[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 145 (Monday, September 18, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H9041-H9047]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SUPPORTING A DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN CYPRUS

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 42), supporting a resolution to 
the long-standing dispute regarding Cyprus, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 42

       Whereas the long-standing dispute regarding Cyprus remains 
     unresolved;
       Whereas the military occupation by Turkey of a large part 
     of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus has continued for 
     over 20 years;

[[Page H 9042]]

       Whereas the status quo on Cyprus remains unacceptable;
       Whereas the United States attaches great importance to a 
     just and peaceful resolution of the dispute regarding Cyprus;
       Whereas the United Nations and the United States are using 
     their good offices to resolve such dispute;
       Whereas on January 5, 1995, President Clinton appointed a 
     Special Presidential Emmisary for Cyprus;
       Whereas the United Nations has adopted numerous resolutions 
     that set forth the basis of a solution for the dispute 
     regarding Cyprus;
       Whereas United Nations Security Council Resolution 939 of 
     July 29, 1994, reaffirms that a solution must be based on a 
     State of Cyprus with a single sovereignty and international 
     personality, and a single citizenship, with its independence 
     and territorial integrity safeguarded, and comprising two 
     politically equal communities as described in the relevant 
     Security Council resolutions, in a bicommunal and bizonal 
     federation, and that such a settlement must exclude union in 
     whole or in part with any other country or any form of 
     partition or secession;
       Whereas the United Nations has described the occupied part 
     of Cyprus as one of the most highly militarized areas in the 
     world;
       Whereas the continued overwhelming presence of more than 
     30,000 Turkish troops on Cyprus hampers the search for a 
     freely negotiated solution to the dispute regarding Cyprus;
       Whereas the United Nations and the United States have 
     called for the withdrawal of all foreign troops from the 
     territory of the Republic of Cyprus; and
       Whereas comprehensive plans for the demilitarization of the 
     Republic of Cyprus have been proposed: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That the Congress--
       (1) reaffirms that the status quo on Cyprus is 
     unacceptable;
       (2) welcomes the appointment of a Special Presidential 
     Emissary for Cyprus;
       (3) expresses its continued strong support for efforts by 
     the United Nations Secretary General and the United States 
     Government to help resolve the Cyprus problems in a just and 
     viable manner at the earliest possible time;
       (4) insists that all parties to the dispute regarding 
     Cyprus agree to seek a solution based upon the relevant 
     United Nations resolutions, including Security Council 
     Resolution 939 of July 29, 1994;
       (5) reaffirms the position that all foreign troops should 
     be withdrawn from the territory of the Republic of Cyprus;
       (6) considers that ultimate, total demilitarization of the 
     Republic of Cyprus would meet the security concerns of all 
     parties involved, would enhance prospects for a peaceful and 
     lasting resolution of the dispute regarding Cyprus, would 
     benefit all of the people of Cyprus, and merits international 
     support; and
       (7) encourages the United Nations Security Council and the 
     United States Government to consider alternative approaches 
     to promote a resolution of the long-standing dispute 
     regarding Cyprus based upon relevant Security Council 
     resolutions, including incentives to encourage progress in 
     negotiations or effective measures against any recalcitrant 
     party.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Nebraska [Mr. Bereuter] will be recognized for 20 minutes, and the 
gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Wynn] will be recognized for 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Nebraska [Mr. Bereuter].
  (Mr. BEREUTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, having walked the blue line that divides Greeks from 
Turks in Cyprus--a line frozen in time for over 20 years--this Member 
is well aware of the need to move forward in achieving a just 
settlement of the Cyprus issue. This is a line where Turkish and Greek 
Cypriot forces have faced off, sometimes only 20 to 30 feet from one 
another, ready to resume hostilities at a moment's notice.

