LOS ANGELES - Jan 28, 2011 - For Immediate Release

On January 25, Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), who chairs the Commission on Security & Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), also known as the US Helsinki Commission brought to the attention of the US Senate Floor the events of Christmas Day 2010 in northern Cyprus.

Mr. Cardin condemned the actions of the Turkish security forces in Cyprus as a gross violation of freedom of religion and freedom of expression. A champion of human rights, Mr. Cardin rightfully placed the events at the Church of Agios Synesios as part of a disturbing pattern of violation of OSCE commitments on the fundamental freedom of religion on behalf of the Turkish military, which is in effective control of the area.

The American Hellenic Council would like to applaud Mr. Cardin's actions and the CSCE's continuous commitment to act as a watchdog in the violation of human rights in the northern occupied part of Cyprus. We congratulate Mr. Cardin for bringing the events of Christmas 2010 to the attention of the US Senate floor. We feel it is very important for the United States Congress to be aware of the situation in northern Cyprus and how basic human rights are frequently violated by the Turkish security forces in control of the area. Mr. Cardin's actions are a great service to both the people of Cyprus as well to the people of the United States who should be aware of what is happening in northern Cyprus.