[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 19, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1809]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SUPPORTING A DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN CYPRUS

                                 ______


                               speech of

                     HON. MICHAEL PATRICK FLANAGAN

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 1995

  Mr. FLANAGAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House 
Concurrent Resolution 42, of which I am a cosponsor. I am most 
encouraged that the House unanimously passed this legislation on 
September 18, 1995. House Concurrent Resolution 42 encourages a 
resolution to the long standing dispute regarding Cyprus. It is a step 
toward securing world peace and will be of benefit to both Greek 
Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
  Cyprus has endured the pain of 20 years of political deadlock since 
Turkey invaded its shores in 1974. Turkey's invasion drove over 200,000 
Cypriots from their home, making them refugees in their own land. Over 
one-third of Cyprus was seized by the Turkish invaders who took 70 
percent of the island's economic wealth and resources. Five Americans 
are part of the more than 2,000 inhabitants that are still missing.
  Today, Greek Cypriots, which make up nearly 80 percent of the 
population, live in the southern two-thirds of the island. Turkish 
Cypriots live in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus which is only 
recognized by Turkey. More than one-third of the sovereign territory of 
the Republic of Cyprus is under occupation by over 30,000 heavily armed 
troops. As the resolution points out, the Secretary General of the 
United Nations has stated that the occupied part of Cyprus is one of 
the most highly militarized areas in the world. Demilitarization of 
Cyprus, which is called for in House Concurrent Resolution 42, would 
reduce tension and help promote resolution of this over-20-old dispute.
  Many sincere attempts have been made over the past years to resolve 
the Cyprus problem, but to no avail. Despite their best efforts, 
Presidents of both parties have been vexed by the situation. It is time 
for a new approach. Last year, President Glafcos Clerides of Cyprus 
unveiled a proposal for demilitarization which is, in part, 
incorporated into House Concurrent Resolution 42.
  The House has sent out a clear message that the status quo on Cyprus 
is unacceptable and the resolution of the problem must be achieved. 
House Concurrent Resolution 42 is a well-reasoned bipartisan measure 
that will help to stabilize the eastern Mediterranean and benefit all, 
including the United States of America.

                          ____________________