  The current division of the island of Cyprus serves the interests of 
no one, and hampers the development and prosperity of both Greek 
Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. In the meantime, the painfully slow 
negotiation on confidence building measures [CBM's] has run into 
additional difficulties.
  House Concurrent Resolution 42 seeks to break the diplomatic logjam 
by proposing the demilitarization of the entire island. This Member 
would make the obvious point that demilitarization would have to be 
part of a comprehensive negotiated settlement, for demilitarization in 
and of itself would not resolve all the island's political problems.
  This Member would make one final point: It is over 20 years since the 
island was forcibly partitioned. This Member has met with Republic of 
Cyprus President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Raulf Denktesh. 
This Member sincerely believes these men are working for what they 
believe are the best interests of their people. While they are on 
opposite sides, they know one another, and at a basic level, I believe 
they respect one another. These men, and those like them, are of a 
certain age. When they were young, they attended the same schools. As 
young men, they fought the Nazis together. Later, they belonged to the 
same clubs and ate at the same restaurants. In short, they speak from 
common experience.
  But Mr. Denktesh and President Clerides are not young men. And those 
who will follow them do not have this common history. The next 
generation lacks those common experiences that were forged in World War 
II. The next generation of Cypriot leaders is likely to have far less 
appreciation of the unique contributions of multicultural society. And 
this Member fears that the next generation of leaders is likely to be 
less committed to a fair and equitable settlement.
  It is for this reason that efforts must now be redoubled to achieve a 
resolution to the longstanding dispute on Cyprus. This Member would 
urge that all parties work toward an honorable peace, and I note the 
efforts of the gentleman from New York [Mr. Engel] to achieve that 
peace. I commend him for crafting House Concurrent Resolution 42.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  (Mr. WYNN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. WYNN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I many consume.
  Mr. Speaker, first, I would like to commend my colleagues, 
Representative Engel and Chairman Gilman for their work and leadership 
in bringing this constructive resolution before the House.
  I would also point out that this resolution was adopted by an 
overwhelming majority of both parties when it was considered in the 
Committee on International Relations in July.
  As an original cosponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 42, I would 
urge my colleagues to support this timely and important resolution.
  I believe--as is amply set forth in the resolution--that the status 
quo on Cyprus is unacceptable.
  I welcome and encourage the continuing efforts by the United States 
and the United Nations to help resolve the Cyprus problem in a just and 
viable manner.
  I believe that the gradual demilitarization of the Republic of Cyprus 
would enhance prospects for a peaceful resolution of the long-standing 
dispute, and as a result would benefit all the people of that island 
nation.
  For this important reason I strongly recommend that the House adopt 
House Concurrent Resolution 42. It is a helpful effort to move the 
peace process in Cyprus forward.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. 
Pallone].
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Maryland for 
yielding time to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I am here this afternoon to urge all of my colleagues to 
support House Concurrent Resolution 42, that calls for the 
demilitarization of the island nation of Cyprus.
  Now in its 21st year, the illegal occupation of Cyprus by Turkey--who 
controls over one-third of the territory of this formerly sovereign 
nation with a heavily armed force of over 30,000--is an international 
dilemma that demands the highest degree of American attention and 
perseverance. Having watched with extreme pride the tireless efforts of 
American diplomats as they have tried to bring peace to Bosnia over the 
last few weeks, I want to remind all my colleagues that the issues we 
are fighting for in Bosnia are very much the same as those the United 
States needs to stand for with respect to Cyprus.
  Just as the international community has condemned the Serb's brutal 
and shocking campaign of territorial conquest, so to has it long been 
in opposition to Turkey's defiant disrespect for Cyprus' sovereignty. 
Mr. Speaker, the international community has demanded that the Turks 
allow the Cypriot people to live as a free and independent people in 
various forms over the years. Most recently, in July of 

[[Page H 9043]]
last year the U.N. Security Council passed Resolution 939, which 
mandated that any settlement of the Cyprus issue ``must be based on a 
state of Cyprus with a single sovereignty and international personality 
and a single citizenship with its independence and territorial 
integrity safeguarded.''

  Among other things, House Concurrent Resolution 42 ``insists that all 
parties to the dispute regarding Cyprus agree to seek a solution based 
upon the relevant United Nations resolutions,'' including Resolution 
939. It does so, moreover, by calling for the complete demilitarization 
of an island that the Secretary General of the United Nations has 
described as ``one of the most highly militarized areas in the world.''
  Mr. Speaker, if any one can tell me why it is not a good idea to 
demilitarize an island that for years has brought instability to the 
entire region surrounding it, I would love to hear the explanation. 
This gesture of goodwill, which was made last year by the Cypriot 
President Glafcos Clerides, represents a tremendous chance to 
facilitate a peaceful resolution to a highly volatile situation. A 
Turkish refusal to act on this proposal can only be read as an 
unwavering determination by Turkey to ignore the rule of law.
  The Turks, however, should know that should they refuse to move on 
this situation, their determination will be met with an equal resolve 
by the United States to do whatever it takes to once again see a free 
and independent Cyprus. As the House's decision earlier this year to 
cut United States aid to Turkey illustrates, we mean business when we 
say we want to see this issue resolved consistent with respect for 
international law. I would urge my colleagues to demonstrate this once 
again by supporting House Concurrent Resolution 42.
  Mr. WYNN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his outstanding 
remarks.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Roth], a distinguished member of the 
Committee on International Relations.
  Mr. ROTH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Nebraska for yielding 
me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that it is politically popular to beat up on the 
Turks, but I think it is also important for us in the U.S. Congress to 
be evenhanded. Mr. Speaker, this resolution is well-intentioned. All of 
us would like to see the settlement take place in Cyprus. 
Unfortunately, this resolution does not contribute anything useful to 
the long search for the settlement.
  For decades, Cyprus has been the object of political and sometimes 
military tug of war between Greece and Turkey. This resolution could 
well make it more difficult for a settlement to be reached in Cyprus. 
First of all, the language in the resolution is slanted against Turkey. 
Let me give you an example. Those of you who have had a chance to take 
a look at the resolution, it says, ``Whereas, the military occupation 
by Turkey of a large part of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus 
has been continued for over 20 years,'' but there is nothing in here 
about Greece. That is why I say it is not evenhanded.
  The resolution also implies that the United Nations has criticized 
only Turkish presence, and that is not the case, because the United 
Nations has called on both sides to withdraw their military forces. The 
resolution reaches the unfounded conclusion that Turkey's military 
presence is an obstacle to a negotiated solution in Cyprus.
  Let me quote from the resolution. It says, ``Whereas, the continued 
overwhelming presence of more than 30,000 Turkish troops in Cyprus 
hampers the search for a freely negotiated solution to the dispute 
regarding Cyprus,'' and then it goes on, but it says nothing about the 
Greek troops that are there.
  I feel as a Congress we should be evenhanded and look at both sides. 
The reality is that both Greece and Turkey have a legitimate interest 
in Cyprus. For the U.S. Congress now to come down on one side in this 
dispute is both unfair, and I think it is going to be 
counterproductive.
  How will the Turks react to this resolution? Will they be more 
willing or less willing to negotiate a settlement if they see the U.S. 
policy as this unfolds here? For that reason alone I think the Congress 
should not adopt this resolution.
  Cyprus is a really tough problem. Everyone understands that. This 
resolution is, or a resolution like this can be laudatory. If, if, if, 
we have something useful to offer. Just to adopt a resolution like this 
I think is just empty rhetoric. Therefore, I think that this is not a 
good time to pass this resolution.
  I also think when you pass a resolution like this again, it should be 
evenhanded. Despite the good intentions of its sponsors, this 
resolution will not help Greece and Turkey solve the long-standing 
dispute over Cyprus.

