed was on my way to my garage when into the community center wall of Jim Murphy (a member of the the Holy Transfiguration Church of parish council) called me and said, Lowell on the evening of Tuesday, ‘I am still at work but something February 26 at 5:45 causing an happened at the church and water opening of a 6 x 6 foot hole and is getting into the community cen- breaking part of the water system. ter and in the classroom, please As a result “the center’s basement run.’ I turned back and I went to the was flooded and a classroom ceil- church, I got down the basement ing collapsed in a classroom used and I shut off the water. At the by the kindergarten” former parish same time the police and the fire council president and current department had arrived at the member of the council John Zara- church.” Shortly after the Rev. lidis told the National Herald. James Kostarakis arrived as did Mr. Zaralidis also said that “at parish council president Nikos the time of the crash ten pupils were Manolis and other board members. in the Greek language lesson with The driver and passenger(s) of their teacher Pamela Murphy” and the SUV had abandoned the car he added “they were having their and fled the scene. The police be- lesson on the other corner of the lieved that the vehicle was not building.” It is not known as yet stolen and they were trying to find what caused the accident, but short- the driver and another person be- ly before the crash it had began lieved to be in the car. snowing in the area. A preliminary A building inspector arrived at AEK Athens Vasilopita assessment places the damage done the church assessing the safety of to more than $120,000. the building since it is connected Despite recent poor results and the firing of the head coach of the Mr. Zaralidis, who was the pres- A Lexus SUV slammed into the community center wall of the Holy Trans- with the church building itself, and soccer team, the AEK Athens Fan Club came together for the annu- ident of the parish council when figuration Church of Lowell on Thursday, February 26, 2008. Nobody was workers were called in to tem- al cutting of the vasilopita on Sunday, February 24, 2008 in Asto- the new community center was hurt in the crash, but the driver and passenger of the SUV fled the scene. porarily cover the damage. ria, New York. Maybe this will change AEK’s current fortunes. THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 1, 2008 COMMUNITY 5 UHAC Draws Crowd in Fundraiser for Bilirakis

CHICAGO – The weather outside A devoted family man who permanent member of the Security rakis – following in the footsteps of was a freezing 7 degrees Fahren- clearly holds fast to his cultural tra- Council,” Mr. Bilirakis said. his father, who spent much of his heit, especially bone-chilling for a ditions, Mr. Bilirakis has been mar- He was also one of nine con- legislative career helping and congressman from Florida and a ried to his wife Eva Lialios for 15 gressmen who signed a letter sent working with veterans – honored bishop from California. But spirits years. They have four sons: one to President Bush on February 22 eight veterans of World War II, Ko- inside the Greek Islands restaurant named after his father, one named asking the President to end the rea and Vietnam by issuing 20 in Chicago were warm and sunny. after his wife’s father; one named “One-China Policy,” which the let- medals they lost or never received Of the 435 members of the U.S. after the church they attend; and ter describes as a vestige of the after coming home from battle. House of Representatives, Republi- one named after his brother. Cold War and liable to send China The honors included Bronze can Gus Bilirakis is one of only On the legislative front, Mr. Bili- the wrong signals regarding Tai- Stars, Purple Hearts, Combat In- three of Greek heritage. He has rakis introduced House Resolution wan. fantry Badges, Second World War been active about advancing Hel- 627 last August. The bill calls for The assumption that Taiwan is Victory Medals, Navy Achievement lenic issues in the House. That, cou- the removal of Turkish troops from part of China “seriously under- Medals and others. One man, Frank pled with his unassuming personal- northern Cyprus, last August. The mines the legitimacy of our provi- Cello, 93, of Clearwater, a former ity and extended family in the area, legislation was cosponsored by, sion to sell Taiwan defensive infantry man, said he waited 61 led to a large and generous turnout among others, Reps. Space and weapons. It also ignores the fact years for his medals. supporting his bid for re-election last week. The United Hellenic American Congress hosted a successful fundraiser for Mr. Bilirakis, this past February 19. Those in attendance included UHAC Chairman Andrew Athens and his wife Louise; Mr. Bilirakis’ cousins, His Eminence Metropoli- tan Nikitas, formerly of Hong Kong, who flew in from San Francisco for the event, and Mike and Dino Dovellos from Indiana; a few sec- ond cousins and Rev. Evagoras Constantinides, who is related by marriage; George Karcazes, Frank Kamberos, Demetrios Kotsakis and Ruth Faklis. Many who could not attend still sent their contributions. From left to right, George Vlikidis, Demetra Rassias, Polyxeni Syriga- Mr. Bilirakis, a member of the Manoli, Peter Karavites and Ted Spyropoulos. House Foreign Affairs Committee and Republican Co-Chair of the House Hellenic Caucus, is one of 40 GOP congressman considered most vulnerable by the Democratic Con- Teachers Federation Meets gressional Campaign Committee. The “Top 40” are, for the most part, in districts where President Bush With SAE to Discuss Future did not do very well in 2004, and where Democratic challengers re- Continued from page 1 and join them,” Mr. Fountas said. ceived more than 42 percent of the SAE U.S. Regional Coordinator vote in the 2006 Congressional als and propose improvements to it Ted Spyropoulos noted his concern race. them, or even design new materi- over the decrease in the number of With the general mood in the PHOTO COURTESY OF UHAC als. Greek schools in the U.S. Mr. Spy- country appearing to swing in favor Congressman Gus Bilirakis of Florida, Andrew A. Athens, His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas, Demetrios PAHFT President Stella Kokoli ropoulos reported that his office re- of Democrats, targeted congress- Kotsakis and Father Evagoras Constantinides during a fundraiser for Bilirakis’ re-election campaign at the said that Greek American teachers cently sent a letter to the U.S. Em- man like Mr. Bilirakis need funds to Greek Islands restaurant in Chicago last week. are trying to aid the Archdiocese as bassy in Greece asking that Greek get their message out and make much as they can. “We are opening teachers assigned to schools in their records known to voters in or- Carolyn Maloney of New York, De- that Taiwan has made an impres- Mr. Bilirakis learned of their sto- windows that you may not have America receive five-year visas, as der to avoid being swept out of of- mocratic Co-Chair of the House sive transformation from authori- ries through a Veterans Advisory seen.” opposed to the current three-year fice by anti-Republican sentiments. Hellenic Caucus. The House For- tarianism to democracy over the Board made up of Palm Harbor, Ms. Kokoli relayed the concern ones. On February 19, a lot of Greek eign Affairs Committee passed it past 20 years,” the letter states. Florida residents. It was the second of Greek American teachers over He also mentioned that the U.S. Americans in the Chicago area unanimously this past October, and On the domestic front, Rep. Bili- time he presented veterans with the fact that the people controlling Government is asking Greece to ex- stepped up to make sure Rep. Bili- it now awaits a vote on the House rakis procured $131,000 in federal medals during his first term in of- funding in the Greek American tend the visas it offers U.S. students rakis does not become a statistic. Floor. funds for the Plant City, Florida Po- fice. Community “are not allocating it from a period of three months to six In his opening remarks, Mr. This past February 21, Mr. Bili- lice Department. Part of the money, “My service pales compared to months. Athens said, “We may have friends. rakis also moved HR 627, asking presented to Plant City Police Chief their service,” he told about 100 of Dr. Ioannis Efthymiopoulos, Di- There may be many Philhellenes. the United Nations to admit India Bill McDaniel on February 7, will the veterans’ friends and family “We can accomplish rector of Education at the Greek But no one fights for our issues like as a permanent member on the buy flash-card-based digital cam- members. “What they sacrificed for many things, if we all Orthodox Archdiocese of America one of our own. If one of our own is U.N. Security Council. eras, an improvement over the their country, only they know.” stressed that “we can accomplish not there to take a leadership posi- “India is an important ally of the floppy disc versions currently used Those who would like to con- remain united and many things, if we all remain unit- tion on issues important to us, United States and the world com- to document traffic accidents, tribute to Rep. Bilirakis’ re-election always look to the ed and always look to the Archdio- many of those issues just languish.” munity. Its enormous role in medi- mishaps and crime scenes. The rest campaign can send a check to Archdiocese of America cese of America as our corner- Congressman Bilirakis spoke ating and contributing to global will go toward upgrading laptops UHAC National, 980 N. Michigan stone.” about the Hellenic issues he has peacekeeping missions, combined in patrol cars which are part of the Avenue #1210, Chicago, IL 60611 as our cornerstone.” The Education Coordinator been involved with over the past with its ever-evolving economic department’s computer-aided dis- (TEL: 847-998-1312). Please make from the Greek Consulate of San year, and the cooperation he has prowess and democratic institu- patch system. checks payable to “Bilirakis for towards the Greek language. There Francisco Ms. Syriga-Manoli spoke gotten from the other two Greek tions, makes India a natural fit as a And on February 21, Mr. Bili- Congress.” is no teachers’ fund. There is no about the promotion of the Greek American congressmen (both De- help for teachers coming from any- language and values. She pointed mocrats), John Sarbanes of Mary- where. There is not even a unified out that pre-school Greek programs land and Zack Space of Ohio. Mr. salary scale for teachers.” have not been studied as much as Bilirakis said their willingness to Apostolos Fountas, President of they should, and noted that her of- work together across the aisle is the Prometheus Greek Teachers As- fice is putting forth great efforts to very positive, and has made a posi- sociation questioned why the open pre-school programs de- tive impact on Hellenic issues Greek Government is sending over signed to teach the Greek lan- across the board. teachers to fill spots at Greek After- guage. Metropolitan Nikitas spoke noon schools. Eleftherios Peroulas, Principal about growing up with Mr. Bilirakis He said that it was unfair for of the Socrates Academy, a charter – his family values, integrity and teachers from Greece to be as- school in Charlotte, N.C. spoke work ethic; his involvement as a signed these posts and make dou- about his school’s successes, while youth, and to this day, in the ble or triple their normal salary, stating how hard it is to find teach- Church; and his commitment to when local teachers working at ers who meet job requirements. Greek language, heritage and cul- Greek American Schools are still Meanwhile, Athena Krommydas, ture. unable to have their teaching Principal of the William Spyropou- “As the son of Evelyn and retired hours applied towards a pen- los Day School in Flushing, N.Y. longtime Congressman Mike Bili- sion. “We do not want to lose teach- agreed that there is a major prob- rakis, Gus was raised with a strong ers. We need some kind of motiva- lem surrounding the question of sense of pride in who he is, and tion for teachers to stay on at our who will be the successors to to- where he comes from,” Nikitas schools, and for new ones to come day’s Greek teachers. said.

Dear fellow Greek-Americans

he 2008 AHEPA Family Supreme Convention will be held in Athens, Greece. Please join the entire AHEPA TFamily for a once in a lifetime trip and convention experience!

The AHEPA Family has visited Greece for Supreme Conventions twice since 1922. In 1965, and again in 1970, thousands flocked to Greece to reconnect with family and history. Join us as we do it again! The dates to remember for the 2008 Supreme Convention in Athens, Greece, are July 1-11, 2008.

The AHEPA Convention Committee has been working hard to prepare a wonderful getaway for the entire AHEPA community. The AHEPA Family from Australia, Canada, Greece and Cyprus, will be attending our event in Athens, Greece. Thousands of Ahepans, Daughters, Sons and Maids will work together for an unfor- gettable family reunion.

We have planned a week of events, a spectacular Opening Ceremony, July 4th Party, dances and social events, which will forever be engraved in your heart and soul. This homecoming will be unlike any convention you have been to, so we hope you and your family will join us.

We have not only prepared AHEPA business, but also cultural events, a cruise, and lots of fun! This is not just a convention, it is a vacation!

AHEPA and Olympic Airlines have forged a partnership to bring Ahepans to Greece. Olympic has agreed to ex- tend to all AHEPA members an AHEPA ONLY price. The AHEPA price will be the lowest available price for air- fare to Greece. Pricing is based on availability and dates. Savings can be hundreds of dollars per ticket, if you are a member of AHEPA.

The special AHEPA only price can be obtained by using the AHEPA promotional Code and your unique AHEPA ID membership number. Promotion Code: CFR087

Call Olympic Airlines today at 1(800)223-1226 and make your reservation. Seats are selling fast, and lowest fares are based on availability. For additional information or to join, please visit www.ahepa.org or call AHEPA Headquarters at 202-232-6300.

The FREI Travel Congress has been retained to make reservations for the 2008 AHEPA Convention. The total package, including the AHEPA Cruise, is the most affordable value, for you and your family. Please contact FREI directly via email at [email protected] or by phone at 011-30-210-321-5600, and ask for Anna, AHEPA’s Agent. They are open 9-5 Greece time (2 AM -2 PM, Eastern Standard Time). 6 BOOK THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 1, 2008

BIBLIA: A BOOK REVIEW COLUMN The Existence of Federalism in Greece During the Nineteenth Century

