American Hellenic Institute (AHI) Founder Eugene T. Rossides, a member of Leadership 100, was honored with the Republic of Cyprus Presidential Exceptional Service Medal on November 10, 2016, at a ceremony in Washington, DC.  Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States Leonidas Pantelides presented the medal to Rossides “as a token of our gratitude for a lifetime of dedication to Cyprus and its cause.”  The medal requires the approval of Cyprus’s Council of Ministers.

“Today, I am happy to correct a negligence on the part of the Cypriot Government,” Ambassador Pantelides said. “When I came to Washington six months ago I found out that the Government of Cyprus has never honored Eugene Rossides for his many services to the people of Cyprus.  “Eugene Rossides, please accept this belated honor awarded on behalf of the people and the government of Cyprus in recognition of your many years of struggle for the just cause of justice and freedom for Cyprus.”

The ambassador eloquently described Rossides “as someone who chose freely to shoulder heavy burdens of duty and responsibility for the welfare of others.” He added the award is in recognition of the many qualities Rossides exhibits, including: loyalty, faithfulness, courage, and a commitment to the public good.

In accepting the award Rossides said, “I am highly honored by this award. I must stress though that our work is not done. We must redouble our efforts in support of the rule of law and until the Turkish occupation of 37.3 percent of Cyprus is ended. It is in the interest of the United States to do so.”

“We congratulate Eugene Rossides on this well-deserved honor from the Republic of Cyprus,” AHI President Nick Larigakis said. “Mr. Rossides is a true champion of the rule of law, democratic principles, and human rights. He is also an extraordinary example for future generations to emulate.”

The American Hellenic Institute is a non-profit Greek American think tank and public policy center that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community.