                              {time}  1240

  For that reason, Mr. Speaker, I say that this is not a good 
resolution for the House to pass.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, this resolution offers a very moderate 
approach to the thorny issue of Cyprus. The withdrawal of foreign 
forces from the island is long overdue, and would certainly contribute 
to a climate conducive to negotiations leading to a settlement along 
the lines recommended in numerous Security Council resolutions. During 
our August recess, I had the opportunity to visit Cyprus once again and 
to view first hand the tragic effects of the prolonged division of the 
island. People who have been unable to return to their homes and 
villages for over 20 years. Bitterness and enmity have replaced 
traditions of togetherness and common purpose among the citizens of 
Cyprus. It is time to take some substantive measures to break the 
deadlock, and I strongly believe that total demilitarization should be 
considered by the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus.
  I congratulate the gentleman from New York [Mr. Engel] for bringing 
this measure forward and for all his diligent efforts on behalf of the 
people of Cyprus. Those of us in this committee and in the House who 
have been concerned with the tragic situation in Cyprus over the years 
appreciate the gentleman's contribution.
  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the tragic 
separation of Cyprus enforced through the ongoing presence of Turkish 
military troops and to express strong support for the demilitarization 
of Cyprus as called for in the gentleman from New York's legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, for 20 years the Cyprus problem has remained unresolved, 
despite continual attempts by the United States Government and the 
United Nations to achieve a solution. Notwithstanding the presence of 
United Nations peacekeeping forces, there has been little peace in 
Cyprus. Since 1974, 5 Americans and over 1,600 Greek Cypriots are among 
the missing and a generation has grown up in Cyprus not knowing peace 
and unity.
  Mr. Speaker, over one-third of the territory of the Cyprus remains 
under occupation by over 30,000 heavily armed troops. Indeed, United 
Nations Secretary General Boutros-Ghali has described the northern part 
of Cyprus as ``one of the most highly militarized areas in the world.'' 
The Turkish occupation of Cyprus is recognized to be illegal and is in 
clear violation of numerous United Nations resolutions. Unfortunately, 
Turkey has recently increased the size of its occupation forces by 
adding 8,000 additional troops, accompanied by new tanks and armored 
vehicles. This buildup adds tension and danger to an already 
unconscionable situation.
  Mr. Speaker, since the late 1970's the United Nations, with United 
States support, has promoted negotiations aimed at creating a Federal, 
vicommunal, bizonal Republic of Cyprus. Unfortunately these efforts 
have been unsuccessful. More recently, Cypriot President Clerides has 
proposed a demilitarization of Cyprus whereby he would completely 
disband the Cyprus Army in exchange for a withdrawal of Turkish forces 
from the island. U.N. peacekeepers could then monitor the status quo, 
at a reduced cost, while negotiations on the future of Cyprus continue. 
With both parties disarmed, the risk of violence would be reduced and, 
I think, the potential for progress in negotiations enhanced. This 
important and timely confidence building proposal by President Clerides 
should be embraced wholeheartedly by the Turkish Government, the 
leadership of northern Cyprus, and the United Nations.
  Mr. Speaker, Cyprus is an incredibly beautiful island with wonderful, 
warm people and a rich history that is evidenced by a wealth of 
important archaeological sites and a beautiful legacy of art and 
architecture. Unfortunately, as you walk down the winding streets to 
Nicosia or drive through the Cyprus countryside, you are constantly 
reminded of the 35,000 troops that loom just beyond the horizon, beyond 
the U.N. peacekeeping troops, beyond the Green Line that divides 
Cyprus. The division of Cyprus is a profound tragedy 

