Members of the US Congress reaffirmed bipartisan support for Cyprus and closer ties with Cyprus and Greece at a conference on Capitol Hill organised by the International Coordinating Committee – Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), highlighting democracy, regional security and energy cooperation.
Lawmakers also called for a peaceful and just future for the island, underlining the need to relaunch efforts towards a settlement.
Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander said “the relationship between the United States and Cyprus and Greece is stronger than ever before,” describing it as grounded in “a commitment to the democratic values and the freedoms that make us who we are as people”.
She said disputes should be resolved “peacefully, under law, and whenever possible through diplomacy,” adding that as a member of the House Armed Services Committee she sees “every day” the importance of US ties with Cyprus and Greece.
Goodlander said Congress has “an opportunity to strengthen the relationship and to advance it through that important piece of legislation,” referring to the National Defense Authorization Act.
A future free from occupation
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,” and “a future where human rights are respected, where sovereignty is upheld”.
Congressman Jim Costa said “the relationship between the United States, Cyprus, and Greece is critical” and “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.
Costa added that Cyprus is essential to “advancing peace, economic opportunity, energy, security, and regional cooperation,” and voiced support for “a future in which Cyprus is reunited, secure, and at peace”.
Congressman Jimmy Patronis described the US-Cyprus relationship as “not simply a diplomatic partnership,” but “an alliance rooted in freedom and democracy”.
He said advocacy by Cypriot-American and Greek-American communities “has educated lawmakers,” “shapes policy,” and reminds Congress that “our nation and our principles are worth defending”.
Patronis warned that advocacy must continue, noting the next Congress could include “as many as 70 new members of the House of Representatives” who will need to understand Cyprus and the region.
US-Cyprus relations stronger than ever
He said “the relationship to the United States and Cyprus is much stronger than ever,” but added “our work is not finished,” calling for efforts to “strengthen our defense” and expand “economic and energy partnerships”.
Congressman Gregory Meeks, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Cyprus and Greece remain bipartisan issues in Congress, adding that advocates have ensured “there is no political issue in the United States Congress in regards to Cyprus and Greece”.
He said US foreign policy is “best protected when we focus on what we can achieve alongside others,” adding Washington is “better off when we work with allies and partners”.
Referring to Cyprus, Meeks said that “more than 50 years ago” Turkish forces “invaded and continued to occupy parts” of the island, warning that regional instability is 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 the Mediterranean is “safer and more prosperous”, and supported efforts to allow security cooperation “to continue to develop”.
Congressman Pat Ryan said he approaches the Cyprus issue “with great humility”, referring to “51 years” of discussions on “a grave injustice”.
He said Congress must back statements with “real action and dedication,” particularly on “defense and national security,” adding he has supported bipartisan legislation to ensure the issue is not forgotten.
Speakers praised PSEKA and the Hellenic and Cypriot-American communities for keeping Cyprus high on Washington’s agenda, repeatedly describing the island as a strategic US partner and calling for continued bipartisan support for its security, sovereignty and reunification.
