Paul Sarbanes: A committed and adept champion of Greece

I had the honor and good fortune to work closely with Paul Sarbanes, the late Greek-American US congressman for the state of Maryland. Our acquaintance began soon after I assumed the post of ambassador in Washington and continued with weekly meetings throughout my four-year tenure.

Aware of Sarbanes' activities and importance in Congress even before taking up the post, I sought to meet him right after I presented my credentials to the US secretary of state, formally allowing me to approach American officials. As soon as I met him, I understood the merit of his reputation for communicating and generating support for Greek positions on many complex issues in which America was, in one way or another, involved. 

He was without doubt a true patriot as a politician, a man of strong political and moral standing, serious and moderate, with the consequent power and influence...