AHC Represented at the 41st Annual PSEKA Cyprus Conference in Washington, D.C.
PSEKA — International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus
The 41st Annual PSEKA Cyprus Conference, organized by the International Coordinating Committee – Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), was held in Washington, D.C., from June 9–11, 2026, bringing together government officials, Members of Parliament, diplomats, and advocates committed to advancing the cause of Cyprus and strengthening U.S.–Cyprus relations.
Representing the American Hellenic Council (AHC), Board Member and Vice President of Political Advocacy Anna Yallourakis attended the conference and participated in discussions and meetings focused on developments affecting Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean, and regional security.
Among the distinguished speakers were the Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States, His Excellency Evangelos Savva; the Ambassador of Greece to the United States, His Excellency Antonis Alexandridis; Cyprus Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis; Cyprus Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry George Papanastasiou; and Member of Parliament Geadis Geadi.
The conference also featured remarks by Dr. Iosif Violaris, Mayor of Kyrenia, and Marios Zambakides, Mayor of Kythrea, representing occupied municipalities of Cyprus. Their addresses underscored the continuing consequences of the Turkish occupation and highlighted the importance of sustained engagement with congressional leaders and international partners.
A principal theme throughout the conference was the remarkable strengthening of U.S.–Cyprus relations. Over the past year, the Republic of Cyprus has further solidified its position as one of America’s most reliable strategic partners in the Eastern Mediterranean, with increasing U.S. military, naval, and maritime activity utilizing Cyprus as a key regional hub.
Participants highlighted several important developments contributing to this growing partnership, including the advancement of the Cyprus arms embargo waiver through the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee. In addition, Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, reaffirmed that congressional holds remain in place on Turkish arms transactions and reiterated that the sale or delivery of F-35 aircraft to Turkey will remain blocked until the issue surrounding Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system is fully resolved.
Members of Congress also expressed strong opposition to reports regarding Turkey’s deployment of F-16 fighter aircraft to occupied Cyprus. Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) called for the immediate withdrawal of Turkish F-16s and other U.S.-made platforms, while Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY) characterized the deployment as an unacceptable action that threatens the sovereignty and stability of the Republic of Cyprus and called for its reversal.
Conference participants were also inspired by the remarks of PSEKA President Philip Christopher, who traces his roots to occupied Kyrenia and has devoted decades to advocating for the reunification and reintegration of Cyprus. Reflecting on more than five decades since the Turkish invasion, Christopher reaffirmed PSEKA’s commitment to pursuing justice, defending human rights, and advancing the cause of a reunited Cyprus through peaceful means and international engagement.
The American Hellenic Council remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen U.S.–Greece–Cyprus relations and to ensuring that Hellenic and Cypriot priorities continue to be heard by policymakers in Washington and beyond.