Top US Policymakers Strongly Condemn Turkey's Plans to Drill in Cyprus' EEZ
May 9th, 2019 Community, Cyprus, Greece, Top Story 2 0 comments 1158
WASHINGTON, DC.-
Philip Christopher, President of PSEKA [the International Coordinating Committee, Justice for Cyprus] said today, "For Turkey to drill in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) would be an invasion by sea much like their 1974 illegal invasion and occupation of Cyprus' northern third. This treatment of Cyprus, the lynchpin of America's Eastern Mediterranean Partnership of Cyprus, Israel and Greece, moved a number of key US foreign policy leaders, who have been our friends for many years, to express concern."
Their statements follow:
The Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY) said in a tweet sent out by the Committee:
"Turkey shouldn't drill in Cyprus's Exclusive Economic Zone. Respect for the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus is crucial."
The Ranking Democrat on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) said:
"I join the State Department and European Union in strongly condemning Turkey's stated plans to drill in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus. Enough of Turkey's illegal actions in the Mediterranean –
President Erdogan, respect international law and get out of Cyprus EEZ!"
The Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Middle East Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance, Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) said:
"I am gravely concerned by Turkey's threat to begin drilling in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The government of Turkey must adhere to international law, respect the sovereign rights of Cyprus, and avoid provocative measures in the Eastern Mediterranean."
The Ranking Member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's European Affairs Subcommittee, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) said:
"Given his decision to overturn the election in Istanbul and increasing turmoil at home, it is disappointing, yet not surprising, that President Erdogan would choose to announce his intentions to drill in Cyprus'Exclusive Economic Zone at this time. This announcement is egregious, and I call on him to work toward easing tensions in this region, not further enflaming them."
The Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) said:
"We must not stand by as important trade partners and allies like Cyprus endure consistent harassment from the Erdogan regime. I condemn Turkey's most recent encroachment and urge the protection of Cyprus's right to develop resources in its exclusive economic zone."
The Ranking Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Global Human Rights Subcommittee, Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) said:
"From the annulment of the results of Istanbul's recent mayoral election to Turkey's unilateral decision to commence offshore oil drilling in the territorial waters of Cyprus, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is cementing his legacy as a menace to democratic values and international security. I condemn these developments and urge President Erdogan to halt this reckless trajectory. Turkey's future must be rooted in respect for the rule of law and for universally-recognized human rights, and constructive security cooperation with the United States and Western allies."
The House Foreign Affairs Committee's second-ranking Democrat, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) said:
"I am extremely concerned by Turkey's efforts to begin offshore drilling near Cyprus' coast, in clear violation of Cyprus' sovereignty. Turkey has no right to violate the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus on the grounds that Turkish Cypriots also have rights to the resources in the area. There is only one Cyprus,
and the invasion and occupation by Turkey cannot change that."
The Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues and the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), said:
"President Erdogan continues to test the resolve of the United States and the rest of the international community to hold his regime accountable for sewing chaos and discord that undermines regional security and stifles prosperity. Erdogan's lack of respect for international sovereignty is cause for serious concern and does nothing to advance regional interests. I commend the Trump Administration and the European Union for swiftly condemning Turkey's actions and calling it what it is – illegal. The United States must remain steadfast in our support for Cyprus, continue to condemn flagrant acts in violation of international law, and be prepared to work with our partners to respond quickly and forcefully to transgression of international law through targeted sanctions and foreign aid restrictions."
Member of the House Leadership and author of the End the Cyprus Arms Embargo Act of 2018, Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) said:
"Turkey's actions are very provocative and dangerous. The proposed drilling in the area of Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone infringes on the rights of the Cypriot people and cannot be allowed to continue. Turkish authorities should reverse course immediately."
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