[[Page H 9044]]
and this Congress should be vigilant in demanding an end to this 
tragedy. Demilitarization of the Island represents an important step in 
the right direction and the United States should use all available 
avenues to exert pressure on the Government of Turkey to see that this 
step occurs.
  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today as an original 
cosponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 42. I would also like to 
commend Representative Engel for his diligence and leadership on this 
issue. He is a true champion of the Greek-American community.
  Over 21 years ago, the world witnessed a brutal and blatantly illegal 
act of ethnic cleansing. In 1974 hundreds of thousands of Turkish 
troops invaded the island of Cyprus. In a gross violation of human 
rights and international law, 200,000 people were expelled from their 
homes and forced from the land which had been theirs for generations. 
Tragically, this island remains divided by the continuing shackles of 
occupation and oppression--35,000 troops continue to occupy 37 percent 
of the island.
  This resolution will put the House of Representatives on record 
supporting a number of actions which will help solve the continuing 
problem of Cyprus. The status quo on Cyprus is clearly unacceptable, a 
fact long accepted by the international community. The framework for a 
solution to the situation have also long been recognized, and are 
enshrined in UN Security Council Resolution 939, which reaffirms that a 
solution must be based on a bi-zonal and bi-communal federation.
  Perhaps most importantly, this resolution calls for the 
demilitarization of Cyprus. This step would help dramatically to lessen 
the tensions in the region. This fact has been recognized by Cypriot 
President Clerides, who has been calling for demilitarization since 
1993. Demilitarization would meet the security concerns of all the 
parties involved. By doing so, demilitarization would enhance the 
prospects for peaceful and lasting resolution of the Cyprus problem. It 
would benefit all the people of Cyprus and merits international 
support.
  I would also like to take this opportunity to commend the Clinton 
administration for all of its hard work on resolving the problem of 
Cyprus and other important concerns of the Greek-American community. 
The President has helped to focus international attention on Cyprus 
with the appointment of Mr. Richard Beattie as his Special Emissary for 
Cyprus. The resolution of the Cyprus problem is clearly a high priority 
for the Clinton administration. As the proud representative of the 
large and vibrant community of Cypriot-Americans in Astoria, Queens, it 
is a high priority for me as well. With this vote, the whole House is 
making clear that it regards the resolution of this problem as a 
critical foreign policy objective.
  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, on August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait which 
promoted the United States to lead the West in a unified effort to 
repeal that aggression and show the world it would not stand for such 
an injustice. While it took the West literally less than 21 hours to 
respond to this violation of international law, it has taken 21 years 
for the West to take this first step toward bringing justice to the 
Island of Cyprus. For this reason, I would like to take a moment and 
applaud the work of this body for finally taking action and, in doing 
so, sending a message of hope to the Greek Cypriot people.
  Although it has been repeated time and time again on this House 
floor, I feel that it is important to resurrect the historical 
background of the illegal Turkish occupation of Cyprus. On July 20, 
1974, Turkish troops invaded the island of Cyprus. The occupying force 
has since escalated into over 30,000 heavily armed troops, occupying 
nearly 40 percent of the sovereign territory of Cyprus. As a result of 
this invasion, over 1600 Greek Cypriots are unaccounted for and 
presumed either imprisoned or dead. As many of us know, there are also 
five American citizen who were abducted by Turkish forces during the 
invasion whose fate is still unknown and whose families have been 
grieving for 21 years, mystified as to why their Nation has done 
nothing to seek justice for their family members.
  The resolution before us is the appropriate resolution for this body 
to act upon. House Concurrent Resolution 42, of which I am a proud 
original cosponsor, calls for the total withdrawal of Turkish troops 
from Cyprus. Without demilitarization that is little hope for 
meaningful negotiations. Just as we have learned from the situation in 
the former state of Yugoslavia, an accord can not be reached while 
weapons are being used as the instrument of communication.
  Because we live in a country where personal freedoms and basic human 
rights are the cornerstone of government, it is incomprehensible for 
many of us to imagine a family member being dragged away by the secret 
police, never to be seen again; or to carry-out our daily lives with 
the threat and fear that comes from such military rule. For 21 years 
Greek Cypriots have lived under such horror waiting for their day of 
justice. Mr. Speaker, today we can give these people a taste of this 
justice by voting ``aye'' on House Concurrent Resolution 42, and I urge 
its unanimous adoption.
  Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be an original cosponsor 
of House Concurrent Resolution 42, the Anti-Despotic Practices on 
Cyprus Act. The impetus for this legislation are the 500 Greek-Cypriots 
who are forced by the Turkish-Cypriots to live under oppressive 
conditions without basic freedoms.
  The Anti-Despotic Practices on Cyprus Act reaffirms that the status 
quo on Cyprus is unacceptable and welcomes the appointment of a Special 
Presidential Emissary for Cyprus. The bill insists that all parties to 
the dispute regarding Cyprus agree to seek a solution based upon the 
relevant United Nations [UN] resolutions and reaffirms that all foreign 
troops should be withdrawn from the Republic of Cyprus. 
Demilitarization will lessen tensions in the region, meet the security 
concerns of all parties in an effective way, and help to promote a 
resolution to this dispute.
  The Anti-Despotic Practices on Cyprus Act directs the President to 
make a determination as to whether United States foreign aid, either 
through the Economic Support Fund program, the Foreign Military 
Financing program, or the International Military Education and Training 
program, is being given to foreign governments who are participating in 
despotic practices against the people of Cyprus, who are not criminals 
and who have no association with terrorism.
  For more than 20 years, innocent civilians have been limited in their 
location of worship, their interaction with others, telephone access, 
free travel, the ability to send and receive mail, access to educations 
beyond elementary school, the ability to return home after attending 
college, and access to a fair justice system. Despite continued efforts 
by the United States Government, the Cyprus problem remains unresolved.
  Twenty years of oppression is long enough. The time has come for the 
United States to make a substantive, legislative mandate and utilize 
its power to facilitate a peace agreement in this region.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my resolution, House 
Concurrent Resolution 42, which calls for the demilitarization of the 
island of Cyprus. This important resolution was approved by the 
International Relations Committee on July 19, 1995, by a vote of 24 to 
6 and has now garnered almost 90 cosponsors.
  As my colleagues are aware, more than one-third of the sovereign 
territory of the Republic of Cyprus remains under foreign occupation by 
over 30,000 heavily armed troops. At the same time, a continuing arms 
buildup on the island is increasingly a matter of serious concern. I 
strongly believe that demilitarizing Cyprus would lessen tensions in 
the region, meet the security concerns of all parties, and, thereby, 
help to promote a settlement of the longstanding dispute.
  For over 20 years, the Cyprus problem has remained unresolved, 
despite continued attempts by the United States Government and the 
United Nations. Earlier this year, President Clinton appointed a 
special envoy for Cyprus and sent Assistant Secretary of State Richard 
Holbrooke to the region in search of a solution. Their efforts were 
well intentioned, but have been unable as yet to break the deadlock.
  A fresh approach is necessary to bridge the gap between the parties. 
Last year, President Glafcos Clerides of Cyprus unveiled a balanced 
proposal for the complete demilitarization of the island, which has 
been well received in the United States and Europe. It is our hope that 
endorsement of this notion by the Congress will help the parties build 
a climate within which negotiations can succeed.

