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HRES 17119th CongressIn Committee

Condemning Turkey for its illegal occupation of Cyprus and encouraging President Trump to make the resolution of the Cyprus problem a top foreign policy priority.

Introduced: Jan 7, 2025
View on Congress.gov
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This is a non-binding House resolution that condemns Turkey for its occupation of Cyprus and urges concrete actions and policy emphasis to resolve the Cyprus problem. It reiterates that a lasting settlement should be a bizonal, bicommunal federation within a single state with international personality, and it ties compliance to international law and norms (UN resolutions, EU acquis, ECHR decisions). The text also calls for Turkey to withdraw its occupying forces, cease interference in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and address issues affecting Americans and Cypriots, including property restitution, missing persons, and the status of refugees and settlers. Finally, it asks the President (specifically President Trump) to prioritize the Cyprus issue in U.S. foreign policy. As a resolution, it expresses the views of the House rather than creating enforceable law.

Key Points

  • 1Condemnation and withdrawal demand: Strong condemnation of Turkey’s occupation of Cyprus and a call for Turkey to withdraw all occupying troops from the island (about 35,000 troops cited in the text).
  • 2NATO and democratic principles: Calls on Turkey to adhere to its democratic principles and responsibilities as a NATO ally.
  • 3Settlement framework: Reiterates that a Cyprus settlement should be a bizonal, bicommunal federation within a single sovereign state, guided by international law and relevant frameworks (UN resolutions, EU acquis, ECHR decisions).
  • 4EEZ and settlers/refugees: Urges Turkey to cease interference in the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone and to address the presence of over 200,000 settlers, support repatriation of Greek-Cypriot refugees, and ensure property and human rights considerations (including allowing avenues for American property restitution).
  • 5Policy priority: Encourages President Trump to make resolving the Cyprus problem a top foreign policy priority for his administration, signaling a high-level policy focus.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Cypriot communities (Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots) and the political dynamic on the island.- U.S. citizens with property or interests in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus; families of missing persons.Secondary group/area affected- Turkish government and its policies, including settlers in occupied areas.- NATO allies and European partners, given the reference to NATO obligations and EU frameworks (EU acquis, EU Founding Treaty).- International legal institutions and courts (UN, ECHR) referenced in the resolution.Additional impacts- U.S. foreign policy signaling: The resolution serves as a formal expression of Congressional stance, potentially shaping diplomatic messaging and informing executive branch diplomacy with Turkey and regional players.- Regional stability and energy security considerations in the Eastern Mediterranean, given references to Cyprus’ EEZ and regional geopolitics.- Possible influence on negotiations related to missing persons, property restitution, and refugee issues, though the resolution itself does not create binding obligations.
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