Spyridon calls for unity among all Greeks to face national issues
New York, 22/11/1996 (ANA/G. Georgiou)
Orthodox Archbishop of America Spyridon yesterday stressed the need for unity among all Greeks for the effective handling of all national problems, following a meeting with Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos, who arrived here from Canada on Wednesday.
Regarding national issues, the Archbishop stressed that "all round efforts were being made for their promotion," adding that "in the United States, there is a need for coordinating efforts and systematic cultivation of the campaign in favor of these issues among the representatives of the American government".
Replying to questions, Spyridon said there was no need for concern, while regarding the course of the dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) he said the result would be proportionate to the preparatory work done.
"We have done all we could, and it is human and fair to expect a solution as we imagine it, and proportionate to the preparatory work done," he said.
He added his personal opinion that the ground for contacts of the Greek-American community with the White House should be cultivated even more, and that there had already been contacts by the Archdiocese with representatives of the Clinton administration.
The Archbishop expressed satisfaction over his meeting with Mr. Petsalnikos, during which, as he said, they discussed issues concerning the Greek-American community, particularly that of the Greek language and education in US.
On his part, Mr. Petsalnikos invited the Archbishop to Thessaloniki on the occasion of an exhibition of the holy relics from Mount Athos within the framework of events for the city's assumption of the title of Cultural Capital of Europe 1997.
[ Athens News Agency - www.ana.gr - November 22, 1996 ]