AHI Applauds US-Cyprus Defense Cooperation Roadmap, Condemns Turkish Reaction
No. 79
WASHINGTON, DC - The American Hellenic Institute applauds the signing of a five-year Defense Cooperation Roadmap agreement between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus.
“We congratulate the two countries for recognizing the importance of security and stability in the region and working together to address it,” President Nick Larigakis said. “The Republic of Cyprus has demonstrated that it is a trusted strategic partner of the United States, and we endorse any measures that strengthen this partnership.”
According to a joint statement, “The roadmap establishes a framework to enhance response to humanitarian crises and to better understand and address key security concerns, including the national security effects of climate change, countering malign influence, and building interoperability between military forces.”
In the same breath, AHI condemns Turkey’s obstructionist reaction to the agreement.
“Turkey’s condemnation of the agreement is flat-out against U.S. interests and further demonstrates it is an unreliable ally of the United States and does not have the best interests of the West in mind,” Larigakis said. “This agreement strengthens security in the region, including for Turkish Cypriots. Further, Turkey's objection clearly stems from its anachronistic positions when it comes to finding a solution to the Cyprus issue, which is apparent in the statement released by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Turkey claims the United States’ action undermines U.S. credibility in future negotiations involving the Cyprus issue. In reality, it is Turkey’s intransigence that undermines the process, as it has for 50 years”
The American Hellenic Institute is an independent non-profit 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.