[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 23, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H8235-H8245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CYPRUS--22 YEARS OF DIVISION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of May 
12, 1995, the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Bilirakis] is recognized for 
half the time until the hour of midnight as the designee of the 
majority leader.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, here we are again, year after year, doing 
this special order marking the 22 years of division of the Republic of 
Cyprus as the result of an unlawful invasion 22 years go by the Turkish 
military.
  I am saddened by this so-called anniversary but, of course, we are 
all hopeful that this will be the year that the division of Cyprus is 
finally resolved. And I guess year after year after year we are always 
hopeful that this will be the year. And, of course, it never turns out 
to be that way. And then here we are again, the esteemed gentleman from 
New York [Mr. Gilman], the esteemed gentleman from Illinois [Mr. 
Porter], the esteemed gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Klink], so many 
others, doing this. We will continue to do it because we feel that 
possibly we may penetrate the consciousness of the people responsible.


                             General Leave

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
regarding the subject of my special order.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Florida [Mr. Bilirakis]?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York 
[Mr. Gilman].
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, today's Special Order on Cyprus comes on the 
22d anniversary of the brutal invasion by Turkish troops. I commend my 
friend the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Bilirakis] for organizing this 
Special Order. Today, the international community is still confronted 
with the fact that in excess of 30,000 Turkish military personnel 
remain on the island of Cyprus to enforce an illegal partition and to 
protect a self-proclaimed government that has been recognized by only 
one other country--Turkey itself.
  Those of us in the Congress who have supported a negotiated 
settlement to the dispute which has led to the division of Cyprus are 
painfully aware of the complexities of the issue, the injustices 
committed, and particularly the suffering over these many long years of 
the Cypriot people on both sides of the Green line.
  Indeed, Cyprus has become a code-word for stale-mate and 
intractability in international diplomacy.
  This year, new governments in Greece and Turkey had led to hopes and 
expectations that a fresh start in improving relations between the two 
countries could be made, and lead to the mutual confidence that could 
produce a settlement for Cyprus.
  Those hopes were dashed when Turkish war ships attempted to challenge 
Greek sovereignty over Imia. Because of concerns over increasing 
instability in the Aegean we placed a hold on the transfer of three 
U.S. naval frigates to Turkey.
  I hope that our hold will send a strong signal to Ankara that the 
patience of the Congress has just about run out, and that we want to 
see movement on getting Turkish troops out of Cyprus, among other 
things.
  I am distressed that the Clinton administration seems more interested 
in coddling Turkey's military than in finding a solution for Cyprus.
  Last year, we were hopeful that the Administration under the guidance 
of former Assistant Secretary Richard Holbrooke would take on the 
Cyprus question, just as Holbrooke had taken on the job of finding 
peace in Bosnia. Regrettably Mr. Holbrooke has left the Administration, 
but it is hoped that one of our other talented diplomats could produce 
a breakthrough in the region.
  The shape of a possible settlement is out there. I believe that both 
President Clerides and Mr. Denktash are men who can rise above the 
recent enmity that has developed between the two communities, and find 
a way to reunite the island based on mutual good-will and confidence.
  Regrettably, following the elections this past December, the Turkish 
government appears to be in a weakened position and thus less able to 
reign-in recalcitrant elements among Turkey's political and military 
establishment. Recent developments in Turkey have led to an Islamist 
government coming to power in Ankara. The willingness of that 
government to engage in dialog and compromise on the Cyprus question is 
not yet clear. But the fortunes of the people of Cyprus must not be 
held hostage to internal Turkish political problems.
  Old history and grievances must be placed behind us as we seek to 
resolve the division of Cyprus. I hope and pray that both sides of the 
problem will reach within themselves to find the resolve to settle this 
persistent problem. The Greek Cypriots have demonstrated flexibility 
and the spirit of compromise in recent rounds of U.N. sponsored talks. 
The international community and the U.N. should recognize this as we 
re-evaluate our tactics in the light of the most recent failure to move 
beyond the current situation.
  Twenty-two years is a long time. There are now young people coming of 
age in Cyprus who know nothing other than the experience of living in a 
divided society. For this next generation what can guide them in 
learning to accept life with a neighboring but different culture? Time 
is running out for the possibility of achieving a peaceful settlement, 
and the people of Cyprus now have to ask themselves if the enmity 
between the two communities is truly worth the price of a divided 
nation.

                              {time}  2230

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, nobody deserves more credit than the 
gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman] on the issue of human rights all 
over the world, and I really thank the gentleman.
  Mr. Speaker, Cyprus is roughly the same size as the State of 
Connecticut with approximately 660,000 inhabitants. Turkish and Greek 
Cypriots lived together on the island side by side for almost five 
centuries. However, the landscape, Cyprus, was dramatically changed 
when Turkey invaded the island in 1974. On July 20 of that year Turkish 
forces, some 6,000 troops and 40 tanks, landed on the north coast of 
Cyprus and captured almost 40 percent of the island, and the 
international community has strongly condemned the military invasion 
from the beginning. On the very day of the invasion the United Nations 
adopted Resolution 353, which called upon all states to respect the 
sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Cyprus and 
demanded an immediate end to military intervention in the Republic of 
Cyprus. However, Turkey ignored the edict of the international 
community and launched a second offensive in August, 1974.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Porter] at 
this time.
  Mr. PORTER. I very much thank the gentleman from Florida for 
arranging this special order on Cyprus and commend him for his great 
leadership in attempting to once again bring us together to address 
this very, very serious matter.
  Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today, as I have many times before, 
to commemorate the sad anniversary of the tragic separation of Cyprus 
by Turkish troops. This past Saturday, July 20, marks the 22d year of 
the separation.
  On July 20 1974, over 6,000 Turkish troops and 40 tanks landed on the 
north coast of Cyprus and heavy fighting took place between them and 
the Cypriot National Guard. Turkish troops pressed on to the capital 
city of Nicosia, where they engaged in heavy street fighting with 
Cypriot National Guardsmen and Cypriot irregulars. Throughout the 
battles, the Turkish air force bombed and strafed Greek-Cypriot 
positions and attacked the Nicosia airport. By the time a cease fire 
had been arranged on August 16, Turkish forces had taken the northern 
third of the country.

[[Page H8236]]

  Throughout the battles subsequent occupation, tales of atrocities, 
abductions, rapes, and executions were heard. It was only as those 
abducted or taken prisoner of war began to filter back to their homes 
after the cease fire that it became apparent that hundreds were 
missing.
  The Congressional Human Rights Caucus, which I have co-chaired with 
the gentleman from California [Mr. Lantos] for over a decade, has held 
numerous briefings on this issue. Always, we hear wrenching testimony 
of violations and subsequent coverups by the Turks. The coverup 
continues to this very day.
  Over 1,600 Greek Cypriots and 5 Americans are still among the 
missing, and a generation has grown up in Cyprus not knowing unity and 
peace. Over 35,000 Turkish troops occupy the northern third of this 
beautiful country, despite the fact that this military occupation is 
recognized to be illegal and in violation of numerous United Nations 
resolutions.
  Since we stood here on this same date 1 year ago, Congress and the 
administration have repeatedly indicated that a Cyprus solution is long 
over due. The House has passed a resolution, of which I was an original 
cosponsor, reaffirming that the status quo on Cyprus is unacceptable 
and calling for the demilitarization of Cyprus. In addition, the House 
reduced economic assistance to Turkey for fiscal year 1996 from the 
administration request of $100 million to $33.5 million because of 
their ongoing human rights violations, including their illegal military 
occupation of Cyprus. The administration has repeatedly said that 1996 
is to be the year of the ``big push'' on Cyprus.
  But, Mr. Speaker, we are over half way through 1966 and a Cyprus 
solution still seems a distant reality. We talk, and talk, and talk 
some more about what needs to be done to bring peace and unity to this 
tiny, beautiful Mediterranean country. According to a recent Washington 
Times article, the Cyprus problem has been reviewed at least 150 times 
during the past 22 years to no avail. I would argue that 150 is a very 
conservative estimate.
  But, Mr. Speaker, most significantly talks are scheduled to begin in 
1998 regarding Cyprus' entry into the European Union. Their approach 
should galvanize serious negotiations now that lead Greek and Turkish 
Cypriots of goodwill to find the keys to unlock a lasting peace and 
reunite a divided country.
  Mr. Speaker, we cannot suffer another round of failed talks between 
the parties. I would urge not only an extra strong push by the 
administration to raise this issue to the highest priority, but that 
our military talk directly with their counterparts in the Turkish 
military to gain their cooperation in finding a way to begin 
withdrawing Turkish troops as a first step toward unification.
  Obviously, Mr. Speaker, our country cannot and, in fact, must not 
involve itself in the negotiations themselves. But we can and should do 
everything possible to encourage the parties to find common ground and 
to establish an environment in which agreement can take place.
  Mr. Speaker, let us all hope that next year, at this time, we no 
longer have the need to gather once again on the House floor to 
reiterate our deep frustration at the ongoing Turkish military 
occupation of Cyprus. Twenty-two years is much too long to see a 
divided island and divided people. It is my deepest hope, that the next 
special order on Cyprus will be to commemorate and celebrate a new 
found lasting peace and unity in Cyprus.
  I thank my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Florida [Mr. 
Bilirakis], for calling this special order and for bringing us together 
in this ongoing effort to solve this very, very difficult problem.

