2009 Press Releases
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Ambassador Speckard with President of Greek Roma Federation Vassilis Dimitriou (U.S. Embassy photo)
U.S. Ambassador to Greece Marks International Roma Day
Athens (April 8, 2009) -- “International Roma Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate the accomplishments, history, and creativity of Europe’s largest ethnic minority,” U.S. Ambassador Daniel V. Speckhard told luncheon guests at his residence marking the occasion today, “but also to highlight the discrimination and struggle they still face on a daily basis around the world.”
The United States recognizes the hard work of the Greek government and non-governmental organizations on behalf of some 300,000 members of Roma communities here in the fields of education, housing, and social services, the Ambassador also noted, and remains committed to working with these partners to promote and protect Roma rights.
The Ambassador shared with his guests a videotaped statement from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton which noted that in addition to supporting Roma human rights through bilateral relationships, the United States will do so through its involvement in organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). As this year’s OSCE chairman-in-office, Greece has a particularly important role to play, Speckhard concluded.
For more information, visit http://athens.usembassy.gov. To watch or read Secretary Clinton’s statement, see www.state.gov.
