[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 41 (Friday, March 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______


                               speech of

                       HON. ROBERT G. TORRICELLI

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 1996

  Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Greek 
Independence Day, which falls on March 25, 1996. I have had the 
opportunity to visit Greece on several occasions, and I treasure the 
time I was able to spend in this great nation. Not only has Greece been 
a loyal ally and NATO member, but Greek-Americans have also made great 
efforts to enrich the United States. In celebrating Greek independence, 
I would like to take this opportunity to reflect upon efforts that have 
been made in the 104th Congress.
  We have spoken out for and voted for the Porter amendment which cut 
aid to Turkey from $42 million to $21 million. This gesture shows that 
the United States will no longer tolerate countries who block U.S. 
humanitarian assistance and who consistently violate human rights 
standards.
  I am also pleased that Congress has finally made an effort to end the 
Cypriot struggle for freedom from Turkish dominance. As one of the 
original cosponsors of the Cyprus Demilitarization Act, I am proud that 
the United States has finally called for the withdrawal of all foreign 
troops from Cyprus. This measure shows that we are committed to 
resolving this 20-year-old dispute based on the relevant U.N. 
resolutions.
  When I learned about the approved sale of U.S. Army Tactical Missile 
Systems to Turkey, there was a need to organize and fight this 
transaction. I am proud of the initiative I took by introducing H. Con. 
Res. 124 which expresses Congress' disapproval of the proposed sale due 
to Turkey's human rights record. I have asked the Speaker to attach 
this bill to the final budget proposal.
  The Greek-American community has a lot to celebrate on March 25--
these efforts have been monumental. The newly formed Congressional 
Caucus on Hellenic Issues, of which I am a founding member, will help 
us continue our efforts on these issues. I am proud to have been an 
instrumental part of this progress. I look forward to continued 
bipartisan support.
  I would like to express my sincere congratulations to Greek-Americans 
and the people of Greece on this day of independence.

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