Letters to Ankara from American representatives at the commemoration ceremony for the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

The message that they will fight to keep the occupation of Cyprus at the center of political attention was broadcast by members of the US Congress during an event organized by the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) in Congress marking Turkish Invasion Remembrance Day.

For their part, the deputies took aim at Turkey and vowed to continue fighting over the issue of F-16 fighters. Indeed, MP Gaz Bilirakis referred to the recent breach in the Aegean Sea and wondered how anyone could trust Turkey when it took such measures in the middle of the F-16 negotiations.

At the same time, lawmakers have also focused on the positive agenda, which has brought US cooperation with Greece and Cyprus to unprecedented highs. Many of them seem to be particularly focused on the 3 + 1 regional cooperation plan, which includes Greece, Cyprus and Israel with the participation of the United States.

For her part, Representative Nicole Maliutaki said that she will be among the group of deputies that will accompany the Israeli president in the speech he will deliver at the joint session of Congress. As he made clear, he will take this opportunity to talk to him about the strategic importance of Israel’s cooperation with Greece and Cyprus to US interests in the eastern Mediterranean.

“We want to support that relationship. I think it is very important from a safety point of view and from an energy perspective. We need to support this alliance because we need to make sure that Europe does not depend on Russia for its energy needs and that there are alternatives. And I think these three countries can Along with Egypt, it plays a catalytic role in this effort.”

On the same wavelength, Representative Chris Pappas moved, who argued that the Greek group in the House of Representatives (Hellenic Caucus) is working to raise the level of partnership between the United States of America and the Republic of Cyprus. In light of this, he noted the extensive work being done for Cyprus to join the Visa Waiver Program as well as for the complete lifting of the embargo, which would allow Nicosia to reduce its current dependence on Russian defense systems and to acquire US equipment. This would be compatible with NATO and lead to more effective security cooperation.

Representatives Joss Bilirakis, Chris Pappas, Nicole Maliotakis, Dina Titus, Grace Meng, Thomas Kane and Chuck Fleishman attended the event.

Joss Bilirakis

“We will not rest until Cyprus unites. We will never forget and we have to keep pressing as hard as we can. You know, this F-16 situation… We are not happy with the government at all. And how do you trust Erdogan? How can you trust the Turkish government as there have been flights.” over a (Greek) sovereign region just a few days ago? If they are doing it now, in the midst of negotiations, what do you think they will do in the future? So we have a long battle ahead of us. And we achieved great success in the House of Representatives.”

Chris Pope

“We are here to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the illegal Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Not many of us know a world without this illegal occupation that continues, including me. And we know that if this issue does not continue to shine a light through the diaspora and the people who continue to care about the relations between The United States and Cyprus, it will be forgotten like many other issues.But this is a very important issue because it relates to stability in the eastern Mediterranean, in terms of our relationship with Greece and Cyprus.Joss (Bilerakis) and I, along with many other members, will continue to gather. The Greek is addressing these issues. There are many important issues at the moment. Goss mentioned the F-16s, which frankly we are not giving up and we will continue to focus on because they are important to the security and stability of the United States in the eastern Mediterranean. Obviously, we are celebrating the lifting of the arms embargo on Cyprus We want to make sure that the benefits are complete in terms of Cyprus’ ability to distance itself from Russian regimes and the ability to procure American equipment, which is critical to the ability of our forces to work together in the region. How can we support Cyprus to join this programme, which has great benefits for the economies and growth of our business. The development of the 3 + 1 partnership is another game-changing development in the Eastern Mediterranean, as it provides cooperation and information exchange. We know the partnership continues to grow, and we’re looking for ways to make smart investments in military training and other things through the Defense Bill (NDAA) and through the appropriation process (in Congress). As we mark the grim anniversary of 49 years of Turkish occupation of Cyprus, let us pledge to ensure a future in which Cyprus is united and free and not under the yoke of Turkey.”

Nicole Malliotake

I think it’s very important that we continue to remind members of Congress of this injustice and this illegal occupation. Especially now that Congress has been asked to decide whether Turkey will receive the fighter jets. Obviously I was a staunch and clear opponent that this deal should be rejected. In the case of Greece, we are betraying a country that has been a very reliable ally of a country that until recently had no interest in joining NATO. I don’t have a problem with Sweden joining, but I do have a problem with the way this deal was done. And we also reward another NATO member (Turkey) who has not acted as an ally, but has acted as an adversary with these fighters. I continue to express this concern because it is not right especially with regard to the future of friendship between Greece and the United States. Regarding Cyprus, we are also concerned that selling the fighters to Turkey could lead to more aggression on the part of Erdogan. See illegal overflights that have occurred. We see the threats of expanding the real (Turkish) presence in Cyprus. This is equally worrying. We, as Americans, should also be concerned about Turkey’s role in stopping operations against the Islamic State in Syria, as well as the fact that it remains the only NATO ally that has not imposed sanctions on Russia. And I think that’s certainly something we’re concerned about as members of Congress. It is something that should concern Americans as well, as we will have to make decisions based on our national security interests and ensuring our stability in the Mediterranean, Aegean and the surrounding region. I think today is an important day because we have the President of Israel here to address a joint session of Congress. I am very proud to appoint the Speaker of the House as a member of the Watch Committee. But what I will say is that there is a very important strategic dependence, on Greece, Cyprus and Israel. And that’s certainly what I’ll talk about today when I get a chance to meet him soon. Because we want to support this relationship. I think it’s very important from a safety standpoint and from an energy standpoint. We need to support this coalition because we need to make sure that Europe is not dependent on Russia for its energy needs and that there are alternatives. I believe these three countries, along with Egypt, can play a catalytic role in this effort.”

Source: RES-MPE