By Alexandros K. Kyrou though forcibly resolved by the con- weaknesses of both historiographi- Serbian diplomatic delegations for- Special to The National Herald flict’s outcome, disagreement about cal camps on this issue—one which mally met on several occasions to national versus local prerogatives in argues that Rhigas was the father of discuss ideas for regional federa- VARBAN N. TODOROV. Greek America’s federal system continued the idea of a Balkan federation, and tion. Attempts to reach an agree- Federalism During the Nineteenth to produce many challenges and another which asserts that Rhigas ment and to work for the creation of Century (Ideas and Projects). Boul- crises well into the twentieth centu- may have called for the creation of a Balkan union began to unravel in der, Colorado: East European ry. an all-Balkan state, but not specifi- the 1870s. The emergence in that Quarterly/East European Mono- Despite federalism’s conflicted cally a federative state. decade of the Macedonian Issue, graphs, No. 408; New York: Distrib- beginnings in the United States, the Rhigas Pheraios’ martyrdom ele- which would bring Bulgarian ambi- uted by Columbia University Press, American model of state organiza- vated him to heroic status among tions into collision with Greek and 1994/1995. Pp. xiii, 181. $33.00, tion enjoyed considerable populari- the members of the growing revolu- Serbian interests, set into motion hardback. ty among the nascent Balkan libera- tionary circles in the Balkans, most the chief regional rivalries that tion movements of the early nine- of whom, like Rhigas, saw no con- would end the prospects for Balkan The United States’ most success- teenth century. In fact, before the tradiction between Greek national- federation. ful “political export” is not democra- liberation movements against Ot- ism and Balkan unity. According to Precisely because federation was cy. Despite the current national toman rule developed into multiple Todorov, “Rhigas did not imply that never realized in Southeastern Eu- mythology, democracy, even consti- nationalist projects involving the es- the other nationalities would play a rope, most treatments of Balkan tutional democracy, is not an Ameri- tablishment of separate national secondary role to the Greeks, or and, in particular, Greek nineteenth- can innovation, nor has the United states, some of the region’s first and would be subordinated in the state. century history ignore its actual im- States actually privileged this form most influential revolutionaries had We believe that Rhigas did not at- portance as a political concept and of government over others in deter- envisioned a unified, federative tach such an importance to the term policy issue. Todorov succeeds in mining how it has conducted its for- Balkan liberation movement that ‘Greek’ as was claimed later. Rhigas placing the idea of a federative state eign affairs. Furthermore, democra- would culminate in a state encom- can be seen as a Greek patriot who in the context of evolving Greek po- cy originated in ancient Greece, and passing all the peoples of Southeast- took account of the existing hege- litical thought in the nineteenth cen- democratic institutions and democ- ern Europe. mony [cultural and linguistic] of the tury. Indeed, Todorov’s study con- racies had begun to reemerge in The history of the idea of federa- time, without being the inventor of vincingly demonstrates that “the parts of modern Europe well before tion in Southeastern Europe is fasci- the Megali Idea. He tried to unite idea of a Balkan federation contin- the American Revolution. Arguably, nating on its own merits, but the the national ideal with the general ued to be cherished by Greek politi- federalism, not democracy, is the subject has been relatively uncon- principles of democracy, and envis- cians long after the establishment of most successful and influential idea sidered in relation to broader Euro- aged a multinational state led by the an independent Greek state. As be- associated with, if not entirely initi- pean intellectual and political histo- Greeks” (p. 9). fore, the federalist idea continued to ated by, American state makers and ry. Varban N. Todorov’s book, Greek Rhigas Velestinlis, popularly known as Rhigas Pheraios, was the first Sharing Rhigas’ outlook, the men be linked mostly to the Greek na- political thinkers. Federalism During the Nineteenth rebel and most charismatic figure to apply the principles of the who established the secret revolu- tional liberation movement and es- From its beginnings in the early Century (Ideas and Projects), is a French Revolution to conditions in the Balkans. tionary organization which planned pecially to its revolutionary-democ- American republic through the fol- powerful and thoughtful explo- the outbreak of the Greek Revolu- ratic wing, which believed that the lowing two centuries, federalism ration of the federative movements lack of clarity, Todorov explains that Moreover, according to Todorov, tion in 1821, the Ethniki Hetairia Balkans could be liberated by con- has expanded steadily and widely in the Balkans, emphasizing, in par- there was consensus on several key some early revolutionaries posited (National Society), envisaged a col- certed actions of all Balkan national- across the globe, embraced by de- ticular, its crucial Greek component. issues. During at least the first two that the idea of Balkan unification, lective Balkan uprising against the ities without help from abroad. The mocratic and non-democratic states Todorov, a member of the Bulgar- decades of the nineteenth century, or federation, was not only a means Turks. In this context, Todorov Greek federalist idea was in a close alike. Today, enormous numbers of ian Academy of Sciences, is an histo- the overwhelming majority of revo- to achieve liberation, but also was notes that although the leaders of organic relationship with the feder- the world’s people live under federal rian at the Institute of Balkan Stud- lutionary activists believed that the the optimal instrument for meeting the Hetairia had not tackled the alist ideology of nineteenth-century systems of governance, in countries ies in Sofia. The author’s facility in Balkan peoples could attain their the challenges for sustaining a vi- problem of the future political struc- Europe. In the course of their strug- as diverse as Argentina, Australia, several regional (Bulgarian, Greek, freedom only by concerted, unified able state. As far as such thinkers ture of the Balkans, their actions gles, the Greek revolutionaries had Brazil, Canada, Ethiopia, Germany, and Serbo-Croatian) and Great action—in short, a common revolu- were concerned, the nationalist “clearly demonstrated that the idea established direct contacts with rev- India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Power (English, French, and Russ- tion against the Turks. principles of the French Revolu- of uniting the efforts of the different olutionary democrats all over Eu- Russia, South Africa, Switzerland, ian) languages clearly enabled him These same individuals, pro- tion—emphasizing the right of each Balkan nationalities was closely con- rope… Thus, Greek ideas and pro- and the United States, to name only to conduct an exhaustive review of foundly influenced by the ideas of nation to an independent, sovereign nected to the idea of a union in the posals for a Balkan federation dur- a few. the subject’s diverse, and often ar- the French Revolution, were con- existence—did not contradict the post-revolutionary period” (p. 13). ing the 1850s and 1860s form an in- Furthermore, the global trend in cane, literature. Likewise, Todorov’s vinced that the principles of liberty, idea of a voluntary union between Either explicit or implicit, the Het- delible part of the system of projects state development continues to fa- work identifies his extensive re- equality, and fraternity should fuel nations through a confederative or airia’s message of pan-Balkan revo- for the future of Europe” (pp. 142- vor federal, over unitary, state struc- search in several archives, including the liberation struggle against the federative structure. Because of this lution was sufficient to motivate 143). ture. Indeed, the political philoso- state and other public holdings in Ottoman regime. Likewise, it was mutually compatible perspective on thousands of Albanians, Bulgarians, It would be presumptuous to in- phy behind federalism—a state sys- Athens, Belgrade, Moscow, and regarded as only natural that these nationalism and federalism, most of Romanians, Serbs, and Vlachs to fer from Todorov’s work that the tem in which governance is constitu- Sofia. The many materials—unpub- same ideals should become the the projects for a Balkan federation join the secret society and support path to contemporary European in- tionally divided between a central, lished documents, published prima- founding principles for the project- acknowledged the principle of na- its armed cause. tegration began with idealistic national government and sub-na- ry sources, memoirs, contemporary ed pan-Balkan state organized along tional self-determination and politi- Once put into practice, however, Greek revolutionaries. After all, the tional states or provinces—remains ephemera, and secondary sources— federal lines. Finally, inspired by the cal autonomy for the region’s sepa- the envisaged all-Balkan uprising federative Balkan state anticipated one of the most enduring accom- consulted by the author are noted in examples of both the American and rate nationalities. turned into a purely Greek affair, by many Greek revolutionaries and plishments produced by the archi- a copious, efficiently organized, and French revolutions, there was uni- Rhigas Velestinlis, popularly and the leaders of the Greek nation- politicians in the nineteenth century tects of the American state system. useful bibliography. The text itself is versal agreement that the future known as Rhigas Pheraios, was the al liberation movement adjusted was not realized. Nonetheless, the The acceptance and global ex- heavily documented and well-cited. federal Balkan state would be a con- first rebel and most charismatic fig- their objectives and strategy to the Greeks’ long and earnest engage- pansion of federalism as a form of From the outset of his study, stitutional, democratic republic. ure to apply the principles of the realities that confronted them be- ment with the idea of federation state organization has not, however, Todorov makes it clear that virtually Todorov demonstrates that early French Revolution to conditions in ginning in March 1821. Moreover, would provide significant lessons, always been the result of tradition all nineteenth-century Balkan feder- support for Balkan unity and federa- the Balkans. However, before he the establishment of the indepen- and hence have profound implica- or gradual, peaceful development. alist projects made no distinction tion was also driven by practical mil- could realize his vision of a full-scale dent Kingdom of Greece in the tions, for all of Europe. In that In the case of the United States—the between the concepts of federation itary and political considerations, as Balkan revolution to free Greece 1830s meant that the political lead- sense, Varban Todorov’s masterful originator of the federal model—the and confederation. Both terms, and much as by a commitment to demo- from Ottoman occupation, he was ership of the new state was bound to study contributes to our under- new state structure was established their corresponding ideas, were cratic ideals. It was obvious to the martyred in 1798 for his radical ac- approach the idea of Balkan federa- standing of an often ignored, but only after a hard-fought revolution treated as essentially synonymous. first advocates of national liberation tivities. tion from a new perspective. In- seminal, and ultimately, interwoven and a complicated, unanticipated Furthermore, the Greek revolution- that no single Balkan national group Demonstrating a sophisticated, deed, the federalist idea, instead of chord in Greek, Balkan, and Euro- process of political experimentation, aries’ amorphous plans were so pre- could on its own overthrow and de- nuanced understanding of the com- disappearing after the emergence of pean history. or trial and error. Indeed, the polity occupied with the goal of liberation feat the enormous and powerful Ot- plex and critical ideological legacy an independent Greece, was taken finally established in the 1790s was itself that they did not include pre- toman Empire. Consequently, con- of Pheraios, Todorov analyzes the up in the 1840s by several promi- Alexandros K. Kyrou is Associ- continually threatened by decades cise designs for a particular state certed, multinational action involv- two competing schools of thought nent politicians as a means to pro- ate Professor of History at Salem of dispute over the federal govern- structure to replace the Ottoman ing all the Balkan subject peoples on the relationship between Rhigas mote and realize irredentist aspira- State College in Salem, Massachu- ment’s powers and limitations, ulti- system. was regarded as necessary to and the idea of a Balkan federation. tions, now expressed through the setts, where he teaches on the mately culminating in the bitter and Despite the diversity of the feder- achieve the goal of individual na- The author identifies the evidentiary Megali Idea. This trend reached its Balkans, Byzantium, and the Ot- brutal American Civil War. Al- alist projects for the Balkans or their tional liberation. and interpretive strengths and peak in the 1860s when Greek and toman Empire. The 4,000-Year History of Ancient Greece’s Greatest Math Problem

By David Guaspari uously varying “magnitudes.” Mul- two parts. If the ratio between the about unvisualizable geometries The Weekly Standard titudes differ essentially from mag- lengths of those parts is two to one, such as the “curved space-time” of nitudes. And magnitudes them- the pitch difference is an octave; if Einstein's theory. selves come in different kinds. We two to three, it's a perfect fifth; and Maor ventilates these stories ELI MAOR. The Pythagorean may meaningfully compare one so on. with frequent digressions. One Theorem: A 4,000-Year History. line segment to another line seg- Note that the ratio of two (rather dull) chapter called “The Princeton, 286 pp., $24.95. ment (is it greater?) but not to a dif- lengths is the same as the ratio of Pythagorean Theorem in Art, Poet- ferent kind of magnitude, such as a two counting numbers precisely ry, and Prose” provides a laundry The Pythagorean Theorem is circle or a cube. when there is a unit of which both list. There is the patter song from perhaps the one mathematical fact It makes sense to total the mag- lengths are exact multiples. An ir- The Pirates of Penzance in which an Average Joe might be able to nitudes of two squares, but not to refutable proof that the sides and the modern major general boasts of name. It is ancient. Evidence of the total a square with a line. It makes diagonal of a square are, in this his acquaintance “with many cheer- Pythagorean Theorem can be found sense to multiply numbers, obtain- sense, “irrational”-and that irra- ful facts about the square of the hy- on Babylonian clay tablets from ing another number as a result- tionality is an essential feature of potenuse.” There are encomia to 1800 B.C.; versions exist in manu- three groups of four things amount the mathematical world-can only Pythagoras from Johannes Kepler scripts from India circa 600 B.C. to 12 things altogether. But it seems have been a metaphysical blow. and (descending from the sublime) and from the Han Dynasty. The first merely confused to speak of multi- The first section of Maor's book Jacob Bronowski. There is the fa- rigorous proof is ascribed to Greeks plying one line segment by another, stretches from the Babylonians to mous story of Thomas Hobbes's ex- of the school of Pythagoras, in the of multiplying by something that is Archimedes, the greatest ancient clamation, on first seeing the mid-6th century B.C. not a multiplicity. mathematician, and one of the Pythagorean Theorem: “By God, Eli Maor says that the Presented with these careful dis- greatest ever. Insofar as it has a sin- this is impossible!” Pythagorean Theorem is “arguably tinctions, and the rigorous and bril- gle theme, this section asks which Another chapter presents ex- the most frequently used theorem liant Greek science that respected societies knew of the Pythagorean cerpts from the curious life work of in all of mathematics” and makes them, a reader might suffer a prof- Theorem, and in what form and in Elisha Scott Loomis, who under- that the premise, or McGuffin, for itable moment of uncertainty and what way they knew it. The next took to gather all known proofs of touring a swath of mathematical discomfort, wondering how he thousand or so years get brief treat- the Pythagorean Theorem – of history. He aims at the general could have thought in any other ment as an interlude, an era of which he found 371, including one reader, wishing to provide both an way-uncertain, at least for that mo- “translators and commentators”-il- by President James Garfield (before intellectual adventure, complete ment, how there could be any co- lustrated by episodes from Chinese, his election). Also included are with proofs, and a genial ramble. herent sense in (or any use for) Hindu, and Arabic, as well as West- brain teasers, mathematical cu- (An appended chronology notes some mongrel notion of “number” ern, mathematics. riosities, and a short essay on the that soon after “Einstein publishes and practice of “algebra” that em- The final section begins in the possibility of composing a message his general theory of relativity… braced the counting numbers and mid-16th century with François that would be understood by intel- Stanley Jashemski, age nineteen, of magnitudes of all kinds. Yet the Viète-often regarded as the first ligent life in distant galaxies. Youngstown, Ohio, proposes possi- massive triumphs of mathematical modern mathematician-and tells Bits of potted history serve as bly the shortest known proof of physics, for one thing, assure us two related stories. One is the intro- glue. Not all of this is reliable, as PT.”) that there can be. duction of infinite methods and in- when Plato's contribution to geom- He begins, regrettably, with a sin We can't solve that problem finities into mathematics-contro- etry is described as “his recognition of anachronism-miscasting the here-to begin with, a rigorous versial but successful innovations of its importance to learning in gen- original meaning of the Theorem mathematical account of the mod- that had to wait 300 years for a rig- eral, to logical thinking, and, ulti- into modern terms. Euclid's famous ern notion of number is highly tech- orous basis. The other develops the mately, to a healthy democracy.” It treatise on geometry presents us nical-but it is illuminating to con- “non-Euclidean” geometry that is not likely that Plato was fond of with a fact about area: If we draw a sider a simple strategy that holds plays a central role in modern diseased democracy, but safe to say square on each side of a right trian- out hope of dissolving it: In ordi- physics as the mathematical setting that promoting democracy was not gle, the area of the square on the nary speech we don't say that the for Einstein's theory of general rela- one of his concerns. Plato's interest hypotenuse is the total of the areas length of a line is “three”-we say tivity. in geometry was metaphysical: The of the squares on the other sides. that it's “three feet” or “three fur- sumption that we can always find For the Pythagoras cult, this had The Pythagorean Theorem holds relation between ideal geometric Nowadays we are inclined to ex- longs” or some such thing. We such a unit is false. For example, a tragic aspect. Scholars dispute for figures drawn on a flat surface- figures (grasped by reason) and the press this as an equation- choose a unit and measure the line there is no unit of which both the about the precise beliefs of that is, for the objects of Euclidean imperfect copies that we draw or a2+b2=c2-in which a, b, and c are as some multiple of the unit-at sides and the diagonal of a square Pythagoras and his followers, but geometry. In other settings-figures otherwise encounter through our numbers representing the lengths least, when it comes out exactly. are exact multiples. The Pythagore- agree that they included a mystical drawn on the surface of a sphere, senses prefigures the relation be- of the triangle's sides. Maor treats That suggests a way to unify the ans not only discovered that but conviction that numbers (multi- for example-it fails. The Theorem is tween a Platonic form, such as these as interchangeable formula- distinct quantitative ideas of multi- proved it. Here shines one particu- tudes) are, in some sense, the fun- a characteristic of flatness, hence Goodness, and its imperfect real- tions, and from the modern point of tude and magnitude case-by-case: lar brilliance of Greek mathemat- damental constituents of the world. its ubiquity: The calculations of izations in the world of ordinary ex- view they are. Given a right triangle, for example, ics: that its results are established This seems to have received trigonometry, of the lengths of lines perience. But Pythagoras and Euclid choose a unit of which all three by proof. And so far as we know, the powerful support from the discov- (straight or curved), etc., are all in- It is hard to predict who would would find the modern version un- sides are exact multiples. That as- notion of mathematical proof-of ery, attributed to Pythagoras, that timately tied to it. The converse in- be charmed by The Pythagorean intelligible, for reasons interesting signs a number to each side and developing an entire body of basic musical intervals are “ratio- sight, that the geometry of a surface Theorem, but all will recognize the and deep. They distinguished num- those numbers will satisfy knowledge by rigorous deduction nal.” Stop a tensed violin string can be captured by describing the author's enthusiasm for his subject bers, which are “multitudes” (that a2+b2=c2. from a set of first principles-has somewhere in the middle and con- ways in which it deviates from the and his respect for the reader: can be counted), from lengths, ar- This strategy fails, for an aston- emerged only once in human histo- sider the difference between the Pythagorean Theorem, makes it Three cheers for including those eas, and volumes, which are contin- ishing reason: The innocent as- ry. pitches produced by plucking its possible to represent and reason proofs! THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 1, 2008 FEATURE 7

