WASHINGTON, DC (July 21, 2011) — U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) introduced a bill backed by the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) on July 20, 2011 that aims to turn over property that rightfully belongs to the Cypriots and others like U.S. citizens, announced AHI. H.R.2597, the American Owned Property in Occupied Cyprus Claims Act, will enable U.S. citizens who own property in the Turkish-occupied territory to seek financial restitution.

“As advocates for the rule of law, we welcome the introduction of this bill that will provide processes for legal remedies that U.S. citizens can pursue who own property in occupied Cyprus,” said AHI President Nick Larigakis. “By adopting this bill, the U.S. House of Representatives will take a significant step toward correcting one of the many injustices committed by Turkey since its illegal invasion and subsequent occupation of Cyprus. We thank Congressman Pallone for introducing this measure.”

“My legislation, the American Owned Property in Occupied Cyprus Claims Act, will enable U.S. citizens who own property in the Turkish-occupied territory to seek financial remedies,” said Pallone. “Passage of this legislation will not only return rights to U.S. citizens but send an important message to Turkey and the international community that the status quo cannot stand.”

U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), the co-chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, are co-sponsors of the bill.

The American Hellenic Institute is a non-profit Greek American public policy center that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community. For additional information, please contact Demetra Atsaloglou at (202) 785-8430 or at pr@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our website at http://www.ahiworld.org.