  A bipartisan group of almost 90 Members of Congress has joined as 
cosponsors of this legislation, including large majorities of 
Republicans and Democrats on the International Relations Committee. I 
would particularly like to thank Rep. Ben Gilman, chairman of the 
International Relations Committee, and Rep. Lee Hamilton, ranking 
Democrat on the committee, for their support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 42. I would also like to express my appreciation to Rep. 
John Porter, original Republican cosponsor of the legislation, for his 
support and cooperation as we sought to move the resolution forward.
  Having passed the 21st anniversary of the Turkish occupation of 
Cyprus, I urge the House to pass House Concurrent Resolution 42 and 
take this moderate, yet forward-looking step to promote a resolution of 
the longstanding conflict on Cyprus.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. I would like to commend my colleagues--Mr. Engel of 
New York, the sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 42, and Mr. 
Gilman, chairman of the International Relations Committee--for bringing 
this bill to the floor today. I rise in strong support of this 
important resolution, which calls for the demilitarization of Cyprus 
and insists that all parties 

[[Page H 9045]]
to the dispute agree to seek a solution based upon relevant U.N. 
resolutions, including provisions of Security Council Resolution 939. 
Resolution 939 reaffirms that a solution of the Cyprus problem should 
be based upon a state of Cyprus with a single sovereignty, citizenship, 
and international personality.
  Demilitarization is crucial to a satisfactory resolution of the 
division of this island nation. In fact, this couldn't have been made 
more clear than in a recent report submitted to the U.N. Security 
Council regarding its resolution renewing the U.N. peacekeeping force 
in Cyprus. In that report, U.N. Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali 
referred to occupied Cyprus as ``one of the most highly militarized 
areas in the world.''
  Demilitarization would alleviate the security concerns of all parties 
and substantially enhance the prospects for a peaceful resolution of 
the problem.
  It is evident, Mr. Speaker, that a solution to the 21-year-old 
problem on Cyprus will not be found until tensions are lessened on the 
island and the Turkish side agrees to come to the table and 
negotiate. I am satisfied that the Government of Cyprus remains 
committed to seeking a peaceful, just, and viable solution. The 
acceptance by the Turkish side of U.N. Resolution 939 and of Cyprus 
President Glafcos Clerides' demilitarization proposal would 
substantially enhance the prospects of a negotiated settlement.

  Recently, in my home in Florida, a gentleman said to me that in all 
the history of the country of Turkey, voluntary negotiations and 
agreements based on those negotiations are absent. He said, ``They 
don't negotiate.''
  Turkey has many internal problems. American taxpayer dollars are 
intended to help them with those problems, not to help them to wage 
invasions against their neighbors and to illegally occupy other lands.
  Common sense, a true caring for their own people, their domestic 
needs and world opinion all would seem to dictate that Turkey would 
want to work out a solution to a problem that they just do not need.
  I feel that we in the Congress have a responsibility to use our 
influence to see that Cyprus is made whole again, to rescue the 
thousands of Greek-Cypriots who have become refugees in the land of 
their birth. Like those faithful Cypriots in my district and elsewhere, 
we must do out utmost in this cause.
  Again, Mr. Speaker I commend the sponsor of this legislation and his 
colleagues on the International Relations Committee, and I strongly 
urge passage of the bill.
  Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House 
Concurrent Resolution 42, which officially calls for the 
demilitarization of Cyprus. This resolution will benefit both Greek and 
Turkish Cypriots while at the same time serving to ease the tensions in 
this region.
  More than one-third of the sovereign territory of the Republic of 
Cyprus remains under foreign occupation by over 30,000 armed troops. 
Demilitarization of the island called for in House Concurrent 
Resolution 42 is essential if any type of settlement to end this 
longstanding dispute is to be reached.
  Many efforts have been made in the past to resolve the Cyprus 
problem. These efforts must continue if we are to bridge the gap 
between the two parties. As late as last year, President Glafcos 
Clerides of Cyprus unveiled a plan that would demilitarize the island. 
This proposal should be commended. The United States has also taken 
steps to facilitate an agreement. Earlier this year, President Clinton 
appointed a special envoy for Cyprus and dispatched Assistant Secretary 
of State Richard Holbrooke to the region in hopes of helping to achieve 
a solution.
  House Concurrent Resolution 42 is an important continuation of these 
efforts. It is a balanced and bipartisan resolution that will help to 
stabilize the eastern Mediterranean and will benefit all those 
concerned.
  Ms. PELOSI. I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 
42, introduced by Representative Engel, to promote a peaceful 
resolution of the occupation of Cyprus. I am proud to be a cosponsor of 
this important bill and commend Representative Engle for his leadership 
on this issue.
  In 1974, in a show of brute strength, Turkey dispatched its forces to 
begin an illegal occupation of Cyprus. Today, 21 years later, that 
tragic occupation continues. Despite calls by the United States and the 
United Nations for the withdrawal foreign troops from Cyprus, Turkish 
troops remain in Cyprus. And despite a call by the United Nations for 
this dispute to be resolved based on a single sovereign state of 
Cyprus, Cyprus remains partitioned along Greek and Turkish ethnic 
lines. And despite the support by the international community for a 
peaceful resolution of this conflict by negotiations, Turkish 
intransigence has, in the past, undermined the good faith atmosphere 
necessary for a successful conclusion to such talks.
  The resolution before us today in straightforward. It places the 
United States Congress firmly on record in support of a peaceful 
resolution to the dispute between Turkey and Cyprus; it calls for the 
withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cyprus; and, it insists that all 
parties to the dispute seek a solution based on the United Nations 
framework. House Concurrent Resolution 42 also encourages the 
demilitarization of Cyprus and urges the U.N. Security Council and the 
administration to consider alternative approaches to resolving this 
dispute.
  Mr. Speaker, the people of the divided nation of Cyprus have suffered 
for too long under an illegal occupation. A peaceful resolution to this 
conflict is long overdue. Withdrawal of foreign troops and the 
demilitarization of Cyprus are important steps toward restoring peace 
and harmony to this tragically divided land. I urge my colleagues to 
support House Concurrent Resolution 42 to put the U.S. Congress on 
record in support of such action.
  Ms. FURSE. Mr. Speaker, with today's passage of House Concurrent 
Resolution 42 regarding Cyprus, I welcome this opportunity to mention 
the important work of the Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy in 
resolving conflict there. The resolution's encouragement of the U.N. 
Security Council and the U.S. Government to consider alternative 
approaches to promote a resolution of the dispute there is especially 
significant.
  I submit for the Congressional Record a compilation of the 
institute's impressive history of achievement in utilizing alternative 
approaches for bringing about new understandings among Cypriots in both 
the Greek and Turkish communities.
  This model has great potential for resolving this and other seemingly 
intractable conflicts. I commend it to the attention of my colleagues.

