Supreme President Kaitson Demands Turkey Withdraw F-16 Fighter Jets from Northern Cyprus

AHEPA Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson joins U.S. Representatives in demanding Turkey withdraw its F-16 fighter jets from occupied northern Cyprus, calling the deployment a violation of American arms export law.

Nevada Representative Dina Titus condemned the move as "unjustifiably provocative," saying it proves Turkey is an "unreliable ally." She also called on the President to block any F-35 sale to Ankara and to keep CAATSA sanctions firmly in place.

Florida Representative Gus Bilirakis went further, calling the deployment a "clear affront to Cyprus's sovereignty," and a "reckless step that will further escalate tensions and instability in the region." He directly called on President Erdogan to reverse course immediately. Additionally, Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has already made the same demand.

The Supreme President cites the Arms Export Control Act, which requires that U.S.-made military equipment sold to foreign governments be used only for legitimate defense purposes or other uses approved by Washington. Since the U.S. recognizes only the Republic of Cyprus as the island's legitimate government, deploying jets in the occupied north raises serious questions regarding whether Turkey is in breach of the terms under which it received the aircraft.

AHEPA has stood beside Cyprus since the illegal occupation in 1974. 

AHEPA’s National Parthenon Committee Invites all Sons of Pericles and all Maids of Athena to participate in the (Mock) Trial of a Lifetime at the AHEPA 104th Annual Supreme Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 26 – 31, 2026.

THE PARTIES:

The Hellenic Republic of Greece v. The British Museum and the United Kingdom

THE CASE:

Who Owns the Parthenon Sculptures?

AHEPA will provide the Courtroom, the witnesses, and the judge - YOU try the case!

Email completed applications to AHEPA’s National Parthenon Committee Chairman

Michael J. Reppas II, Esq., LL.M.

First, as an American-based organization, the Order of AHEPA is particularly mindful that U.S. service members stand on the front lines and in harm’s way in the ongoing war with Iran. We honor the service and sacrifice of American troops and mourn the loss of American lives.

In a statement, Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson stated, "AHEPA expresses deep concern for air security threats and condemns reported attempted drone strikes affecting Cyprus, including the recent incident that prompted Greek fighter jets to scramble following a suspected aerial threat approaching the island."

AHEPA stands in full solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus and welcomes the swift actions taken by Greek, Cypriot authorities, and their partners to reinforce the island’s security, deter further aggression, and ensure the safety of the Cypriot people. We commend the vigilance of Cypriot authorities and the support of Greece and allied partners.

Join the Sons of Pericles for a basketball tournament in Atlanta, Georgia April 17-19, 2026.

Registration for teams is open until April 7, 2026.

Team fee is $400 for teams of 5-10 players. Anybody interested in playing who does not have a team can contact the SOP Supreme Lodge at sopsupremelodge@gmail.com

Join the AHEPA Family at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown from July 26 - July 31 in the city of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, PA! We have an amazing week planned for you and hope you'll be able to join us! Please visit the links below for all you need to get involved! Registration forms will be available shortly.

The AHEPA Family returns to Capitol Hill this year on May 14, 2026! If you plan on joining the AHEPA Family at this annual event, please visit the link below and fill out the form.

The Winter 2025 issue of The AHEPAN has arrived! Get a sneak peek of it at the link below!

Read the Winter AHEPAN

The AHEPA Publications committee is now accepting submissions for the annual publications competition, in which District or Chapter publications (newsletters etc.) are eligible to win awards at the 2026 AHEPA Supreme Convention in Philadelphia, PA.

If your Chapter or District wishes to have a publication considered, please contact committee chair John Melonopoulos via email to john.melonopoulos@comcast.net in order to request a questionnaire.

The deadline for competition submissions is April 30, 2026. Applicants must submit two copies of their publication with a properly completed questionnaire.

Is your Chapter or District hosting an event you want publicized on a National Level? Starting this week, you can submit your event to have it posted on the AHEPA Website!

Fill out the form linked below with your event information to have it publicized. Remember that this information will be public on our website, so keep that in mind before you submit personal phone numbers or home addresses. We recommend listing an email address as a point of contact rather than a telephone number.

April

15 | AHEPA Athletics Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Nomination Deadline

17-19 | Sons of Pericles Greeks in Atlanta Basketball Tournament

30 | AHEPA Publications Committee Submission Deadline

May

13 | AHEPA 47th Biennial Congressional Banquet

14 | AHEPA Capitol Hill Day

July

26 - 31 | AHEPA Supreme Convention, Philadelphia, PA