The Caucus on U.S. – Turkish Relations and Turkish Americans member Representative Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) has been elected as President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE-PA) on July 9, 2004. House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement regarding the election: “The election of Congressman Hastings as President of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is not only a tremendous honor for Alcee personally, but an important landmark for the United States. Alcee is the first American selected to head the Parliamentary Assembly, and is the first national minority elected as President of the organization. It must be noted that Congressman Hastings was elected by parliamentarians from 55 European and North American nations who recognize his skill, ability, and unwavering commitment to human rights and democratic values, including free and fair elections” Click here for more details |