                                                     Institute for


                                        Multi-Track Diplomacy,

                                          Cyprus, August 14, 1995.


                               background

       Since July 1991, we have been working in partnership with 
     NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Science to co-sponsor 
     our initiative in Cyprus. The aim is to create a human 
     infrastructure of change agents among thee Turkish- and 
     Greek-Cypriot (TC & GC) communities who can manage a citizen-
     based, internal, bicommunal process of trust-building, 
     peacebuilding, and reconciliation between two peoples who 
     have been in conflict for decades.
       Laying the groundwork for this project took nearly two 
     years and included eight trips to Cyprus by IMTD and NTL 
     staff members. Each of these trips included some form of 
     training related to conflict resolution. We fostered a 
     network of interested and active Greek and Turkish Cypriots 
     who consistently participate in these events. This group is 
     coordinated by a Bicommunal Steering Committee (BSC), which 
     came into existence in November 1992. We created this 
     Committee for the purpose of advising IMTD on this project, 
     but we were elated to discover that it has taken on a life of 
     its own, coordinating other peacebuilding activities on the 
     island in addition to being involved with the IMTD project.


                     catalysts for change in cyprus

       In late July and early August of 1993, IMTD and the NTL 
     Institute held a ten-day intensive training in conflict 
     resolution and intergroup relations in Oxford, England. This 
     marked the transformation of this project into a new stage. 
     Ten Greek Cypriots and ten Turkish Cypriots participated 
     under the guidance of Louise Diamond and three trainers from 
     the fields of conflict resolution and the applied behavioral 
     sciences. The Oxford program was exciting, powerful, 
     emotionally draining, and spiritually uplifting. The training 
     covered many different kinds of concrete skills, ranging from 
     basic communication, to conflict analysis, to project design 
     and implementation. Beyond the cognitive level, the 
     participants also developed friendships, built trust, and 
     began the emotionally painful process of reconciliation.
       They translated these learnings into the beginning of 
     several bicommunal projects which they started upon their 
     return to the island. The participants, who began to call 
     themselves ``The Oxford Group,'' returned to Cyprus with 
     increased understanding, and, above all, with a renewed sense 
     of hope--a crucial element of momentum needed to break the 
     patterns of thought and action that keep the Cyprus 
     conflict from being resolved.


                   cyprus conflict management project

       To maintain this momentum, the Oxford Group asked for a 
     more advanced ``training of trainers'' program and identified 
     a second group of twenty who were ready to take the base 
     training. This desire to go further, and the obvious success 
     of the Oxford Group, spurred the Cyprus Fulbright Commission 
     to request extensive funding for additional training in 
     conflict resolution in Cyprus. In response to this request, 
     IMTD formed a new consortium, joining resources with NTL and 
     the Conflict Management Group (CMG) of Cambridge, 
     Massachusetts, in order to provide an extensive series of 
     training programs during the spring and summer of 1994.
       In this series, the Cyprus Consortium delivered eight 
     training sessions to over 200 participants. One workshop was 
     for Cyprus American Scholarship Program (CASP) students 
     studying in American universities. Two were for community 
     leaders who are involved in bicommunal activities. There were 


