US Senator raises Cyprus issue to Clinton

US Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) has raised the importance of reunifying Cyprus and the demilitarisation of the island to Secretary of State Designate Hillary Clinton during her confirmation hearing on Wednesday, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

An announcement issued by the National President of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), Ike Gulas, says he has expressed appreciation for Senator Menendez’s remarks.

“We thank Senator Menendez for bringing the Cyprus issue to the attention of Secretary Designate Clinton,” said Gulas.

He added that “raising the Cyprus issue and calling for the island’s demilitarisation before such a large audience in a significant setting elevates the issue on America’s foreign policy agenda”.

“We can’t take for granted everyone is aware, or realises the scope of Turkey’s military presence on Cyprus, which of course, needs to end as Senator Menendez rightfully stated,” he stressed.

The Senator, he added, “also urged Senator Clinton to reaffirm the Armenian Genocide as she has been a long-standing supporter of its recognition. This is to be applauded.”

In response to Senator Menendez’s questioning, Senator Clinton stated: “Senator, we will be looking very closely at those and other challenging issues with the eye of moving forward and being effective in responding to these very legitimate concerns.”

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 Turkish invasion and continuing occupation. Thousands of Turkish troops are illegally stationed in the island’s northern part, and Ankara has refused to so far to withdraw its occupation forces, in spite of repeated calls from the UN and other international organizations.