The American Hellenic Institute brought members of Congress, diplomats, and other officials together in Washington last ...

The American Hellenic Institute brought members of Congress, diplomats, and other officials together in Washington last week to mark the 52nd anniversary of Turkey's 1974 invasion of Cyprus, keeping pressure on policymakers to address what remains an unresolved military occupation. Republican Congressman Gus Bilirakis of Florida praised AHI President Nick Larigakis for his advocacy on Cyprus and called for a just settlement that produces a reunified, sovereign, and secure island. He pointedly reminded Turkey that as a NATO ally, it has an obligation to support regional stability, referencing Ankara's controversial "Blue Homeland" doctrine as a direct obstacle to peace. Senator Chris Van Hollen struck a personal tone, saying thousands of Cypriot families now hold only memories of the homes they were forced to leave during the invasion. He welcomed the possibility of resumed UN-led talks after the UN Secretary-General visited Cyprus in July, saying his view is that the world should never give up on a solution. Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States Evangelos Savva warned that time is working against displaced Cypriots, cautioning that international attention shifts quickly to other crises while the island's division remains frozen. Greece's Ambassador to the US Antonis Alexandridis put it plainly: more than five decades after the invasion, the illegal occupation still endures, and the passage of time does not erase responsibility or turn injustice into a legitimate status quo. He called for accountability, reparations, restitution, and answers on missing persons. His closing line drew a clear line between genuine peace and a frozen conflict that future generations simply inherit. The event was co-hosted with members of Congress and featured Representative George Latimer alongside the other speakers, underlining continued bipartisan awareness of the issue on Capitol Hill. #Cyprus #TurkishInvasion #CyprusIssue