[[Page H 9046]]
     three sessions for CASP alumni from the thirty years of the program, 
     and one training of trainers program was offered. A special 
     program brought forty public policy leaders, twenty from each 
     community, to the Coolfont Conference Center in West Virginia 
     for intensive training. This expansive project was sponsored 
     by the Cyprus Fulbright Commission and funded by the U.S. 
     Agency for International Development, through Amideast.
       An additional benefit of the program was the collaboration 
     between the three different organizations in the Consortium, 
     which proved to be a great laboratory for cross-fertilization 
     on different theories and practices of conflict resolution. 
     Also, an ongoing research and evaluation component is 
     uncovering fascinating data about the effects of these types 
     of training events on the participants and on the larger 
     community to which they return.
       Louise Diamond returned to Cyprus in December 1994 with CMG 
     Project Director Diana Chigas to do follow-up work, 
     particularly to conduct evaluation interviews with twenty 
     participants from the Coolfront Public Policy Leaders 
     training. The reports from the participants were 
     enthusiastically positive, as they noted how they were able 
     to use the skills upon returning and how the experience has 
     changed their lives. Several participants wrote articles or 
     appeared on television shows to describe the work publicly 
     and reduce the public suspicion that follows this work in 
     Cyprus.
       In early 1995 the Bicommunal Steering Committee officially 
     opened an office in the Ledra Palace Hotel within the UN 
     buffer zone. This provides a physical and institutional base 
     for continuing bicommunal activities, and indicates the 
     degree to which the conflict resolution work has been 
     legitimated and accepted in both communities. Recent events 
     on conflict resolution undertaken by graduates of our 
     programs have attracted large audiences of up to two hundred 
     people. Clearly, our work in Cyprus is bearing fruit.


                           current activities

       In August 1995 the Cyprus Consortium received a second 
     grant from Amideast and the Cyprus Fulbright Commission--this 
     time to conduct six different training events over a three-
     year span. In October 1995 we will run an advanced Training 
     of Trainers program, building upon the training of trainers 
     event from the summer of 1994. In 1996, three events are 
     scheduled, including a training for Turkish-and Greek-Cypriot 
     scholarship students in the United States, a training for 
     Greek- and Turkish-Cypriot educators in Cyprus, and a 
     training for Public Policy Leaders, similar to the training 
     we offered in West Virginia last summer. In 1997 we will 
     conduct another scholarship student training, and we will 
     bring a group of Greek- and Turkish-Cypriot High School 
     students to the United States for a conflict resolution 
     summer camp.
       The Cyprus Consortium has also received a small grant from 
     the Carnegie Corporation to develop a conflict analysis 
     workshop for public leaders that will build on the work we 
     have already completed. The project staffs at both IMTD and 
     CMG will engage in ongoing research into the development of 
     the conflict case studies, including El Salvador, Northern 
     Ireland, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and South Africa. 
     The staff will also continue research on theories developed 
     by IMTD, NTL, and CMG and the Harvard Negotiation Project 
     with the goal of developing training materials that will aid 
     the public policy leaders in their own conflict analysis 
     process. If funding can be secured, a workshop could be 
     planned for as early as spring 1996.

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I want to express my opposition 
to House Concurrent Resolution 42.
  I would like to call my colleagues' attention to two clauses in this 
resolution which deserve close scrutiny.
  The first is the fifth ``Whereas Clause'' on page two. It concludes

       Whereas the continued overwhelming presence of more than 
     30,000 Turkish troops on Cyprus hampers the search for a 
     freely negotiated solution to the dispute regarding Cyprus.

  The second is the sixth ``Resolved Clause'' on page three. It affirms 
that,

       The Congress--considers that the demilitarization of the 
     Republic of Cyprus would meet the security concerns of all 
     parties involved, would enhance prospects for a peaceful and 
     lasting resolution of the dispute regarding Cyprus, would 
     benefit all of the people of Cyprus, and merits international 
     support.

