THE NATIONAL COORDINATED EFFORT OF HELLENES (CEH)

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 15, 2008 - Former President Bill Clinton discussed Hellenic and Orthodox issues with community leaders in Washington, D.C. on November 20 at the Sixth Annual THEA Foundation Washington, D.C. Dinner with President Clinton. These discussions took place at this dinner co-hosted by former President Clinton and Andy Manatos for the foundation of David Leopoulos, the Hellene whom Clinton describes as his best friend since childhood. Leopoulos played a major role in the Clinton Administration list of extraordinary accomplishments for Hellenism and Orthodoxy. That Administration uniquely switched France and Germany so Cyprus could move into early EU accession, had Clinton become the only sitting U.S. President in history to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate, moved Turkey off of the Greek Islet of Imia, ended FYROM’s overt threats against northern Greece, and secured the release of the “Omonia Five” from prison in Albania. In light of America’s recognition of former President Clinton’s extraordinary talent in international affairs, and the fact that his wife, Senator Hillary Clinton, will be the next U.S. Secretary of State, it is anticipated that Bill Clinton will play a significant international role in the coming years. Cypriot-American Charis Lapas, and his wife Margo, regular attendees of this small annual dinner with Clinton, sat next to former President Clinton and had an in-depth discussion regarding the Cyprus issue. Manatos also sat next to Clinton during another part of the evening and held in-depth discussions regarding the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Cyprus and other issues of concern to the Hellenic and Orthodox community. As well, Leopoulos and Clinton appreciate the support for this dinner every year by other leaders and members of the Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH), including Phil Christopher, Andrew Athens, Panicos Papanicolaou, Nikos Mouyiaris, Tasos Zambas and Nicholas Bouras. Former President Clinton places great importance on this Foundation and on those who help support it. This can be seen in the fact that he personally contributes tens of thousands of dollars each year to the Foundation and spends a great deal of time with each dinner attendee. In memory of David and Linda Leopoulos’ daughter Thea, the THEA Foundation encourages the use of the arts among high school students as a scientifically validated method of awakening capabilities in all fields.
Caption for attached picture: (L to R) Andy Manatos, David Leopoulos, Bill Clinton, Linda Leopoulos.