A bipartisan group of federal lawmakers from New Jersey and New York has introduced a bill aimed at strengthening security in the Eastern Mediterranean. According to the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS), the United States–Greece–Israel–Cyprus Counterterrorism and Maritime Security Partnership Act seeks to deepen the ties between the United States, Israel, Greece, and Cyprus.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, New Jersey) stated that the growing strategic cooperation among the four countries was considered a significant asset for their shared interests in the region, particularly in enhancing their collective ability to combat terrorism.
He further noted that, whether in the Eastern Mediterranean or elsewhere, there was no substitute for strong US leadership and close collaboration with allies.
The bill proposes the creation of joint training programmes focused on counterterrorism and maritime security, improvements to US military installations in Greece and Cyprus, and the removal of remaining restrictions on arms sales to Cyprus, a portion of which remains under Turkish occupation.
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (Republican, New York) stressed the vital importance of strengthening cooperation between the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus on counterterrorism and maritime security issues, adding that this collaboration must continue to grow.
The bill is also supported by Representatives Tom Kean (Republican, New Jersey) and Dan Goldman (Democrat, New York).
B’nai B’rith International commented that the new legislation would reinforce cooperation between the United States and its democratic allies within the Greece–Cyprus–Israel triangle, contribute to regional stability, and address emerging threats in one of the world’s most strategically critical areas.
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