  I believe both of these clauses are seriously flawed.
  With respect to the fifth ``Whereas Clause'' on page two, I wish the 
resolution's supporters would say what they really mean--that the 
30,000 Turkish troops in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus [TRNC] 
prevent the Greek Cypriots from unilaterally imposing their own 
solution to the Cyprus dispute on the Turkish Cypriots.
  Calling for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus prior to any 
negotiated settlement which provides for the security of the Turkish 
Cypriots is absurd. I would dare say that few in this body would ask 
the Republic of China on Taiwan to disarm as a first step toward 
promoting the unification of China or suggest that South Koreans should 
lay down their arms to facilitate the reunification of the Korean 
peninsula.
  While I am not trying to compare the Government of the Republic of 
Cyprus with North Korea or Communist China, the sad fact is that 
Turkish Cypriot distrust of Greek Cypriots is every bit as strong as 
Taiwanese distrust of Communist Chinese or South Korean distrust of 
North Koreans. This distrust is the result of the terrible repression 
which they suffered at the hands of Greek Cypriots from 1960 to 1974.
  To ignore the legitimate security concerns of the Turkish Cypriot 
community and to conclude, as this resolution does on page three, in 
the sixth ``Resolved Clause'' that the demilitarization of the Turkish 
Republic of Northern Cyprus [TRNC] would meet the security concerns of 
all parties involved and would benefit all of the people of Cyprus 
without also requiring the Republic of Cyprus to make similar 
confidence-building concessions only reveals the biased nature of this 
resolution.
  If the supporters of this resolution were really concerned about 
promoting a fair resolution to the Cyprus dispute they would also call 
on the Governments of the Republic of Cyprus and Greece to end their 
defacto embargo of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus [TRNC].
  While the Republic of Cyprus prefers not to use the word ``embargo,'' 
because a declared embargo is a form of recognition of the Turkish 
Republic of Northern Cyprus [TRNC], it has employed numerous tactics 
designed to impoverish the Turkish Cypriots since 1974.
  For example, the Republic of Cyprus declares all Turkish Cypriot 
airports ``illegal.'' They consider any landing by a foreign carrier as 
a violation of their air space, and Greek Cypriot air traffic 
controllers refuse to clear planes for landing in the north. 
Consequently, no planes from Europe will risk landing in the north. 
Tourists who wish to visit the north must transit through Turkey. This 
additional expense and burden have killed the development of a tourist 
industry. In addition, all overseas mail must be routed through Turkey.
  The Republic of Cyprus also declares all Turkish Cypriot seaports 
illegal. Thus, if a ship docks in the north and afterwards docks at a 
southern port, its captain is subject to arrest and imprisonment.
  The Republic of Cyprus has pressured most foreign countries to 
declare that export certificates, issued by Turkish Cyprus which vouch 
for the health and safety of products, are invalid. As a result, most 
Turkish Cypriot exports must be routed through Turkey, which adds to 
the cost and has jeopardized the survival of many Turkish Cypriot 
businesses.
  The Greek Cypriot embargo has also hindered growth of international 
business. Turkish Cypriots, who have applied to be agents of foreign 
companies and open franchises in the north have been rejected because 
Greek Cypriots have threatened retaliation against those companies that 
also have franchises in the Republic of Cyprus and Greece.
  Unfortunately, nothing about the Greek Cypriot embargo of the north 
is mentioned in House Concurrent Resolution 42. If the resolution's 
supporters really want to promote harmony between the two Cypriot 
communities, I suggest that they call on the Republic of Cyprus to end 
its economic embargo against the north before they demand the 
withdrawal of Turkish troops.
  Mr. Chairman, before I conclude, I want to call attention to the most 
serious problem with this resolution. Like most other resolutions 
brought before this committee dealing with Cyprus, House Concurrent 
Resolution 42 glosses over--some may even say purposely ignores--the 
history of Cyprus prior to 1974. I, therefore, feel compelled to 
examine the origin of this conflict and specifically the period of 
1963-74.

  I want to stress to my colleagues that in 1960, when Great Britain 
relinquished control of the island, a bicommunal government was 
established with shared leadership by Turkish Cypriots and Greek 
Cypriots as political equals. Neither community was to dominate the new 
government. Tragically, right after Britain's departure, the new 
President of Cyprus, a Greek Cypriot, Archbishop Makarios, began to 
carry out his plan for union with Greece. By December 1963, Greek 
Cypriots had destroyed the bicommunal character of the Republic 
physically ousting Turkish Cypriot leaders from their elected positions 
and destroying over 100 Turkish Cypriot villages.
  For the next 11 years, Turkish Cypriots, heavily outnumbered by the 
Greek Cypriots, suffered great losses--human and material--in clashes 
initiated by Greek Cypriots and fully supported by the Greek Army. One 
out of every 120 Turkish Cypriots, including women, children, and the 
elderly, was killed during this period even with U.N. peacekeeping 
troops present on the island.
  Thousands of Turkish Cypriots were forced to flee from their homes to 
live in enclaves throughout the island and were, in effect, held 
hostage in their own land without representation in government which 
was provided them 

[[Page H 9047]]
in the 1960 constitution. United States Secretary of State George Ball 
visited Cyprus in February 1964 and concluded that Greek Cypriots 
``just wanted to be left alone to kill Turkish Cypriots.'' Turkey 
waited for 11 years for help from the world community. None came. By 
1974, Turkey could no longer stand by and watch innocent Turkish 
Cypriots be slaughtered by Greek Cypriots. So Turkey intervened 
militarily on the island which was completely legal under the 1960 
Treaty of Guarantee signed by the Turkish Cypriots, Turkey, Britain, 
Greece, and the Greek Cypriots. It clearly stated that any of 
signatures had the right to intervene on Cyprus should the sovereignty 
of the island be threatened.
  Let me emphasize that these troops pose no threat to the southern 
part of the island. Since the Turkish military intervention concluded 
in 1974, these troops have never attacked or threatened to attack the 
south. They are there simply to deter aggression against Turkish 
Cypriots. Let me also add that unlike Government officials from Greece, 
who have often made statements saying that Cyprus is rightfully part of 
Greece, no Turkish officials have ever suggested that Turkey should 
attempt to annex the whole of Cyprus.
  Unfortunately, House Concurrent Resolution 42 completely dismisses 
the history of Cyprus.
  For Turkish Cypriots, the memories of 1960-74 remain vivid. It is 
absurd to suggest that they should lay down their arms and suddenly 
trust their age-old nemesis, especially when Greek Cypriots are 
continuing to try to impoverish them through an economic embargo. I 
cannot think of another conflict in the world where this committee 
would put forth such a solution.
  I call on my colleagues to reject House Concurrent Resolution 42. 
This resolution is biased against the Turkish Republic of Northern 
Cyprus and Turkey. It makes no demands whatsoever of the Republic of 
Cyprus like lifting its economic embargo against the north, and it 
completely ignores the history of the island and who is to blame for 
its division.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Clinger). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Nebraska [Mr. Bereuter] that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, House 
Concurrent Resolution 42, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution, as 
amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________