AS LATE AS OCTOBER 29, 2004 STATE DEPARTMENT LETTER TO AHI CONFIRMS NO CHANGE IN US POLICY REGARDINg FYROM

Today, November 5, 2004, AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis, received a letter dated October 29, 2004, by Scot Marciel, Director of the Office of Southern European Affairs at the State Department responding to a July 29, 2004 letter sent by Mr. Larigakis to President Bush.

Regarding FYROM, Mr. Marciel states:

"The United States formally recognizes the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia by that name."

"It’s interesting to note that the envelope was post marked November 3, 2004, the day after the Presidential elections and the very same day that Greece was informed of the shift in U.S. policy regarding recognition of FYROM." Said Larigakis.

"Who initiated this action which reversed the State Department’s position as of October 29, 2004? Clearly, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Marc Grossman approved it, if he did not initiate the change. And Mr. Grossman recommended the change to Secretary Colin Powell. This action can be characterized as a diplomatic blunder at best and a betrayal of Greece to the detriment of U.S. interests." Said AHI President, Gene Rossides.

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For additional information, please contact Georgia Economou at (202) 785-8430 or at georgia@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our Web site at http://www.ahiworld.org.

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