The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) condemns the visit to the illegally occupied area of Cyprus by US Representative Pete Sessions on August 3. An announcement by AHI notes that Congressman Sessions is the first American politician to break with precedent and land at the Tymbou Airport in Turkish-occupied Cyprus, coming from a flight from Turkey.
‘AHI vehemently opposes the entry by Congressman Sessions through Tymbou airport’, the statement continues, while noting that this trip is contrary to the best interests of the United States and the Republic of Cyprus and threatens to undermine efforts to achieve reunification of the Republic of Cyprus.
‘Furthermore, this establishes a dangerous precedent for our elected lawmakers and government officials, who must uphold the official diplomatic positions of the United States and respect international law and the laws of other sovereign nations’ the announcement adds.
‘This airport is built on the property from which Turkey has forcibly displaced the rightful owners who title under the laws under the Republic of Cyprus, some of whom are US citizens. This act comes in the wake of reporting that Representative Sessions’ colleague, U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse, canceled his planned visit to occupied Cyprus after being issued recommendations from the United States Department of State’ AHI says.
AHI President Nick Larigakis expressed his concern over the visit, stating that ‘Congressman Sessions’ trip to the occupied area of Cyprus threatens to have adverse effects against the Republic of of Cyprus and reflects a position which contradicts international law, diplomatic and US policies as to the unlawful occupation of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus This sends a message that a member of the United States Congress does not support a solution which would lawfully and equitably reunite the Republic of Cyprus’.
‘Furthermore, I must respectfully express my disagreement with the accuracy of Congressman Sessions’ comment. There is no ‘north Cyprus’ or ‘south Cyprus” there is only the Republic of Cyprus. In addition, when Congressman Sessions speaks about justice, it is critical to note the complete injustice of 49 years of Turkey’s illegal invasion and unlawful occupation of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus’ Larigakis adds.
Finally, Nick Larigakis invited the congressman to meet with him in Congress to explain, as he said, the situation.
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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency