Pappas, Bilirakis, Titus, Malliotakis Introduce Bipartisan End the Cyprus Embargo Act

Today Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), co-chairs and vice co-chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, reintroduced the End the Cyprus Embargo Act, bipartisan legislation that would extend the waiver renewal period for the arms embargo on the Republic of Cyprus from one year to five years. This change will bolster the historic growth in U.S.-Cypriot relations, enhance bilateral cooperation, and advance U.S. security interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. 

Over the past two decades, U.S.-Cyprus relations have strengthened substantially, with Cyprus emerging as a pivotal ally for U.S. interests and regional stability. The Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019 authorized the President to waive the arms embargo on an annual basis. However, the annual renewal requirement restricts Cyprus’s ability to plan and procure U.S. defense articles effectively, compromises U.S.-Cypriot military interoperability, impedes joint research on cybersecurity and maritime security, and diminishes the effectiveness of the National Guard State Partnership Program in Cyprus.

“The Republic of Cyprus is a steadfast democratic ally in the Eastern Mediterranean and an essential partner in ensuring regional security,” said Congressman Pappas. “This policy change will better empower U.S.-Cyprus bilateral relations, support our mutual commitment to collaboration on security and defense, and improve long-term planning and procurement coordination."

“Cyprus has proven itself to be a valued and reliable partner for the United States,” said Congressman Bilirakis.  “Giving Cyprus planning certainty will allow the partnership to continue to flourish and will prove mutually beneficial for both nations and our allies.” 

“Cyprus is a key partner in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the U.S. must continue making efforts to improve diplomatic relations between our two countries,” said Congresswoman Titus. “Reducing the number of necessary embargo reviews for aid to Cyprus will allow this important ally to strategically plan for the future while supporting U.S. security interests abroad.”

"For too long, the United States has maintained an outdated and counterproductive embargo on the sale of defense materials and services to the Republic of Cyprus,” Congresswoman Malliotakis said. “Our legislation seeks to correct this by recognizing Cyprus as a key strategic partner in the Eastern Mediterranean and allow for the responsible export of U.S. defense items to support our shared security interests. By strengthening Cyprus's ability to defend itself, we can promote greater stability in the region.”

The End the Cyprus Embargo Act will solidify U.S.-Cypriot relations, foster long-term planning and cooperation, and ensure interoperability with regional allies. Specifically, this legislation will: 

• Extend the waiver renewal period for the arms embargo from one year to five years.
• Permit the President to reconsider the arms embargo waiver only every five years following its enactment.
• Prohibit the President from terminating the waiver unless Congress receives certification that the Republic of Cyprus is no longer:
  • Cooperating with U.S. efforts to implement anti-money laundering regulations and financial oversight reforms; and
  • Denying Russian military vessels access to ports for refueling and servicing.

This legislation is supported by the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), Coordinated Effort of Hellenes, the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), and PSKEA (International Coordinating Committee - Justice for Cyprus).