US SENATOR RAISES CYPRUS ISSUE TO CLINTON
s_and_World_News/13554
January 15, 2009
US Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) has raised the importance of
reunifying Cyprus and the demilitarisation of the island to Secretary
of State Designate Hillary Clinton during her confirmation hearing
on Wednesday, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
An announcement issued by the National President of the American
Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), Ike Gulas,
says he has expressed appreciation for Senator Menendez’s remarks.
"We thank Senator Menendez for bringing the Cyprus issue to the
attention of Secretary Designate Clinton," said Gulas.
He added that "raising the Cyprus issue and calling for the island’s
demilitarisation before such a large audience in a significant setting
elevates the issue on America’s foreign policy agenda".
"We can’t take for granted everyone is aware, or realises the scope
of Turkey’s military presence on Cyprus, which of course, needs to
end as Senator Menendez rightfully stated," he stressed.
The Senator, he added, "also urged Senator Clinton to reaffirm the
Armenian Genocide as she has been a long-standing supporter of its
recognition. This is to be applauded."
In response to Senator Menendez’s questioning, Senator Clinton
stated: "Senator, we will be looking very closely at20those and other
challenging issues with the eye of moving forward and being effective
in responding to these very legitimate concerns."
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 Turkish invasion and continuing
occupation. Thousands of Turkish troops are illegally stationed in the
island’s northern part, and Ankara has refused to so far to withdraw
its occupation forces, in spite of repeated calls from the UN and
other international organizations.