RESTAURANT REVIEW Zenon Taverna, 20 Successful Years of Cypriot Cuisine for the Whole Family

By Nick Mavrakis loins, and then finished with a light Special to The National Herald coriander seasoning; the lountza at Zenon tastes marvelous, with a pi- Zenon Taverna quant flavor that packs a punch. 34-10 31st Ave. Astoria Other appetizers include fried Tel: 718-956-0133 kalamarakia; octapodi, both chilled as a salad, and char-grilled; mush- Appetizers: $5-$10 rooms stuffed with crabmeat; and Main Courses: $12-$23 the Kypriaki salata – a traditional salad using romaine lettuce, cu- Cypriot food is characterized as cumbers, tomatoes, parsley, a bit of a fusion; a culmination onions, scallions, caper leaves, based on its history and geography, cilantro, and feta – all dressed in with influences from Greece, olive oil and vinegar. Turkey, the Middle East, and Arabic Appetizers can come individual- cuisines. Of course, it’s one thing to ly, but should you so choose, you talk about it, and quite another to can also get them served as a meal. actually indulge in it. Luckily, you Separated into Cyprus Meze, Fish don’t have to travel far to get your Meze, and Vegetarian Meze; each fix of Cypriot cuisine. appetizer set-list comes with a In June of this year, Stelios Pa- plethora of plates intended for mul- pageorgiou will have the distinc- tiple people, and allowing diners to tion of celebrating the twentieth enjoy the casual eating experience anniversary of Zenon Taverna. Lo- associated with the Mediterranean. cated in Astoria, Zenon serves up If the appetizers don’t suffice, a both Greek and Cypriot food; variety of different main courses everything from Haloumi to halva. are also available. Souvlaki dishes, After moving to New York, and with either pork or chicken; entrée- working a few years in the sized sheftalia dishes; lamb chops; kitchens, Mr. Papageorgiou noticed and a number of specials that there was a distinct lack of Cypriot change daily, such as moussaka, restaurants in the city. As such, he Zenon Taverna will celebrate its kouneli stifado (rabbit stew), arni took the reigns of Zenon in 1988, twentieth anniversary this June. kleftico (lamb with potatoes, and bringing previous experience of It is one of the few restaurants in other vegetables, baked in foil). restaurant-management from his the U.S. that serves Cypriot cui- Fish such as sole, bass, and Red time in Cyprus. As top graduate of sine. Zenon has two floors, in- Snapper are all available fresh, and the Hotel and Catering Institute in cluding a Banquet Room which is cooked in the authentic way of be- Cyprus, Mr. Papageorgiou, along reserved for special occasions, ing grilled, and drizzled with olive with his wife, Dora (who is also a business meetings, receptions oil and lemon; sprinkled with trained chef); and three daughters and parties. Of course, the main oregano. Mr. Papageorgiou told me – Elena, Constantina, and Angela – floor is a dining area where pa- that he goes to the New Fulton fish now operate Zenon as a family tav- trons can enjoy a delicious meal market (the third largest fish mar- erna, cooking their own food, and in a calm atmosphere. ket in the world), and picks out the bringing all the warmth and care selections himself, so that quality is associated with such. past; one heated by charcoal, an- guaranteed. As you walk in, you’ll see the other by petroleum. These orna- Whilst classic Greek desserts long corridor of white and blue ments add intrigue and discussion such as Galaktoboureko and Bakla- table-clothed tables along the hard- to those that partake in the Ban- va are available at Zenon, it would wood floor, with taverna-style quet Room’s festivities. be a crime to disregard the Cypriot chairs pulled up; small vases of From the bar, a number of popu- sweets that are on offer. Cypriot flowers decorating each of them. lar cocktails, Greek and Cypriot halva come much lighter than the The white walls are adorned with wines, and beers are available for Greek version, on account of the window-shaped paintings of vari- you to enjoy with your meal. Once semolina flour being cooked less. ous Cypriot landscapes, as if you’re sat, an assortment of white breads, Rose water is also used, and gives a actually looking out to scenes of pitas, and elaiopsomo (olive bread, delicate sweet taste to this dessert. seaports or ancient monuments. baked in-house) will be brought to Shamali is another favorite. Being a Facing the entrance, you’ll see the the table; the perfect prelude for all bit like ravani, but with a thicker wood-framed windows, trimmed of the appetizers available. texture; it mixes semolina with yo- with white curtains, peering out to As far as appetizers are con- gurt, mastic, cinnamon, and cloves. the sidewalks of Astoria. cerned, including both Greek fa- For almost twenty years, Zenon A second floor, known as the vorites, and Cypriot selections, has been serving the inhabitants of Banquet Room, is reserved for spe- you’ll be spoilt for choice. Spreads Astoria, and the greater city area cial occasions: business meetings, such as minty tzatziki, tangy brandy, coming hot and stringy. niper), the loukaniko has a won- ing pork meatballs, and then (as well as the tri-state area, with receptions, parties. This area ac- taramosalata, a unique melitzanos- Traditional Cypriot Haloumi comes derfully distinct, spicy taste, differ- wrapped in a thin layer of caul fat, their catering business) with great, commodates large groups, with alata (adding feta and caper leaves with the characteristic pan-sear ent than that of the Horiatiko the sheftalia is both tender, and affordable Cypriot and Greek food. table-service or buffets available, into the classic mixture), and a tra- marks of being cooked. loukaniko known in Greece. It’s rich in taste, with spices and herbs An eye for quality, a menu that depending on the party’s needs. In ditional Cypriot spread called tahi- The loukaniko (sausage), which then char-grilled to bring out the accompanying the meaty texture would please even the most dis- this spacious room, a number of ni (using ground sesame seeds is homemade, is marinated in red full flavors of wine, herbs and magnificently. cerning of tastes, as well as an at- decorations and set-pieces line the mixed with lemon juice and garlic) wine for 15 days. Using a Cypriot spices. Lountza is yet another classic of mosphere only available in family walls. For example, a showing of are all excellent. There’s the kefalo- spice known as shinos (which Another traditional Cypriot se- Cyprus. Using thin slices of red restaurants, marks Zenon as a sure- various clothing-irons from days graviera saganaki, flambéed with shares some similarities with ju- lection offered is the sheftalia. Us- wine-marinated, smoked pork fire dining pleasure. Hellenic Offerings, Beyond Feta and Ouzo are all Around New York City

By Seth Kugel about: one problem with Greek small dishes, from taramosalata dip nightclub. New York Times theater is that it is in Greek, and the to roast quail to seafood salad. If you can, plan your trip for the supertitles were not always all that Zenon Taverna, owned by a Cypriot first weekend in April, not just for A Greek weekend in New York synched up with the actors. Non- couple whose grown daughters the Sunday parade at 1 p.m., from means dividing your time between Greek speakers will get the gist, but wait tables, is a good choice for sev- 60th to 79th Streets, but some of the city’s two Hellenic factions. not most of the jokes; for them it eral reasons: the whitewashed inte- the events that surround it. The First, there are the Greeks of the fits more into the “cultural experi- rior with wooden beams feels high-stepping honorary presiden- Metropolitan Museum of Art, char- ence” category than the “fine arts” Mediterranean; the meze selection tial guard from Athens will perform acterized by their stone-cold gazes category. for two is just $17.95 a person; it’s around the city; the Friday before and their occasional lack of an arm, Greek restaurants in Astoria are fun to challenge the daughters by the parade is a gala held in Terrace head or other appendage. The great but scattered. Scattered espe- asking them to explain what Zenon on the Park in Queens, and there’s a Met’s Greek and Roman Galleries cially wide is Agnanti, about 10 (a Cypriot philosopher) believed Greek Orthodox liturgy at the reopened in April 2007 after $220 blocks from the subway near Asto- in; Keo brand beer from Cyprus is Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on million of work, and the sublimely ria Park. Its warm atmosphere crisp and good; and finally, “Cypri- East 74th Street in Manhattan at 10 illuminated galleries feature thou- works well for both large parties ot” is just a fun word to pronounce. a.m. Sunday. sands of pieces, from human fig- and couples alike, and it has the (And the fun lasts through the next As if all that wasn’t enough, it’s ures to sarcophagi, stelae and am- feel of an intimate and humble day: “Oh, we went out for Cypriot also the opening weekend for the phorae. (If your knowledge of neighborhood charmer. Some of last night.”) Greek Cultural Center’s play Greek terms ends at feta and ouzo, the menu items are not fully trans- For late-night entertainment, “Madam Sousou Conquers Man- that’s coffins, grave markers and lated into English, making them all one choice is Zodiac, an old-fash- hattan,” based on a famous charac- two-handled jars.) the more intriguing. How could ioned nightclub that is cheesy with ter from a Greek novel and sitcom Go there, but spend most of you not order Prasopita from the its astrological décor. Still, for one- that the center has adapted to take your weekend with the live Greeks, Village? time visitors that’s not a bad thing, place in Astoria. Just about every- who tend to be more intact than the Anything must be good if they nor is the crowd of all ages that one in the audience but you will be statues, but nowhere near as physi- brought it all the way from the vil- comes for live (Greek) music and familiar with it; just follow the su- cally fit. They’re also better cooks, lage. (It’s a leek and phyllo pie.) dancing. (There’s no cover charge, pertitles and laugh when the per- which may help explain the dis- Several other restaurants (all but the drink prices make up for it.) son next to you does. crepancy. closer to the subway) offer a sort of An option for the younger crowd is Frank Bruni, The Times’s restau- meze meal plan, where you pay Cavo, a cavernous Greek restaurant The New York Times published rant critic, has given two stars to one price and get at least a dozen that turns into a more modern the above on February 28. two Manhattan Greek spots: first, Greek Cultural Center holds shows Running for the next two week- the 21-year-old stalwart Periyali, ($20) in one of those only-in-New ends is “With Power From Kifissia,” which (he wrote in 2005, after York hidden spaces, in the base- a fast-paced play about four very which the restaurant repositioned ment of a row of modest row hous- gossipy, angst-ridden Athenian itself in a more casual fashion) was es, set back from a street that is it- women planning a trip to Thailand “as calm and calming as the Aegean self in the shadow of the on-ramp to escape their romantic woes. Or, U.S. HELLENIC HUNTING, FISHING on a windless day.” (Recommend- to the Triborough Bridge. at least that’s what it seemed to be AND SHOOTING ASSOCIATION ed: charcoal-grilled octopus and lamb chops.) His other two-star FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION recommendation is Anthos, where 4523 Broadway, 5B, New York , NY 10040-2417 ñ Tel.: 212-942-9167 ñ Cell: 917-399-0394 ñ E-mail: [email protected] Michael Psilakis “takes familiar Greek ingredients and flavors and WARNING TO THE COMMUNITY, IN VIEW OF THE U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS puts them through unfamiliar paces, the results wedding the rus- IT IS A PARAMOUNT REQUISITE FOR ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY’S SOCIETIES tic and the elegant in keenly enjoy- TO COMMUNICATE ON A REGULAR BASIS WITH THE SPECIAL FUND SET UP able ways.” FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEALING WITH EMERGENCY SITUATIONS IN GREECE If you’d rather go more down- AS WELL AS WITH THE AMERICAN NATIONAL COUNCIL’S (HANC) REPRESENTATIVES. town and more reasonably priced, On the eve of HANC’s Annual General Assembly taking place at Philadelphia ’s Sheraton City Hotel, 3549 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, try Snack, a tiny, easy-to-miss but PA (215-387-8000) on Saturday, March 1st (9 am to 5 pm) and Sunday, March 2nd, 2008, all our Associations across the US are usually crowded restaurant that is requested to monitor and follow its proceedings. Greek in menu, SoHo in atmos- www.GreekKitchennyc.com We are also suggesting that as of this day on, each of our many societies across America inform the Special Fund for Dealing with phere. (Snack Taverna on Bedford Emergency Situations in Greece-headed by Greece’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Georgiou Molyviatis on a voluntary function, Street in the Village, with the same as to the exact sums of money collected individually by each organization for the relief of Greece’s recent arson victims, or for any other owners, is bigger and has a similar extraordinary purpose, via the electronic address [email protected] (website www.etaea.gr though slightly more upscale or by calling 011-210-33375-752, (fax 011-210-3375-941.) Furthermore they must inform the Fund’s administrator of the sums menu.) You’ll also need to spend a day collected or remitted and the date of such transactions. in Astoria, the traditionally Greek Furthermore, it is each organization’s duty to also inform the Hellenic American National Council of such transactions neighborhood a quick ride from at the level of its president, Mr. Emmanuel Velivassakis through his executive secretary, Ms Georgia Kokkinidou Midtown on the N or R train that at 917-661-8072 or by e-mail at [email protected]. has also become, in recent years, It is also of utmost importance that funds collected for the above purpose by any group, be sent to the National Council, “the Egyptian neighborhood,” “the so that all funds can be channeled from this central point to the source in Greece. If, for any reason, moneys collected for that purpose by Brazilian neighborhood” and “the any organization are forwarded directly to Greece instead of being channeled through the official route, gentrifying neighborhood.” But the that is the National Council, these groups are still under the obligation of reporting such direct remittances to the above venue, the olives at the Greek supermarket Ti- Hellenic American National Council tan Foods are still great. Stylianos Manis Spyridon Christoforatos Konstantinos Zafeirakis Eleni Paschali-Arabatzi Bob Nicolaides If you want to try something a President Secretary Public Relations Director Sub. Public Relations Chairman, Public little different, add some modern (Greece) Director (Greece) Relations Committees Greek theater to the mix. The 8 OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 1, 2008 Sonia Day-Belcher, 32, School of Theology Director of Admissions

By Theodore Kalmoukos chons of the Ecumenical Patriar- canceled on the day of her funeral, issues to anyone. Special to The National Herald chate and also of Rev. Peter Kar- allowing almost all the members The news of her death saddened loutsos, priest at the Assumption of and students of the school to at- the small community of 198 stu- BOSTON – Hellenic College and the Mother of God of Danbury Con- tend. dents of Hellenic College and Holy Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School necticut. The National Herald has learned Cross where she worked the last of Theology Director of Admis- Her funeral took place on Febru- that the late Sonia Daly-Belcher, few years, appointed by the current sions, Sonia Day-Belcher 32, died ary 25 the St. George Antiochian celebrated her birthday on president of School Fr. Nicholas Tri- suddenly on Wednesday, February church in West Roxbury. Burial was Wednesday, February 20 with her antafillou. A memorial Trisagion 20, 2008. at St. Benedict Cemetery. Metropol- husband Rev. Deacon Nicholas was offered on Thursday morning The cause of her death was an itan of Pittsburgh Maximos Belcher, their four-month-old son at the Chapel of Holy Cross and aneurism. Calls by the Herald to presided over the funeral. Arch- Andrew and her parents. At some classes were canceled that day. the School’s President Rev. bishop Demetrios was represented point after dinner she felt dizzy and A website in memory of Sonia Nicholas Triantafillou and to James by Archdiocesan Chancellor Bishop lost consciousness. She was taken has been set up at www.soniabelch- Karloutsos, Director of Operations Savvas of Troas who read a letter by to the hospital where she passed er.com. Messages and condolences of the School, went unanswered. the Archbishop. Also attending away. to Dn. Nicholas and family can be James Karloutsos is the brother of were the Antiochian Bishop Alexios The same sources told the Her- left at this website. In lieu of flow- Rev. Alexander Karloutsos, Spiritu- and Bishop Ilias of the Albanian Or- ald that she was in good health and ers, donations are welcome to the Sonia Day-Belcher, 32, passed away on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 al Advisor of the Order of the Ar- thodox Church. Classes were also had not complained of any health Theophany School. after celebrating her birthday with her family.

