AHI Welcomes Congressional Hearing on Human Rights in Turkish-Occupied Cyprus Ahead of NATO Summit
No. 49
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) welcomes the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission hearing, “Human Rights in Turkish-Occupied Cyprus: Erdogan’s Record and Its Implications for the Ankara NATO Summit.” Held ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit, the hearing underscored the continued humanitarian, human rights, cultural, and security implications of Turkey’s occupation of Cyprus, and the importance of grounding U.S. policy toward Turkey in international law and democratic values.
Co-chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Rep. James P. McGovern (D-MA), the Commission examined Turkey’s record in the occupied areas of Cyprus through testimony from Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the U.S. Evangelos Savva; Michael Rubin, Director of Policy Analysis at the Middle East Forum; Savas Tsivicos, Alternate President of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) and former Supreme President of AHEPA; and Dr. Sinan Ciddi, Director of the Turkey Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
Ambassador Savva described Turkey’s settlement policy in the occupied areas as a clear violation of international law, stating, “The illegal colonization of occupied territories is considered a crime of war.” He estimated that 250,000 to 300,000 settlers have been transferred from mainland Turkey into the occupied territory, altering Cyprus’ demographic balance and affecting both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. He also highlighted the issue of missing persons, noting that 746 individuals remain unaccounted for, including five American citizens, and called for sustained international efforts to determine their fate.
Michael Rubin argued that the lack of accountability following Turkey’s 1974 invasion set a dangerous precedent, warning it may have emboldened later acts of territorial aggression. He warned that continued settlement activity is intended to permanently alter Cyprus’ demographic character and undermine the indigenous Turkish Cypriot community.
Savas Tsivicos testified on the destruction of religious and cultural heritage in the occupied areas, noting that more than 500 churches and monasteries have been damaged, desecrated, or destroyed since 1974. “If you were parachuted into the occupied areas today, you would never think that 3,500 years of history existed there,” he said, describing the systematic destruction of heritage sites as an assault on Cyprus’ historical identity.
Dr. Ciddi cautioned against providing Turkey with advanced U.S. defense capabilities absent significant policy changes. Referring to Ankara’s efforts to reenter the F-35 program and acquire the F-110 engine for its KAAN fighter aircraft, he testified: “Turkey seeks to gain access to cutting-edge U.S. defense articles… Equipping Erdogan with such capabilities would be a tremendous mistake.” He argued that Turkey’s objectives differ from other NATO allies and may support revisionist ambitions in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.
Witnesses broadly emphasized that the Cyprus occupation remains an ongoing challenge to international law, religious freedom, property rights, and regional security, urging continued accountability and adherence to legal norms in U.S. and NATO policy.
Commission members underscored the need for accountability, adherence to international law, and continued U.S. engagement on the Cyprus issue.
Rep. Chris Smith emphasized President Erdoğan’s role in shaping conditions in Cyprus over the past two decades, stating: “The Cyprus we see today is not simply the product of events in 1974. It is also the product of twenty-three years of deliberate decisions by President Erdoğan.” He said these policies have complicated prospects for a negotiated settlement and raised concerns over Varosha and cultural heritage.
Rep. James P. McGovern reaffirmed support for a settlement grounded in international law, stating, “The United States should demand Turkey abide by its obligations,” and warning that “double standards in our application of international law are self-defeating.”
Rep. Gus Bilirakis highlighted bipartisan consensus: “I think we've never been more united as Republicans and Democrats on this particular issue.” He added that Congress remains united in supporting U.S. allies in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Rep. Dina Titus called the occupation “one of the longest-running unresolved conflicts in the world,” adding that it challenges sovereignty and rule of law and should end through a comprehensive settlement consistent with international law.
Rep. Brad Schneider emphasized Cyprus’ strategic importance, noting its value to U.S. interests in regional security, energy cooperation, and partnerships across the Eastern Mediterranean.
AHI President Nick Larigakis welcomed the hearing, stating: "The testimony presented before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission reinforces what AHI has long advocated—that Turkey's continued occupation of Cyprus remains an ongoing violation of international law with profound humanitarian, cultural, and strategic consequences. We commend Chairmen Chris Smith and James McGovern for bringing renewed congressional attention to these critical issues. As the United States and its allies prepare for the NATO Summit, respect for human rights, sovereignty, and the rule of law must remain fundamental principles guiding U.S. policy."
To watch the full hearing, visit: House Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Hearing