Just days away from a crucial election, Hillary Clinton becomes the first of the two major party candidates to release official positions on issues of importance to Greek Americans. In her campaign’s position paper, which was released on November 4, Clinton mentions her record with Greece and Greek Americans during her time as First Lady, a U.S. Senator, and as Secretary of State.
According to her statement:
“As First Lady, Senator and Secretary of State, Hillary regularly engaged with leaders of the Greek Orthodox Church. She visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate three times, highlighting its importance: once as First Lady in 1996, again in 1999 when she returned with President Bill Clinton – the first sitting US President ever to visit – and again in 2011 as Secretary of State. Hillary is a long-time advocate of religious freedom. And she was proud to represent the vibrant Greek American community in New York as Senator.”
Her statement continued on her record as Secretary of State:
“As Secretary of State, Hillary visited Greece in 2011 and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration and reduce looting and trafficking of Greek antiquities, and provide for their return to Greece to preserve its cultural heritage. During this visit, she also reinforced the U.S.-Greece partnership in the NATO alliance and reiterated the U.S.’s support of the Greek government to make the necessary reforms to put Greece back on sound financial footing.”
What does she promise if elected President?
“As President,” the statement reads, “Hillary will continue to fight for issues that are important to the Greek American Community” and goes on to list numerous points including her commitment to strengthening NATO and recognizing the important role Greece plays in the alliance, and to the United States.
“Hillary knows that the world is too complex and too complicated for the U.S. to go it alone. Greece is a historic friend and ally of the United States, and the bilateral relationship is critical in promoting regional stability and security, trade and investment, and the diversification of energy resources for Europe. Hillary recognizes Greece’s important role as a NATO ally. Greece hosts the U.S. Naval Support Activity at Souda Bay in Crete, whose deep protected harbor provides a strategically important location for supporting U.S. and allied military activities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. As President, Hillary will ensure that we support Greece and work together on important issues such as climate change, fighting terrorism, and economic security. Above all, this is an alliance of values, rooted in a deep commitment to liberty and democracy.”
The position paper also mentioned that Clinton would support debt relief for Greece, a position long-argued by the Greek government as the only viable path forward for the country’s economy, which has been in a severe depression for several years.
“The economic crisis that struck Greece in 2009 caused its economy to contract by about 25 percent and, resulted in dramatic increases in unemployment and poverty. Hillary supports Greece’s efforts to restore fiscal stability, implement structural reforms, recover competitiveness and restart growth. And she strongly believes that the Eurozone should continue to take the necessary steps to keep its monetary union intact. Hillary will continue to support efforts by Greece and its creditors to find solutions for Greece to meet its financial obligations, while providing a path forward for economic recovery through debt relief.”
Clinton also acknowledge the role the people of Greece have played in helping refugees and called them “an example to Europe and the world,” and praising their generosity and compassion.
“Hillary recognizes the tremendous efforts made by the Greek people to offer humanitarian aid and assistance to the hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants who have entered the country since 2015. The generosity and compassion they have demonstrated set an important example for Europe and the world. Hillary will continue to call for a more robust international response to the European migration crisis. She will also ensure the U.S. maintains its role as the largest donor of humanitarian assistance to displaced persons and refugees.”
Finally, Clinton called for a solution to the four-decades-long Cyprus conflict and continued illegal Turkish occupation of the northern third of the island— a long-standing issue that numerous Presidents prior have attempted– but failed to solve.
“Hillary strongly supports efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement to reunify Cyprus as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. She supports Cypriot-led, UN-facilitated negotiations as the best process to achieve a fair and lasting settlement. Hillary views Cyprus as a strategic partner of the United States, and she values our close cooperation with Cyprus and the European Union in advancing our shared transatlantic priorities.”
The complete position paper can be viewed here.
Editor’s note: We have asked for a position paper on Greek issues numerous times from the campaign of the Republican candidate, Mr. Donald Trump. Our requests have gone unanswered. As soon as we receive them, we will provide the same coverage to the Trump campaign’s positions.
15 comments
How do you derive your article’s title from this reference in the position paper? “Hillary will continue to support efforts by Greece and its creditors to find solutions for Greece to meet its financial obligations, while providing a path forward for economic recovery through debt relief.”
All she said was that she agrees that the ongoing process in the Eurozone goes forward.
I think you are reaching…..