DEATHS

■ ARVANITES, MARIA bros, 82, formerly longtime resi- Country Club and served on the field from which he retired in 1982 tos, Anne Strong and Dr. Stephanie served as secretary and president of NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The dent of Berwyn, IL passed away on Board of Directors. He also was a after 36 years of service. The job of- Houseman; and seven grandchil- the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Standard-Times reported that Monday, February 18, 2008, at Co- member of the Ole Raleigh Boys fered him many opportunities for dren.?Dr. Zotos had been a dentist Church Board for many years. He Maria (Arvanites) Boucher, 81, lumbia St. Mary's Hospital in Club. He leaves behind a loving travel around the country, as well with his own dental practice in the was also chairman of the church passed away on Wednesday, Febru- Mequon. She is survived by her family who will miss him dearly as spending a good deal of time in Clayton area for 50 years. He re- building committee, which was re- ary 20, 2008, at the New Bedford husband Christ; her daughters Eva and a wealth of friends who will New York City. He was also ex- tired in 1996. At the age of 15, Dr. sponsible for the community center Jewish Convalescent Home after a (George) Brett and Fran Lambros miss his kind, gentle, and warm tremely devoted to his church, the Zotos left Greece for the United that was built in the early 1960s. brief illness. She is survived by her (John Lowry); her grandchildren spirit. The funeral service was held Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox States, where he joined his father, The funeral was held on February brothers Constantine "Charles" Ar- Dr. Maria (Justin) Gray and Lisa on February 29 at the Holy Trinity Church, serving as its past presi- who had opened the Roosevelt 28 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox vanites, Louis Arvanites (Jean- (Bryan Thiel); her sisters Katerina, Greek Orthodox Church in Raleigh. dent and remaining as treasurer Theater in St. Louis. After earning Church in St. Louis. Memorial do- nette) and Peter Arvanites (Jim- Androniki and Trepso; her brothers Burial was at Montlawn Memorial even up to his final days. There bachelor's and dental degrees, both nations to St. Nicholas Greek Or- mie); her sisters Olga Xiarhos Peter (Aliki) Bezanis and Stephano Park. Memorial donations to the wasn't a day in the week when John from Washington University, Dr. thodox Church (4967 Forest Park (George) and Florence Hall; her Bezanis; and several nieces and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox couldn't be found at the church. He Zotos enlisted in the Army in 1946. Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. 63131); or sisters-in-law Brenda Arvanites and nephews. She was predeceased by Church (5000 Leadmine Rd., was its guardian, often the glue He served in the Dental Corps for to St. John's Hospice Memorial Connie Mello; several nieces and her parents and brothers Stavro Raleigh, NC 27612) or to Hospice that kept it together through their two years and was discharged with Fund (1000 Des Peres Road, Suite nephews; and several great-nieces Bezanis and Pantelis Bezanis. She of Wake County (1300 St. Mary's years of growth. In 1988, he re- the rank of captain. Dr. Zotos 200 B, St. Louis, Mo. 63131). and great-nephews. She was the was born August 15, 1925 in St., Fourth Floor, Raleigh, NC ceived the highest civilian honor sister of the late Steven Arvanites Tsatista, Albania to the late George 27605). from the church diocese, the Laity and sister-in-law of the late and Andromache (Kanas) Bezanis. Award, and in 2007, he was award- Stephen Hall. She was the wife of She married Christ Lambros August ■ SPIRIDON, PETER ed a lifetime achievement from the CLASSIFIEDS the late Norman Boucher and the of 1948 in Trikala, Greece. She was STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The Star- Order of AHEPA for the years he daughter of the late Paraskevoula a member of St. Spyridon Greek Ledger reported that Peter Spiri- contributed to the success of its (Soumbasis) and Antonios Efstra- Orthodox Church in Sheboygan. don,79, passed away on Monday, mission. He was also a lifetime HELP WANTED FUNERAL HOMES tios Arvanites, from Peloponnesus The funeral was held February 22 February 25, 2008 in the Garden member of the Veterans of Foreign Greece. She was the oldest of seven at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Terrace Nursing Home. He is sur- Wars. He was a man who was calm VIDEO PHOTOGRAPHER/ CONSTANTINIDES children. She was a 1945 graduate Church in Sheboygan. Burial was at vived by his wife Basilia (Leondis); and soft-spoken but who garnered CINEMATOGRAPHER FUNERAL PARLOR Co. of New Bedford High School; and a Elmwood Cemetery. his children John Spiridon (An- enormous respect from those who INTERN WANTED 405 91st Street 1947 graduate of Kinyon Commer- drea), Charles Spiridon (Denise) knew him and worked with him. Have an eye for video? The Nation- Bay Ridge - Brooklyn, NY 11209 cial School of Business receiving ■ LATHAM, BERTHA and Pamela McKinlay (Thom); his He will be missed. The funeral was al Herald is looking for college-lev- (718) 745-1010 highest academic honors and TROY, N.Y. – The Times Union re- grandchildren Stephanie, Kristen, held on February 26 at Holy Trinity el VIDEO PHOTOGRAPHERS for Services in all localities - awards in her graduating class. She ported that Bertha Semon, 79, Evie, Ella, Peter and Caroline; and Greek Orthodox Church in Nor- internship opportunities. Earn Low cost shipping to Greece completed numerous courses at the passed away on Thursday, February his sister Katherine Ilchert. Born in wich. Memorial donations to the credit towards your degree and New Bedford Textile School today 21, 2008, while surrounded by her Warren, Pa., Mr. Spiridon lived in Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox gain valuable experience in the ANTONOPOULOS known as the University of Massa- family. She is survived by her two Convent Station for the past 35 Church (247 Washington St., Nor- world of journalism. Send current FUNERAL HOME, INC. chusetts Dartmouth. She served the children Peter and Harriet; her years. A civil engineer, he was an wich CT 06360). resume, cover letter, and optional- Konstantinos Antonopoulos - Greek Orthodox Church with tire- grandchildren Michael (Michelle), expert in structural design of long ly, a link to a web-based example of Funeral Director less effort with total devotion for Nicholas, Peter James and Saman- and short span bridges. He received ■ VASSOS, MINAS your work (e.g. YouTube) to: pho- 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., over 50 years. Maria served as a tha; her great-granddaughter his B.S. in civil engineering from WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Star- [email protected] Astoria, New York 11105 Sunday School teacher for numer- Sarah; her sisters-in-law Mary G., New York University. During the News reported that Minas "Mickey" (718) 728-8500 ous years, Greek School teacher Mary J., Katina, Sophia and Hope, Korean War, he volunteered to join Vassos, 60, of Bent Tree Court, LEADING GREEK AMERICAN Not affiliated with any since 1981, choir director and a along with their families; her niece, the U.S. Air Force and received a Wilmington, NC, died on Thursday, NEWSPAPER SEEKS other funeral home. member of the Greek Orthodox Irene; and her dear cousin and commission as a second lieutenant. February 21, 2008, at home. He is Full-time AD sales representatives Ladies Philoptochos Society along friend, Helen Coris. She had been He left the Air Force as a captain in survived by his sister Irene Vassos; for both GREEK and ENGLISH lan- APOSTOLOPOULOS with advising, chairing and orga- struggling with lung cancer. Born the reserves, and went back to his brother Jason Vassos; his guage publications. Applicants Apostle Family - nizing many committees and on April 13, 1928, in Jersey City, N.Y.U., where he received his M.S. nephew Zee Vassos; his godmother should have some sales and/or mar- Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - events. She was the first woman of N.J., Bertha was the daughter of in civil engineering in 1959. Mr. Jane Maxouris; his cousin Nicholas keting experience. Fluency with Funeral Directors of the parish to be honored with the the late Peter and Harriet Georgian. Spiridon held a professional engi- Faherty; and several aunts, cousins computer use and knowledge of In- RIVERDALE Orthodox Laity Award presented by At an early age, she was married to neer's license in both New Jersey and friends, in particular Cathy ternet a plus. Bi-lingual command FUNERAL HOME Inc. the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Michael Semon, a local restaura- and New York. While employed by Hoffmeyer of Beaufort, SC, and his of both languages preferred. This 5044 Broadway of Boston for her many years of out- teur and entrepreneur, who was the U.S. Department of the Navy, Carbondale compatriots. He was positions offers base salary, plus New York, NY 10034 standing service to her Church. She originally from Troy. Michael and he handled the architectural and born in Oak Park, Illinois, on Moth- commissions. E-mail resume and (212) 942-4000 was a founding member of the Hel- Bertha settled in Latham in 1972 structural design for combat ves- er's Day, May 11, 1947, the son of cover letter to [email protected] Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE lenic Lodge and Society which she and enjoyed 27 wonderful years sels, including the USS Forrestal, the late Nicholas and Despina (Di- FAX: (718) 472-0510 Attn. Publish- served in all offices. She loved there before Michael's passing for which he received a letter of ane) Maxouris Vassos. He grew up er or call (718) 784-5255 ask for LITRAS FUNERAL HOME cooking Greek cuisine, reading, away in 1999. Bertha spent the re- commendation. In 1960, Mr. Spiri- in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, and Veta. ARLINGTON BENSON DOWD, writing, dancing and going the maining years of her life in her don became an assistant professor attended schools there. He studied INC FUNERAL HOME beach. Maria had a vivid flare for home in Latham with her neighbors of science at Staten Island College. sociology at Southern Illinois Uni- JOURNALISTS WANTED 83-15 Parsons Blvd., fashion and an impressive admira- all being family members. She was He worked with the New York versity in Carbondale, and worked Nation’s leading Greek American Jamaica, NY 11432 tion for art. Mostly Maria had an an active 50-year member and past Board of Education and helped es- for several years as a concert orga- newspaper, The National Herald, (718) 858-4434 • (800) 245-4872 extraordinary gift of soothing president of the Order of the East- tablish Richmond College in Staten nizer for Beaver Productions in needs reporters and assistant editor words of encouragement and an in- ern Star and was an active member Island, which combined with Stat- New Orleans during the 1970s. Af- for English weekly paper. finite compassion for everyone. of the Greek Orthodox Ladies en Island Community College, and ter moving in 1980, to Stockbridge, Exceptional writing/reporting TO PLACE YOUR Humble, dignified, genuine, and Philoptochos Society, a benevolent later became the College of Staten Massachusetts, he became an ac- skills and bilingual fluency a must. CLASSIFIED AD, CALL: selfless, a devoted inspiration to all and philanthropic organization. Island. He moved to the central of- complished stonemason and incor- Car a plus. Fax or e-mail clips and (718) 784-5255, EXT. 106, who were blessed to have known Bertha was a longtime member of fice of the City University of New porated Japanese designs for cover letter to 718-472-0510 or E-MAIL: her. The funeral was held on Febru- St. Basil's Greek Orthodox Church York (CUNY), first serving as uni- ponds, natural pools, stone bench- [email protected]. classifieds@ thenationalherald.com ary 25 at St. George Greek Ortho- in Troy where she served, for many versity dean, and then vice chancel- es and walls. One of his favorite 111609/01 dox Church. Burial was at Pine years, on the parish council. She lor for campus planning and devel- creations was stone birdbaths Grove Cemetery. Memorial dona- was a very religious woman. Her opment. He later served two years which he carved with diamond tions to St. George Greek Orthodox greatest pleasures in life were hav- as vice president for administration drills. He moved to Wilmington, in REAL ESTATE Church Building Fund, (87 Ashley ing family around her and going to for the College of Staten Island be- 1990, and established himself as an Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02746). church. She was a nurturer to those fore retiring from CUNY. Mr. Spiri- independent stone artist with his around her and a pillar of strength don then went on to become vice StoneWorks business. Many of his ■ GONIS, JOHN and comfort to those in need. She president of administration and fi- works grace yards and gardens MILWAUKEE, Wisc. – The Milwau- was a treasure and will be dearly nance at William Paterson Univer- throughout the Wilmington area. kee Journal Sentinel reported that missed. The funeral was held on sity in Wayne, and retired after 13 Recently he was employed as a su- John Gonis, 67, passed away on February 24 at St. Basil's Greek Or- years of service. He was a trustee pervisor for Saffo Contractors. He Saturday February 23, 2008. He is thodox Church in Troy. Interment and treasurer of Wayne General was a member of St. Nicholas survived by his children George was at the Elmwood Hill Cemetery. Hospital, a supporter of the Sum- Greek Orthodox Church and often and Anna Gonis. Also lovingly re- Memorial donation to St. Basil's mit Speech School, and member of served in the altar. The loves of his membered by cousins, other rela- Memorial Fund in memory of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox life were his two children, Jesse tives, friends and staff at Dental As- Bertha Semon, (909 River Street, Church, where he had served as and Isabella. He was a kind human sociates LTD. Predeceased by his Troy, NY 12180) or to the Commu- president, treasurer and member of being who loved to help others and parents George and Ann Gonis. Dr. nity Hospice, (295 Valley View the parish council. The funeral was gave generously of his time and tal- Gonis graduated from Marquette Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144). held on February 29, at Holy Trinity ents to worthy projects. He also University Dental School in 1966. Greek Orthodox Church in West- leaves his beloved dog, Kate. Mr. He was a Captain in the U.S. Air ■ RUSSOS, JAMES field. Memorial donations to the Vassos loved to read and garden Force Dental Corp. from 1966 until RALEIGH, N.C. – The News & Ob- Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Re- and attend his children's soccer 1968. Determination. Hard Work. server reported that James Harry search Foundation, (1 In- trepid games. He will be remembered for Square, West 46th St. and 12th his keen sense of humor and his subscribe Dedication. Dr. John Gonis' life has Russos, 83, passed away peacefully PRINTED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL HERALD been focused on those values, hon- on Monday, February 25, 2008, at Ave., New York, N.Y 10036). compassion. The funeral was held via the post-office: oring the legacy of his parents and Rex Hospital in Raleigh. He is sur- on February 26 at St. Nicholas ❏1 Month for $9.95 ❏3 Months for $19.95 grandparents. As a visionary, he vived by his loving wife Bena; his ■ TRANTALIS, JOHN Greek Orthodox Church in Wilm- ❏6 Months for $29.95 ❏One Year fo $59.85 founded Dental Associates LTD in daughter Elaine R. Anlyan NORWICH, Conn. – The Day re- ington. Memorial donations to St. 1973 and acted as Chairman and (William); his daughter Noel R. ported that John W. Trantalis Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church VIA HOME DELIVERY (NY, NJ & CT): ❏1 Month for $12.95 ❏3 Months for $29.95 President. Dr. Gonis opened his Harrison (Timothy); his grandchil- passed away on Thursday, February or the Berkshire Humane Society ❏ ❏ first office in a Hispanic area of Mil- dren Sullivan Dunn, Kathryn 21, 2008, in the company of his (214 Barker Rd, Pittsfield, MA 6 Months for $43.99 One Year for $80.00 waukee to meet the needs of an un- Anlyan, Lauren Harrison, Matthew family after a prolonged illness. 01201). VIA HOME DELIVERY (NEW ENGLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, der served Spanish-speaking com- Anlyan, Alexandra Harrison and He was born on June 15, 1916, in WASHINGTON D.C., VIRGINIA & MARYLAND) munity. From there he went on to Megan Harrison; his great-grand- Norwich, son of the late Vasilios ■ ZOTOS, GREGORY ❏1 Month for $15.95 ❏3 Months for $37.45 having a total of eight locations in children Kingsley and David Dunn, and Sultana Trantalis, both emi- CLAYTON, Mo. – The St. Louis Post- ❏6 Months for $51.75 ❏One Year for $99.00 Wisconsin that serves 340,000 pa- III; and his sister Katherine Angelo. grated from Plomari, Lesbos, Dispatch reported that Dr. Gregory ON LINE SUBSCRIPTION www.thenationalherald.com tients and employs 900 people. He He was born on June 10, 1924, in Greece. He was raised and lived C. Zotos, a dentist for half a century ❏ has always put people first when Raleigh, the son of Harry and Helen most of his life in Norwich, along in Clayton, died on Sunday, Febru- NON SUBSCRIBERS: One Year for $45.95 ❏3 Months for $18.95 making decisions about the busi- Russos. Having been born and with brothers, George, Louis, Peter ary 24, 2008 from complications of ❏ ❏ ness. Dr. Gonis was an Ellis Island reared in Raleigh, he attended Dino (now deceased), and sister, Alzheimer's disease at his home in SUBSCRIBERS: One Year for $34.95 3 Months for $14.95 Medal of Honor Recipient in 2003, Hugh Morson High School and Mary (also deceased). He lived Clayton. He was 85. He is survived a member of the American Dental North Carolina State University. His through the best of times and the by his wife Bess Balodemas Zotos; NAME: ...... Association, the Chicago Dental So- studies at NCSU were interrupted most difficult times. He began life his daughters, Dr. Veronica D. Zo- ADDRESS: ...... ciety, the Wisconsin Dental Society, by World War II. He served in the before there were cars, TVs or even CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... the Greater Milwaukee Dental So- U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of radios. He lived through wars, the TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... ciety and a member of Leadership Master Sergeant. He married his Roaring Twenties, and the Great This is a service PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO: 100 of the Greek Orthodox Arch- high school sweetheart, Bena Vur- Depression. He served our country NAME: ...... diocese of America. The funeral nakes and together for 62 years, during World War II and was hon- to the community. ADDRESS: ...... was on February 27 at Annuncia- they worked side-by-side raising a orably discharged from the U.S. Announcements of deaths tion Greek Orthodox Church in family and operating such success- Navy in 1946. He embraced the CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... may be telephoned to the Wauwatosa. Burial was at Wiscon- ful Raleigh restaurants as the Man- goal of raising a family and after TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... sin Memorial Park. Memorial dona- hattan and Brothers Pizza. He was the war married his beloved wife, Classified Department of Please specify method of payment tions to Saint Iakovos Retreat Cen- devoted to his family and to his Viola (Topalis), who survives him. The National Herald at I enclose a check/money order for $ ...... made payable to: ter for Children, Annunciation church, Holy Trinity Greek Ortho- Thereafter, he was blessed with The National Herald, Inc., 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 - 2614 (718) 784-5255, Greek Orthodox Church (9400 W. dox Church. During his lifetime, his four children, William and his wife, or please debit my ❏ Mastercard ❏ Visa ❏ American Express Congress, Wauwatosa, WI), or the service to the church was a priority. Elaine, Jeffrey, Dean, and Marilyn, Monday through Friday, CARD NUMBER: ...... American Heart Association. He served on the church's Board of with her husband Jim, and later 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST EXPIRATION DATE: ...... SIGNATURE:...... Directors, was a member of AHEPA with a grandchild, Johnathan, of or e-mailed to: ■ LAMBROS, MARIANTHI and was instrumental in the build- whom he was so proud, all survive SHEBOYGAN, Ill. – The Sheboygan ing campaigns and Greek Festivals. him. He worked at Pervel Indus- [email protected] News reported that Marianthi Lam- He was a member of the Raleigh tries (now Bemis Corp.) in Plain- THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 1, 2008 GREECE CYPRUS 9 Greek FM Visits Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia

