WASHINGTON, DC – The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) applauds the House Foreign Affairs Committee for its passage on December 10 of legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) that condemns Turkey for its repeated aggression toward Cyprus.

“We commend Congresswoman Malliotakis for introducing and shepherding this important resolution through the Foreign Affairs Committee,” said AHI President Nick Larigakis. “The legislation is necessary as Turkey threatens Cyprus with a ‘two-state’ solution and takes actions toward that unacceptable end. AHI will continue to work with the Congresswoman, and like-minded allies in Congress, to elevate the U.S.-Cyprus relationship and to hold Turkey accountable.”

“We appreciated working with Congresswoman Malliotakis on the resolution throughout the legislative process,” added President Larigakis. “Since joining Congress, Congresswoman Malliotakis has been an integral partner, working with AHI on our policy issues, and for that, we are deeply appreciative.

“Turkey has been illegally occupying Cyprus for nearly 50 years, violating several international treaties, including the North Atlantic Treaty and the Treaty of Guarantee, which established and guaranteed Cyprus’ independence,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “With Turkey only becoming more aggressive towards Cyprus and our allies in the Eastern Mediterranean, it’s critically important for the United States to stand with our allies in support of freedom and democracy. I’m pleased to see my colleagues stand with me in condemning Turkey’s illegal acts and will continue to push for the reunification of Cyprus and the return of Varosha to its native Greek Cypriot inhabitants. The advocacy of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) was critical in advancing our resolution through the committee process and I thank them for their support.”

In addition, Larigakis stated, “I also want to thank Elias Gerasoulis, who as then-Director of Legislative Affairs, worked closely with the Congresswoman’s staff and me on this policy matter.”

Background

Congresswoman Malliotakis introduced H.Res.376, Condemning Turkey for its illegal occupation of Cyprus and encouraging President Biden to make the resolution of the Cyprus problem a top foreign policy priority, on May 14, 2021. The House Foreign Affairs Committee passed it with an amended title, Condemning Turkey for its repeated aggression toward Cyprus.

H.Res.376 includes the following provisions:

– Demand that Turkey remove all of its illegal troops from the occupied area of Cyprus.

– Call upon Turkey to adhere to NATO principles and values.

– Insist that the settlement of the Cyprus problem needs to be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, in a state with single sovereignty and international personality, and that such an entity should embrace constitutional and democratic norms.

– Demand that Turkey cease and desist from its illegal violations of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

– Call upon the Turkish government to provide financial restitution to American citizens for their property losses in Turkish-occupied Cyprus.

– Demand that Turkey cooperate in helping recover the four American citizens who are still missing as a result of the 1974 invasion of Cyprus.

– Calls upon the enforcement of United Nations Resolutions vis-a-vis Varosha

– Calls upon the United States to work with the United Nations to seek a resolution of the Cyprus problem.