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AHI's Counsel Publishes Article Titled "Seizure of U.S. Property: Cuba and Cyprus" in Ekathimerini

 NO. 23

WASHINGTON, DC —Ekathimerini, the online version of the Athens, Greece daily newspaper Kathimerini, published a commentary authored by American Hellenic Institute (AHI) Board Member and volunteer counsel Nicholas G. Karambelas, Esq. titled, “The seizure of US property: Cuba and Cyprus,” on May 28, 2019. 

Karambelas summarized the Helms-Burton Act which was enacted in 1996.  This Act enables US nationals, whose property was expropriated by the Cuban government in 1961, to sue persons who use and profit from the property in US courts for money damages.  Every president since Bill Clinton has suspended the Act so that no US national has been able to sue under the Act.  In February, President Trump lifted the suspension.  Several US nationals, including ExxonMobil, have now filed lawsuits under the Act.

He writes that the Helms-Burton Act raises the issue of what rights, if any, US nationals should have when property they own in a foreign country is expropriated or taken.   Although the facts with Cuba differ, this issue has been raised in Cyprus since Turkey has taken the property of US nationals, which is located in occupied Cyprus.  Karambelas notes that in 2011, at the suggestion of AHI, Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) introduced a bill similar to the Helms-Burton Act.  The bill would have enabled US nationals to sue for money damages in US courts any person who uses or profits from their property in occupied Cyprus.  The bill never progressed.   Since the Helms-Burton Act is back in effect, Karambelas questions whether the Pallone bill should be reconsidered. 

Click here to read the commentary

 

AHI Responds to Correct the Record on Arms Prohibition on Cyprus

NO. 22

The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) responded to correct the record of a May 20 commentary authored by Mr. Kudret Özersay published by The Hill, a top U.S. political website vital to policy, politics, and election campaigns. 

Mr. Özersay, the deputy prime minister and minister of Foreign Affairs, of the so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” criticized the recently introduced Eastern Mediterranean Security and Partnership Act in his piece, “Ending the Cyprus arms embargo will increase tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.” He suggested that lifting the Cyprus “arms embargo,” which the legislation would do, would be “the worst move for the region” and would “do nothing to encourage both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to seek resolution to the Cyprus issue.” Continue Reading
        
  In his Letter to Editor, AHI President Nick Larigakis presents several points for lifting the arms prohibition on Cyprus, including the importance the United States places on Cyprus as an anchor of stability in the region.  Larigakis also dismisses Ozersay’s assertion the Republic of Cyprus is interested in some sort of armed conflict or arms race with the “TRNC” by lifting the arms prohibition especially because Turkey illegally maintains 40,000 troops on the island.
        
 “In addition, a Republic of Cyprus capable of buying arms from the U.S. does not pose an existential threat against Turkey, which has the second largest army in NATO,” writes Larigakis.
         
Larigakis adds that any scrutiny as to why the Cyprus issue remains unsolved must be directed at Turkey, its intransigence and recent provocations in the Eastern Mediterranean. 

The Hill’s editor notified AHI the publication had published several letters in response to Mr. Ozersay’s commentary and did not want to engage in further “back and forth” on the issue by publishing President Larigakis’ letter.


·     Click here to read AHI’s response

Turkey Should and Will Be Held Accountable - Annual AHI Delegation Meetings in Cyprus

NO. 21

Strengthening the bilateral relations between the United States and Cyprus is one of the main pillars of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI). AHI Delegations have been visiting Cyprus at least once a year to acquire high level briefings from Cypriot and US Government officials.  These meetings have served as an effective platform communicating issues of concern, facilitate dialogue and cooperation on bilateral level with the United States as well as regional cooperation within the wider Mediterranean area.  Acquiring an in-depth knowledge of these issues by both US and Cyprus high level officials enables AHI to engage in advocacy of specific courses of action strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation as well as providing peace, stability and security in Eastern Mediterranean.  This year the AHI Delegation, comprised of President Nick Larigakis, andBoard Members Kostas Alexakis and Leon Andris, took place on May 2nd, and 3rd, 2019.  

         The focus of the meetings was the elevated Turkish aggression in the Eastern Mediterranean and threats to drill in the Cypriot exclusive economic zone (EEZ).  AHI was commended for its continued advocacy keeping the Cyprus issue highly visible with key policymakers in the Administration and in the U.S. Congress as well as AHI’s firm message to US Government officials that Turkey must be held accountable for its actions. 

  Energy cooperation constituted an essential component of the meetings as well.  AHI was briefed on the progress being made in the exploration for hydrocarbon reserves, agreement with foreign companies and regional energy cooperation initiatives in the Eastern Mediterranean. 

  The humanitarian aspect of the 1974 Turkish invasion has been of vital importance to AHI. About 1500 people both military personnel as well as civilians including women and children, were either captured by the invading Turkish armed forces during July and August of 1974, or disappeared long after the cessation of hostilities in the areas under the control of the Turkish army.  Discussions this year focused on the 2019 action plan for fallen and missing persons, which was approved recently by the Cabinet which has intensified Cypriot efforts to raise awareness about the humanitarian issue of missing persons, while working to improve internal coordination between competent authorities. 

  AHI is grateful to U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus Judith Garber, President of the House of Representatives Demetris Syllouris, Commissioner to the Presidency for Humanitarian Affairs and Overseas Cypriots Fotis Fotiou, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nicos Christodoulides, Minister of Defense Savvas Angelides, Hydrocarbons Service Director of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Dr. Stelios Nicolaides; and, Chief of the National Guard General Staff Lt. General Ilias Leontaris, for taking the time to meet with the AHI Delegation and provide AHI the opportunity to support US, Cypriot and regional efforts to strengthen peace, security and stability in Eastern Mediterranean.

  The June 6, 2019 letter of Acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Sanahan, setting out the ultimatum in a letter to his Turkish counterpart, Hulusi Akar that Turkey could not have both America's F-35 advanced fighter jets and Russia's S-400 systems, coupled with US Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, Matthew Palmer’s statement during his visit to Cyprus this week emphasizing that the US has made clear to that it considers Turkey’s announced intentions to begin drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean provocative and has encouraged Turkey to stop, constitute clear messages that the United States is prepared to stop Turkey from becoming an uncontrolled force of disruption in the Middle East and wider Mediterranean region.  

Read Secretary Sanahan’s Letter