[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 106 (Thursday, July 18, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             CYPRUS DISPUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LEE H. HAMILTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 1996

  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
recognizing and marking the 22d anniversary of the Turkish invasion of 
northern Cyprus.
  Since 1974 when one-third of the island of Cyprus was invaded by 
Turkish troops, the United States and other interested parties around 
the world have worked tirelessly to try to bring a just and lasting 
solution to a problem that has threatened the peace and stability of 
that country and that region. Unfortunately, little progress has 
occurred.
  Mr. Speaker, substantial progress toward a settlement of Cyprus 
dispute is long overdue. Progress on Cyprus should be a high priority 
at all levels of our government. Many in the Congress have been 
committed to reaching a solution over the years, and I commend the 
efforts on the part of my colleagues.
  My colleagues and I have urged the administration to launch a full-
scale initiative to move the Cyprus negotiations forward. It is only 
through high-level and sustained United States attention that the 
parties on the island will take the steps necessary to resolve this 
issue.
  Mr. Speaker, Turkey remains the key to a solution of the Cyprus 
problem. While many of us have been frustrated by the lack of progress 
on the issue, we have reasons today to be hopeful and to encourage all 
parties to maintain their commitment. The United States, as well as the 
United Nations, and members of the European Union, all have stepped up 
efforts to bring the parties together.
  I am encouraged by this activity, as well as by the bipartisan 
support of this Congress for an intensified American effort. It is in 
the United States national interest as well as that of all parties in 
the region that we find a just and viable solution for Cyprus.
  We should dedicate ourselves to that goal and seek to make 1996 the 
year we achieved substantial progress toward a settlement of the Cyprus 
dispute.

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