Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen’s Op-Ed on Cyprus Published in the Washington Times

WASHINGTON, DC—On Wednesday, November 26, 2003, the Washington Times published an article written by Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). In her article, "Cyprus Ripe for Reunification?" Rep. Ros-Lehtinen reiterated the commitment of the United States, the United Nations and the EU to a reunited Cyprus by 2004, but she also stressed that particularly now, the time is propitious for reunification. "While every administration, both Democratic and Republican, has pursued this goal since 1974, only recently has America’s collective political will to solve the problem reached critical mass."

Rep. Ros-Lehtinen directly accused Turkey for the situation in Cyprus and highlighted that any responsibility for the impediment of a solution lies on Turkey and Turco-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. "Turkey’s intransigence is bewildering. Here is a member of NATO illegally occupying what will soon be a member of the EU—the very family of nations Turkey urgently needs and wants to join- and continuing to deny the opportunity for both Greek and Turkish Cypriots to reunite their country and face a common future as a European nation."

AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis stated: "The American Hellenic Institute applauds Rep. Ros-Lehtinen’s ongoing commitment to advancing a solution to the Cyprus problem in the Congress. For many years she has been a very vocal and active member in the Congress regarding Cyprus and other issues affecting U.S.-Greek relations. The AHI takes pride in the special relationship that we have established over the years with Rep. Ros-Lehtinen and her fine staff. As matter of fact it was our members at the "grassroots" level in Miami, led by Mr. Gus Andy and the late John Haralambides who first met with Rep. Ros-Lehtinen in her home many years ago to introduce the Cyprus issue to her."

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen’s article follows (click here). For additional information, please contact Angeliki Vassiliou at (202) 785-8430 or at angeliki@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our Web site at https://www.ahiworld.org.

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The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) and its affiliate organizations, the American Hellenic Institute Public Affairs Committee (AHIPAC), the American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF), and the AHI Business Network, a division of the AHI, are working together under one roof, to provide a joint program for strengthening United States relations with Greece and Cyprus and within the American Hellenic community.