McGinty Statement on Greek Issues
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Katie McGinty, Democratic candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania, today released the following statement on key issues affecting Greece:
With more than 56,000 residents of Greek descent, Pennsylvania ranks among the top 10 states for the highest concentration of Greek Americans living among its population. More than 1.38 million people of Greek ancestry live in the United States, according to the 2007 U.S. Census Bureau. The United States is home to the largest overseas Greek community, and their contributions over time have been significant and sustaining. The two nations share strong political, historical, cultural and religious ties based on shared democratic values and longstanding diplomatic relations. Issues vital to Greece are rightly of concern to the United States.
Among issues of concern:
Sovereignty of Cyprus: This dispute is the result of the ongoing human rights violations in the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey since the Turkish invasion and continued military occupation of the northern part of Cyprus. As an American of Irish descent, I understand the struggle for territorial integrity, and the terrible consequences of foreign occupation of sovereign lands. I join those urging the government of Turkey to heed United Nations Security Council Resolutions on this matter, and act expeditiously in a manner recognizing and respecting the sovereignty of Cyprus.
Religious Freedom: In the Turkish occupied northern part of Cyprus, religious freedom has been infringed. Greek Cypriots living in the north are overwhelmingly Greek Orthodox. Believers should have unrestricted access to religious property so the faithful can worship freely. Yet, many churches, monasteries and chapels have been converted into mosques, barracks, or used for other purposes by Turkish forces. A related issue concerns the treatment of the small Christian minority in Turkey. Although Christians number less than 1 percent of Turkey’s population, one of the world’s most important Christian leaders, Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople lives in Istanbul, where his church has been headquartered for more than 1,000 years. He is the patriarch of 300 million Orthodox Christians. Turkey’s leaders must respond to his concerns about religious inequality and the treatment of Christians in that country.
Economic Revival: Greece continues to implement measures that will ease its financial crises, lower debt and put the country on a trajectory toward economic revival. The United States, as the largest foreign investor in Greece, must continue to support these efforts as any significant cuts or reductions in investment will weaken a still-fragile recovery. A collapse could reignite financial turmoil in the euro zone and could hurt the U.S. economic recovery. This is a global situation that deserves global support.
Learn more by visiting www.KatieMcGinty.com.
Photo Credit: philly.com
