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Remarks by Ambassador Michael Klosson

Reception to American Delegation to PSEKA

August 26, 2003

Let me offer a few words of welcome to all of you this evening – guests from the United States as well as guests from Cyprus.

As some of you will recall:  my first formal act as ambassador upon arriving on the island almost exactly a year ago was to attend a reception at my residence in honor of the American delegates to PSEKA.  I say “attend” rather than “host” since I had not yet presented my credentials, and Ned Nolan, my deputy, kindly officiated on the occasion.  Many of you were among the first Cypriots to welcome me. 

A year later, I am now pleased to reciprocate and welcome you, the American delegates to PSEKA, here tonight for our annual reception, as well as our other distinguished guests.  We are also especially pleased that for the first time we can welcome Turkish Cypriots to this annual gathering.  I hope all of you enjoy what I am sure will be the start of a new annual summer tradition:  bringing Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots and Americans together.