AHI Applauds Introduction of End the Cyprus Embargo Act
No. 51
WASHINGTON, DC — AHI applauds the introduction of the End the Cyprus Embargo Act by Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues Co-Chairs U.S. Reps. Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Vice Chairs U.S. Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) and Dina Titus (D-NV), on May 1, 2024.
The bipartisan legislation would extend the waiver renewal period for the arms prohibition on the Republic of Cyprus from one year to five years.
"AHI thanks Congressman Chris Pappas for sponsoring the bill along with the bipartisan support of the Hellenic Caucus’ leadership,” President Nick Larigakis said. “The bill rights a wrong as Cyprus has been unfairly subjected to an arms prohibition for decades, an injustice that AHI has sought to correct for a long time. Progress has been made on this issue, and Rep. Pappas' bill will cement existing gains and create further progress.”
According to Larigakis, AHI looks forward to the day when Cyprus is removed from the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) list altogether to make it eligible to acquire U.S. defense articles and defense services without conditions, especially because the United States values Cyprus as a strategic partner.
The American Hellenic Institute is listed as an official supporting organization of the legislation. Other organizations include the American Jewish Committee (AJC), Coordinated Effort of Hellenes, FDD Action, the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), PSKEA (International Coordinating Committee - Justice for Cyprus), AHEPA, and Daughters of Penelope.
About the Act
According to the official Congressional press release, “The End the Cyprus Embargo Act will solidify U.S.-Cypriot relations, foster long-term planning and cooperation, and ensure interoperability with regional allies. Specifically, this legislation will:
Extend the waiver renewal period for the arms embargo from one year to five years.
Permit the President to reconsider the arms embargo waiver only every five years following its enactment.
Prohibit the President from terminating the waiver unless Congress receives certification that the Republic of Cyprus is no longer:
Cooperating with U.S. efforts to implement anti-money laundering regulations and financial oversight reforms; and
Denying Russian military vessels access to ports for refueling and servicing.
Background
AHI has published a white paper and issue brief, has written to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, had an op-ed published, has issued statements, and has met with State Department officials and members of Congress and their staffs to advocate for the removal of the Republic of Cyprus altogether from the list of countries to which arms sales are prohibited under ITAR.
The American Hellenic Institute is an independent non-profit Greek American public policy center and think tank that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community.
For additional information, please contact us at (202) 785-8430 or pr@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our website at http://www.ahiworld.org.
