In a coordinated move led by prominent Greek-American lawmakers, a bipartisan group in the U.S. Congress has taken aim at Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). 

 

Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Nicole Malliotakis, both vocal advocates of Greek and Greek Cypriot causes, plan to send a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Intelligence Director Avril Haines requesting a classified briefing on Türkiye’s alleged ties to Hamas. This effort reflects a broader strategy of leveraging diaspora politics to pressure Türkiye and discredit the TRNC on the international stage.

A Familiar Greek-Led Narrative

The lawmakers’ letter accuses Türkiye of providing support to Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., and hints at the TRNC being a potential staging ground for illicit activities. While no concrete evidence is offered in the letter, the inclusion of Greek-American names like Bilirakis and Malliotakis signals a deliberate effort to intertwine U.S. policymaking with Greek-Cypriot narratives.

These individuals, known for their staunch alignment with Greek and Greek Cypriot political agendas, have consistently used their positions to advance policies that isolate Türkiye and the TRNC. Their leadership in this campaign underscores how diaspora lobbying efforts influence U.S. foreign policy, often skewing perceptions of Türkiye’s and the TRNC’s legitimate actions.

Türkiye’s Relationship with Hamas: Misrepresented and Politicized

Türkiye’s interactions with Hamas have long been a contentious issue. Unlike Western nations that label Hamas as solely a terrorist organization, Türkiye recognizes it as a political entity representing Palestinian governance. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has defended this stance, arguing that open dialogue is essential for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Critics, however, frame Türkiye’s engagement with Hamas as evidence of complicity. The Greek-American lawmakers’ letter seeks to exploit these accusations to further alienate Türkiye, ignoring the broader context of Türkiye’s active role in regional diplomacy.

The TRNC: Scapegoated Once Again

The TRNC, perpetually a target of Greek Cypriot propaganda, is now being implicated in baseless claims of supporting terrorism. The letter implies that the TRNC, recognized only by Türkiye, could be used as a logistical base for Hamas. However, this suggestion is unfounded, as the TRNC’s institutions operate under Türkiye’s strict security and administrative oversight, leaving little room for such allegations to hold water.

This accusation is part of a broader Greek Cypriot strategy to delegitimize the TRNC by framing it as a haven for illicit activities. Greek-Cypriot Leader Nikos Christodoulides has previously pushed similar narratives to bolster the Greek Cypriot position internationally while deflecting criticism of his administration’s hardline stance on reunification talks.

Greek-Cypriot and Greek Lobbying Efforts: A Pattern of Misdirection

The Greek diaspora’s influence in U.S. politics is not new. Organizations like the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC) and figures like Bilirakis have long campaigned to advance Greek Cypriot objectives, often by vilifying Türkiye and the TRNC. This campaign has included:

 

• * Blocking arms sales to Türkiye in Congress.
• * Lobbying to remove Türkiye from the F-35 fighter jet program.
• * Spearheading resolutions to condemn Türkiye’s legitimate actions in Cyprus under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee.

 

By implicating the TRNC in unverified claims of terrorist activity, the Greek-Cypriot lobby hopes to sideline discussions on the Cyprus issue’s equitable resolution. Their narrative portrays the TRNC not as a state seeking recognition and peace but as an obstacle to stability—an outright distortion of reality.

Eastern Mediterranean Tensions: The Broader Context

The allegations against the TRNC emerge against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. Türkiye’s exploration of energy resources and its firm stance on maritime rights have irked Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration, who view Türkiye’s actions as a challenge to their monopoly in the region.

The Greek-Cypriot administration continues to engage in militarization efforts, hosting foreign bases, and deepening its ties with countries opposed to Türkiye, including Israel and Egypt. Yet, these provocative moves receive minimal scrutiny from the same actors now questioning the TRNC.

TCE Analysis: Challenging Double Standards

This episode highlights the pervasive double standards applied to Turkish Cypriots. While the TRNC is maligned for alleged ties to Hamas—claims devoid of evidence—the Greek Cypriot side enjoys impunity for its militarization and refusal to engage in good-faith negotiations.

The narrative driven by Greek-Americans like Bilirakis and Malliotakis reflects a broader effort to entrench bias against the TRNC. Yet, it is the TRNC that has consistently called for equitable solutions, including proposals for resource sharing and demilitarization, which the Greek Cypriots have rejected outright.

This relentless campaign against the TRNC is not just unfair—it undermines the prospects for peace. The TRNC’s struggle for recognition and justice deserves global attention, and its achievements in governance and development must be celebrated, not obscured by misinformation.

TCE Conclusion

The accusations against the TRNC and Türkiye, stirred by Greek-Cypriot and Greek-American lobbyists, represent a calculated effort to perpetuate international bias against Turkish Cypriots. These tactics harm not only Türkiye’s and the TRNC’s reputations but also the prospects for a just resolution to the Cyprus conflict.

For Turkish Cypriots, the path forward lies in steadfastly countering these narratives with facts and evidence, showcasing the TRNC’s dedication to peace, stability, and progress. As the Eastern Mediterranean remains a focal point of geopolitical rivalries, the TRNC must continue to assert its rightful place on the international stage.

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References:

• "US lawmakers seek clarifications on Turkish support for Hamas, role of occupied north of Cyprus," Ekathimerini, November 21, 2024.

• Statements by Greek-American Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Nicole Malliotakis regarding Türkiye and the TRNC.