Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Gus M. Bilirakis (FL-12), Ted Deutch (FL-21) and 14 of their House colleagues are calling on Secretary of State John Kerry to strongly oppose the invasion of waters off the southern coast of Cyprus by Turkish ships performing seismic tests for natural gas. As a result of Turkey’s provocation, reunification talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders are on hold. The bipartisan letter was sent last week after a Turkish research ship escorted by military vessels began exploration in Cypriot waters. Representatives Maloney and Bilirakis are co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues. Representative Deutch co-chairs the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance with Representative Bilirakis.
“I am deeply troubled by Turkey’s irresponsible and illegal encroachment into Cypriot waters,” said Representative Maloney. “Not only is this action an affront to Cypriot sovereignty, but it has forced further delay in reunification negotiations. After 40 years of Turkish occupation, Cypriots have waited long enough for peace and stability. I urge Secretary Kerry to act quickly to call on Turkey to reverse its actions so that talks may resume.”
“After the signing of an agreement delineating their Exclusive Economic Zone in December 2010, it has been the sovereign right of Cyprus and Israel to engage in energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean without interference or threats from any third party. Yet once again, Turkey is actively obstructing the path to reunification of the island of Cyprus and we must not let them continue with this most recent illegal encroachment,” said Representative Bilirakis. “It is time that we hold Turkey accountable for its actions so that meaningful negotiations may resume to reach the goal of a reunified Cyprus.”
“These illegal incursions by Turkey do nothing to further the ultimate goal of reunifying the nation of Cyprus,” said Representative Deutch. “The United States and our European partners must urge Turkey to act responsibly and refrain from further provocation so that negotiations can continue without interference.”
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