Sec. 2. Findings
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Congress makes the following findings: The security of partners and allies in the Eastern Mediterranean region is critical to the security of the United States and Europe. Greece is a valuable member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO)and a key pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. Israel is a steadfast ally of the United States and has been designated a major non-NATO ally and major strategic partner . Cyprus is an important partner in the Eastern Mediterranean and signed a Statement of Intent with the United States on July 10, 2018, to enhance bilateral security cooperation. The countries of Israel, Greece, and Cyprus participate in a critical trilateral dialogue to improve cooperation on energy and security issues. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo participated in the trilateral dialogue among the three countries on March 20, 2019. All three countries oppose any action in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea that could challenge stability, violate international law, or undermine good neighborly relations. The recent discovery of a large natural gas field off the Egyptian coast and the newest discoveries of natural gas off of the Cypriot coast could represent a significant positive development for the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East and may offer new economic opportunities in the region provided ecologically sound extraction methods protect the regional environment. The Government of Turkey has expressed an intent to purchase the S–400 missile defense system from the Russian Federation, which could trigger the imposition of mandatory sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act ( Public Law 115–114 ). It is in the national security interests of the United States to promote, achieve, and maintain energy security among, and through cooperation with, allies. Natural gas developments in the Eastern Mediterranean have the potential to provide economic gains and contribute to energy security in the region and Europe, as well as support European efforts to diversify away from natural gas supplied by the Russian Federation. The soon to be completed Trans Adriatic pipeline is a critical component of the Southern Gas Corridor and the European Union’s efforts to diversify energy resources. The proposed Eastern Mediterranean pipeline if commercially viable would provide for energy diversification in accordance with the European Union’s third energy package of reforms. Cooperation between the United States, Cyprus, and Greece for the purpose of research and development of energy sources would be in the national interests of not only the United States, but also Israel, and other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa with similar natural gas finds. The United States acknowledges the achievements and importance of the Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation
(BIRD)and the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation
(BSF)and supports continued multiyear funding to ensure the continuity of the programs of the Foundations. The United States has welcomed Greece’s allocation of two percent of its gross domestic product
(GDP)to defense in accordance with commitments made at the 2014 NATO Summit in Wales. Energy exploration efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean region must be safeguarded against threats posed by terrorist and extremist groups, including Hezbollah and others. The energy exploration in the Republic of Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone and territorial waters— furthers United States interests by providing a potential alternative to Russian gas for United States allies and partners; and should not be impeded by other sovereign states. The United States Government cooperates closely with the Government of Cyprus through numerous bilateral agreements. United States officials have assisted the Government of Cyprus with crafting that country’s national security strategy. The United States Government provides training to Cypriot officials in areas such as cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and explosive ordnance disposal and stockpile management. Cyprus is a valued member of the Proliferation Security Initiative to combat the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction. Cyprus continues to work closely with the United Nations and regional partners in Europe to combat terrorism and violent extremism. Cyprus has been used as an offshore banking hub. While Cyprus is working to upgrade its anti-money laundering legal framework, the Department of State’s 2019 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) noted that, the Cypriot financial system is vulnerable to money laundering by domestic and foreign criminal enterprises and individuals and that organized criminal groups and others have reportedly used Cypriot banks to launder proceeds, particularly from Russian and Ukrainian illicit activity. As of February 2019, Cyprus has taken steps to address legitimate criticism of its use of investor citizenship schemes (known as golden passports ), which have in the past allowed Russian oligarchs under United States sanctions to obtain Cypriot passports and gain full access to the European Union. United Nations Security Council Resolution 1251
(1999)noted grave concern at the continuing excessive levels of military forces and armaments in the Republic of Cyprus and the rate at which they are being expanded, upgraded and modernized and called upon all concerned to commit themselves to … limiting and then substantially reducing the level of all troops and armaments in the Republic of Cyprus. . A 1987 United States arms prohibition was designed to restrict United States arms sales and transfer to Cyprus and the occupied part of Cyprus to avoid hindering reunification efforts. At least 40,000 Turkish troops are stationed in the occupied part of Cyprus. While the United States has, as a matter of policy, avoided the provision of defense articles and services to Cyprus, the Government of Cyprus has, in the past, sought to obtain defense articles from other countries, such as Russia, that pose challenges to United States interests around the world.
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Sec. 2
Findings
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