U.S. Representatives Nicole Malliotakis, Gus Bilirakis, Chris Pappas, and Dina Titus introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives condemning Turkey’s ongoing occupation of Cyprus, ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The resolution calls for the immediate withdrawal of approximately 35,000 Turkish troops from the island and urges Trump to make the Cyprus solution a top foreign policy priority.
The lawmakers criticise Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s policies, stating in the resolution that he “bases his policy on an extreme form of religious nationalism and seeks to establish himself as a hegemonic power in the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Caucasus”.
The resolution demands Turkey cease illegal activities in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone and align with NATO’s democratic principles and mission. It also emphasises that any solution to the Cyprus problem must be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation framework.
Additionally, the document calls on Turkey to facilitate compensation claims by U.S. citizens for properties in occupied Cyprus and cooperate in locating four American citizens who are missing since the 1974 invasion.
The resolution also addresses the issue of settlers, calling for their removal from occupied territories and supporting the return of Greek Cypriot refugees to their homes.
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