Philip Christopher: “As Cyprus becomes a much more important partner of the United States, the changes of removing the Turkish troops and ending the occupation become better
Washington, DC.- By Apostolos Zoupaniotis
Greek-American and Cypriot-American leaders from across the United States representing major national and local organizations of the community will be gathering in Washington, DC for the 31st Annual Cyprus and Hellenic Leadership Conference June 3-5. The Government of Cyprus will be represented by the Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian Issues and Overseas Cypriots Photis Photiou.
The conference is aiming to show the importance Cyprus can play as a strategic partner of the United States, in a volatile area and influence high-level administration officials who formulate U.S. policy toward Cyprus, Greece and Turkey.
“Unlike last year that we were commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Turkish invasion, this year is going to become a much more tactful conference”, said Philip Christopher, the President of the International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA).
Among the participants of the 31st PSEKA Conference will be the ambassadors of Israel, Armenia and Egypt.
“We are basically trying to continue the process of making the Republic of Cyprus a strategic ally of the United States. As we have discussed last time, is not only resolving the division and the occupation of Cyprus; we feel that as Cyprus becomes a much more important partner of the United States, the chances of removing the Turkish troops and ending the occupation become better”, Philip Christopher explained.
“We see now the role of Turkey with ISIS, with Iran and Saudi Arabia. There are new complexities in the region and that’s why the Republic of Cyprus must become part of the triangle with Israel and Egypt, a strong ally of the United States.”
At the opening of the conference, the participants will be briefed on U.S. policy regarding the Cyprus problem, by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Amanda Sloat and possibly the State Department’s Coordinator for Energy Diplomacy Amos Hochstein. “We hope Victoria Nuland will be back from London to attend the conference too”, Christopher added.
The conference will conclude with a White House briefing by the National Security Advisor of Vice President Biden, Colin Kahl, and other NSC officials. Vice President Biden was also scheduled to attend, but his plans may change after the death of his son Beau Biden on Saturday.
“Our meeting with the State Department, the National Security Council, Vice President Biden and others that we will see, will be focused on the strategic situation of building the Republic of Cyprus as a key strategic ally of the United States; for not only anti-terrorism or anti-money laundering but for all the issues the U.S. is facing in the area. It is in the best interest of the United States to have a united and free Cyprus. That’s the message we are trying to convey”, Philip Christopher said in an interview.
He also said the Greek American leadership has spoken to the State Department about statements made recently by US Ambassador to Cyprus John Koenig.
“They apologized, they said their positions are the same and we are looking forward”, he added.
Reaching the 41st anniversary of the Turkish invasion, the disappointment of the lack of a solution is obvious.
“I know there is some type of optimism in view of the election of the new Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci. However, we have seen this before and we know the basic problem is Turkey. The key to the solution is in Ankara and we haven’t seen enough progress from there”.
The Greek American leadership is also criticizing the Obama administration for having illusions regarding statements from Turkey about a political will for a solution.
“Unfortunately there two issues. One, that the USA has never put the appropriate pressure on Turkey, for Ankara to recognize that this was an illegal invasion and a continuing illegal occupation. Turkey has administrated over the years that there are two things that don’t change. The Kurdish issue and the Cyprus issue”, he said.
It’s unfortunate that although in the administration there are people like Senator Kerry – now Secretary of State – and former Senator and now Vice President Biden, two of the best experts in foreign policy and we cannot get across the State Department that Turkey is not a reliable ally. There is no question that Turkey has 800.000 NATO troops, a big economy and we have to treat them like an ally. But true allies do not occupy other nations”, said Christopher.
Participants will also meet with over 45 key U.S. Senators and Members of Congress who serve on the relevant committees and subcommittees, and others, who play a major role in policy.
Recently, the House of Representatives passed a bill that includes an amendment by congressmen Cicilline and Bilirakis, that requires the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State to jointly submit to the appropriate congressional committees “an assessment of the military capability of the Republic of Cyprus to defend against threats to its national security, including threats posed by hostile foreign governments and international terrorist groups.” The two secretaries are to submit the joint report no later than 90 days after the NDAA is enacted. This will allow Cyprus to buy certain U.S. made arms that are necessary to defend itself.
The bill is now in the Senate. “This is going to be one of our highlights”, Philip Christopher said.
“We are working behind the scenes for a long period of time. We are going to work with members of the Senate, trying to pass it through and hopefully we are going to be effective. We will use this conference to lobby for this particular amendment.”
At the official Dinner, on Thursday, White House Communications Director and Former State Department Spokesperson Jennifer Psaki will be honored with the Athens/Livanos Award.
Senate Democratic Leader-designate, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) will receive the Frizis Award.
Among the members of Congress that will be honored during the sessions are, Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY), Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Congressman Elliot Engel (D-NY), Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD).