Members of Congress reaffirmed strong bipartisan support for Cyprus and the deepening of US-Cyprus and US-Greece relations, during speeches delivered in Capitol Hill at the PSEKA Conference, stressing the importance of democracy, regional security, energy cooperation and the need for a peaceful and just future for Cyprus.
Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander said that ‘the relationship between the United States and Cyprus and Greece is stronger than ever before,’ describing it as a relationship grounded in ‘a commitment to the democratic values and the freedoms that make us who we are as people’.
She underlined that disputes should be resolved ‘peacefully, under law, and whenever possible through diplomacy,’ while noting that, as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, she sees ‘every day’ the importance of the US relationship with Cyprus and Greece.
Referring to the National Defense Authorization Act, Goodlander said Congress has ‘an opportunity to strengthen the relationship and to advance it through that important piece of legislation’.
On Cyprus, she said that after ’50 years of division, the status quo is just not acceptable,’ adding that ‘the people of Cyprus deserve a future that is peaceful, that is secure, that is free from occupation.’ She stressed that Cyprus deserves ‘a future where human rights are respected, where sovereignty is upheld’.
Congressman Jim Costa also highlighted the strategic value of the partnership, saying that ‘the relationship between the United States, Cyprus, and Greece is critical’ and that ‘the partnership between the United States, Cyprus, and Greece is stronger today than ever before’.
He said the three countries share a commitment to ‘democracy, freedom, security, and the rule of law,’ describing Cyprus as ‘a valued strategic partner’ in the Eastern Mediterranean.
He added that Cyprus is essential to ‘advancing peace, economic opportunity, energy, security, and regional cooperation,’ while expressing support for ‘a future in which Cyprus is reunited, secure, and at peace.’ He also said he stood ‘proud as a member of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues’.
Congressman Jimmy Patronis described the US-Cyprus relationship as ‘not simply a diplomatic partnership,’ but ‘an alliance rooted in freedom and democracy’.
He praised the work of the Cypriot-American and Greek-American communities, saying their advocacy ‘has educated lawmakers,’ ‘shapes policy,’ and reminds Congress that ‘our nation and our principles are worth defending.’
Patronis warned that advocacy must continue, noting that the next Congress may include ‘as many as 70 new members of the House of Representatives’ who will need to understand the importance of Cyprus and the region.
He said that, because of the community’s efforts, ‘the relationship to the United States and Cyprus is much stronger than ever,’ but added that ‘our work is not finished.’
He called for continued efforts to ‘strengthen our defense’ and expand ‘economic and energy partnerships’ in support of ‘stability and security in the region’.
Congressman Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stressed that Cyprus and Greece remain a bipartisan issue in Congress, saying that advocates have helped ensure that ‘there is no political issue in the United States Congress in regards to Cyprus and Greece.’
He said the issues facing Cyprus and the broader Hellenic community have been ‘among my top priorities throughout my time in Congress’.
Meeks emphasized that US foreign policy and national security are ‘best protected when we focus on what we can achieve alongside others’ adding that the United States is ‘better off when we work with allies and partners on the international stage’.
Referring to Cyprus, he said that ‘more than 50 years ago’ Turkish forces ‘invaded and continued to occupy parts’ of the island, and warned that instability in the region is now being amplified by ‘Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine’ and ‘the ongoing war in the Middle East’.
He said US-Cyprus cooperation is ‘more critical right now than ever’ to ensure that the Mediterranean is ‘safer and more prosperous.’
Meeks also expressed support for advancing legislation to address arms embargo restrictions, saying that Congress should allow US-Cyprus security cooperation ‘to continue to develop.’ He concluded that members of Congress ‘will stand with you’ and ‘will be your voice,’ adding: ‘We won’t stop until justice is had’.
Congressman Pat Ryan, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, said he approaches the Cyprus issue ‘with great humility’ and comes each year to learn more from the community. He referred to ’51 years’ of gathering to discuss ‘a grave injustice,’ and said Congress must reaffirm ‘a true sense of identity and freedom’.
Ryan said he has supported bipartisan legislation related to Cyprus, including measures concerning the embargo and efforts to ensure that Congress does not forget ‘what happened 50-plus years ago.’ He underlined the importance of backing statements with ‘real action and dedication,’ particularly on ‘defense and national security’
Throughout the speeches, lawmakers praised the role of PSEKA and the Hellenic and Cypriot-American communities in keeping Cyprus high on Washington’s agenda.
They repeatedly described Cyprus as a strategic partner of the United States, underlined the importance of shared democratic values, and called for continued bipartisan action in support of Cyprus’ security, sovereignty and reunification.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence.