Opening statement of Chairman Robert Wexler

Subcommittee on Europe hearing on

“U.S.-Greece Relations and Regional Issues”

November 14, 2007

The Europe Subcommittee will come to order.

I want to thank Undersecretary of State Nick Burns for testifying today before the Europe Subcommittee on US-Greece relations and on other critical regional issues.

It is an honor to have Undersecretary Burns here given his leading role in addressing the central foreign policy challenges facing the United States -- from our efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, to pursue lasting peace and stability in Kosovo, Bosnia and in the Balkans, and finalize the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative. 

It is a special honor to have the Undersecretary here to discuss US-Greece relations – a relationship I know he cares so deeply about.  As the former American Ambassador to Greece, Nick Burns is the foremost expert on Hellenic issues in the Bush Administration. No one has greater knowledge about US-Greece relations and there is no one better to lead a discussion about further strengthening this longstanding partnership.

Like the Undersecretary, I am also a strong supporter of US-Greece relations, which were forged during World War II, the Cold War, in the Balkans, in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and now grow stronger as we face common challenges to our security in the form of terrorism, a resurgent Al Qaeda, the proliferation of WMD and the possibility of nuclear weapons in the hands of a rogue Iranian regime.

Mr. Undersecretary, as you know we have a robust economic, political and security relationship with our NATO ally Greece that is built on shared democratic values and a common commitment to peace and security. This partnership is bolstered greatly by millions of Greek-Americans who remain the bedrock of the unbreakable bond between the United States and Greece.

Over the past several months, we witnessed an outpouring of American support and financial assistance for Greece following horrific wildfires that swept across that nation in August, growing US-Greek counter-terrorism cooperation, positive movement forward on Greece’s participation in the Visa Waiver Program – which I strongly support -- and Athens increasing role as a nexus in providing greater energy security for the United States, Greece and Europe. As it relates to counter-terrorism cooperation, I want to highlight the extraordinary efforts of Greek authorities to dismantle two terrorist groups, the Revolutionary Organization 17 November and Revolutionary Popular Struggle.

In addition to bilateral relations, it is critical that we address important regional issues including further integrating the Balkans into NATO and EU, resolving the status of Kosovo (which is a topic I hope the Undersecretary Secretary will discuss and provide and update for members of the Subcommittee), the continuing improvement in Greece-Turkey relations, moving the process forward between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, and resolving the ongoing name dispute between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).  

With respect to this last issue -- I am particularly interested in the Administration’s efforts as well as that of the UN to resolve the ongoing name dispute between Greece and FYROM.  From my perspective, this is a critical issue to resolve, and I urge the Administration to take steps to seek a mutually acceptable resolution to Greece and FYROM. I also want to express my support to the efforts of the UN mediator Matthew Nimetz’s to seek a solution to this issue. Mr. Undersecretary, as you stated recently “the time has come for progress on the name issue.”

As it relates to Greek-Turkish relations, while I understand there remain outstanding issues, the bilateral relationship that was strained at times during your tenure as Ambassador -- has dramatically improved.  Congress should applaud the Greek government’s continued support for Turkey’s membership in the EU as well as increased Greek-Turkish economic relations and defense cooperation.  It is in America’s interest that the Turkish-Greek relationship grows stronger and that we build on the progress of the last decade.

Again I want to thank Under Secretary Burns for testifying today. I believe the unwavering connection between Americans and Greeks really hit home this fall -- following the deadly fires that raged in Greece as well as throughout Southern California.  I think you would agree that there was not another group of individuals across the planet that had more empathy for the pain and suffering of Californians than did thousands of Greek families who also witnessed similar devastation to their lives, homes and communities. 

I now turn to my colleague the Ranking Member Elton Gallegly for his opening statement.