WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives this morning adopted an amendment offered by Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) to the National Defense Authorization Act regarding the U.S. arms embargo in Cyprus and its impact on U.S. national security interests. The amendment requires the Secretaries of Defense and State to submit a report to Congress assessing the impact of the embargo on Cyprus’ national security and counterterrorism efforts. The embargo, which dates back to 1992, does not reflect the current relationship Cyprus has with the United States as a key ally and strategic partner in the Global War on Terror. Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) co-sponsored the amendment.

Congressman Cicilline issued the following statement:

“For more than 20 years, the United States has banned the export of defensive weapons to the Republic of Cyprus. In light of the integral role that Cyprus has played in the Global War on Terror by opening its ports and airports for missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is important that the United States end this outdated policy so that we can strengthen ties with one of our most important strategic partners.”

“The amendment adopted in the House today will require an in-depth assessment of the full impact that our ban on the export of defensive weapons has taken on the national security interests of the Republic of Cyprus and its ability to fight terrorism. I thank my colleagues for their support, especially Congressman Gus Bilirakis for co-sponsoring this measure, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to identify new opportunities to strengthen our nation’s relationship with the Republic of Cyprus.”