New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes on Eric Adams and Turkey

NEW YORK – Greek-American New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes spoke to the National Herald about newly-elected New York City Mayor Eric Adams, noting his belief that Adams absolutely had no no intention to harm Greece and the Greek diaspora or to side with Turkey after Adams interview with Turkish media.

Senator Gounardes maintains a close political and interpersonal relationship with Adams and previously served as legal counsel to the Brooklyn Borough President, in many cases, as a link between Adams and the Greek American community. Gounardes noted that New York’s new mayor has been a friend of the Greek diaspora and Greece over the years, so he considers Adams’ criticism of Turkey unfair.

“I watched this interview and understand that a lot of people have concerns. However, Mr. Adams has always supported the Greeks and the Greek-American community. He hosted a reception in the Brooklyn Borough President’s office for the anniversary of Greece’s independence, participated in the festivities, while in the past he has invited and hosted people at Brooklyn Borough Hall. like the mayor of Thessaloniki. I understand that with the language he used in the interview some people will be worried, but in no way should he be seen as indifferent to Greek issues or hostile to Hellenism, ”noted Gounardes, who said he spoke to Adams and informed him of the reactions expressed by the Greek community.

“As for the Ottoman Empire, history often has bad sides. But no one can accuse him of having been planted by Turkey. I spoke to him about the matter and in no way did he want to downgrade what the Greeks historically suffered under the Ottoman Empire, ”Gounardes said.

According to Gounardes, Adams’s warm words about Turkey are partly justified by its institutional status, in a neighborhood – and soon a whole city – characterized by diversity.

“These things happen when you are elected. You go, for example, to an event where you have been invited. They ask you to say something about the event and the country. In New York – and especially in Brooklyn – the element of multiculturalism and diversity is strong. When you’re a civil servant, you have to have relationships with everyone, regardless of where you come from. When you go to an event you are invited to, that doesn’t mean you have other intentions, ”said Gounardes, who ultimately tried to reassure the Greek community.

“I repeat, I understand that people are worried. I will continue to speak with the new mayor, so that he has a thorough knowledge of the history and the concerns that we have. But I trust him. I believe he will be a conscientious mayor who will represent everyone. I remind you once again that as president of the borough of Brooklyn, he supported the Greek-American community, ”concluded Gounardes.