Congressman Gus Bilirakis Advocates for Unified Cyprus and Stronger US-Cyprus Relations
Republican Congressman Gus Bilirakis, co-chair of the Congressional Greek Caucus, has emphasized the critical need for a fair and sustainable resolution to end the division of Cyprus. Speaking at an event marking the 52nd anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion, Bilirakis called for a reunited, sovereign, and secure Cyprus. He highlighted the progress in US-Cyprus relations, citing the CYCLOPS training center in Larnaca, the US-Cyprus Strategic Dialogue, and the renewal of the lifting of US restrictions on defense equipment transfers to the Republic of Cyprus under ITAR regulations for the financial year 2027. Bilirakis also expressed his commitment to ensuring that these restrictions do not require annual renewal. He urged Turkey, as a NATO ally, to contribute to regional stability rather than hinder a peaceful solution, particularly in reference to the 'Blue Homeland' concept. Other members of Congress, including Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen and Republican Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, echoed...