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 a key strategic partner and signed a Statement of Intent with the United States on November 6, 2018, to enhance bilateral security cooperation. The countries of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel have participated in critical trilateral summits to improve cooperation on energy and security issues. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo participated in the trilateral summit among Israel, Greece, and Cyprus on March 20, 2019. All four countries oppose any action in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea that could challenge stability, violate international law, or undermine good neighborly relations, and in a joint declaration on March 21, 2019, agreed to defend against external malign influences in the Eastern Mediterranean and the broader Middle East . The recent discovery of potentially the region’s largest natural gas field off the Egyptian coast and the newest discoveries of natural gas off the Cypriot coast could represent a significant positive development for the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, enhancing the region’s strategic energy significance. Turkish government officials have expressed an intent to purchase the S–400 system from the Russian Federation, which could trigger the imposition of mandatory sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act ( Public Law 115–44 ). 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. 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 2 percent of its gross domestic product
(GDP)to defense in accordance with commitments made at the 2014 NATO Summit in Wales. Energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean region must be safeguarded against threats posed by terrorist and extremist groups, including Hezbollah and any other actor in the region. 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 the Republic of Cyprus through information sharing agreements. United States officials have assisted the Government of the Republic of Cyprus with crafting that nation’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. The Republic of Cyprus is a valued member of the Proliferation Security Initiative to combat the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction. The Republic of Cyprus continues to work closely with the United Nations and regional partners in Europe to combat terrorism and violent extremism. Despite robust economic and security relations with the United States, the Republic of Cyprus has been subject to a United States prohibition on the export of defense articles and services since 1987. The 1987 arms prohibition was designed to restrict United States arms sales and transfer to the Republic of 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 with some weapons procured from the United States through mainland Turkey. While the United States has, as a matter of policy, avoided the provision of defense articles and services to the Republic of Cyprus, the Government of Cyprus has, in the past, sought to obtain defense articles from other countries, including 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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