[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 97 (Friday, July 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
       THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF TURKISH OCCUPATION OF CYPRUS

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                               speech of

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 19, 1994

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my continued 
concern over Turkey's occupation of Cyprus. Twenty years ago on July 
20, Turkey invaded Cyprus. As a result of the invasion, 1,614 Greek 
Cypriots and 5 American citizens, all abducted by Turkish troops during 
the invasion, still remain missing and unaccounted for. But 
unfortunately, the tragedy does not end here. Today, approximately 
35,000 Turkish troops still occupy 37 percent of Cyprus. Additionally, 
200,000 Greek Cypriots have become refugees after being expelled from 
their homes.
  Turkey's continued presence in Cyprus is unacceptable. The division 
of Cyprus has resulted in violent confrontations along the so-called 
green-line for the last two decades. The United Nations, with United 
States support, has been promoting an intercommunal negotiating process 
aimed at creating a new federal republic on the island. Such a federal 
republic would be a biocommunal, bizonal, nonaligned and independent 
state.
  The United States Government has monitored developments in Cyprus 
most closely. Our Foreign Affairs Committee annually authorizes $15 
million dollars to Cyprus with the intent of promoting biocommunal 
projects, and to provide scholarship money to Cypriot students. Our 
executive branch has also played an important role in the guest toward 
a peaceful resolution to the Cyprus problem.
  Yet, Mr. Speaker, Turkey's occupation of Cyprus persists. It is a 
blatant violation of international law and signifies a complete 
disregard for the human rights of the people of the Republic of Cyprus. 
Since July 1974, the United Nations has adopted numerous resolutions 
calling for the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Cyprus, the return of 
the refugees, and an account of the missing. But Turkey has ignored 
these calls from the international community. The executive and 
legislative branches of our Government must join together to send a 
clear and unrelenting message to Ankara: ``Leave Cyprus now.''

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