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Long before I got here you were very much interested 
in this issue, and you are the chairman of the Human Rights Caucus, 
ranking member of that caucus for many, many years, and I know your 
interest in human rights, and this is a human rights issue. It is an 
issue of right versus wrong, but also very much so human rights, and I 
know that it is something that you have been greatly concerned with.
  As a result, Mr. Speaker, of Turkey's illegal invasion, 1,619 people 
are missing. Among these missing, five are U.S. citizens. In addition, 
more than 200,000 Cypriots were forcibly driven from their homes and 
are now refugees, a people without a home. To date, Turkey continues 
its illegal occupation of the northern portion of Cyprus, maintaining 
more than 35,000 troops and some 80,000 settlers there. Clearly, this 
occupation continues to serve as a wedge among Cyprus, Turkey, and 
Greece. In fact, relations among these three countries have recently 
deteriorated from the dispute over the island of Imia, as Mr. Gilman 
mentioned, this past January, to the shooting of an unarmed Greek 
teenager by the Turkish occupation army in Cyprus this June.
  These incidents, Mr. Speaker, are just a few of the many hostile 
actions taken by Turkey and are indicative of Turkey's aggressive 
behavior towards Cyprus and Greece.
  Mr. Speaker, I would yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, my 
fellow Greek American, Mr. Klink.
  Mr. KLINK. I thank the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis for 
yielding to me, and like Mr. Porter and Mr. Gilman, I have the desire 
that the next time we stand to talk about Cyprus it will be because the 
right thing has been done and that the international community, 
European Union and others have forced the hand of the Turks to finally 
do what is right.
  Mr. Speaker, since we stood here 1 year ago, many things have 
happened that have changed that part of the Aegean where Cyprus is or 
the island of Imia is, and not many of them have been good. In fact, on 
March 1 of this year Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash finally made 
the comment that those Greek Cypriots that the gentleman from Florida 
[Mr. Bilirakis] referred to who were captured during Turkey's 1974 
invasion of Cyprus were murdered, were murdered, he said, by Turkish 
Cypriot paramilitary forces, which would be, I would remind you, in 
violation of the Geneva accords.
  When he was asked about the fate of the Greek Cypriots, and we assume 
also the five Americans who are listed as missing, including, I would 
mention, one 17-year-old boy from Michigan who was taken away from his 
family with his American passport in his hand, and Denktash told a 
Greek Cypriot television station; this is a direct quote, Mr. Speaker; 
what happened, he said, was this:
  ``As the Turkish army moved and captured Greek Cypriots, 
unfortunately they were handed to our fighters;'' an aside here, Mr. 
Speaker, he was speaking of the Turkish Cypriot militia; he said, 
``Among whom were people that had lost family over the years. Instead 
of taking them to the police station or the prison camps, they were 
killed.''
  Well, President Clerides of Cyprus said if the Turkish side claims 
that the missing are dead, then we demand to know the circumstances of 
their death, and we want to know where they were buried. Their families 
deserve to know. The world deserves to know. As of yet we do not know. 
We have not had an answer.
  This comment, I would remind you, was made March 1 of this year. A 
Cyprus government spokesman said the government was considering whether 
or not to press for the prosecution of these acts as war crimes, saying 
if prisoners of war were executed in cold blood, that would violate the 
Geneva Convention on the treatment of prisoners of war. He also 
disputed the claims of the Turkish Cypriot leaders that prisoners taken 
to Turkey were all accounted for. He said even among the people taken 
to Turkey and registered by the International Red Cross some of them 
never came back and questioned whether or not Denktash was now 
attempting to exonerate the Turkish Army which, under the Geneva 
Convention, bore the sole responsibility for prisoners of war.

  Now, strong condemnation of the Turkish admission came from leaders 
across Europe. They said again that the main responsibility for the 
disappearance of these persons still lies with the Turkish Army, a fact 
that has been verified by international organizations.
  I will remind you that over hundreds of years it has been Turkey that 
has been the provocateurs. The incident of the invasion of Cyprus 22 
years ago does not stand alone in the annals of history of this part of 
the world. My

[[Page H8237]]

own family's name, as they lived on the island of Kalymnos, which is 
where Mr. Bilirakis's family also came from, was changed to Giavasis by 
the Turks, as they had control of Greece for hundreds of years, and it 
was always the Turks who came as the provocateurs, and they showed us 
again, I mentioned at the beginning of my statement, that during the 
past year many things have occurred. Well, it was not only having to do 
with Cyprus, but the Turks moved to make a claim on a tiny island by 
the name of Imia, small island, uninhabited except for some goats or 
for some sheep.
  Many people say, ``Well, why fight about it?'' Well, I would argue 
that there were parts of south Texas that are virtually uninhabited 
except by jack rabbits and snakes and scorpions, but if the Mexicans 
tried to occupy that, we would be at war.
  This island is Greek. This island was controlled, as part of the 
Dodecanese, by Italy by the Lausanne peace treaty of 1923, and 
subsequently the Italians granted this to Greek sovereignty in the 
Paris Peace Treaty of 1947 following World War II.
  There is no question about this, and yet in the past year the Turks 
once again being the provocateurs, having been successful for 22 years 
at occupying Cyprus, at raping, at pillaging, at creating hundreds of 
people who are refugees in their own land, were not happy. They moved 
in a provocative way toward the island of Imia, and it is up to the 
United States and to the Congress and to the President to not allow 
this to occur, to not stand idly by. It is up to the European Union to 
not look at this as happening to Greece, that Greece is one country 
alone, but this is an attack upon the European Union just as the 
movement against Cyprus was a movement against all the Aegean.

                              {time}  2245

  If you go to islands like Khios, you will find out that tens of 
thousands of natives of the island of Khios were massacred 175 years 
ago by the Turks. When the Turks moved against Cyprus in 1974, tens of 
thousands of those living on the island 150 years after the massacre 
left because they were afraid of what was going to happen.
  That island still bears the scars of Turkish violence towards them, 
of the 3,000 Greeks who were burned to death when they fled to a church 
on Khios, and the Turks burned the church down around them. And you can 
see the bloody imprints of the faces and hands of children, of small 
Greek children, still today, on the floor, on the marble floors of this 
church, as they have rebuilt it. You can see the charred bones. They 
have been kept there for Greeks to be able to remember these 
hostilities that were brought against them by the Ottoman Empire.
  So what we are looking at today is not something that can be blamed 
on the fact that Turkey has tough economic times. Of course, Greece has 
tough economic times. They are one of the poorest of the European 
Union. Yet they are forced year after year to spend 6 to 7 percent of 
their gross national product on defense, because they stand alone 
against the Turks, and the world and the European Union has not forced 
the Turks to find a solution on the island of Cyprus.
  Mr. Speaker, I will be very thankful tonight to the many Members who 
have stayed here on the floor because they have justice in their heart. 
It would be very easy for Members and for the staff here in the House 
Chamber to go home, but the fact of the matter is that, while we may be 
a little bit tired tonight, while we may not like working long hours, 
we are talking about hours. To the Greek Cypriots it is years.
  I thank my friends on both sides of the aisle who have had justice 
and the feeling for their fellow humankind in their hearts for these 
years that have time after time come to this floor to speak on behalf 
of not constituents of theirs, but for people of a nation who have been 
wronged.
  I thank my dear friend, the gentleman from Florida, Mike Bilirakis, 
again for leading us, and for being the voice of reason of Greeks 
around the world, and I hope that before the next year's anniversary 
comes we have some kind of positive solution to the problems of Cyprus.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. Obviously, that is 
the hope we all have. I cannot say how proud I am to be working with 
the gentleman on this issue, as well as so many others.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Rhode Island [Mr. Reed].
  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I first want to commend the gentleman from 
Florida [Mr. Bilirakis], for his leadership in organizing this special 
order, and for his leadership on all of these vital issues of 
importance, not only to our country but to the country of Greece and to 
the country of Cyprus.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the 22nd anniversary 
of the Turkish invasion and occupation of the Republic of Cyprus. July 
20, 1996, marks 22 long years of Turkish military presence in Cyprus. 
This anniversary serves as a reminder that continued efforts on the 
part of the United States are essential in trying to establish a 
lasting, peaceful solution to the Cyprus dispute.
  On July 20, 1974, 6,000 Turkish troops launched the invasion of 
Cyprus, an invasion that would ultimately conclude with the occupation 
of 40 percent of the island and its 660,000 inhabitants. Moreover, the 
installation of Turkish troops on Cyprus wrote an end to centuries of 
peaceful cohabitation between the Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot 
communities.

