The Cyprus Federation of America held its Annual Testimonial Dinner to honor, in the words of its President Peter Papanicolaou, “an outstanding individual and express our appreciation for his commitment and dedication to the Cyprus cause,” Maryland’s United States Senator Ben Cardin, with the “Justice for Cyprus Award,” the organization’s highest distinction. Former Maryland Senator Paul Sarbanes introduced the honoree and spoke highly on his work in the US Senate.
Since coming to Congress in 1987, Senator Cardin has been an exemplary leader and outspoken advocate of the just and noble cause for the liberation and reunification of Cyprus and the restoration of the human rights of the Cypriot people. Furthermore, he has been an unwavering supporter of all Hellenic issues and religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Under Senator Cardin’s chairmanship, the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (the U.S. Helsinki Commission), the United States Congress’ principal human rights watchdog, undertook an investigation of the destruction by the Turkish occupation forces of the religious and cultural heritage in the occupied northern part of Cyprus and issued a report to the U.S. Congress.
Archbishop Demetrios of America also attended and saluted the event as did President Demetris Christophias of the Republic of Cyprus, Foreign Minister Erato Markoullis, Congresswoman Ileana –Ros-Lehtinen, Congressman Mike Grimm, State Senator Michael Gianaris, State Assembywoman Nicole Malliotakis and AHEPA Supreme President John Grossomanides. George Tsunis was the event’s chairman with Andy Manatos MCing.
The Cyprus Federation of America was founded in 1951 in New York City and currently consists of 25 chapter members located throughout the United States including the Tri-State area, Virginia, Ohio, Chicago, Washington, Florida and California. The organization networks closely with the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), the International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA), the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), the United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC), and the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York.
