WASHINGTON, DC – American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President Nick Larigakis submitted written testimony to the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs on the Biden Administration’s foreign aid proposal for FY2023 on May 27.

In written testimony, President Larigakis stated in the best interests of the United States that AHI opposed: (1) any proposed foreign aid and assistance to Turkey from the United States; (2) any proposed reduction in the aid levels for the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.

Based upon Greece’s demonstrated geostrategic importance to the United States, AHI advocated for an increase in NATO ally Greece’s International Military Education and Training (IMET) program, recommending a $1.8 million appropriation for FY2023.

In addition, AHI recommended robust Foreign Military Financing (FMF) assistance for Greece, including $25 million for each fiscal year through to 2026 for European Recapitalization Incentive Program (ERIP) and an extra $6 million in FMF funding for FY2023.

AHI’s testimony also recommended $500,000 for the Republic of Cyprus’ IMET program.

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs is chaired by U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA). U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY) is the Subcommittee’s ranking member.

“We thank Chairwoman Lee, Ranking Member Rogers, and members of the Subcommittee, for the taking our testimony into consideration as they formulate their funding bill for fiscal year 2023,” Larigakis said. “It is vital to ensure the Greek American community’s positions on American foreign aid to this increasingly vital region are presented and entered into the public record.”