Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) is calling on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to act like a U.S. ally and respect Cypriot sovereignty.
In a video within the United Nations (UN) Buffer Zone in Cyprus, Sen. Scott addresses Turkey’s continued military occupation of the northern part of the island.
“This is all caused by Turkey and Erdoğan,” Sen. Scott said, blaming the Turkish government for the UN-patrolled buffer zone and urging it to stop its “invasion” of the island.
Sen. Scott affirmed that Cyprus is meant to be a fully independent country with the power for its citizens to make their own choices.
“Supposedly Erdoğa wants to be an ally to the United States. Wants to be a friend to the United States. They’re a member of NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization]. Why don’t they act like an ally?” Sen. Scott questioned. “Cyprus needs to come together. We don’t need a buffer zone.”
Sen. Scott Visit To the Mediterranean
Sen. Scott’s video comes amid his visit to the island nation to reaffirm U.S. support for Cyprus’ sovereignty and to discuss American interests in the Mediterranean, like the Great Sea Interconnector Project, a major submarine power cable meant to link the electricity grids of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.
Sen. Scott has been a staunch critic of Turkey, previously affirming that the nation “is not our friend” despite its NATO membership.
U.S.-Turkey's Complex Relationship
U.S.-Turkey relations remain complex amid conflicts over Cyprus’ sovereignty and the nation’s relationship with Russia.
President Donald Trump previously toyed with the idea of selling American F-35 fighter jets and lifting economic sanctions on Turkey during the NATO annual summit – an idea that sparked sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers.
Since 2017, the U.S. and Turkey have been engaged in a political impasse after Erdoğan approved the purchase of Russian military technology.
As concerns over Cypriot independence loom, the U.S.-Turkey relationship remains contentious.
