Central and East European Coalition Press Conference

MEDIA ADVISORY, Contact: Monika Ramanauskaite
August 12, 2008, Tel: (301) 340-1954

CENTRAL AND EAST EUROPEAN COALITION
1612 K Street, N.W., Suite 410
Washington, D.C. 20006

RE: PRESS CONFERENCE ON RUSSIAN-GEORGIAN CONFLICT
WHEN: Tuesday, August 12, 2008
WHERE: Cannon House Office Building, Room#441
TIME: 3:00pm

Washington, DC (CEEC) - The Central and East European Coalition (CEEC)* will sponsor a press conference to discuss the current status of the Russian invasion of Georgia. Speakers will include Mr. Mamuka Tsereteli, President – Georgian Association of the U.S.; Amb. Bill Courtney, former U.S. ambassador to Georgia; and, members of the Central and East European Coalition representing various American national organizations of Central and East European heritage. “The goal of this press conference is to bring attention to grave effects of the Russian invasion on the Georgian nation, as well as the implications for other countries in the region. The threats of a Russian ‘sphere of influence’ are looming over the Central and East European countries,” remarked Marju Rink-Abel, President of the Estonian American National Council.

The CEEC has issued a statement (attached) regarding the Russian invasion of the sovereign territory of Georgia.

All speakers will be available for questions from the media.

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* The Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) comprises 18 national membership organizations representing more than 22 million Americans who trace their heritage to that part of the world. The CEEC believes strongly that the long-term national security and economic interests of the United States demand an unwavering commitment to and sustained engagement with the Central and East European countries.