WASHINGTON, D.C. –
The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to condemn Turkey’s recent deployment of six F-16 fighter aircraft to the illegally occupied northern portion of the Republic of Cyprus.
In a letter to Secretary Rubio, AHI President Nick Larigakis called on the Administration to publicly condemn the deployment and engage directly with Turkey to secure the withdrawal of the aircraft from occupied Cyprus.
Larigakis warned that the deployment risks heightening tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and raises serious questions about the appropriate use of U.S.-supplied defense equipment. He noted that the aircraft were obtained through U.S. defense cooperation programs and remain subject to restrictions under the Arms Export Control Act, which requires that U.S.-origin defense articles be used only for legitimate self-defense and in ways consistent with U.S. foreign policy and international law.
“Simply stated, this deployment significantly escalates the threat Turkey poses to the Republic of Cyprus,” Larigakis wrote.
AHI reaffirmed its support for strong U.S. leadership in promoting stability, respect for international law, and responsible security cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
- Read the AHI letter to Secretary Rubio AHI_Letter_to_Secretary_Rubio