ATHENS (ANA) – The visits to Mo- already dynamically present and rocco, Algeria and Tunisia by Greek will open new markets for Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis businesses.?? The Greek econom- have sealed Greece's appeal to- ic mission, with the participation of wards the western Mediterranean institutional representatives of and paved the way for closer politi- Greek businessmen in Algeria un- cal cooperation and for new mar- der Theodoros Skylakakis, which kets for Greek businesses. It also was combined with the visit by finds Greece present in the region Bakoyannis, shows Greece's practi- in light of the French proposal for cal interest in the region. the creation of a Mediterranean Bakoyannis was due to return to Union. Athens from Tunis on Wednesday, Bakoyannis held bilateral con- February 27. tacts with the state and political In Tunis she met with the coun- leaderships of the three Maghreb try's President Zine El Abidine Ben countries, in which all sides had a Ali and with Foreign Minister Ab- favorable view of the expansion to delwahab Abdallah in the morning. the east of the "five plus five" for- Speaking after her meeting with mation (that includes the five her Tunisian counterpart, Bakoyan- Maghreb countries and the five Eu- nis said that "Euromediterranean ropean ones in the western cooperation is very important for Mediterranean) with the participa- us and constitutes a priority for our tion of Greece and Egypt. foreign policy," reiterating what she Such an expansion will consoli- also told the leaders of Morocco date the presence of Greece in the and Algeria that "our joint pursuit AP PHOTO/TUNISIAN PRESIDENCY western Mediterranean as well, is for the Mediterranean to turn in- Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, right, talks with Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 in Tunis. apart from the eastern, where it is to a sea of peace and prosperity." Karamanlis to FYROM: “No Solution, No Invitation”

Continued from page 1 dent Republic of Macedonia, New sitions at the highest possible level, “At this point, the only obstacle is Republic of Macedonia and Repub- and that the Prime Minister repeat- something unrelated, and this is the and other international bodies as lic of Upper Macedonia. ed them in Parliament at the end of stance of the Republic of Greece – the Former Yugoslav Republic of FYROM media also carried re- last week. that it should use its position; that it Macedonia. But more than 100 ports on the same five proposed Mr. Roussopoulos also declined should try and force a solution fa- countries – including the United names Mr. Nimetz delivered to comment on a poll published this vorable to Athens,” he told re- States, Russia and Canada – have diplomats from both countries in past Monday in the Greek daily Eth- porters. recognized it as Macedonia. Athens this past February 19. FY- nos (another newspaper which Mr. Crvenkovski denied any irre- Mr. Karamanlis noted that dis- ROM Prime Minister Nikola Gruevs- staunchly supports PASOK), accord- dentist agenda on the part of FY- cussions with FYROM have been ar- ki said his government would stand ing to which 83 percent of the public ROM. “This name issue can not be duous, and stressed the need for firm even if it meant losing an op- wants Athens to use its veto to block classified as a security issue in any caution among all of Greece’s politi- portunity to join the Alliance. FYROM’s entry into NATO unless a regard. It is not connected with our cal parties. “We love NATO, but everything mutually acceptable solution is E.U. perspective or with the NATO Referring to the ongoing negotia- has its price. The name could not be achieved. perspective,” he said. tions on name dispute as “difficult that price,” he said. “There are some The poll maintains that at least While he was in Brussels, Mr. Cr- and complex,” the Greek Premier proposals which are acceptable, and two thirds of the Greek people op- venkovski also met E.U. Foreign Pol- stressed that a positive outcome some of them which are completely pose any compromise which in- icy Commissioner Javier Solana, would have a beneficial effect on FY- unacceptable. We will reject every- cludes the term Macedonia. The sur- who said he hoped Greece would ROM’s relations with Greece, the thing which is negative for our na- vey also showed that 64.7 percent of not use its veto powers. “I don’t like oldest NATO and E.U. member in tional interests.” Greeks regard Mr. Nimetz’s propos- vetoes. This is a moment in which the region,” and would strengthen According to FYROM media re- als to be against Greece’s national solutions can be found, and I hope the prospect of upgrading and ex- ports, two of the suggestions would interests. very much that a solution can be panding cooperation between the be acceptable: Democratic Republic FYROM President Branko Cr- found,” he said. two countries, as well as contribute of Macedonia and Independent Re- venkovski insisted this past Tuesday, But George Koumoutsakos, to socioeconomic progress in the re- public of Macedonia. February 26, that his country has spokesman for the Greek Foreign gion. This past Monday, February 25, met all the conditions necessary to Ministry, indicated any solution In response to a question posed Minister of State Theodore Rous- join NATO, and that only a row with would have to be implemented – not by Main Opposition (PASOK) Party sopoulos, the Greek Government’s Greece over the name is holding up just agreed upon – before the veto Chairman George Papandreou con- chief spokesman, declined comment Skopje’s prospective entry. threat is lifted. cerning a leak to an Athens daily on the latest developments regard- “For NATO, we have met all the “No solution means no invitation newspaper the previous day about ing the name dispute. criteria. This is not a subjective as- (for NATO membership),” he said. the U.N. proposal submitted to “We are now waiting for the talks sessment. This is an assessment of “Accession requires unanimity from Greek and FYROM negotiators, the within the framework of the United all the members of NATO,” he said all the members. There is no doubt Prime Minister stated, “The only Nations,” he said, adding that after talks with E.U. Enlargement that Greece will not relinquish any thing that the leak of this document Greece had already expressed its po- Commissioner Olli Rehn in Brussels. of its membership rights.” does not help is the Greek Govern- Athens has said the U.N. propos- ment in the difficult battle it is wag- al has elements which could be ac- ing,” adding that Mr. Papandreou, of cepted “under certain circum- AP PHOTO/THANASSIS STAVRAKIS all people, should be more sensitive stances,” and has instructed its me- Train Derailment to the process. diator to propose certain changes to “You, in particular, as a past for- the text. A firefighter gives directions to a crane operator after an empty train eign minister for a number of years, U.N. representatives from Greece undergoing maintenance came off the tracks in the port of Piraeus and with many corresponding inci- and FYROM were scheduled to meet near Athens this past Friday, February 22. A railroad worker was dents of leaks of confidential docu- in New York this past Friday, March killed, and four others suffered light injuries when the empty train ments during your tenure, should 29, to continue negotiations. undergoing maintenance came off the tracks and slammed into a know this and understand what I am NATO Secretary-General Jaap wall. The Fire Service said the incident involved a suburban com- saying,” Mr. Karamanlis said, direct- de Hoop Scheffer is scheduled to muter train and occurred at Piraeus station. ly addressing himself to Mr. Papan- visit Athens this coming Monday, dreou. March 3, to discuss the issue with The Greek daily To Vima, which Greek Foreign Minister Dora also staunchly supports PASOK, had Bakoyanni. disclosed the contents of the propos- al submitted by U.N. Envoy The above incorporates informa- Gates Urges Turkey to Keep Matthew Nimetz. The five alterna- tion from reports posted by the tive names listed in the U.N. propos- Athens News Agency, Agence al are as follows: Constitutional Re- France Presse and the Associated Northern Iraq Attack "Short" public of Macedonia, Democratic TNH ARCHIVES Press (AP Writer Derek Gatopou- Republic of Macedonia, Indepen- Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis with U.N. Envoy Matthew Nimetz. los). ANKARA (CNN) – U.S. Defense Dozens more soldiers were be- Secretary Robert Gates has urged ing brought to a base on the out- Turkey not to drag out its military skirts of the town by helicopter, The SPORTS operation against Kurdish rebels in Associated Press reported. northern Iraq any longer than is Turkish air force F-16 fighter jets necessary. were also spotted flying over the “The United States believes the town towards Iraq. current offensive should be as short In a meeting Wednesday with Panathinaikos Regains Lead in Super League and precisely targeted as possible,” Ahmet Davutogulu, chief foreign Gates said after meeting with Turk- policy adviser to Turkish Prime ATHENS (Reuters) - Panathinaikos ish Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, returned to the top of the Greek Su- on Thursday, February 28. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Ze- per League with a 1-0 win over The Turkish military is in the bari said Iraq condemns the action Levadiakos on Sunday while Aster- seventh day of an offensive target- and wants the troops to leave "as as Tripolis parted company with ing the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or soon as possible." their Brazilian coach Paulo Cam- the PKK. Cross-border attacks by He said Iraqi officials expressed pos. the PKK from Iraq prompted the op- their "willingness" to work with Panathinaikos, who were eration. Turkey over the issue of PKK terror- knocked out of the UEFA Cup by “The Turkish government ism. Rangers in midweek, made heavy should make clear to the Iraqi gov- Gates on Thursday called on weather of securing the points. ernment, and everyone concerned, Turkey and Iraq to work together to The only goal of the game came exactly what their intentions are solve the problem. after just 12 minutes when Ioannis and the limited goals and scope of "It should be clear that military Goumas, who scored with a superb their operations,” Gates said, call- action alone will not end this ter- half-volley against Rangers, added ing Turkey to balance its need for rorist threat," Gates said. to his tally with a more trademark self-defense with Iraq's sovereignty. "While it is certainly part of the header from close range. Gonul said Turkey will only stay equation, there must be simultane- The Greens had numerous other in northern Iraq as long as neces- ous efforts made with non-military chances but, as has been their habit sary. initiatives," suggesting economic this season, were wasteful in sight “We have no intention to occupy programs and political outreach. of goal. any area,” he said. “This is only (a) Panathinaikos now head the law and order action.” table with 49 points, one more that Diplomats outside Turkey have Olympiakos Piraeus. Three points voiced concerns about the opera- further back are AEK Athens who tion because of fears that it could managed a 1-0 win over Iraklis in generate even more instability in Kyprianou now Thessaloniki. the volatile region. Veteran striker Nikos Liberopou- The Iraqi government, while op- los proved to be the match-winner posing the PKK presence and ac- Cyprus new FM with a 46th minute goal scored on tions, opposes the Turkish incur- the rebound after his first shot sion as a violation of its sovereignty. NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) - Cyprus' came back off a defender. Turkey's armed forces stepped president-elect Dimitris Christofias The main news off the field up their offensive against Kurdish named E.U. Health Commissioner came in the Peleponnese where rebels in northern Iraq on Wednes- Markos Kyprianou as his foreign Asteras Tripolis announced the day amid rising diplomatic tensions minister on Thursday, February 28, split with Campos. AP PHOTO/THANASSIS STAVRAKIS between Baghdad and Ankara. an official statement said. The Brazilian led them to the Panathinaikos players celebrate a goal against Rangers during their UEFA Cup round-of-32 soccer match Defying Iraqi and U.S. calls for Kyprianou, 48, will need to re- second division title last season and at the Apostolos Nikolaides in Athens past February 21. Turkey to wind up the six-day oper- sign as commissioner a year before has taken them as high as fourth in ation, a top Turkish diplomat said his term formally expires. the Super League, scoring notable Saturday's 1-1 draw with relega- name a permanent replacement for the better of the island's other team there was no “timetable” for the in- Kyprianou, son of late Cyprus wins over Panathinaikos, tion-threatened Apollon Kalamaria Lorenzo Serra Ferrer who was OFI Crete, Emanuel Perone getting cursion following talks in Baghdad President Spyros Kyprianou, was Olympiakos and AEK in the first added to the decision, which may sacked 10 days ago. the only goal of the game. with Iraqi counterparts. appointed E.U. health commission- half of the season. also have been prompted by specu- At the foot of the table, Crete Xanthi and Larissa drew 1-1. Hundreds of commandos were er on May 1, 2004 when the island The team remains in fifth and in lation that Campos is being sound- club Ergotelis moved a step closer gathering in the border town of formally joined the bloc. sight of a UEFA Cup slot but have ed out by AEK. to relegation as they went down 2- Reuters published the above on Cukurca, ferried there in more than Christofias will be sworn in as now gone six games without a win. The Athens club have yet to 1 to Panionios while Atromitos got February 24. 40 military trucks. president later Thursday. 10 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 1, 2008