  Since then thousands of Cypriots have lost their lives over the years 
as a result of horrific acts imposed upon them by the Turkish military. 
Today Turkey maintains more than 35,000 troops in northern Cyprus, 
further straining the unstable and tumultuous environment of the 
region.
  I commend President Clinton for designating 1996 as the year of 
Cyprus. Indeed, I wrote to the President earlier this year urging him 
to seek a permanent, peaceful settlement of the Cyprus dispute. I am 
encouraged by the recent developments as a result of the 
administration's efforts in Cyprus last week. The recent visit of U.S. 
presidential envoy Richard Beattie and Ambassador Albright was a 
positive one. Discussions aimed at reducing military tensions between 
the parties are expected to begin in the near future. It is extremely 
important that the administration continue to work with the parties to 
reduce tensions and move the peace process forward.
  The 22nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus comes at a 
time when other formerly embattled nations are at last finding common 
ground upon which to reach a lasting peace. The U.S. has the ability to 
play a critical role in helping the people of Cyprus and stabilizing 
relations in the eastern Mediterranean.
   Mr. Speaker, the settlement of the Cyprus dispute should be the 
highest priority for the United States. I urge the support of my 
colleagues in moving this important initiative forward, and once again 
commend the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Bilirakis], for his leadership, 
his endurance, and his great commitment to the cause of peace, both 
here and in Cyprus.
   Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record a letter from President 
Clinton regarding U.S. efforts towards peace in Cyprus:
  The letter referred to is as follows:


                                              The White House,

                                    Washington, DC, July 17, 1996.
     Hon. Jack Reed,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Jack: Thank you for your letter concerning our Cyprus 
     initiative. I value your expressions of support for our 
     efforts to end the division of that island.
       We have long appreciated the adverse effect that the Cyprus 
     problem has on relations between Greece and Turkey. A 
     negotiated solution would remove a serious source of tensions 
     between the two countries. We made this point to Presidents 
     Demirel and Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Simitis and 
     Foreign Minister Gonensay during their recent visits to 
     Washington. We solicited and received their support for our 
     planned efforts to work toward an eventual negotiated 
     settlement.
       I completed my series of personal consultations with 
     regional leaders when I hosted President Clerides at the 
     White House on June 17. I reaffirmed to him my commitment to 
     assist in the search for a Cyprus solution. After meeting 
     President Clerides, I announced that I would send my Special 
     Emissary, Richard Beattie, to the region this month to begin 
     discussions on the key issues involved in a comprehensive 
     settlement, with special emphasis on security. I expect 
     cooperation from all the parties when Mr. Beattie and his 
     delegation arrive in Turkey, Greece and Cyprus.

[[Page H8238]]

       As we undertake our efforts to advance a solution, you can 
     be assured of my commitment to continued U.S. leadership on 
     what I consider one of our highest priorities in Europe.
           Sincerely,
                                                        Bill Clinton.  
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. I thank the gentleman for joining us in this very 
important special order, Mr. Speaker.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California [Mr. Horn].
  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my distinguished colleague, the 
gentleman from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, for arranging this colloquy. I 
thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for our common 
participation on what is basic American policy. We hope it will reach 
fruition and implementation.
  Mr. Speaker, this past weekend marked the 22d anniversary of the 
Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Once again, this body marks an annual 
remembrance of the suffering of the Cypriot people and the division of 
Cyprus.
  Following a long investigation, the European Commission of Human 
Rights concluded that there were ``very strong indications'' of 
killings ``committed on a substantial scale'' by the Turkish Army 
during its invasion. Actions by Turks and Turkish Cypriots included 
wholesale and repeated rapes of women of all ages, systematic torture, 
savage and humiliating treatment of hundreds of people, including 
children, women, pensioners, during their detention by the Turkish 
forces, as well as looting and robbery on an extensive scale by Turkish 
troops and Turkish Cypriots.
  It is because of these atrocities that the world has held the Turkish 
occupation of one-third of Cyprus in scorn and contempt. Turkey is the 
only country in the world that recognizes the ``Turkish Republic of 
Northern Cyprus.'' The government of Turkey must accept that its 
actions in Cyprus are simply wrong, and its continued presence as an 
occupying force is illegitimate.
  While Turkey may see the status quo as an acceptable alternative, the 
world, and its American ally, does not see it as an acceptable 
alternative. Turkey's intransigence is a threat to the North Atlantic 
Treaty Organization and to stability in the Mediterranean.
  We all hope that recent tensions in Cyprus, including the shooting of 
a Greek Cypriot guardsman by Turkish soldiers and rock-throwing by 
Turkish troops at other Greek Cypriots, is only a rough spot in the 
road to peace and a return to normal. These tragic deaths should bring 
everybody to their senses on this matter.
  Recent diplomatic activity is encouraging, and I hope that the 
administration will be successful in its efforts. But the United States 
must also be very clear, that it has never accepted, it never will 
accept, a continuation of the Turkish occupation of part of Cyprus. It 
violates the United Nations charter, it violates the rule of law, it 
violates international law, and it violates human rights.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. I thank the gentleman for joining us this evening, 
this late evening, Mr. Speaker.
  Mr. Speaker, Turkey also deployed, in addition to all of these other 
transgressions that we have heard here tonight, nearly 100 American-
made tanks on northern Cyprus this past January; I repeat, nearly 100 
American-made tanks on northern Cyprus, this is the occupied territory, 
this past January, in direct violation of agreements between Turkey and 
the United States.
  We have to ask ourselves, finally we have to ask ourselves, what are 
we doing in protest of these violations? Rhetoric after rhetoric after 
rhetoric, and nothing is being done. I am not just referring to the 
administration, but I am referring to the Congress, even though we have 
had a couple of votes in the last couple of years particularly focusing 
on human rights violations which would be sending a message to Turkey.

  Turkey's recent actions have caused me, as I am sure I speak for all 
members in this House, great concern. I am still particularly troubled 
about the claims Turkey made over Imia. It has been mentioned twice 
already tonight two or three times.
  I have followed this dispute closely, and in fact recently returned 
from Greece, where I had the opportunity to visit not only my ancestral 
homeland, Kalymnos, the island the ancestors of the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania [Mr. Klink] also come from, but also this disputed island 
of Imia.
  I was accompanied by the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Porter Goss, and 
the gentleman from Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Bobby Rush. As we sailed 
through the Dodecanese Islands, a group of 12 islands down in that 
southern part of the Aegean, I wanted my colleagues to understand that 
Imia is Greek. Indeed, it has always been considered, and, as the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Klink] said, as Greek by those living 
nearby and by the international community.
  Despite these recent tensions, I am confident that they will not 
hinder, I am hopeful they will not hinder the administration's push to 
resolve the Cyprus issue. Cyprus is the only country in Europe, the 
only country in Europe with 37 percent of its land under the occupation 
of an invading force. Resolving the division of Cyprus will not only 
reunite Cypriots, but will also help lay the foundation for better 
relations between Greece and Turkey.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Menendez] 
who was also in Cyprus on my last trip there.
  (Mr. MENENDEZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for 
yielding, and also for his leadership in bringing us together on the 
commemoration of what many of my colleagues have already stated is an 
incredible 32 years of invasion, of separation of families, of a 
division of a country in an artificial means, and at the same time of a 
continuous occupation. And as the gentleman just pointed out, 37 
percent of the island remains under occupation by Turkish troops, 
which, in defiance of United Nations resolutions, now number 35,000. 
This makes Cyprus one of the most militarized areas in the world, 
considering its overall size.
  The fact of the matter is that despite the tragic history, we hope 
there is reason to be optimistic. We believe the Cyprus problem is 
resolvable. The Clinton administration announced a new initiative to 
reunite Cyprus, and last week Ambassador Madeleine Albright and special 
envoy Dick Beattie arrived in Cyprus to kick off what they have termed 
as the big push, and that is exactly what our Cyprus policy needs.
  It is time to dispose of all of the arguments and excuses which have 
postponed progress on the Cyprus problem. There is never a perfect 
time, and certainly this is a time to go ahead and have a solution.
  Mr. Speaker, I empathize with this issue because I believe, having 
visited Cyprus nearly a year ago, when the gentleman from Florida was 
there himself, having crossed the green line, a line that divides, 
artificially, northern Cyprus and the rest of it from the Greek side to 
the Turkish side, having brought constituents of mine, the Zambas 
family from my district, who for the first time after all of these 
years got to return to what to them in essence is their homeland, their 
homeland, to be able to see their roots, to be able to go to what was 
their church, to see their village, their neighborhoods.
  The interesting part of that trip was the tremendous resistance that 
we got first of all in trying to cross, although if you hear the 
Turkish authorities on the other side, they claim that it is easy to go 
back and forth across the green line. It is not. As a Member of the 
United States Congress, with the United States Embassy in Cyprus behind 
us in an effort to get a few people to cross to see what their homeland 
was, we were told it was going to be easy, but it was very difficult. 
In addition to that we ended up with a whole group of people with us as 
a security force well beyond our numbers. It made it every step of the 
way.
  What was interesting was that when the Americans of Greek Cypriot 
descent got together with the Turkish Cypriots, those who were native 
Turkish Cypriots on the northern side, and started communicating with 
each other, they were fine. It was only those people, the Turkish 
authorities who were not originally Cypriots, who came from Turkey to 
settle in the area, that created difficulties and division between what 
is naturally two people, and left to those two people, Greek and 
Turkish Cypriots who believe in one Cyprus and an opportunity to co-
exist with each other, this problem could be resolved.

[[Page H8239]]

  In closing, Mr. Speaker, let me just simply say that having seen that 
chemistry between the people, having seen this artificial division in 
person, having seen the beauty of the country and its enormous 
possibilities and its importance to the United States in terms of 
security in that part of the world, and its importance to others of our 
allies in terms of their security in that part of the world, and the 
opportunity that Cyprus has geographically in being a gateway to the 
West from that part of the world, the United States must put its full 
diplomatic effort and every tool of peaceful diplomacy it has at work 
to come to a solution.
  That includes having our military, which is intricately involved with 
the Turkish military, to have an enormous say, even though it is a 
democratic government, but it has a tremendous influence in that 
government, to come to a solution on the Cyprus question. It can be 
done. The people of Cyprus, Greek and Turkish alike, want a solution, 
and the fact of the matter is the United States has the wherewithal, I 
believe, in this matter to be an honest and efficient participant in 
bringing peace with justice in Cyprus.
  I close by reading a brief poem that was written by Cypriot Nese 
Yasin, which I feel probably best characterizes the sentiments of the 
Cypriot people.
  It says ``My father says love your country. My country is divided 
into two. Which part should I love?''

