AHI Commends Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME) for her Initiative to Request Clarification from the Transportation Security Administration Officials Regarding Recent Actions in Occupied Cyprus

WASHINGTON, DC—On November 29, 2004 Senator Olympia J. Snowe sent a letter to Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and Secretary of Homeland Security Thomas J. Ridge that voices concerns about the recent visit by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials to the occupied part of Cyprus to investigate the possibility of flights into the airports at Tymbou and Lefkoniko. Senator Snowe asks for clarification regarding the purpose of the TSA visit and its implications to U.S. foreign and aviation policy to Cyprus.

Senator Snowe’s letter highlights the problems concerning the TSA actions because they contradict international codes and standards as well as U.S. foreign policy, which is evident in the Foreign Assistance Act.

Senator Snowe states:

"These actions raise troubling issues related to international civil aviation and United States foreign policy. As you know, the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 sets forth our policy on Cyprus. Specifically, Section 602c of that Act makes clear that United States policy supports the free government of Cyprus and the withdrawal of all Turkish military forces on Cyprus. Consistent with this policy, the United States does not recognize the self-declared "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus." Thus, the entire island, including the northern area presently occupied by Turkish troops, is the sovereign territory of the Republic of Cyprus. This United States policy is supported by two separate UN Security Council Resolutions, Resolution 541 (1983) and Resolution 550 (1984)."

"AHI congratulates Senator Olympia Snowe on her excellent letter and initiative regarding the questioning of the recent TSA officials visit to occupied Cyprus. Her letter demonstrates her concern over this decision by the TSA, which in addition to its illegal ramifications, raises concerns regarding a possible shift of U.S. policy towards Cyprus," said AHI President Gene Rossides.

Please find the letter by Senator Snowe attached.

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For additional information, please contact Georgia Economou at (202) 785-8430 or at georgia@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our Web site at http://www.ahiworld.org.

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