The votes of Greek-Americans are valuable to any US presidential candidate, and Joe Biden has apparently made that clear with his vision to help Greek expatriates and aid their struggles in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The US presidential candidate expressed his commitment to “call out Turkish behavior that is in violation of international law or that contravenes its commitments as a NATO ally,” in a statement released by his campaign office yesterday.
“I have long opposed the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus and supported a comprehensive settlement to reunify the island.”
“Unlike President Trump, Joe will call out Turkish behavior that is in violation of international law or that contravenes its commitments as a NATO ally, such as Turkish violations of Greek airspace.”
Biden’s officials added that former Vice President Barack Obama has also opposed the Turkish occupation of part of Cyprus and has supported a solution to bring a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.
If elected, he will also “continue to be a strong voice for religious freedom globally, including the rights of the Greek Orthodox Church.”
“Joe has long been a strong supporter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and given unwavering support for the ability of the Patriarchate to function in its role as the center of the Greek Orthodox Church. He treasures his visit in 2011 to the Patriarchate and each of his meetings with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.”
“He has called on Turkey to permit the reopening of the Halki Seminary and criticized the recent decision of the Turkish government to convert the Hagia Sophia into a mosque,” the announcement said.”
“Throughout his many years in public life, Joe Biden has a long record of engagement on issues important to Greek Americans and a record of support for strengthening the US-Greece relationship. He has worked personally with Greek leaders over many decades to strengthen the alliance,” it said.