                              {time}  2300

  Hopefully a year from now that question will no longer need to be 
posed, Mr. Chairman, and I thank you for the opportunity to participate 
with you in this historic moment.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. I certainly agree with the gentleman. His points are 
very well taken and you are right, we have the power, we have the 
wherewithal to do what needs to be done there. It is so very 
frustrating that we are not really trying. There is an awful lot of 
rhetoric, an awful lot of words to the effect that we will try, we are 
going to continue to try. We can do it if we really want to. All we 
have to do is put our mind to it and basically roll up our sleeves and 
put our energy behind our words.
  Mr. MENENDEZ. We are committed to working with the gentleman to make 
sure that happens.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, the green line that the gentleman just 
refers to divides northern and southern Cyprus. It not only divides a 
nation but it divides a people. I might add since the Berlin Wall went 
down, it is the only wall left in the entire world that divides a 
people, and we sit back and talk about it, do not do anything about it. 
The invasion and subsequent illegal occupation of Cyprus by Turkey left 
thousands, thousands without a home, and because it is late the 
gentlewoman wants to get home, I know where I would like to go in a few 
minutes, I will yield at this point to the gentlewoman from New York 
[Mrs. Maloney], who has just been a wonderful partner on all of the 
issues involving Greece and Cyprus.
  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, once again as I have every year that I 
have been a Member of Congress, it is my distinct honor and great 
privilege to stand with the gentleman from Florida and commemorate the 
tragic invasion and occupation of Cyprus. I am sure Mr. Bilirakis will 
agree with me when I state that a lot has transpired in the year since 
we stood in this well to discuss the fate of this beautiful island.
  First, I am pleased of the success that the gentleman and I had in 
the formation of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues. This has 
become a large and active organization. We now have 50 Members from 
both parties from all regions of the country and from all political 
ideologies. Democrats, Republicans, liberals, and conservatives have 
all joined together to pursue our common objectives of justice, human 
rights and stronger ties between the United States and its strong 
democratic allies, Cyprus and Greece. The Hellenic Caucus has organized 
important and informative meetings with Greek President Stephanopoulos 
and Ambassador Tsilas, with Cypriot President Clerides, as well as a 
touching and very special meeting with this Eminence Archbishop 
Iakavos, who retired this year after 37 years of service to the 
community.
  In addition, the Hellenic Caucus members have strongly urged 
President Clinton to forcefully condemn hostile Turkish actions 
regarding the Greek Islands of Imia and Gavdos and other aggressive 
actions in the eastern Mediterranean. Many members of the Hellenic 
Caucus wrote to the Turkish foreign minister in protest of his 
country's attacks on the human rights foundation of Turkey which treats 
victims of torture.
  Mr. Bilirakis and I joined with Senator Sarbanes in a successful 
effort to stop the proposed sale of 12 deadly Super Cobra helicopters 
to Turkey. Several of us have kept up the pressure on Turkey to stop 
its persecution of Christians and Kurds. Hellenic Caucus members are 
well represented on the list of cosponsors of House Concurrent 
Resolution 42, which passed the House. This bill puts the United States 
on record in support of the demilitarization of Cyprus and highlights 
Congress' continuing interest in achieving a solution to the Cypriot 
situation.

  This brings me to perhaps the greatest victory for those of us who 
support Cypriot and Greek causes. On June 5, by a resounding vote of 
303 to 115, the House passed the Visclosky amendment, which would end 
United States economic aid to Turkey unless it ends its inhumane 
blockade of Armenia.
  Mr. Speaker, we all know what Turkey's response was to this House 
action. Turkey announced that it would rather forgo our generous 
assistance than end the suffering caused by this cruel and callous 
blockade. Tragically, it is the same intransigence that has marked 
Turkey's attitude on the Cyprus issue.
  Let us not forget the facts: 22 years ago, Turkey brutally invaded 
Cyprus. 200,000 Greek Cypriots were expelled from their homes, their 
property was confiscated. Worst of all, 1,614 Cypriots and 5 American 
citizens were seized by Turkish troops and remain missing to this day.
  Mr. Speaker, it has become somewhat of a cliche to refer to these so-
called missing, but to me this phrase has a distinctly human face. I 
have met many, many times with constituents of mine in the Astoria 
neighborhoods whose family members are still among the missing. I have 
seen the great pain on the faces of the families of Chris Loizoi, 
Andrew Kassapis, and George Anastasiou. I resolved never to give up my 
quest to see that the fates of their family members are accounted for. 
Human decency demands that we use all the means at our disposal, 
including special orders like this one in this great Hall of democracy, 
to hold Turkey accountable for all of the missing. The simple cause of 
justice demands that Turkey pull back from the third of Cyprus that it 
now illegally occupies with 35,000 troops who are armed to the teeth.
  Mr. Speaker, last week President Clinton dispatched our able U.N. 
Ambassador Madeleine Albright to Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey to restart 
talks on resolving the dispute. I wish my friend the Ambassador the 
best of luck in this extremely important mission, and I look forward to 
hearing her report and that of the Special Envoy Richard Beatty--22 
years of brutality, human rights buses and illegal occupation is far, 
far too long.
  I commend my colleagues who are speaking this evening for taking the 
time to go on the record in opposition to war and suffering and in 
favor of peace and justice. All of us owe it to those who have endured 
a terrible fate on this beautiful island to speak up and speak out. 
Tonight we say to the people of Cyprus and the families of the missing 
we will never forget you. We will always continue working for peace and 
justice on Cyprus.
  I want to conclude by thanking my dear friend Congressman Bilirakis 
for his extreme effort on the Cyprus issue and on all Greek causes. He 
not only supports it with his rhetoric, with his legislation, with his 
heart, but also with his physical time. He is the only Member of 
Congress that has initiated a voyage to the island if Imia, who has 
gone into the enclaves on Cyprus and has attended almost every CECA 
conference in Cyprus. I thank you for your strong, strong commitment to 
these issues, your hard work and for organizing this special order 
tonight. My constituents thank you. The families of the missing thank 
you.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Well, I thank the gentlewoman. She has just been great

[[Page H8240]]

to work with, and I am just proud again to be a cochair of the Hellenic 
Caucus with the gentlewoman.
  Mr. Speaker, while chairing hearings of the Congressional Human 
Rights Caucus in 1992, I had the opportunity to hear first-hand the 
heart-wrenching stories of people who had relatives abducted during and 
after the illegal Turkish invasion. Throughout these hearings, a common 
theme emerged: The families want concrete answers regarding the fates 
of their loved ones.

  Mr. Denktash, the Turkish Cypriot leader, made a recent statement 
referred to by the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Klink] on a Greek 
Cypriot television station that the missing in Cyprus were turned over 
to the Turkish militia and killed. While shocked by this statement I 
question it, given the fact that there is much evidence to the 
contrary. We must know conclusively what happened to the five Americans 
and the 1,614 Greek Cypriots that have been missing since 1974.
  I have sent a letter to President Clinton urging him to do everything 
possible to determine once and for all the fate of the missing in 
Cyprus.
  In addition to the missing, as the gentlewoman from New York [Mrs. 
Maloney] just mentioned, I also have serious concerns about the 
enclaved people in Cyprus. I am pleased to have cosponsored H.R. 2223, 
the Freedom and Human Rights for the Enclaved People of Cyprus Act.
  I would advise my colleagues that the enclaved are a group of people 
in a certain part of Cyprus who have refused to leave their homes. 
Those who have left their homes over the years have lost all of their 
property. These people just do not want to leave their homes and, 
consequently, they have stayed there and we call them ``enclaved'' 
because that is exactly what they are. This legislation will implement 
efforts to eliminate restrictions on the enclaved people of Cyprus.
  Besides cosponsoring the bill, I also am very proud to say one of the 
finest experiences of my life, I visited this area last August 
accompanied by the gentleman from Ohio, Martin Hoke. We visited the 
area. We saw and heard firsthand the life experiences of these people. 
We were accompanied by a couple of top leaders from the Turkish side 
who were delegated by Mr. Denktash to accompany us. Both of these 
people were born, as I understand it, as I remember it, but in any case 
raised in a part of southern Cyprus, the nonoccupied part of Cyprus 
called Paphos. They speak Greek fluently. I might add that they visited 
these coffee houses with us. They spoke Greek so very fluently that 
when the people, in the process of communicating with us regarding all 
of their problems and sharing with us all their problems and the 
enslaved nature of them all, they also communicated the same thing to 
them because they thought that they were also Americans, or at least 
they thought that they were Greek Cypriots rather than Turkish Cypriots 
because they spoke Greek so very well.
  The point was made, I think, by the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. 
Menendez], the fact that these people got along over the years and it 
was these outside forces that basically split everything up. But we 
visited this coffee house there, we sat down and had coffee with the 
people and heard their problems.
  We visited a monastery, we call it Apostle Andrew, which is Apostle 
Andrew. It was a monastery that was the subject of pilgrimages by 
families over the years. The monastery had been closed for better than 
20 years, had not been opened, and to the credit of the people in 
charge, they opened it for us. We visited, we went into the monastery, 
we lit candles, we drank of the holy water, and we also captured some 
of the holy water that came from the base of the monastery. The 
story goes that the Apostle Andrew struck his staff against the rocks 
on the side of the mountain and water came out just as fresh and as 
cool and as beautiful as could be.

