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AHI Press Release: U.S. Strategy in the Aegean, 97-04-16
Originally From: American Hellenic Institute <n.klonaris@ahiworld.com>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: JONATHAN CLARKE
April 16, 1997
No. 17/97
U.S. Strategy in the Aegean:
A Defense Department Analysis
On April 16, 1997, General Robert T. Osterthaler, Deputy Assistant
Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Affairs, gave a presentation
on U.S. strategic interests in South Eastern Europe at the American
Hellenic Institute. This was the fourth in the series of AHI Noon
Forums. As on previous occasions, the forum attracted a wide attendance
from senior members of Washingtons press, think-tank, academic, and
diplomatic community.
In his off-the record remarks, General Osterthaler identified the
principal U.S. priorities in Europe as to implement the expansion of
NATO and to encourage the enlargement of the European Union. This was
the context in which top U.S. policy-makers viewed regional problems
such as those involving Turkeys relationship with Europe and the
problems in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
General Osterthaler discussed some of the impediments in the way of
speedy accomplishment of U.S. objectives. These included Greek-Turkish
tensions and the political situation in Turkey. Problems such as these
were very costly, both to the countries concerned and to the broader
questions of U.S. interests in Europe.
During a lively question-and-answer session, General Osterthaler
covered a wide range of issues, including the prospects for
Greek-Turkish rapprochement, arms sales to Turkey, human rights, the
Kurdish question, territorial and airspace matters in the Aegean, and
Albania.
On Cyprus, General Osterthaler said that the Administration was
considering new ideas for a major U.S. initiative designed to promote a
broad regional settlement. He outlined some of the elements that the
initiative might include. Sounding a note of caution, however, he said
that no decision had been made about the initiative. The Administration
would not commit itself to a search for a settlement unless the parties
concerned were themselves ready to negotiate in good faith.
American Hellenic Institute, Inc.
1220 16th Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20036
202)785-8430/ (800)424-9607
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