She will say anything you want said. It doesn’t even know what she’s saying! Her own people say she’s a lier! Does anybody realize that for every lie she has said to Congress is 5 years in federal prison, and she’s been proven telling false statements at least 65000 times, just by each text in an unsecured server in her home? And the reason the FBI and CIA are going to Wikileaks and good reporters, is because they know of at least 5 secret agents killed in foreign nations due to her negligence. It is going to come out this weekend video tapes of Bill AND HILLARY having sex with minor girls who are sex slaves on an island owned by a convicted sexual pervert billionaire along with Soros, a Greek, dreadfully, who wants the world run as one entity ruled by himself and other NAZIS. Everyone in the business know all these facts but are either paid to keep quit or are just too afraid of them. Please!! Look up on YouTube Clinton cash and Hillary’s world and the deaths of over 100 close personal friend and people who were about to testify against the Clintons in Federal Courts from the time they were rinning drugs in Arkansas, as said by the FBI agents who were investigating them while he was governor up to his rakes and beatings of women while in office. Blaming Mr. Trump for anything is rediculous, he was a private citizen running a very successful business, not selling out our freedoms for only money and power. Why isn’t national television talking about Russia giving Hillary and Bill 30 million dollars for giving Russia 20 percent of our uranium here in the United States. Even if it shows a connection between Russia and Trump, so what!!! He’s done business all over the world with monies given to him legally for building buisneses! How many Greek business people pay contractors if the contractors don’t do what was expected and agreed upon? Don’t they take you to court sometimes? Has it been shown in any of those court proceedings where Mr. Trump has lost and had to pay retribution? If so, why haven’t the reporters brought this to our attention? We are of Greek blood and heritage, and damn proud of it, and are of very suspicious nature. We really know by just our feeling inside if anyone is trying to hurt us. Does anyone really look at his children, all of them, and a sleaze could raise them into what they are? None of the, growing up, made the news in a bad way, none of them seem to take sides either their respective mothers. Has anybody come up with any illegitimate children like Bill and his half black son who Hillary won’t recognize. Only FOX’s Hannity puts him on the air to tell his story with pictures to prove his heritage! The Clintons are racists and hate Christians as shown by what their allowing to happen in the Middle East and what has been heard on the texts that none have denied were not true. We Christian Greeks don’t really believe in killing a nine month old baby about to be born? Do YOU? That is exactly what that butcher of millions, all the dead in the Middle East, believes in! She said that in the third debate! Did any of you watch that debate? Do you know that it is a proven fact that she cheated in all three debates? This is the character and personality that will be in the White House along with a husband who sexually assaults innocent young interns by “not having sex”with, but later admitting he LIED! A president of the United States! Hollywood wants him and rappers want him. JayZee and his white wife Beyoncé want her. She complains about shat Mr.Trump said in the bus to a man edgeing him on while taping him illegally. By the way, everybody knows that man, Billy Bush, is a nephew of the Bushes, right? Back to JayZee. President Obama and”Michael” had the couple in the White House many times, even slept over. They all had a good time along wit heir young, impressionable daughters, right? Look at their lyrics in their so called music. Not only are they saying the same things Trump said but meaning every word. Talking of rapeing and drugging their “whores” and the Obama are dancing and laughing with their children!!!!! They are actually showing their daughters how to act slutty! I’ve said enough! Suyapo!
Before the EU bailout of Greece, in his usual pattern of business, Trump said Greece should default on its obligations and start from scratch. Bankruptcy seems seems to be his many solutions.
Greece was ridiculed and the receiver of many jokes and criticism for its mismanagement. A total default in its obligations as Trump preferred would have further segregated Greece till this day.
You refused to answer anything about what I wrote about the Clintons! Talk to me about the rumours of sacrifices of children and the sex slaves on an Island which both attend? This is going to come out soon and if the FBI don’t do anything, the New York Police, who have the proof, will make it public! Don’t be fooled by this Devil worshipper, which will be prooven this weekend or Monday. With all of these accusations coming, how come the national stations and papers aren’t reporting it? Don’t be blind or afraid to see what really is happening in this world right now. The conspiracy to make the whole world into a one world order is coming true. Eisenhower and Kennedy, both said the words “one world order” and warned the American public to be aware of those Satanist, and should be destroyed. Soros is the main contributor to these criminals and murderers. Please, don’t turn away in disbelief, this is the beginning of all religions and life as we know it. People like these do exist as Jesus warned us and this could be the beginning of the end as has been warned. God be with you
OMG. Thank you for your words, misinformation and RAGE. You’ve made me more confident in my beliefs. Maybe you’ll be more relaxed and happy in Russia.
Russia!!!! You mean the Clintons benefactors? You do know it’s true, that HI’ll are GAVE Russia 20% of OUR uranium for 30 million dollars don’t you? If you want any proof of who takes money from Russia READ!!!!!!!! All MR. TRUMP said was that Putin was a better leader than that Muslim lover Obama! He let’s Christians get butcherd by those animals and all Obama and Hillary want to do is bring unveiled Serbs into our neiborhoods, unbeknownced to us, and give them free housing, food and money! Are you that STUPID!? I was born here and love my country and I refuse to let devil worshipers take away my rights, like obviously you do. Show me only one time that Mr.Trump made money against American interrests, and I will be able to show you twice as many times the Clintons have prospered by selling American interest to those who despise American beliefs and are only interrested in destroying our Christian based country! You are a blind and, I’m sorry, ignorant and bigoted “American?”
