The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) marked the 52nd anniversary of the 1974 invasion of Cyprus with a congressional event on Capitol Hill, bringing together U.S. lawmakers, diplomats and experts to discuss the island’s unresolved division.
The September 16 event was organized in cooperation with the Congressional Hellenic Caucus and focused on the continuing impact of the Cyprus issue, U.S.-Cyprus relations and efforts toward a lasting settlement.
U.S. Lawmakers and Diplomats Address Cyprus
The event featured remarks from members of Congress, including Reps. Gus Bilirakis, Rob Menendez, Gabe Amo, Nicole Malliotakis, Dina Titus and George Latimer, as well as Sen. Chris Van Hollen.
Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States Evangelos Savva and Ambassador of Greece to the United States Antonis Alexandridis also addressed the gathering. Speakers discussed the consequences of the 1974 invasion, displaced Cypriot families, missing persons and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
AHI President Nick Larigakis hosted the event, which also included Gregory Graves, a George Washington University Ph.D. candidate who has researched the Cyprus issue.
Continued Focus on Cyprus
Several members of Congress spoke about U.S.-Cyprus relations and the importance of continued attention to the Cyprus issue.
Sen. Van Hollen referred to the possibility of renewed U.N.-led talks, while other lawmakers discussed regional security, energy cooperation and the U.S. relationship with Cyprus and Greece.
The American Hellenic Institute said the commemoration was intended to keep attention focused on the consequences of the 1974 events and the ongoing efforts to address the Cyprus issue.