The National Herald LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest A Pessimistic View on the Future western civilization. donia": why should Greeks and vote for the only candidate who to the Greek American community of the United States of America. of Greece or a Sobering Reality? The Greek Orthodox church in Greek Americans be surprised even offers the promise of change America is coming to terms with about this? A key foreign policy ad- in our nations foreign policy status- Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris To The Editor the reality that the church in Amer- visor in the Clinton campaign is quo. And that's Barack Obama. I've Assistant to Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos Greece is a lost cause. ica will quickly devolve into just a Richard Holbrooke. As Secretary of never voted Democrat on the na- Managing Editor Evan C. Lambrou I think it is time for a reality real estate investment firm in the State in the Bill Clinton Administra- tional ticket in my life, but I'll vote Assistant Managing Editor Mark Frangos check for the editor and readers of same way that the Greek Church tion, Holbrooke was consistently for it this year if Obama is the nom- this newspaper. The time has come has become the largest real estate anti-Hellenic in his positions and inee. In my opinion, and that of Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros to reflect upon the fact that in just a owner in Israel, without having any most notably in Kosovo and FY- many other Hellenes, Obama offers Webmaster Alexandros Tsoukias few more decades there will no parishioner base. ROM. the promise of U.S. foreign policy The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by longer be a Greek American com- This situation has become irre- It's a myth that the Clintons are driven by moral and ethical stan- The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 munity, as we know it today. Nor versible. sensitive to Hellenic issues. Sure, dards instead of the Machiavellian Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, will our homeland, Greece, have In the same way, because of its they have Greek friends, but what calculus of the Neocons or the Hol- e-mail: [email protected] any of the modest cultural or diplo- low birth rate, Greece in another 20 does that have to do with the poli- brooke team. And that might in- Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece matic respect it enjoys today (that or 30 years will be a country of 5 cies they'll promote while in office? clude a US foreign policy with less Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: [email protected] is to say if it is still an independent million Greeks; greater Albania will What did Bill Clinton do as Presi- focus on Turkey and more focus on country). be a nation of 10 million and dent for matters of importance to Greek interests in the region. Subscriptions by mail: 1 year $59.85, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $19.95, 1 month $9.95 With an inter-marriage rate that Turkey of 100 million (and a coun- Hellenes, especially during the pe- Could he do any worse than the Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $80.00, 6 months $43.99, 3 months $29.99, 1 month $12.95 approaches 99 percent in some try filled with steel mills automo- riod 1992-1994 when his Party current Administration? Home delivery New England States, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland: 1 year $99.00, 6 months $51.75, 3 months $37.45, 1 month $15.95 Greek Orthodox parishes in the bile factories, ship yards, etc.). controlled both Houses of Con- Philip G. Vorgias On line subscription: Subscribers to the print edition: 1 year $34.95, 6 months $23.95, 3 months U.S. there is no way Greek Ameri- America England France and Ger- gress? Absolutely nothing. Troy, Michigan $14.95; Non subscribers: 1 year $45.95, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $18.95 cans will still be an identifiable many can see the same future and Oh yeah, he did visit the Patriar- community, just as there is no they are making their plans accord- chate in Constantinople once. But Periodical postage paid at L.I.C., N.Y. and additional mailing offices. longer a Greek community in Con- ingly. In another 20 years these as of today, a decade later, the Patri- TO OUR READERS Postmaster send change of address to: stantinople and Alexandria countries (who are not Greece's archate still exists in an atmosphere THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 Because Greek Americans of all friends) will be telling her and of oppression. Like Bush, Clinton The National Herald welcomes generations have been the best pro- Cyprus the same thing they are did nothing of substance while in letters from its readers intended moters of Greece in the U.S. there telling the Serbs today, to adjust to office to promote the interests of for publication. They should in- will no longer be an effective Greek the new realities. the Patriarchate or Hellenic issues clude the writer’s name, address, lobby. I have never met an Ameri- Our enemies know all this. They in general. At a crossroads can who was half-Greek or Quar- know that all they have to do is Not that the Republicans offer and telephone number and be ter-Greek who was proud of the wait for our exit. anything different. McCain has addressed to: The Editor, The Na- Our ancestral homeland is contending with a number of serious nation- Greek part of his heritage. Or who Will the last person leaving the been consistently pro-Turkey and tional Herald, 37-10 30th Street, al issues right now, at a time when the overall situation in the Balkans is had bothered to learn Greek or had room please turn out the light. anti-Greek on most of the key is- Long Island City, NY 11101. Let- once again is becoming worrisome. visited Greece more than once or James Papadopoulos sues-Cyprus, the Aegean disputes, ters can also be faxed to (718) Thankfully, Greece is now being run by a capable and experienced lead- maintained contact with relatives Flushing, New York FYROM, Kosovo. Norman Podor- 472-0510 or e-mailed to ership, one which is fully cognizant of its responsibilities to its people and in Greece. etz, a key Neocon, is a McCain for- english.edition@thenationalher- history. Because of our American cul- eign policy advisor. A McCain Ad- ald.com. We reserve the right to But the Greek Government’s job is being obstructed by those “super pa- ture, which ruthlessly promotes di- ministration will remember the Barack Obama is the Right edit letters for publication and re- triots,” who use national issues as a means to promote their own personal versity and political correctness, Choice for Greek Americans Bush Administration with respect and political agendas. you are already finding it impossi- to foreign policy. And the Bush Ad- gret that we are unable to ac- With respect to the “Macedonia” name dispute, as March 4 is fast ap- ble to find an American who will To The Editor ministration has been the most an- knowledge or return those left proaching – the date NATO diplomats will meet to discuss this issue – say that he is proud that his culture Regarding your article, "Hillary ti-Hellenic in modern times. unpublished. Greece will be placed in a high-risk position, perhaps its last serious battle is rooted in Greece, the cradle of Clinton refers to FYROM as Mace- That's why this Republican will to convince the international community and the Skopje leadership that FYROM needs to change its preferred name and stop its propaganda against Greece, in order to live side-by-side as good neighbors and avoid worse problems in the future, when the effects of its propaganda will take COMMENTARY on a life –if they have not already- of their own. The last United Nations proposals – essentially American and British in origin – were somewhat improved compared to those presented in the past, and that has to be attributed to the courage and determination of Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyanni, who strongly presented the Greek case Greek-Macedonian Identity and a Blow to FYROM’s Nationalism during her visit to Washington two weeks ago. Sources close to the Foreign Ministry tell us that the intensity of the dis- By Chris C. Parkas UN General Assembly and be rec- at the bottom right side of the Unlike the previous Balkan cussions was such that, at least in one case, it became almost acrimonious Special to The National Herald ognized by its constitutional name Greek flag. This would wars, where the Macedonian issue when a Pentagon official expressed his indifference toward the issue. (Macedonia).” Then, FYROM’s officially/legally forever preserve was decided by ground combat op- Meanwhile, the latest public opinion polls coming out of Greece indi- The current Macedonian name president Branco Tservenovski stat- the Macedonian symbol for Greece erations, in this age of modern cate that a whopping 80+ percent of Greeks are opposed to a name which dispute with Skopje, or the Former ed that three UN Security Council and Diaspora Hellenism in the In- communications, this new Mace- even includes the term “Macedonia” for the new country, and demand that Yugoslav Reublic of Macedonia, FY- Members (US, Russia, China) rec- ternational community and the donian conflict will be won in the the Greek Government use its veto power to prevent FYROM from joining ROM, is a culmination of a millen- ognized his state as the Republic of United Nations. diplomatic, political, and psycho- NATO unless a mutually agreeable solution is found beforehand. nium struggle fought not just over Macedonia. US and recent Canadi- The late Archbishop Michael of logical arena in the media, acade- It looks almost certain that, until a solution is found or a decision post- territory, but presently over a falsi- an recognition has now strength- North and South America defined mia and the United Nations. Hence, poned, Greece will have no choice but to exercise its right to veto. By doing fied 4,000 year Macedonian history ened FYROM’s obsessive national- two parts of Hellenic culture: the the new visual designation of the so, it will not only satisfy the wounded φιλότιµο (dignity and self-esteem) of developed by Tito. ist policy of monopolizing the classical Hellenism of Pericles, Aris- Greek flag and map, followed by a the Greek people, but also open a new wound with the United States Gov- A thousand years ago (at this Macedonian name. totle, and the Macedonian Hel- powerful resolution, establishing a ernment, which seems determined to impose its will on the issue. very time) Emperor Basil II of Actually, the incredible irony in lenism of Alexander the Great, and “Greek-Macedonian identity” that That, in addition to Kosovο declaring its independence from Serbia, Byzantium waged a bloody 30 this Macedonian dilemma was that the Christian Hellenism beginning would forever preserve Macedon- with the strong backing from the U.S., is making the Bush Administration years war with Bulgar Slavs who Greece and diaspora Hellenism had with the Christian era up to the pre- ian Hellenism in the UN and the in- even more unpopular in Greece than it was already, and that’s because the briefly controlled 2/3 of the pre- it within their own power with a sent. These two concepts – Classi- ternational community. Basically, Greek people can not accept that America is taking the side of a country sent Greek mainland. Basil re- formula to resolve this issue on cal and Christian Hellenism would in this age of globalization and which is stealing Greek cultural identity and history. versed the invasion, and in the end, their own terms, and for over a now be identified in the Greek flag high-speed information technolo- As this column was being written, a special U.N. negotiator was con- conquered the entire Bulgarian decade, I argued and promoted this with the larger cross in its tradition- gy, these visual symbols (flag and vening a meeting in New York between representatives of Greece and FY- Kingdom. formula that would neutralize not al place, and the smaller Greek- map) will play a critical role in get- ROM in an effort to break the deadlock before NATO diplomats meet. In the post Ottoman period, the only FYROM, but the media and Macedonian Star of Vergina in the ting instantaneous mass exposure, Sources close to the Greek side tell us that the chances of a break- early Balkans wars, and Tito’s sub- our own government’s support of lower right side, and would be a influencing a world-wide audience, through are not good, but one nonetheless needs to try until the bitter end. sequent promotion of the Greek FYROM. constant reminder to the world of to understand and recognize civil war focused on this Macedon- In strategic terms, in order for classical and Christian Hellenism’s Greece’s Macedonian legacy. ian region. In all these events, the FYROM to win this present conflict, contribution to modern civiliza- In war, the moral is worth 4 to 1 final result was decided in the it has to get a monopoly of the tion. over your opponent, and the moral Opening the floodgates physical battlefield with the loser Macedonian name for them to The third part is to get a Joint is with Hellenism, if we only apply knocked out, and the winner con- claim the 4,000 year Macedonian Congressional Resolution Express- the will and determination to use it, The U.S. and major European powers imposed their will on Kosovo, trolling the territory. history and its ancient territory. To ing that – and in this critical election year, we backing and promoting its independence from Serbia. As to their ability Currently, the new psychologi- prevent this, the following strategic “The U.S. Congress recognizes a can first influence all our elected and willingness to do so, was there ever really any serious doubt? No. cal/political phenomenon has oc- formula is now made, and for those Greek-Macedonian identity and the officials to pass this resolution, and What was and continues to be in doubt, however, is the wisdom of it all. curred. Unlike the past, where who will fault this concept, they 4,000 year history and culture of then tell the country (the State De- The partition of a country based upon demographic characteristics sets these Balkan conflicts were fought must then consider living with the Macedonian Hellenism, the Hel- partment), the media, FYROM and a terrible precedent which, if followed by others – as is almost certain – on the battleground, it appears that present Macedonian fiasco, that lenism of the ancient Macedonians the world that we possess the will open the floodgates to redraw the borders for a number of countries, diaspora Hellenism and the Greek will deteriorate into a total loss of of Alexander the Great, as well as strength and the means to defend leading to further chaos and probably to armed conflict in different parts state never clearly saw the present our Macedonian history and cul- modern Macedonians in Greece our Greek-Macedonian cultural of the world. crisis from FYROM as a conflict ture. It is based on three defensive and the Greek Macedonian Star of identity. One obvious such example is Cyprus, where the importation of tens if fought in the diplomatic/political elements: Vergina.” We have a strategic formula and not hundreds of thousand of Turkish settlers from Asia Minor has dramat- battlefield, and as a continuation of The extension of Greece’s offi- Similar resolutions would be the moral that goes with it. Let us ically altered the demographics of the divided island republic. a 1,000 year war. Presently, FY- cial name on the maps as Greece- promoted in the Canadian, Aus- rise up to the occasion, as our pre- Another not so obvious example, but potentially explosive situation, ROM seems to be winning. Macedonia would legally preserve tralian and other democratic par- decessors did in previous conflicts, would be Greek Thrace, where a substantial number of Muslims live. They Actually, FYROM’s political Greece’s 4,000 year history of liaments. and demonstrate a superior politi- were originally supposed to be relocated under the population exchange strategy was spelled out by its for- Macedonian Hellenism, forcing the Essentially, diaspora Hellenism cal will and organization to win clause in the Treaty of Lausanne, but they never were, even though the mer president, Kiro Gligov in an in- UN and the international commu- and the Greek state would be legal- this new Macedonian struggle. Greek population in Constantinople has been forcibly diminished to just a terview he gave to TNH, on June nity to recognize it, and would de- ly establishing a “Greek-Macedon- couple thousand people. 26, 1998, pg. 7. ny FYROM any claim to this Mace- ian identity” that would diplomati- Chris C. Parkas is a retired US There are already Muslims in Greece who are calling for the indepen- In it he stated that – “it is a fact donian historical culture. FYROM’s cally and politically knock out FY- Army Intelligence and Psy- dence of Thrace, cheered on by the ultra-nationalistic elements of Turkey. that presently ? of the countries history would then begin at the 7th ROM’s attempt to monopolize the Ops/Foreign Area Officer for It is for those and other reasons that Greece – along with a number of have recognized my country with century AD, something FYROM is Macedonian name and its falsified Balkan, Byzantine, and other countries – has refused to recognize Kosovo as an independent coun- the constitutional name (Macedo- trying to cover up! version of Macedonian history, NATO/European areas. He try apart from Serbia. nia). If the number climbs to 2/3, The second part is to insert the along with its implicit territorial served in Vietnam and Desert then my country can apply to the Greek-Macedonia Star of Vergina claims on Greece. Storm. New Cypriot President PRESS CLIPPING The news spread fast: The Cypriots elected the first communist presi- dent of a country which belongs to the European Union. That would be enough to send chills down the spines of the unsuspecting, and to bring back memories of a terrible era which is already largely forgotten. But even though this is technically the case, AKEL, the party which won What Type of New Era Will This Be For Cyprus? the Cypriot presidential runoff last Sunday, and its leader, bear no resem- blance whatsoever to the communist parties of a bygone age. And they Now that the dust has settled mind? Unfortunately, yes, as the did from the outset five years ago tion's main partner, AKEL. never really did. from the longest election campaign economy, social welfare, industrial was to blame all ills on the "previ- These are all matters that the Demetris Christofias, the now former speaker of the Cypriot House of Cypriots were ever tormented to, progress, shipping, farming, educa- ous administration" of Glafcos new president must deal with, on Representatives, and his party have worked and profited within the estab- the sixth president of the Republic tion and tourism and so much more Clerides, disregarding the fact that the one hand maintaining the wel- lished and thriving democratic system of Cyprus. finds himself in front of momen- depend on getting Cyprus out of so much was invested in that fare state and the mixed economy They have never advocated a communist transformation for their soci- tous decisions. For now, his priori- the quagmire it is presently stuck decade leading up to EU accession. as his principle concern, while on ety, and to put everybody at ease, Mr. Christofias went as far as to stress ties seem to be in good order, in. The pensions reform is still out- the other hand trying to prevent that, as president, he would make no attempt to change his country’s exist- preparing to embark on an interna- Here, Christofias could find an standing, the Social Insurance the flee of investors and interna- ing social and economic order. tional tour to defend himself ally in DISY if only he can disen- Fund is near bankrupt and the age- tional companies after a senior Anyone familiar with the open-market, capitalist economy of Cyprus against arguments that feared a gage from the hard line of outgoing ing problem has not been ad- AKEL official admitted that corpo- knows that it would be impossible to do so, even if he tried. communist taking over as head of Tassos Papadopoulos. dressed in the past five years. The rate taxes would be raised. And nobody else knows Cyprus better than its former colonial rulers, state. The main opposition party, that boost to state coffers came from Until then, President Christofias the British, who within hours after Mr. Christofias’ election to the Cypriot On the political front the new has pledged to return to the presi- non-recurring injections in the needs to talk frankly about reform, presidency, extended him an invitation to visit London – quite a meaning- chief executive has to convince the dent's advisory National Council, form of the tax and property meritocracy and corporate gover- ful gesture on their part. public on both sides of the divide should help open doors in Brussels amnesties, the National Health nance, while keeping public spend- Particularly warm also were the congratulations extended to Mr. that he is genuinely keen on resolv- through the dominance of the Eu- Scheme is still to get off the ing in check. Christofias from President Bush. ing the Cyprus problem. Despite ropean Popular Party of which ground, while the issue of corpora- Now to the real issue: The people of Cyprus opted for a change of direc- the old camaraderie between DISY is a leading member. This is tization was not even raised for fear The Financial Mirror published tion by ousting Tassos Papadopoulos, the now former president who, for Demetris Christofias and Mehmet the only way we can overcome the of violent reaction from the coali- the above on February 27. five years, preferred stagnation to real negotiations, culminating with the Ali Talat, the Turkish Cypriots are a Greek Cypriot "isolation" of recent rejection of the U.N. Plan proposed by then Secretary-General Kofi Annan bit hesitant as the communist AKEL years. to reunify Cyprus. party was not forthcoming in sup- Once we get the ball rolling, Not that the Annan Plan presented the ideal solution, but it did contain porting the 2004 peace plan. On Cyprus could find itself in better enough elements which, if negotiated vigorously, might have ultimately the other hand, Talat has repeated- days. A stable political situation provided an acceptable solution to the problem – something Mr. Pa- ly stated that he follows the policies could force Turkey to reconsider its Don’t miss our annual padopoulos failed to do, preferring instead, it seems, the eventual parti- set out by Ankara. excessive military presence on the tion of Cyprus, a very toxic situation for the future of Hellenism in Cyprus. Christofias has to convince the island, something that will relieve Greek American The newly-elected president represents the new generation of Cypriot Turkish government that it can no the Cyprus government's budget leaders, free of chips on their elders’ shoulders, and ready to accommo- longer blame the Greek Cypriots through a shorter-term profession- Scientist date the concerns of Turkish Cypriots in the hopes of reuniting their coun- for intransigence and has to abide al army. try and make living peacefully as good neighbors possible, accepting eth- by new initiatives if it wants to have We can then get on with the S PECIAL I NSERT nic and linguistic differences in a pluralistic society. any hopes of securing a favorable economy. Unfortunately, despite The road ahead will be treacherous. There are bound to be many disap- review from the EU next year. the recent tax reform, for which Coming next week... points and false starts. But Mr. Christofias is an experienced and capable Should the political issue be the AKEL claims part of the glory, all leader, and he deserves the Greek American community’s support. only concern in any Cypriot's that the outgoing administration THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 1, 2008 VIEWPOINTS 11 LETTER FROM ATHENS Cyprus: Is There a Light At the End of the Tunnel?

