Dear Tom,
As you know,
I have been a Member of Congress for more than twenty-two years and I have
been working hard at keeping the concerns of my fellow Hellenes in the
forefront of debate in the United States House of Representatives.
Cyprus is an
issue, which weighs heavily in the hearts and minds of Greek-Americans and
Cypriot-Americans and one which has become more difficult to garner
support for since the rejection of the Annan plan by the Greek-Cypriots
last April.
Last month,
a handful of Congressmen were invited by a group called the Friends of
Turkey to visit Turkey and Cyprus. I explained to some of the members
scheduled to fly there that direct flights into Ercan airport in the
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are inconsistent with
principles of international law, long-standing
United States policy regarding reunification of the island and are
in violation of local Cypriot law. It is indisputable that international
agreements mandate that flights cannot enter a country’s airspace
without the consent of the sovereign government. Despite my discussions
with them, they decided to fly directly to the illegal airport in the
occupied part of Cyprus. It has come to my attention that one of these
Members plan on introducing a bill, which permit U.S. airlines to fly
directly to the TRNC.
Now, I have
recently learned that Friends of Turkey plans to fly fifty congressional
staff and their families the beginning of August to Cyprus through the
Ercan airport. I believe it is critical for constituents to bring this
important issue regarding travel to Cyprus to the attention of their
congressional Member and his staff. Therefore, I am attaching a copy of a
letter which I sent to all Members of Congress and their staff informing
them of the legal issues regarding flying directly into an illegal port of
entry in the TRNC.
Time is of
the essence, so I hope that you will join me in this effort by calling,
emailing or faxing your congressman to let him know that although you
encourage him to visit Cyprus, you expect him to respect the sovereignty
of Cyprus and enter through the designated ports of entry in the southern
part (Larnaca or Paphos airports).
I appreciate
your help in this matter.
Sincerely
yours,
Michael Bilirakis
Member of Congress