  We visited a schoolteacher by the name of Eleni Foka, we call her 
Kitty Eleni. That means Miss Helen Foka, F-O-K-A, a lady who is very 
vocal, a lady who is, based on what Mr. Denktash told me personally, is 
a thorn in the side. She still teaches school, I might add there. We 
asked her, ``Well, since you live under these types of conditions, why 
do not you just get up and leave? Why do not you just go over the line 
into the Greek Cypriot side where there is freedom at least?'' She very 
tearfully and very emotionally said to us, ``This is my paradise. Why 
should I leave it?'' That I think says it all. ``This is my paradise, 
why should I leave it?''
  I would add that just this week I received a letter from this lady 
that I have had interpreted. My Greek is not good enough to be able to 
do too well with it, so I was able to have it interpreted. It is 
addressed to me and I would like to read this.
  ``First I would like to thank you for your great interest and love 
and also thank you for your visit to our enslaved village, where you 
saw with your own eyes our living conditions. You witnessed a very 
cruel reality, that we are living under `medieval' conditions that 
nowhere in the civilized world can be found. We are denied the right to 
religion, education, movement, correspondence and so much more; in a 
few words, our human rights are flagrantly violated.
  The barbarian Turkish invaders appear to fear no one, because none of 
the powerful people in the world,'' and I think we know who she is 
referring to when she says that, ``and no international organization 
compels them to respect international law and order, human rights and 
freedom.
  ``On June 3, while we are absent from the school, Turkish occupation 
soldiers and settlers went to my school and with wood cutting machines 
cut the trees and with excavators destroyed all the area.'' She sent me 
photographs of the area as it was destroyed. ``Their target was to 
demolish the school and force me to leave my occupied village, thus, 
closing down the school forever. They claim that the property of the 
Greek school belongs to them after the invasion and, therefore, they 
can do whatever they want. In addition, they provocatively tell me that 
they will turn the school into a field for them to play soccer. This is 
their respect for education. The photographs I am sending to you are 
speaking for themselves. Unfortunately, I do not have the strength and 
the courage to describe all that is happening.
  ``After your visit here,'' she is referring to our visit there,'' the 
conquerors, declared that they would improve our living conditions. 
However, the situation is becoming worse and worse. Moreover, myself 
and many other enslaved Greeks are being threatened, blackmailed and 
humiliated. Recently, for instance, some people that are not even 
`policemen', visited us and asked to take pictures of us, saying that 
they were going to issue us their so-called ``State's'' photo IDs. They 
want us to denounce our ethnicity and our identity as enslaved Greeks 
to become Turkish citizens.
  ``For all of the above, we call you, our free brothers and Greeks all 
over the world, to help us. Our brothers, we ought not to waste 
precious time; 23 years of slavery are too long; we are begging you to 
find ways to save our country. Today is Cyprus, tomorrow is the Aegean 
sea, later will be Thrace; please do not delay, you can help us.
  ``We wish the best for you and for ourselves. We wish only freedom.
  ``With my best regards, your enslaved sister, Eleni Foka.''
  And she goes on with a note, ``Please accept this small gift that was 
made by an enslaved sister in an enslaved Agia Triada Karpasias. It is 
made on a black background, symbolizing our black slavery, using silk 
which symbolizes the strength of our endurance. Please to not be late. 
Unfortunately, as you realized yourself during your visit, we are 
facing a deadline.''
  Mr. Speaker, although the rights of those enclaved are intended to be 
protected by the 1975 Third Vienna Agreement which States that the 
Greek Cypriots, and I quote, that the Greek Cypriots present in the 
north are free to stay and they will be given every help to lead a 
normal life, end quotes, a recent United Nations report paints a far 
different picture of their fate.
  According to the report, the life of the Greek Cypriots is anything 
but normal. In fact, according to the report, quote from that full 
report, ``Much of the time they live in trepidation and even fear, due 
to the constant Turkish Cypriot police presence in their lives.''

[[Page H8241]]

                              {time}  2318

  I would tell my colleagues that the focal theme of all the remarks 
that we received from those people at the coffeehouse and throughout 
that entire area was fear. They lived constantly in fear.
  Mr. Speaker, the time has come to reunite Cypriots who have been 
separated from their brothers and sisters by an arbitrary boundary for 
so long. Surely it is in Turkey's best interest, surely it has to be in 
their best interest to resolve this conflict as expeditiously as 
possible. Turkey's actions are keeping it from becoming an accepted 
part of the European Community. Meanwhile, Cyprus is moving forward 
with its aspirations for membership in the European Community.
  As Cyprus takes steps to improve itself, so, too, must we. We must do 
our utmost. We have to do our utmost to end the division of Cyprus. The 
administration's push to settle the Cyprus issue was slated to begin 
after the May 26 parliamentary elections in Cyprus, and I am hopeful 
those efforts will complement our own in the House.
  As we in Congress focus on settling this issue, I am reminded of what 
Alexis Galanos, president of the Cyprus House of Representatives, has 
stressed, and I quote him:

       Any initiative that is not focused on the respect of 
     Cyprus' sovereignty, on respect for the rule of law, on basic 
     freedoms and on the termination of any foreign intervention, 
     including the termination of the policy of illegal settlers 
     in Cyprus is bound to fail.

  As many of my colleagues may know, the gentlewoman from New York 
[Mrs. Maloney] and I recently formed--she referred to it proudly, as I 
am proud of it too--formed a Hellenic Caucus to foster and improve 
relations between the United States and our important ally, Greece. A 
principal purpose of the caucus is to educate more Members of Congress 
about the need to resolve the long-standing dispute on Cyprus.
  I am pleased to announce, and I think she has already done so, that 
the caucus already has over 40 Members. I know there are many others 
out there who would like to join. I guess they need an invitation. We 
have sent out the ``Dear Colleagues'' and some of these things 
sometimes fall in the cracks, but we have held meetings with His 
Eminence, Greek Ambassador Tsilas, Greek Speaker Kaklamanis, and 
Hellenic President Stephanopoulos.
  This important caucus gives Hellenic and Cypriot causes additional 
clout so that, along with grassroots efforts, we can better succeed in 
our constant effort to achieve justice for Cyprus. As co-chair, I look 
forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that justice for Cyprus 
is achieved.
  We have a responsibility, Mr. Speaker, to use our influence to see 
Cyprus made whole again, to rescue the thousands of Greek Cypriots who 
have become refugees in the land of their birth. Unbelievable, refugees 
in the land of their birth.
  Like those faithful Cypriots in my district, in Clearwater and Tarpon 
Springs, FL, and my entire district of the Tampa Bay area and 
elsewhere, we must stand up for the values so important to us.
  We must continue to press for a just resolution to this long-standing 
dispute. Every year since first coming to Congress, I and so many 
others haveworked hard to give Cyprus the attention it deserves, and 
this year will be no exception.
  Mr. Speaker, before I close I would like to particularly thank and 
express my apologies, I guess, to the reporters, to the members of the 
staff, to you, and to so many others who we have kept here late 
tonight, but this is a very important cause and I think you all 
understand that.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues, Mr. 
Bilirakis and Mrs. Maloney, the co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus 
on Hellenic issues, for their tireless efforts on behalf of the Greek-
American community and for putting together this special order to mark 
the 22d anniversary of Turkey's illegal invasion and occupation of 
Cyprus. Restoring independence and freedom to the island nation of 
Cyprus is, in my opinion, one of the most important foreign policy 
challenges the United States continues to face and I am saddened that 
yet another year has gone by without much progress.
  I am, however, as equally determined to keep Congress actively 
involved in this issue until a just settlement for the Cypriot people 
is reached. Accordingly, I would like to commend the American 
delegation dispatched by the administration to Greece, Cyprus, and 
Turkey last week for their dedication. Headed by our Permanent 
Ambassador to the United Nations Madeleine Albright and the President's 
Special Emissary for Cyprus Richard Beattie, as well as other high 
level State Department officials working on the Cyprus problem, the 
delegation is once again offering American assistance in breaking the 
now 22-year-old stalemate and bringing peace to the region.
  The history of this issue is well known to all of us. On July 20, 
1974, 6,000 Turkish troops invaded Cyprus, stealing its independence 
after a campaign of pillaging, terror, and murder.
  Over the next 22 years, the Turkish Government fortified its illegal 
occupation force, defiantly ignoring the calls from the international 
community--including multiple U.N. resolutions--to allow the Cypriot 
people to live a free and sovereign life. Today 1,619 people, including 
5 American citizens, remain missing as a result of the invasion, and 
the Turkish occupying force stands at some 35,000 troops. A barbed wire 
fence, moreover, divides the island in two, prohibiting thousands of 
Greek Cypriots the freedom to live on and travel to some 37 percent of 
their own country.
  Mr. Speaker, during the 22 years the Turkish Government has been 
fortifying its illegal occupation force and thumbing its nose at the 
international community, the United States has reviewed the Cyprus 
problem at least 150 times. And while we all hope, as we do each time 
the United States intensifies its focus on the Cyprus issue, that the 
current delegation's effort will lead to a breakthrough, we must convey 
to the Turks in no uncertain terms that we are prepared to return 150 
more times, or as many times as it takes to secure a just resolution 
for the Cypriot people. It is a message the Turks have always found 
hard to swallow.

