Santa Barbara AHEPA Chapter 243

AHEPA Condemns Skopje Billboard Depicting Desecrated Greek Flag
Nazi Swastika Replaces Cross in DepictionWorking to Confront Skopje Propaganda on Different Fronts
click here for full print version of billboard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The membership of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading association for the nation's 1.4 million American citizens of Greek ancestry, and Philhellenes, strongly condemns yesterday's billboard depiction in Skopje of a defaced Greek flag that had a Nazi swastika in place of the Cross, announced Supreme President Ike Gulas.
"We are outraged at this disturbing display of hate propaganda," said Ike Gulas. "It is an affront to all those who fought and sacrificed to defeat Nazism and fascism, including many of our members; and a scathing insult to those who perished, as well as the survivors, of the Holocaust, and their families."
"In light of this troubling development, our faith in the diplomatic process has been extinguished. We have patiently sat back, allowing diplomacy to take its course and the road it has taken us to leads us to the bastardization of the flag of the Hellenic Republic; which is an affront to our Hellenic heritage and history. Is this the type of provocative behavior that is to be rewarded with membership in NATO? We firmly support Greece in whatever course of action she chooses to take at the upcoming NATO meeting in Bucharest."
"As an organization that was founded to combat the evils of bigotry and hate at the hands of the KKK, we call on our government officials, both in Congress and in the administration, to join with us in condemning this heinous display of propaganda that is offensive to persons of all races, religions and ethnicities."
"We will work with our chapters, our coalition partners, and the community at-large to ensure our voice is heard and action is taken."