AHC Founder and current VP of Political Aris Anagnos discusses with Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA28)

On Tuesday, December 9, several members of the American Hellenic Council attended an event hosted by Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA28) at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

Howard Berman is not only a powerful incumbent who represents the San Fernando Valley area and who has won the last three congressional elections with over 70% of the vote. He is also the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives that is the Committee that deals with issues of concern to the Greek-American Community, such as the occupation of Cyprus and the dispute with FYROM.

In addition to Congressman Berman, special guest of the event was White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel. His position is critical as he is one of the closest advisors to President Obama and foreign policy is primarily a function of the executive branch of government. Therefore, Rahm Emmanuel is sitting very close and can influence decision making on foreign relations issues.

The delegation from the American Hellenic Council comprised of 10 people, including President Mike Galanakis and Vice President of Political Action, Aris Anagnos. Despite the fact that the event was very well-attended with more than 1000 people present, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks and Mike Galanakis had the opportunity to meet up close with Congressman Berman and White House Chief of Staff Emmanuel.

In a brief meeting with Mr. Berman during the event, the Congressman concurred with our position on Cyprus and specifically expressed his agreement for the removal of the occupying Turkish Troops from the northern third of the island. According to Mike Galanakis, "to hear the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs committee calling for the removal of the Turkish troops from Cyprus is a very encouraging sign that we are making some progress promoting our issues".

A few days after the event, we followed up with Congressman Berman. In a letter written by Aris Anagnos, we are asking him his opinion on how the Foreign Relations Committee can pressure the Turkish government for removal of such troops and how he plans to do as Chairman of the Committee in moving forward his belief on this issue. Click here to see the full letter.

AHC member Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks with Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA28) and AHC President Michael Galanakis