  The Turkish Government has found this message hard to digest because 
agreeing to a just settlement on Cyprus is a solution rooted in the 
larger acceptance of international law--a principle which the Turks 
openly, and hostily, rebuke. Indeed, since we gathered here last year 
to mark this occasion, the Turks nearly introduced yet more armed 
conflict into an already unstable area with their unfounded claim to 
the Creek islet Imia in the Agean Sea. This extremely volatile claim 
has, in fact, elevated Turkey's disregard for international law to a 
new level. As Greece's foreign minister, Theodore Pangalos stated 
``this is the first time that Turkey has actually laid claim to Creek 
territory.'' Though violence was averted through the personal 
intervention of President Clinton in the matter, Turkey remains opposed 
to Greece's offer to submit the dispute by itself to the International 
Court at The Hague for a peaceful, legal resolution.
  It is precisely this type of intransigence--ignoring opportunities to 
resolve disputes in peaceful manners--that has now stretched the Cyprus 
problem into its 22d year. Just last year Cyprus' President extended an 
olive branch to the Turks and suggested that Cyprus be demilitarized as 
part of an effort to create a peaceful environment under which 
negotiations for a comprehensive solution to the dispute could be 
conducted. The House of Representatives strongly endorsed the idea last 
year, passing House Concurrent Resolution 42, echoing the Cypriot 
President's call to demilitarize the island. The Turks have so far 
rejected the idea.
  In response, many of us in the House joined forces to send Turkey a 
strong message. As was the case during consideration of the fiscal year 
1996 budget, we were successful again this year in passing amendments 
to the fiscal year 1997 foreign appropriations bill that cuts aid to 
Turkey in response to its continued illegal occupation of Cyprus, its 
inhumane blockade of Armenia, its campaign of oppression against its 
own Kurdish population and its general disregard of human rights.
  As these measures indicate, we are steadfastly committed to once 
again seeing a free an independent Cyprus. We will continue to ensure 
Congress plays an active role in pressuring Turkey to abide by all 
relevant U.N. resolutions and insist that any solution to the Cyprus 
problem must be based on the establishment of a single sovereign state 
with a single citizenship.
  Mr. Speaker, over the last 2 years the United States has used its 
influence to help further the causes of peace and freedom in some of 
the world's most intractable, bitter disputes, such as in the Middle 
East, Bosnia, and Northern Ireland. Let us hope that in the coming year 
our work will allow us to add Cyprus to that list so that when we 
gather next, it will be to celebrate the island's liberation instead of 
to mark yet another year of division.
  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 22d anniversary 
of Turkey's invasion, and subsequent occupation, of Cyprus.
  Having gained its independence from Great Britain in 1960, Cyprus 
enjoyed a proud, albeit short, period of political independence. On 
July 20, 1974, this independence was shattered when 6,000 Turkish 
troops and 40 tanks

[[Page H8242]]

invaded the north coast of Cyprus and proceeded to occupy nearly 40 
percent of the island.
  The ensuing fighting killed thousands of Cypriots and forced hundreds 
of thousands from their homes. Today, there are 1,619 people still 
missing, 5 of whom are United States citizens.
  Twenty-two years after the invasion, 35,000 Turkish troops continue 
to occupy Cyprus in violation of international law. A barbed wire fence 
cuts across the island, separating families from their property and 
splitting this once beautiful country in half.
  Despite efforts by the United States and the United Nations to bring 
about an acceptable resolution to this situation, Turkey continues to 
stonewall negotiations. It has continuously refused to either return or 
pay restitution for any of the land that is captured, and sporadic 
fighting on the island continues to this day.
  The occupation of Cyprus is one of the reasons that I offered an 
amendment to the fiscal year 1997 Foreign Operations appropriations 
bill to cut $25 million in United States economic aid to Turkey. This 
amendment, which the House overwhelmingly approved by a vote of 301 to 
118, sends a clear message to Turkey that its illegal and immoral 
occupation of Cyprus will not be tolerated by this country.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join with my colleagues in standing up 
against Turkish tyranny in Cyprus. I would especially like to extend my 
thanks to the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, for his tireless 
work to ensure that the people of Cyprus are not forgotten. Twenty-two 
years is a long time to wait, but it is my sincerest hope that our 
actions will help persuade Turkey to end its unlawful occupation of 
Cyprus and return the island to its rightful owners.
  Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts, Mr. Speaker, July 20, 1996 marked the 
22d year of Turkey's illegal invasion and continued occupation of the 
Island of Cyprus. On July 20, 1974, 6,000 Turkish troops attacked the 
island, destroying nearly five centuries of peaceful coexistence 
between Turkish and Greek Cypriots.
  As a result, almost 40 percent of the island came under Turkish 
rule--even though Turkish Cypriots make up less than 20 percent of the 
total population of that island. And the Turks employed deliberately 
cruel and harsh measures to intimidate the Greek Cypriots. There are 
reports of extensive killings, rape of women of all ages, torture, 
looting, and robberies.
  Despite countless efforts by the Greek communities and the United 
Nations to settle this dispute, a solution has not been found. Turkey 
is the only nation that recognizes the Turkish claim to the island--yet 
the Greeks are still held victims of the Turkish invasion. The current 
situation is one of gridlock.
  This situation cannot be allowed to continue. We must have peace on 
the Island of Cyprus. And peace requires that foreign troops withdraw 
from their occupation of Cyprus.
  Cyprus has been a divided country since 1974--22 years too long. I 
urge all of my colleagues to focus their attention on finding a just 
and lasting solution for the Island of Cyprus.
  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, we should all be thankful for our 
distinguished colleagues, Mr. Bilirakis and Mrs. Maloney, cochairs of 
the Hellenic Issues Caucus, for organizing this observance of a sad and 
frustrating anniversary.
  Today, there are 35,000 Turkish troops on the island of Cyprus who 
occupy one-third of the island. Since their invasion 20 years ago, 
those troops have patrolled the Green Line, a barbed wire fence that 
cuts across Cyprus, separating thousands of Greek Cypriots from the 
towns and communities in which their families have lived for 
generations.
  Mr. Speaker, ending the military occupation of Cyprus is among the 
greatest challenges the international community faces today. But we 
must have the cooperation of Turkey to make progress and bring unity 
and freedom to Cypriots on the island.
  For it was on July 20, 1974, that Turkish troops invaded the island 
of Cyprus and began a military occupation. Thousands of people were 
killed, more than 200,000 people were expelled from their homes, and 
today, more than 1,600 remain missing--including 5 Americans.
  The Turkish Government must know that the division and occupation of 
Cyprus will continue to be an obstacle to better relations with the 
United States.
  Until Turkey begins to remove its troops from Cyprus, we have no 
business sending aid to Turkey. That is why I strongly supported the 
limitation on aid to Turkey in the foreign operations appropriations 
bill passed last month.
  Mr. Speaker, there are encouraging developments to report. Our 
Ambassador to the United Nations, Madeleine Albright, traveled last 
week to Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus to begin talks aimed at 
demilitarizing and reuniting the island. Joining her was President 
Clinton's special envoy for Cyprus, Richard Beattie.
  Ambassador Albright secured a commitment from the parties to begin a 
dialog on reducing the military forces along the Green Line. Talks 
between the military commanders of the Cypriot national guard and the 
Turkish forces occupying northern Cyprus would be the first ever held.
  We should all wish them well as this initiative by the United States 
may represent our best opportunity to resolve this difficult and 
agonizing problem. Let us hope and pray that this anniversary will be 
the final time we join together with Cyprus as an occupied island.
  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I would like first to thank 
my colleagues from Florida and New York for their continued diligence 
in recognizing the illegal invasion and occupation of the Island of 
Cyprus.
  Their work in founding the Congressional Caucus on Hellenci Issues 
and commitment to initiating this special order provide an essential 
forum in speaking out against the atrocious crimes Cyprus has endured 
under the hands of Turkey, while honoring our close relationship with 
the nation of Greece and commitment to our constituents of Hellenic 
descent.
  In beginning their struggle for freedom from the Ottoman Empire in 
March 1821, the nation of Greece embarked on a fragile struggle to 
embody democratic ideals of their most famous philosopher, Plato 
envisioned.
  The Turkish invasion of Cyprus over two decades ago marks the return 
to an occupied state, a situation unprecedented since the 19th century 
and clearly unacceptable in the 20th.
  We can no longer remain silent on this issue. We must not ignore the 
injustice occurring in Cyprus.
  The reasoning behind Turkey's actions echo those used by the fathers 
of genocide in the past.
  And the situation warrants the attention we have always provided our 
closest allies.
  The famous philosophers of Greece provided our democratic nation with 
the ideas upon which it now stands, I hope we can return the gift in 
restoring those ideals to where they most belong.
  I join my colleagues in calling for peace and a prompt resolution of 
the current situation.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to pay tribute to a 
dubious anniversary. As we sit here, after 22 years of Turkish 
occupation of Cyprus, it is especially appropriate to recognize the 
struggle for the freedom of all Cypriots that has been waged for more 
than two decades.
  It was over two decades ago that 6,000 Turkish troops and 40 tanks 
landed on the north coast of Cyprus, and more than 200,000 Cypriots 
were driven from their homes and forced to live under foreign 
occupation. Over two decades ago, and still Turkey has more than 35,000 
troops on the island. Over two decades ago, and we still don't know 
what became of the 1,614 Greek Cypriot and 5 American citizens missing 
since the Turkish invasion.
  That is why I'm pleased that we have this opportunity today. Today we 
remember what happened in Cyprus 22 years ago and we pledge to fight to 
end the occupation. We must continue to fight against injustice in 
Cyprus. We must continue to provide aid to Cyprus to help that country 
deal with the terrible problems caused by more than two decades of 
Turkish occupation. And, above all, we must continue to keep the plight 
of the Cypriots on the minds of everyone around the world.
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the distinguished 
gentlemen from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, for organizing this special 
order in commemoration of a very sad day in history. I refer to the 
anniversary of the 22-year occupation of the island of Cyprus by 
Turkey.
  In 1974, Turkey shocked the world and invaded Cyprus. As a result of 
this invasion, 200,000 Cypriots have been made refugees and over 1,619 
people, including 5 Americans, were missing without explanation until 
just recently. In March, Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Danktash admitted 
in a televised interview that those missing since the invasion were 
slaughtered.
  After 22 years and numerous attempts to resolve the matter by the 
United Nations, the United States, and other countries, 37 percent of 
the island is still illegally occupied by 35,000 Turkish troops and 
over 80,000 transplanted ``colonists'' from Turkey--almost outnumbering 
the original Turkish Cypriots.
  During this time, the Turkish Cypriots have engaged in an effort to 
cleanse the cultural heritage of the occupied territory. The names of 
villages and towns have been given Turkish names and Greek churches 
have been looted, desecrated, or converted to mosques or, in some 
instances, stables. In addition, the two portions of the country are 
divided by barbed wire fence known as the ``Green Line.''
  For years, negotiations to end the stalemate and resolve the issues 
between the two countries have been stonewalled by the Turkish-Cypriot 
leadership who refuse to negotiate in good faith.