With Dimitris Christofias elected generally acceptable The difficulties will District will have an equal legal sta- to be the new President of Cyprus, and viable solution of emerge when the par- tus in the bi-zonal, bi-communal Cyprus’ Communists Run the chances for a fair and viable so- the Cypriot problem ties begin to tackle the federation. Any other approach will lution of the Cypriot problem are de- will remove a central, details where, as the only create disruptive and also un- cidedly brighter than they have been negative, issue in saying goes, the devil necessary disagreements. Up the White Flag for the past thirty five years. The Greek-Turkish rela- dwells. Beyond this central principle lay chances would have been just as tions. A redrawing of the the specifics of federal structure. I Robert Moses was some of their own were bright if his opponent Ioannis Ka- The Turk Cypriots boundaries for the two think that it will be more construc- known as the Master killed, like Solomos soulidis had won. Unlike the for- realize that their future federal districts will not tive and more viable, especially in Builder of New York Solomou, shot three mer President Tassos Papadopoulos, prosperity depends on be exceedingly trouble- the context of the European Union, from the 1930s to the times on August 14, Christofias and Kasoulidis appear to the unification of the some as in the past, if the two federal districts are as- 1950s, although he 1996 while climbing a be genuinely interested in seeking a island in a viable feder- since the Turk Cypriots signed by the federal constitution all destroyed much of the flagpole trying to re- solution. ation of the two major by DR. D.G. have already accepted the powers that are not necessary city’s urban landscape move the Turkish flag Of course, good intentions are no communities. The pre- KOUSOULAS the territorial adjust- for the central government to fulfill by demolishing neigh- from its mast, emulat- guarantee for easy success. The is- sent Turk Cypriot lead- ments proposed in the its role. If this is accepted, then I borhoods and putting ing Glezos. Solomou, sues that have to be resolved are ership is aware of the Special to Annan plan. find as a more workable federal elevated highways 26, was a refugee on complex and require the agreement negative effects the The National Herald Much more difficult model that of Germany, with a where residents didn’t his own island, his and the cooperation of the Turk current division has on will be the problem of Chancellor and a national President. want them, and he family run out of Fama- Cypriot community and also the their area and their people. They the Greek Cypriot refugees and their Such a model will allow the assign- had a simple modus by ANDY gusta in 1974 by Turk- willingness of Turkey to allow a so- now favor unification. properties in the occupied north. ing of the role and the powers of a operandi of invasion. DABILIS ish troops. lution to emerge. The new Greek Cypriot majority, Some possible solutions will be Chancellor to a Greek Cypriot, and He would send in the He wasn’t climbing Nevertheless, at this juncture, defined by the voters who supported made easier once the entire island is the role and the position of a Presi- bulldozers and knock Special to the pole for exercise, conditions seem to propel all sides Christofias and Kasoulides, now fa- unified as a member of the Euro- dent to a Turk Cypriot. Beyond that, things down before The National Herald but in the aftermath of toward a generally acceptable solu- vor a bi-zonal, bi-communal federa- pean Union. Many of the E.U. rules the central government will have to anyone could stop him the funeral of his tion. tion, the solution both Christofias and regulations will facilitate ad- be composed of ministries judicious- and then, when it was too late to re- cousin Tassos Isaac, beaten to Turkey, under Tayyip Erdogan, and Kasoulides espoused during the justments. Hopefully, financial help ly and fairly assigned to individuals verse what he had done, he would death in the UN so-called safe has come to consider the Cypriot electoral campaign. Both Christofias from the major powers may replace from each of the two federal districts invariably get his way, even if some buffer zone by fanatical Turkish ter- problem as an irritant that acts as a and Kasoulides warned the Greek compensation for the more difficult and their communities. compensation had to be paid. rorists known as the Grey Wolves, stumbling block to many of its own Cypriot voters that the current divi- recovery of properties. The basic objective is to make the It was a game plan Turkey used whose idea of reunification of long term objectives Turkey wants sion of the island, if allowed to go The presence of the Turkish occu- system viable because it is fair to all when it unlawfully invaded Cyprus Cyprus is to occupy the whole is- to pursue and achieve. Even though on, would lead to the final and irrev- pation forces in the north will come participants. The worse possible ap- in 1974 and now is on the verge of land, but apparently Christofias is Turkey has to travel a long road be- ocable partition of the island. to an end on the day of unification, if proach is for either side to insist on being rewarded and keeping terri- willing to overlook that little fact. fore it can join the European com- The United States is likely to be not long before as agreements are arrangements which will make for tory stolen from Cypriots because The Turkish Foreign Minister then, munity, E.U. membership remains a supportive of an effort to reach a being hammered by the parties. the other side partition more desir- 34 years has gone by and you can’t Tansu Ciller, came to Cyprus after strategic objective for Turkey, and solution because the Cypriot prob- A more vexing issue is the con- able than unification. unring a bell. Turkey will get what the Greek cousin killings and told a the Cypriot problem only makes lem has been disruptive in the rela- stitutional form which the new fed- Finally, it seems to me, that it has wanted since the day it land- crazed rally that Turks would things more difficult. tions of Greece and Turkey, two NA- eral republic must have after unifi- since both Christofias and Ka- ed on Cyprus and killed anyone “break the hands” of anyone who The European Union leaders TO allies. I hope, the American pol- cation. The distribution of powers soulides want a viable and fair solu- standing in the way - including insulted their flag. These are the want to see the Cypriot problem icy-makers will not make the mis- and the areas of authority of the tion in the form of a bi-zonal, bi- Greek-Americans - because the is- people Christofias wants to talk to. solved. They had agreed to accept take to see Dimitris Christofias as central government, as well as of communal federation, the negotiat- land now has elected a Communist The Turks were jumping up and Cyprus as a member on the promise “Communist” (some newspapers the governing structures of each of ing effort should be undertaken who said his first priority is to talk down with joy over his election. that the problem would be solved at do call him that). AKEL, Christofias’ the two constituent districts, will jointly since the future of Cyprus is to the Turks about the “reunifica- Mehmet Ali Talat, leader of the the same time along the lines pro- party, was indeed Communist in require pragmatism and fairness. not a partisan but a national issue tion” of Cyprus. Translation? Turkish Cypriots, called to congrat- posed by the United Nations (the the days of the Cold War. Under On the last issue, the constitu- transcending any partisan or per- Turkey will keep the one-third of ulate him and invited him to talk Annan Plan). They were angered Christofias, a moderate, middle-of- tional make-up of the projected sonal boundaries. In this historic ef- the island it stole, wind up paying about the future of Cyprus, which is when the prospect of a solution was the-road politician, AKEL has not federal republic, a more detailed fort, the ties of Christofias to the survivors who ran for their lives kind of like having someone invade blocked by the majority of the Greek been more to the left than PASOK discussion is necessary. Turk-Cypriots and of Kasoulides to some pittance for the homes now your home, occupy the upstairs for Cypriot voters. They would like to under its current leader George Pa- More than two centuries ago, the the European Union are assets that occupied by Turks, and will get into a few years and then invite you to see a unified federal republic of pandreou. United States of America invented can only augur well for the future the European Union. talk about why he’s going to stay Cyprus, including north and south, Russia has repeatedly expressed the federal system which has de- of the Cypriot people. The beginning of the end for there. Christofias has offered a limp to become a valuable member of the support for a solution along the fined its constitutional make-up to Cyprus came when voters – who defense he wants any resolution on European family. lines of a bi-zonal, bi-communal this day. The central feature of the Dr. Kousoulas is Professor only four years ago voted 70 per- Cyprus to be based on UN resolu- Greece, has long supported a bi- federation. This means that the so- system was that constituent federal Emeritus of Political Science at cent against a typical United Na- tions and EU protected rights, the zonal, bi-comunal federation. The lution of the Cyprus problem is not states were legally equal; the Rhode Howard University in tions compromise reunification same ones Turkey has trampled on, Greek leadership of both major po- likely to become a bone of con- Island legally equal to the much Washington, DC. He is the author plan that was so diluted it weighed and is now emboldened by US and litical parties has opted for improv- tention among the major powers— larger New York. This principle has of several books, notably "The Life less than air – elected Demetris EU recognition of the breakaway ing relations with Turkey, including especially in the Security Council of been applied by all genuine federal and Times of Constantine the Christofias president, replacing Serbian province of Kosovo. support for Turkey’s quest for mem- the United Nations. countries that exist today. The Greek Great (1999)," and numerous “Mr. No,” hard-line nationalist Tas- Marios Evriviaves, of the bership in the European Union. A These are the positive omens. Cypriot District and the Turk Cypriot scholarly articles. sos Papadopoulos who said he Athens-based Institute of Interna- would never relent to any plan that tional Relations and a professor of would let Turkey keep what it stole foreign policy and American gov- and that the 100,000 Turks who ernment at Panteion University, now occupy Cypriot land would said Papadopoulos was toppled by have to leave. They can stay now his own intransigence, not over re- because Christofias is ready to sur- fusal to buckle under EU pressure render in the name of reunification. to hand over part of his island to How about unification, the plan Turkey, but by the party structure in where the UN makes Turkey leave Cyprus which thought he would be- as Syria did in Lebanon in 1975. come unapproachable if he won Here’s all you need to know another five-year mandate. about Christofias: He was educated Evriviaves, who got his Ph.D at at the Soviet Union’s Academy of the Fletcher School of Diplomacy at Social Science in Moscow, is fluent Tufts University outside Boston, in Russian, close to Russian Presi- said Christofias then had to seek dent Vladimir Putin, who stream- support from Papadopoulos’ party rollers dissidents the way Moses to beat right-wing candidate Ioan- knocked down buildings, and is in nis Kasoulides, which has put the love with Red Chinese leaders. Communist leader in the precari- Next thing you know there will be a ous position of needing the former five-year plan for Cyprus that will president’s party to keep a govern- destroy its economy too. ing coalition together. After his victory, his supporters “It’s true he is an Orthodox com- danced in the streets of Nicosia, the munist. His party is Communist but last divided capital of Europe, and it’s more correct to stay it’s a trade waved flags depicting Che Gue- unionist party and the reason it’s so vara, a real role model for the 21st effective is because it’s not con- Century. Christofias’ party is al- frontational,” he said. Christofias ready doing damage control trying was president of the parliament to ward off fears Cyprus will adopt and has ties with Turkish trade the same Communist policies that unions and perhaps is banking on brought down the Soviet Union using those as a wedge to negoti- and keeps millions of people in eco- ate, but when you’re talking to nomic and emotional slavery. He’s Turkey it’s better to keep your hand the beneficiary of living in what to yourself because you’re liable to used to be a democracy, where even get it lopped off. a Communist can be elected, be- Evriviaves said Christofias AP PHOTO/PETROS KARADJIAS cause there won’t be any democra- might want to talk to Turkey but Supporters of Communist President-elect Dimitris Christofias hold a huge AKEL party flag during a victory rally at Eleftheria Stadium in Make- cy supporters being elected in Com- has to remember that “Cyprus is donitissa, Cyprus on Sunday, February 24, 2008. Christofias won with 53.36 of the vote, against 46.64 for Conservative rival Ioannis Ka- munist countries. strategically located and Turkey soulides, final results showed. He will be the only communist leader in the European Union. His victory poses a problem for wants hegemony in Cyprus, so the the European Union because the 27- US and Great Britain go along with nation bloc now has a Communist to Turkey, which is the most spoiled deal with and he doesn’t like them. state in NATO.” He said “The prob- He didn’t want the Euro, doesn’t like lem Christofias will face is how do free trade and globalization and de- you provide security for Cyprus? If The Unexplainable Greek Cult of Barack Obama spises everything capitalism and re- we have him engaged in negotia- al freedom stands for. He’s a collec- tions in which you have a contin- If Greeks had any say in the mat- when it comes to choosing two peo- Democratic Party race? Is it just the need for a friendlier, more concilia- tive guy whose ideology is rooted in ued presence of foreign troops in ter, Barack Obama would already ple from the same party), he has David-and-Goliath nature of the tory, more “world-friendly” Ameri- the belief that the individual should Cyprus, it is no solution.” be the new president of the United been outspoken against George W. election race or the unpredictabili- ca. And this desperate need is be squashed, so you won’t be seeing But this is 2008 and a time of in- States. Just taking the pulse of Bush, and he has something of a ty of the course it will take? Why do aimed at Obama thousands of much support for entrepreneurs in stant gratification and disregard for one’s friends and family tells us John F. Kennedy air about him too. Greeks care? miles away from the 52 states that Cyprus. There are admirable Com- the lessons of the past, and interna- that the Illinois senator exercises a In this pro-Obama environment, It may be because Greeks cannot either will or will not make him the munists, such as Greece’s Manolis tional trade and greed are more im- special kind of charm over Greeks, the preferences of American voters bear the idea of hating a country next president of the United States Glezos, a member of parliament and portant than even freedom. It took who have become vocal supporters living in Greece make sense: 64.1 which, whether we like it or not, of America. a brave man who, with his friend, Greece 400 years of resistance to of his, especially on the Internet. percent of registered Democrats in plays a leading role in world affairs, No one, of course, is under any personally ripped the Nazi flag off overcome Turkey once, and during Naturally, we Greeks do not Greece voted in favor of Obama, for another four years. Mass sup- delusions. Even if Obama were to the Acropolis one night in 1941. But World War II Greeks fought the have the same insider knowledge against 34.4 percent for Hillary Clin- port for Barack Obama reflects a se- win the presidential race (and the problem is ideology, and Com- Nazis with their teeth, under the as American voters and thus cannot ton. Numbers are similar for other cret promise that we have chosen there is absolutely no certainty of munists have never understood slogan of “Better one hour of free- make an objective assessment of American Democrats living outside to read on the lips of the presiden- this), we have no guarantees that theirs is failed from its premise to its dom than 40 years of slavery.” the Democratic candidates. All it the US: 65.6 percent for Obama and tial hopeful. It illustrates the desire he would necessarily present us inevitable demise, unless you like to One hour. That’s about how has taken is images on the televi- 32.7 percent for Clinton. of millions of people around the with a new, changed America. live like Cubans, driving 1957 long it took Christofias to signal he sion of the young Afro-American So, what is it that unites Ameri- world for America to stop being What he will give us, however, is Chevrolets, or standing in bread didn’t want to fight for his own politician to seduce the masses cans and so many other people all what it had become under George the hope that we may once again lines and being shipped off to a Gu- land. with his talk of “change” to put him over the world under this vague W. Bush: an aggressive, unlikable love a great country. lag if you don’t like it. way ahead of the expected favorite. ideological umbrella? Why are global bogeyman that starts wars Many Cypriots were not born Mr. Dabilis was the New England Obama has it all: He is black, he thousands of Greeks suddenly con- and hurls threats at will. Today’s Kathimerini published the above when Turkey ransacked their home- editor for United Press Interna- is the underdog (always a favorite cerned about the outcome of the unstable, frightened world has a on February 28. land and heritage and there is an tional in Boston, and a staff writer unfathomable spirit of forgiveness and assistant metropolitan editor and acceptance the island may be at the Boston Globe for 17 years “reunified,” but never united, since before relocating to Greece. His Greek and Turkish Cypriots who column is published weekly in the once lived side-by-side are separat- National Herald. Readers interest- (Upper?) Macedonia Name Issue Demands Decisions ed by enmity. It’s too bad some ed in contacting him can send e- Greek Cypriots have forgotten how mails to [email protected]. By Stavros Lygeros must be rejected outright. To avert the danger, Greece ing from that of mediator to that of Kathimerini The mediator is here to bargain should split negotiations into two arbitrator. This means that any side the type of name and its scope of phases. First, there must be a deci- that turns down his final proposal GUEST EDITORIALS Objectively speaking, Athens use. This means that in order to get sion on the composite name and will have to pay a heavy political has the power to impose an honor- the “Upper Macedonia” name, then a discussion on the scope of cost. And this allows US diplomacy The National Herald welcomes manuscripts representing a variety of views able settlement in the Macedonia Athens will have to accept that its use and other details. After all, “Up- to use the name issue to put pres- for publication in its View Points page. They should include the writer’s name dispute. But this is not use will be confined to internation- per Macedonia” would not be a sure on Greece. To avoid Greece be- name, address, and telephone number and be addressed to the View enough. Athens must show that it al organizations and the small concession to Greece. It’s a geo- ing accused of going up against the Points Editor, The National Herald, 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY also has the will to use this power. number of states that will adopt it graphic term that reflects reality. UN, the Karamanlis administration UN mediator Matthew Nimetz has in their bilateral relations with Nimetz has been entrusted with must quickly draw a red line by in- 11101. They can also be faxed to (718) 472-0510 or, preferably, e-mailed proposed five different names of Skopje. If Athens goes for the full finding a commonly accepted solu- sisting that it will only discuss a to [email protected]. Due to considerations of space which only one, that of “Upper scope of use, as laid out in the tion, not a commonly accepted composite name with a geographi- we enforce a strict 1,400-word upper limit. We reserve the right to edit for Macedonia,” is essentially a com- Nimetz proposal, then Skopje will name for international use. The cal designation. repetitiveness, diction and syntax. We regret that we are unable to ac- posite name. The other proposals be awarded a name that better suits dual name is Nimetz’s own brain- knowledge or return manuscripts, published or unpublished. constitute descriptions of the coun- its preferences, such as the “Inde- child. Kathimerini published the above try’s polity and, for that reason, pendent Republic of Macedonia.” Nimetz’s role seems to be chang- on February 28. 12 CYPRUS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 1, 2008