This is not true. I will not focus on whether Trump has one position and Hillary another one. Chief economists in the US government are fully aware of the past and the current situation of the greek economy, including of course the commitment from the part of the EU lenders and the IMF for a debt reconstruction according to the 3rd Memorandum signed between Greece and Troika.
The fact is that these economists, both in US and Europe have reached the point where there is simply nothing else to be done to save the greek economy apart from two solutions:
A) Freeze the austerity measures that have so severely hit the country s economy during the last 6 years bringing it to the brink of poverty. Instead push forward for measures that will bring money, lower unemployment rates and tackle tax evasion. A reconstruction of the national debt would further boost the GDP in a very short time, without a real cost to the international lenders.
B) Help the country to exit the eurozone with all the positive and negative effects that this would imply. The terms of grexit agreed by the 2 parties would hugely determine the outcome and the future state of the greek economy, as well as the amount of loss suffered by the lenders on the national debt.
Now why is everyone pretending not to understand these simple facts (I am not an economist by the way I am an engineer) leads us to another 2 simple conclusions:
A) The EU and other international players behind the lenders of the greek economy have no long term interest in helping the country overcome the major problem that is continuing for the 6th consecutive year.
B) They are simply waiting due to political and/or speculative reasons for the right “moment” to interfere.
At the same time ofcourse millions of people are indefinetely suffering in a small country sonewhere in the south balkans, which is not worth saving and needs to continuously suffer for the sake of God Knows Why.
Thank you for a sane reply.
Your last point very sad. Greece is neither strategic or oil/resource rich.
George,
Thank you for your comment. My suspicion to the point of certainty is that Greece is not only strategic but also a top value investment project for many, and this whole “crisis” was deliberately caused so that the country s property (infrastructure, production facilities, tourist holdings, real estate to name but a few)”changes hands” in a very efficient way.
And the name issue..??..will she correct the horrible mistake of the George W. Bush presidency..?
Unfortunately she won’t. I don’t think it can be undone. I was greatly dissapointed as you were.
At least we can go forward in a sane way, whereas with trump we would be the laughing stock of the world, except Russia.
Just returned from Greece and Germany. Both countries are clearly laughing in disbelief that this loose canon is on the ballot. But everyone is entitled to their opinion and vote.
George, are you being paid by the Clinton crime syndicate to read all anti remarks and comment on them? Are you going to deny they stole the primary voting process? Are you going to say they did not pay the homeless 1500 dollars and an iPhone to cause riots at Trump rallies? You are a STUPID idiot if you can defend these actions! Show me Trump’s treason as I can show you Hillary’s. I am sorry for treating you this way but you are actually willing to give these murderers our land just like the Jewish people allowed the Nazies to lead them to the gas chambers! All of these accusations I spew out are defended by the words oUT of the mouths of Hillary and her peons as shown on the wiki leaks and text (65000) that were supposedly BLEACHED by her people who also debased Catholics, Jews,and all other types of religions which this country is built on, not muslim beliefs! I really feel sorry for you that you can’tunderstsnd the hatred they have for us, of course unless you really are working for Hillary and Bill (the RAPIST) Clinton!
The picture says it all… Hilary Clinton admiring the Ancient Greek statue. and the achievements of the Hellenic eira. .. Looking at the statue thinking what the Greeks achieved and look how us Americans has forsaken the Greeks today. After all wasn’t her husband Bill Clinton who started the Balkan Yugoslav war. Bombed and killed thousands of Serbs to support the Muslim reign in the Balkans ? Wasn’t it Bill Clinton and later his off sider George W Bush , who SHAFTED GREECE by sponsoring the Former Yugoslavs the name MACEDONIA ???
Get lost Hilary Clinton its too late for your sympathy ! GREEKS DON’T FORGET !!!
Good luck with your hate, anger, and rage folks.
LOVE TRUMPS HATE!
End of story. Done here.
P.S. Gregory; nice post, thank you for taking the time to contact and get this out. Keep your fingers crossed for a 3am tweet reply from Donald.
The President of the United States Donald Trump in the coming weeks will visit GREECE. He will meet with the Greek priminister Alexis Tsipras as Trump will make a speech in support of Greece , using the Acropolis as the back ground. The dictatorship , propaganda and lies of the Clinton / Bush/ Obama administration eira is OVER !
The Turks will return to their prehistoric CAVE were they always belong… The Former Yugoslavs will no longer be called MACEDONIA. And those FAKE plaster copies of Ancient Hellenic statues and marbles of Alexander the Great in Skopje will be knocked down and destroyed ! GOD BLESS DONALD TRUMP – GOD BLESS AMERICA … GOD BLESS GREECE !