[[Page H8243]]

  This fact has only been compounded by the steady escalation of 
aggression by Turkey against Greece and Cyprus over the past year. 
During this time, Turkey has initiated a number of very serious 
provocations including the January attempt to annex Imia, an island in 
the Aegean which is internationally recognized as Greek territory. In 
addition, overflights of Greek territories by Turkish combat aircraft 
has escalated from an average of 21 per year from 1988-1992, to an 
incredibly provocative 852 per year.
  On Cyprus last month, Turkish soldiers shot an unarmed Greek teenager 
and then prevented U.N. peacekeepers from rescuing the boy by firing 
upon them.
  Finally, in a direct violation of agreements between the United 
States and Turkey on the use of American made and leased equipment, the 
Turkish Government has begun using U.S.-made military equipment in 
their campaign of intimidation. In January of this year, Turkish Armed 
Forces landed nearly 100 American-made tanks on occupied Cyprus.
  The United States cannot continue to let this egregious behavior to 
go on without a strong response.
  I am pleased by the President's decision to send special envoy, 
Richard Beattie to Cyprus to help bring an end to the island's 
partition. This the first attempt in nearly 5 years undertaken by the 
United States to mediate the dispute. It is my hope this endeavor will 
be more fruitful than the last and finally bring an end to this 
terrible incident.
  In the meantime, the United States needs to take a firm stand against 
these provocations and urge the Turkish Government to cease its acts of 
aggression against its neighbor and to agree to resolve the issue of 
Cyprus. If the situation is not dissolved soon, we stand the very real 
chance of an even larger conflict in south central Europe and the 
possibility of it rekindling the flames of war throughout the Balkans.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 22nd 
Anniversary of Turkey's illegal occupation of the island of Cyprus on 
July 20, 1974. The Turkish military invasion resulted in an involuntary 
division of this once harmonious Mediterranean state. Greek residents 
in northern Cyprus have since suffered innumerable restrictions on 
freedom and human rights at the hands of their Turkish invaders and 
more than 35,000 Turkish troops continue to occupy the northern 
portion.
  The effects of this invasion has included the deaths of more than 
6,000 Greek-Cypriots, the displacement of over 200,000 refugees from 
towns and communities once occupied by their ancestors, and the capture 
of thousands more. Sadly, 1619 people, including five Americans, are 
still missing today.
  The current situation in Cyprus is of great importance to the United 
States and specifically the Greek-American community. Members of 
Congress have finally begun taking steps to ensure that this illegal 
and inhumane state of affairs is resolved peacefully. The Clinton 
Administration has also turned its attention to Cyprus, demonstrating 
with Congress a joint commitment to demilitarizing this divided island.
  Today, we not only commemorate the anniversary of this invasion, but 
remind America that the injustices created by Turkey's military 
aggression are as pervasive today as they were 22 years ago. The 
enclaved Greek population, living within the Turkish occupied zone, 
live without many of the rights and privileges implicit within a 
democratic society, and will continue to do so until Turkey's military 
presence is no more.
  I commend Mr. Bilirakis in holding this very important Special Order, 
and I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the Turkish invasion 
of Cyprus as well as continue to support efforts being made to end this 
wrongful occupation, so that we may one day commemorate the restoration 
of Cyprus to a peaceful, harmonious and united nation.
  Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw this country's 
attention to Turkey's continued occupation of Cyprus. This gross 
violation of human rights is now in its twenty-second year, and gives 
no indication of abating in the near future. It is for this reason that 
I speak today, in an effort to heighten the international community's 
awareness of the situation and bring some relief to the people of 
Cyprus.
  July 20, 1974 is a day that will forever be embedded in the hearts of 
the Cyprus people. Since then, Cyprus has been divided nearly in half 
as Turkish troops maintain control of almost forty percent of the 
island. Families have been torn apart and loved ones separated from one 
another by the brutal line which rends the country in two.
  A list of some of the more blatant abuses comes easily to mind. The 
occupying forces have evicted people from their homes and confiscated 
Cypriot property in order to give it to Turkish citizens. Citizens who 
disappeared during the occupation have yet to be accounted for. These 
and other offenses have been directed against a population which has no 
recourse for justice except to gain the sympathetic ears of states like 
ours.
  Rather than heed, or even acknowledge, the international community's 
requests to resolve the situation in Cyprus, Turkey has chosen to 
flagrantly ignore calls for moderation. Suppression of Cyprus' cultural 
heritage has become the order of the day as the Turkish government 
seeks to change the face of the Cypriot population. Villages and towns 
in the occupied area of the island now bear Turkish names. Churches 
that have not been looted or destroyed have been converted into mosques 
or stables.
  Little respect has been shown by the Turkish government toward the 
Cypriot community, a situation that any concerned individual should 
find unconscionable. It is time for the international community to band 
together in condemnation of the Turkish Government's policy. The people 
of Cyprus look to us to make it be known to Turkey that this behavior 
shall not pass unnoticed nor unsanctioned.
  Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, this Saturday, July 20, will mark the 
twenty-second anniversary of Turkey's illegal invasion of Cyprus. I 
rise today to join my colleagues and thank Mr. Bilirakis for organizing 
this important special order to commemorate this anniversary.
  The division of Cyprus has the distinction of being one of the most 
intractable in the world today. Since Turkey first invaded Cyprus in 
1974, 1,619 people, including five Americans, last  seen alive in the 
occupied areas of Cyprus have never been accounted for. We must not let 
the passage of years weaken our resolve to pressure the Turkish 
government to provide answers for the families of the missing. We 
cannot forget their suffering continues.
  Mr. Speaker, last year, when marking this solemn anniversary, many of 
us felt hopeful that this conflict would soon be resolved peacefully 
through the auspices of the United Nations. Unfortunately, the northern 
portion of Cyprus is still illegally occupied by 35,000 Turkish troops.
  In December of 1993, in an effort to facilitate a peaceful 
resolution, President Clerides submitted to the United Nations a 
thoughtful and innovative proposal calling for the demilitarization of 
Cyprus. In exchange for the withdrawal of Turkish troops, Cyprus would 
disband its national guard; transfer the national guard's military 
equipment to the United Nations peacekeeping force; and the money saved 
from defense spending for development projects that would benefit both 
communities. Demilitarization would alleviate the security concerns of 
all parties and substantially enhance the prospects for peaceful 
resolution of the problem. Once again the Turkish side rejected Cyprus' 
efforts toward ending the tragic unacceptable status quo.
  I am proud to join my colleagues as a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 42, 
which calls for the demilitarization of Cyprus. In addition, I am a 
cosponsor of H.R. 2223, the Freedom of Human Rights for the enclaved 
people of Cyprus Act. This legislation would establish and implement 
efforts to eliminate restrictions on the enclaved people of Cyprus. I 
urge my colleagues to join me as a cosponsor of these very important 
pieces of legislation.
  The United States Government has always supported a just and lasting 
solution to the Cyprus problem. It is important for the Congress to 
continue to firmly support the people of Cyprus by pressing Turkey to 
end its illegal occupation and to work constructively for a resolution 
in accordance with the relevant U.N. Resolutions and agreements between 
the two sides. In addition, after the meeting with President Clerides 
of Cyprus on June 17 of this year, President Clinton promised to send 
his emissary, Richard Beattie to discuss issues involved in a 
comprehensive settlement, with special emphasis on security. I hope 
this planned discussion will bring closer a resolution to the issue of 
Turkish occupation in Cyprus.
  A just and lasting solution to the problem will benefit both 
communities on Cyprus, stabilize the often tenuous relationship between 
Greece and Turkey, as well as constitute a significant step toward 
peace in the unstable eastern Mediterranean region.
  It is my hope that this will be the last year Members must join to 
discuss the longstanding problems of the people of Cyprus and that next 
year we may join to celebrate the end of this conflict. Until that 
happens, the Turkish government must know we in the United States will 
continue to recognize this anniversary by speaking out for the rights 
of the missing.
  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would first like to commend the 
distinguished gentleman from Florida for organizing this special order 
on Cyprus. Mike Bilirakis has truly been a tireless champion for the 
peaceful resolution of the Cypriot problem.
  Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues tonight in observing the 22d 
anniversary of Turkey's illegal invasion and continued occupation of 
the