AP/PETROS KARADJIAS LEFT: Supporters of Cypriot President-Elect Demetris Christofias wave flags and hold flares during victory celebrations outside his campaign headquarters in the war-divided capital of Nicosia last Sunday, February 24. Christofias won with 53.36 percent of the vote, versus 46.64 percent for his conservative rival, former Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides. RIGHT: Demetris Christofias waves to his supporters during a victory rally at Eleftheria Stadium in Makedonitissa, a suburb of Nicosia. Christofias Says he Plans to Put Reunification Talks on Fast Track Continued from page 1 break the deadlock to solve the problem. Turkey is the occupying Woodrow Wilson Center’s South- force, however, and that is the crux east Europe Project. of the Cyprus problem,” he said, Mr. Christofias’ campaign also adding that the Turkish Govern- made efforts to distance him from ment should allow a solution. his communist roots, presenting “Otherwise, as much goodwill him as a “progressive socialist” and as Christofias and Talat and anyone pointing out that some of his poli- else here has, we will again remain cies are free-market-oriented. in a deadlock,” he said. “You have to give him the bene- Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 fit of the doubt that he’s not the to exploit a brief coup by those kind of communist some might be- seeking union with Greece. Up- lieve that he is. You shouldn’t judge wards of 35,000 Turkish troops him by his anti-European policies have occupied the island’s northern of the past, but by the progressive, territory ever since. The Republic of socially democratic and ultimately Cyprus in the south is internation- pro-European policies he holds ally recognized. The rogue state in now,” said Hubert Faustmann, as- the north is recognized only by sociate professor of international Ankara. Cyprus entered the E.U. in relations at Nicosia University. May 2004, just a few days after the Mr. Christofias had campaigned Annan Plan was voted down in ref- on a pledge to act quickly to restart erendum. long-stalled negotiations to reunify The E.U. recognizes the Greek Cyprus, and came under interna- Cypriot Government as represent- tional pressure to honor that ing the whole of Cyprus in the bloc, pledge after defeating his conserva- but while the entire island is techni- tive opponent last Sunday, Febru- cally an E.U. member, the bloc’s ary 24. benefits are largely enjoyed only by The day after the election, the those in the Greek Cypriot south. European Commission, the Euro- “We are committed to a bizonal, pean Union’s executive arm, urged bicommunal federation based on Mr. Christofias to put talks with U.N. resolutions, international law, Turkish Cypriots on the fast track. European law and high-level agree- “I would strongly encourage you ments between the two communi- to grasp this chance and, without ties,” Mr. Christofias said, adding delay, start negotiations under that he would attempt to build on United Nations auspices with the the traditionally close relations leader of the Turkish Cypriot com- AKEL has established with the munity on a comprehensive settle- Turkish Cypriot side. In Cyprus’ tur- ment,” European Commission Di- AP/PETROS KARADJIAS bulent past, AKEL and other leftist rector Jose Manuel Barroso said in Supporters of Cypriot President-Elect Demetris Christofias wave national flags during a victory rally at Eleftheria Stadium in Makedonitissa, a factions were frequently targeted a statement, adding that Mr. suburb of Nicosia, last Sunday, February 24. Christofias pledged to meet directly with Turkish Cypriot leaders. by nationalists of both sides. Christofias’ election “offers the op- “The party and people from this portunity to overcome the long- lations in the past. in 2004 because it weighed too many efforts, we may face yet an- table, Mr. Christofias said, and the party have never harmed our Turk- standing stalemate.” No date has been set for a meet- heavily in favor of the Turkish side. other referendum failure. And if it two sides must discuss all aspects of ish Cypriot compatriots. We are Mr. Christofias met with British ing, “but at least he is somebody Turkish Cypriots approved the plan happens again, nobody can think of the division. bound by the blood of our heroes, High Commissioner Peter Millett who is not denying the role of the in a separate referendum. Mr. Pa- the reunification of the island ANKARA HAS THE KEY Greek and Turkish Cypriots, who the day after the election. The Unit- Turkish Cypriot leader in a solu- padopoulos was ousted in a sur- again,” he said. In an interview with Reuters this were victims of the nationalists and ed Kingdom, Cyprus’ former colo- tion, and he doesn’t reject meeting prise result during the first round of Mr. Talat said he envisaged a so- past Monday, February 25, Mr. chauvinists of both sides. We owe it nial ruler, maintains two sovereign with the Turkish Cypriot leader,” the presidential election on Febru- lution similar to the Annan Plan, Christofias said he was seeking an to these people to do whatever we bases on the island, and has long Mr. Talat said during an interview ary 17. which was overwhelmingly reject- “exploratory” meeting through the can to revive the friendship and co- been involved in diplomatic efforts in his office across the Green Line Mr. Papadopoulos’ ouster and ed by Greek Cypriot voters (76 per- U.N. for fresh reunification talks. operation, and to build a united, – some analysts argue “has long in- in Nicosia, Europe’s last divided Mr. Christofias’ election aside, Mr. cent). “The Greek Cypriots changed He said he is committed to seeking federated Cyprus,” he said. terfered” with such efforts – to re- capital. “Whereas his predecessor Talat warned of looming complica- their leader. I think they are look- a settlement, but emphasized that The Greek Government and po- solve its division. was directly declining to meet, tions in the reunification process: “I ing for a change of policy also,” he Ankara holds the key to a mutually litical leadership congratulated the Mr. Millet stressed that “neither even to have coffee.” want to be an optimist. There are said. acceptable deal. new Cypriot President-Elect on his the U.K. nor the international com- The out-going president, Tassos reasons to be optimistic. But of But Greek Cypriot leaders also “I have already contacted the election. munity want to impose a solution Papadopoulos, urged Greek Cypri- course we will see. Everybody has agree they blundered when they representative of the United Na- Prime Minister Costas Karaman- on Cyprus. It is incumbent on the ots to reject the United Nations re- to be very careful in order to lead accepted U.N. arbitration in the tions in Cyprus. The very first step lis called and sent him a letter of two communities to work together unification plan submitted by then the people. The leaders have to case of a protracted deadlock. The will be an exploratory meeting with congratulations, saying the elec- under the U.N. auspices,” adding U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan take responsibility; otherwise, after 2004 U.N. plan was now off the Mr. Talat. We are full of goodwill to tion “will provide a new impetus that British Prime Minister Gordon for Cyprus’ long-running efforts to Brown had invited Mr. Christofias end the Turkish occupation.” to visit London soon. President of the Hellenic Repub- Reunification would remove lic Karolos Papoulias congratulated one of the major obstacles to Mr. Christofias on his election by Turkey’s efforts to join the E.U., and phone the election results were an- could help ease concerns about nounced. Kosovo’s newly proclaimed inde- Hellenic Parliament Speaker pendence among Greek Cypriots, Dimitris Sioufas also called Mr. who fear it would act as a prece- Christofias to congratulate and dent for northern Cyprus. thank him for their close coopera- WE WILL ROLL tion, and expressed confidence UP OUR SLEEVES they would continue to cooperate Mr. Christofias indicated he has even more closely than before. every intention of keeping his “The Hellenic Parliament, all its promise: “We will roll up our wings, and all its colleague mem- sleeves, and work hard so that our bers will always be at your side. We island is reunified. Enough is will always be at the side of the enough. Entrenching division is Cypriot people,” Mr. Sioufas said. disastrous for our people and our PASOK Party Chairman George island,” he told reporters after cast- Papandreou, leader of the main op- ing his own ballot. “I also extend a position, also phoned Mr. Christofias hand of friendship to ordinary to congratulate him, and congratu- Turkish Cypriots.” lated his “friend and comrade” in a The election of a new president statement. “His victory is a victory in Cyprus could bring a solution by for a just society in Cyprus, for a just the end of the year to the island’s solution to the Cyprus issue. PASOK, decades-long partition, but failure and I personally, as always, are at the now could leave it divided forever, side of the Cypriot people and the Mr. Talat told the Associated Press, government of Cyprus,” he said. adding that the Turkish Cypriot Mr. Christofias was set to be side was willing to be flexible. sworn-in this past Thursday, Febru- “We are ready to find a solution to ary 28, and announced that he will this problem. We will be flexible; we be visiting Athens next week, after will work in good faith; and we will he officially assumes his new duties be always active. We believe that a as president. solution is possible – for the benefit of both Turkish and Greek Cypriots. The above incorporates informa- It is very possible to find a solution tion from reports by AP Writers by the end of the year,” he said. Elena Becatoros and Menelaos Mr. Christofias, 61, and Mr. Ta- Hadjicostis, Reuters Writer lat, 55, share the same political ide- Demetris Christofias, 61, head of Cyprus’ reformed communist party AKEL, casts his ballot with his grandson Demetris for the Cypriot presi- Michele Kambas and the Athens ology, and have enjoyed friendly re- dential election last Sunday, February 24. Voter turnout in last week’s runoff was more than 90 percent (voting is compulsory in Cyprus). News Agency.