WASHINGTON, DC — The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) applauds House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen’s (R-FL) statement cautioning Turkey on its treats to U.S. commercial ships off the coast of Cyprus. She issued the statement on September 22, 2011.

“It is clearly unjustified and indefensible for Turkey to interfere in the lawful agreement between the sovereign Government of Cyprus and the U.S. firm Noble energy to explore the gas fields in Cypriot territorial waters,” said Chairman Ros-Lehtinen.

Chairman Ros-Lehtinen also stated that Turkey’s decision to escalate tensions by increasing its military presence in the Mediterranean poses a threat to U.S. citizens and interests in the region.

She concluded, “I urge the U.S. Administration to press the Turkish government to refrain from any course of action that could provoke an outbreak of violence in the Mediterranean. The Administration must also demand that the Turkish government respect the rights of U.S. companies to conduct their explorations without threats of military interference.”

“We applaud Chairman Ros-Lehtinen’s support for the rule of law and for looking out for the best interests of the United States,” AHI President Nick Larigakis said. ȁHer statement demonstrates the severity of Turkey’s reckless actions and disregard for the rule of law in the region, and the chairman continues to articulate a candid and critical assessment of Turkish government policies. We echo Chairman Ros-Lehtinen’s call for the U.S. Administration to press Turkey to refrain from any course of action that would provoke violence in the eastern Mediterranean.”

The American Hellenic Institute is a non-profit Greek American public policy center that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community. For additional information, contact Demetra Atsaloglou at pr@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please visit the website http://www.ahiworld.org.

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