[[Page H8244]]

island of cyprus. On July 20, 1974, Turkey unleashed its army on the 
Cypriot people. Turkey's violent and bloody invasion of this 
Mediterranean island state has been rightfully condemned by the United 
Nations and all peace loving nations of the world.
  This anniversary should weigh heavily on the conscience of all 
civilized people of the world who share in the belief that states must 
eschew the destructive path of naked aggression and abide by the rules 
of international law. It is time for the world to tell Turkey that the 
status quo in Cyprus is unacceptable.
  Mr. Speaker, the status quo must be broken. The paralysis in U.N. 
sponsored negotiations must be broken. And the intercommunal strife 
that has torn Cypriots apart must be settled peacefully. But none of 
these worthy objectives can occur as long as Turkey continues to 
violate international law and flout U.N. resolutions condemning its 
oppressive occupation of one-third of Cypriot territory.
  It is indeed a sad testament to the intransigence of Turkey's 
position that 22 years after its invasion of northern Cyprus, it still 
maintains over 30,000 troops on the island. The Ankara government must 
come to the realization that its troops in northern Cyprus stand as an 
obstacle to a just and permanent resolution of the Cypriot problem.
  President Glafcos Clerides deserves to be commended for his honesty, 
flexibility and good faith efforts to broach the great divide that 
needlessly separates Greek Cypriots from Turkish Cypriots. I would also 
like to commend the efforts of our special Presidential envoy for 
Cyprus, Richard Beattie, who has actively been soliciting the good will 
and support of the international community to bring to an end what has 
thus far proven to be one of the most intractable problems in Europe.
  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to applaud and express my 
gratitude to my fellow colleagues for conducting this special order to 
acknowledge the 22d anniversary of the Turkish occupation of Cyprus.
  This year the Members of the House meet again to remember this sad 
day and to denounce the atrocities taking place in Cyprus. There are 
still 1,619 people missing as a result of the occupation. Five of these 
missing persons are American citizens. This is an outrage.
  In the time since the Turks have taken over Cyprus the situation 
there has steadily worsened. The widespread violence and violations of 
human rights can not be ignored. Action must be taken to amend these 
horrible travesties.
  For some time I have been interested in the situation in Cyprus. I 
have supported legislation which would require an investigation into 
the whereabouts of the United States citizens and others missing from 
Cyprus. Another bill I have supported would prohibit all United States 
military and economic assistance for Turkey until the Turkish 
Government takes responsibility for its actions in Cyprus and complies 
with its obligations under international law. I have also cosponsored a 
concurrent resolution supporting a settlement of the dispute regarding 
Cyprus. I hope there will soon be a resolution to the problems in 
Cyprus once and for all.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, the island of Cyprus was invaded by a 
foreign army on July 20, 1974.
  As we remember this sad anniversary, we must renew our determination 
to do whatever is in our power to achieve the restoration of a united 
Cyprus, free from foreign military control of one-third of its 
territory.
  For 22 years now, the people of the Republic of Cyprus have lived 
with a foreign army in their country in violation of all international 
norms.
  Two hundred thousand Greek Cypriots were forced from their homes in 
the northern third of the island by the invading army. The invaders 
engaged in massive violations of the human rights of the Cypriot 
people, including murder, rape, and looting, according to the European 
Human Rights Commission report in 1976.
  The world community is in agreement that the State of Cyprus must 
remain a single sovereignty and international personality, with a 
single citizenship, and with its independence and territorial integrity 
preserved.
  The continued presence of 30,000 foreign troops in Cyprus prevents 
the people of that island from reaching a settlement of these political 
differences.
  These troops must be withdrawn as soon as possible.
  Demilitarization of the Republic of Cyprus would meet the security 
concerns of all parties involved and would enhance prospects for a 
peaceful and lasting solution that would benefit all the people of 
Cyprus.
  This can only be achieved if the invading army withdraws from Cyprus 
and returns to its own territory--where it belongs.
  The great tragedy of the foreign invasion of Cyprus is that the 
people of that island have lived together for centuries, and can work 
out their differences as fellow Cypriots.
  They did not need a foreign army and an outside government to come 
into their country and seek to impose a foreign solution to their 
problems.
  A continuation of a divided Cyprus is not in the interest of any of 
the Cypriots.
  Since the invasion and occupation of the northern third of the island 
in 1974, the people living in the free two-thirds have seen their 
economy soar and per capita incomes increase from $1,500 in 1973 to 
over $10,000 today. The free people of Cyprus are negotiating with the 
European Union to join the Union as full and respected members of 
modern European society.
  Meanwhile, in the occupied territories, living standards have 
stagnated--an inevitable consequence of the lack of real freedom and 
justice.
  That all Cypriots will one day again live in freedom under a just and 
democratic government, free from foreign military domination and 
control, is the goal that we must have.
  Today, as we remember the events of 22d years ago, I reiterate my 
firm support for that goal.
  Mr. FAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to have the opportunity to 
participate in the special order on Cyprus and I commend the gentleman 
from Florida [Mr. Bilirakis] for calling this special order.
  This month marks the 22 year of Turkey's illegal invasion and 
occupation of the island of Cyprus. In an area that has seen the 
collapse of communism, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the dismantling of 
apartheid in South Africa, and even a tentative peace between Israel 
and its neighbors, the sovereign Republic of Cyprus continues to remain 
occupied by over 35,000 Turkish troops.
  In my years in Congress, I have long supported an end to Turkey's 
violent occupation of Cyprus. In this Congress, I cosponsored a House 
resolution calling for an end to Turkey's occupation of Cyprus and for 
the demilitarization of the island. I am pleased that this resolution 
was passed by the House last September.
  There can be no peaceful democratic settlement of the Cyprus question 
as long as Turkish troops continue their occupation. Moreover, the 
relationship between our NATO allies, Turkey and Greece, will not 
improve significantly as long as the Cyprus dispute continues. Turkey 
must withdraw its troops from Cyprus.
  My colleagues, as Representative Bilirakis has eloquently 
demonstrated, Turkey's occupation of Cyprus represents over two decades 
of unanswered questions, over two decades of division, over two decades 
of human rights violations, and over two decades of cultural 
destruction.
  The United States has not only a strategic interest in the eastern 
Mediterranean, but more importantly, we have a humanitarian interest in 
seeking peace in Cyprus. I look forward to continuing the dialog that 
we have shared tonight to ensure that peace in Cyprus is one day a 
reality.
  Ms. FURSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to address the need for a peaceful 
resolution of the situation in Cyprus.
  The 18 percent Turkish-Cypriot and over 80 percent Greek-Cypriot 
population of [Cyprus lived in harmony on Cyprus for centuries. Twenty-
two years ago this month, Turkish troops invaded Cyprus and continue 
their occupation of the northern portion of Cyprus today. A barbed-wire 
fence cuts across the island separating thousands of Greek Cypriots 
from the towns and communities in which they and their families had 
previously lived for generations.
  Last month, I was among the 91 Members of Congress signing letters to 
President Clinton expressing strong support for this administration's 
efforts to promote a just and viable solution to the long-standing 
Cyprus dispute.
  A resolution calling for demilitarization in Cyprus had already been 
adopted by voice vote in the House. Our letter to President Clinton 
stated that this solution must be based on the principles adopted in 
United Nations Security Council Resolution 939 and in our Cyprus 
Demilitarization Resolution. Both state that a solution must be based 
on a State of Cyprus with a single sovereignty and international 
personality. It must comprise two politically equal communities in 
bicommunal and bizonal federation.
  Meetings with high-level United States administration officials have 
taken place in Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus. In addition, President 
Clinton has met with the President of Turkey and the President and 
Prime Minister of Greece. I would also note the very important work 
that has been done by my friend, Ambassador John McDonald and Louise 
Diamond of the Institute for Multi-Track Diplomary in facilitating 
numerous contacts between Cypriots on both sides of the dispute.
  I believe we are in the process of solving this long-standing 
problem, and I stress the need to do so nonviolently. I look forward to 
continuing to work with my colleagues on this very important issue.

[[Page H8245]]

  Mr. ZIMMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Bilirakis , for 
once again arranging this special order on Cyprus. I join my colleagues 
in calling for a swift and peaceful end to the illegal occupation of 
nearly 40 percent of Cyprus by Turkey.
  That occupation has persisted since Turkey invaded Cyprus in July 
1974. And, for 22 years, Turkey has ignored or rejected every effort to 
end that occupation and to resolve the agony it has created.
  There are 1,614 Greek Cypriots who were abducted by Turkish troops in 
that 1974 invasion and who remain missing today. I was appalled by 
comments made by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Danktash that these people 
must be presumed dead, and that some were killed by vengeful Turkish 
Cypriot irregulars who were under command of none other than Danktash 
himself.
  Given these revelations, the United Nations ought to conduct an 
immediate and thorough investigation to learn once and for all the fate 
of the persons reported as missing, including five Americans.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my colleagues in 
marking the 22d year of Turkey's illegal invasion and partition of the 
Republic of Cyprus. I commend Mr. Bilirakis for his diligence on this 
issue and thank him for calling this special order.
  This anniversary is not a happy occasion, Mr. Speaker, but it is one 
which serves to remind us of the continuing strife that the people of 
Cyprus have faced day-in and day-out for over two decades.
  In 1974, using United States military equipment, Turkey invaded the 
Republic of Cyprus, killing 4,000 Greek Cypriots and capturing over 
1,600 others, including 5 United States citizens. Though the Turkish 
Government has been condemned by this Congress and the international 
community time and time again, it has not halted its unjustified 
occupation. Today, Cyprus remains cruelly divided. A barbed-wire fence 
known as the green line cuts across the island separating thousands of 
Greek Cypriots from the towns and communities in which they and their 
families had previously lived for generations.
  The human rights violations by the Turkish Government on the people 
of Cyprus also continue. The freedoms of religion and assembly are 
frequently stifled, and intimidation by the military is ongoing and 
ever present.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate today for us to reiterate our 
commitment to a resolution of the Cypriot situation, and to commend 
Greek Cypriots for their dedication to a peaceful settlement of the 
island's armed conflict. A peaceful resolution of this conflict is long 
overdue.

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