AHEPA Asks Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Demand Immediate Release by Turkey its 5 Elderly Greek-Cypriot Prisoners

The Letter Reads as Such:

“Dear Secretary Rubio:

On behalf of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Order of AHEPA), the nation’s largest and oldest grassroots service organization for American citizens of Hellenic heritage and Philhellenes, I write to convey how deeply troubled and alarmed we are by the ongoing unlawful detention of five elderly Greek Cypriot citizens who were visiting their former properties on trumped-up charges by the Turkish occupation government in northern Cyprus.

As American citizens deeply disturbed by the carelessly brutal occupation of the Republic of Cyprus, and concerned for the welfare of these five individuals, the upholding of due process, as well as for peace and stability in the region, we call upon our government to take the following decisive actions:

Demand an immediate and unconditional release of the five detained Greek Cypriots
Hold Turkey accountable for its actions and use all means possible to end the illegal occupation of the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state and strategic partner of the United States

This is the latest of many unfortunate instances of Ankara and the Erdogan regime defying international law and needlessly escalating their already cruel and illegal occupation of the Republic of Cyprus through their puppet regime in the north for over half a century.

As you are well aware, roughly 40,000 Turkish soldiers are stationed unlawfully in northern Cyprus, and approximately 160,000 Cypriots are displaced from their homes, prohibited from ever returning. Secretary Rubio, the U.S. government’s immediate engagement will signal to the international community the U.S.’s commitment to stability and justice.”

Thank you for your attention on this matter,

E. Chris Kaitson

Supreme President