American Hellenic Institute founder Eugene Rossides, 92, dies

The founder of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) and one of the most active proponents of Greek, Cypriot and Greek-American interests in Washington, DC, Eugene (Gene) Rossides has died, the AHI said in an announcement on Monday. He was 92.

"A proud American who never lost sight of his ancestry, Gene Rossides championed and inspired a generation and more to advocate for the rule of law, for Hellenism and justice for Cyprus. He provided a lifetime of service and dedication to America, Greece, Cyprus and Hellenic ideals," the AHI said.
Rossides founded the AHI in the wake of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974  and was the driving force behind the 1975-1978 US arms embargo against Turkey. He was also the first Greek American to be confirmed by the US Senate to an Executive Branch office and served as assistant secretary for the US Treasury in the Nixon...

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