AHIPAC Senate Testimony Condemns U.S. Application of Double Standard Toward Turkey on Cyprus and the Kurds, Advocates Closer Relationships With Greece and Cyprus to Advance U.S. Interests

On April 28, 1999, Eugene T. Rossides provided testimony on the Administration's foreign aid proposals to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations. A copy is attached.

The statement supports the amount of $15 million in humanitarian aid for Cyprus. This aid is an important symbol of U.S. support for Cyprus and of the U.S. commitment to achieving a comprehensive solution.

The statement highlights Turkey's negative role in terms of its violations of human rights and international law. These have made Turkey the prime source of many of the region's problems. The statement called upon Congress to initiate a critical review of U.S. policy toward Turkey, including the cover-up role of the State Department regarding Cyprus, U.S. complicity in Turkish oppression of the Kurds and overlooking Turkey's violations of U.S. law. The statement expresses concern about the NATO action in Kosovo and contrasts the U.S. and NATO intervention there with their inaction on the issue of the Kurds and Cyprus. This is a double standard toward Turkey.

The statement the statement highlights the positive roles played by Greece and Cyprus in advancing U.S. regional interests. Both countries are vigorous democracies. Greece is the only regional country which is both a member of the EU and NATO. Cyprus has established itself as a regional center of international business and finance and started substantive accession negotiations with the EU. The statement commends Greece's positive role in humanitarian relief for Kosovo. It recommends that U.S. should maximize these opportunities by developing a closer relationship with both countries.

Mr. Rossides' statement was made on behalf of the American Hellenic Institute Public Affairs Committee in conjunction with the Hellenic American National Council, the Hellenic American Women's Council, the Cyprus Federation of America, the Pan Laconian Federation of the U.S.A. and Canada, the Pan Cretan Association of America and the Pan Karpathian Progressive Association.

The testimony together with Exhibit 1, the 1999 Greek American Policy Statements may be found in AHI Press Release Number 5 and on the AHI web page.