[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 66 (Monday, May 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E955-E956]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            SEEKING A JUST AND PEACEFUL RESOLUTION IN CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 1997

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, the Cyprus problem has been a matter of 
concern to the U.S. Congress now in excess of twenty-two years. It is a 
situation that cries our for just redress and an end to the occupation 
of Cyprus by foreign troops. Although the world has dramatically 
changed for the better during this decade, Cyprus remains as a pressing 
international problem. Indeed Cyprus has almost become a codeword for 
intractability in the realm of diplomacy.
  I have been encouraged, nevertheless, by recent statements from high 
level officials of the Clinton Administration, including the President 
himself, that indicate that there may be new willingness on the part of 
our government to exert its leadership in promoting a solution to the 
Cyprus problem. I strongly believe that our government should invest 
some of our prestige in such an effort, because Americans have always 
supported justice, and because we have significant interests that can 
be affected by instability in Cyprus.
  Over the past year there have been a number of events and incidents 
that have increased tensions in Cyprus and in the Eastern Mediterranean 
region. There is a disturbing trend of increased militarization of the 
island, already one of the most highly militarized parts of the globe. 
There are, however, also positive developments that could act to 
catalyze a peaceful and just solution. One of these is the pending 
negotiation on Cyprus' accession to the European Union that may begin 
by the end of the year. There has been increased diplomatic activity in 
Europe and in the U.N. to bring the two sides together.
  The Resolution I am introducing today points out the interests and 
developments regarding the Cyprus situation and urges the President to 
keep his pledge to give increased attention to Cyprus. I am pleased to 
be joined by a group of distinguished cosponsors, including Mr. 
Hamilton, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Porter, Mr. Engel, and Mrs. Maloney, that 
have shared an interest in Cyprus and the concern over what may arise 
from a continued stalemate on the island. It is our hope that this 
resolution will help spur the resolve of the Clinton Administration to 
indeed make 1997 the Year of Cyprus.
  Mr. Speaker, I request that a full text of H. Con. Res. 81 be 
inserted at this point in the record.

                            H. Con. Res. 81

                         concurrent resolution

       Calling for a United States initiative seeking a just and 
     peaceful resolution of the situation on Cyprus.
       Whereas the Republic of Cyprus has been divided and 
     occupied by foreign forces since 1974 in violation of United 
     Nations resolutions;
       Whereas the international community, the Congress, and 
     United States administrations have called for an end to the 
     status quo on Cyprus, considering that it perpetuates an 
     unacceptable violation of international law and fundamental 
     human rights affecting all the people of Cyprus, and 
     undermines significant United States interests in the Eastern 
     Mediterranean region;
       Whereas the international community and the United States 
     Government have repeatedly called for the speedy withdrawal 
     of all foreign forces from the territory of Cyprus;
       Whereas there are internationally acceptable means to 
     resolve the situation in Cyprus, including the 
     demilitarization of Cyprus and the establishment of a 
     multinational force to ensure the security of both 
     communities in Cyprus;
       Whereas the House of Representatives has endorsed the 
     objective of the total demilitarization of Cyprus;
       Whereas during the past year tensions on Cyprus have 
     dramatically increased, with violent incidents occurring 
     along ceasefire lines at a level not reached since 1974;
       Whereas recent events in Cyprus have heightened the 
     potential for armed conflict in the region involving two 
     North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, Greece and 
     Turkey, which would threaten vital United States interests in 
     the already volatile Eastern Mediterranean area and beyond;
       Whereas a peaceful, just, and lasting solution to the 
     Cyprus problem would greatly benefit the security, and the 
     political, economic, and social well-being of all Cypriots, 
     as well as contribute to improved relations between Greece 
     and Turkey;

[[Page E956]]

       Whereas a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem would also 
     strengthen peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean 
     and serve important interests of the United States;
       Whereas the United Nations has repeatedly stated the 
     parameters for such a solution, most recently in United 
     Nations Security Council Resolution 1092, adopted on December 
     23, 1996, with United States support;
       Whereas the prospect of the accession by Cyprus to the 
     European Union, which the United States has actively 
     supported, could serve as a catalyst for a solution to the 
     Cyprus problem;
       Whereas President Bill Clinton has pledged that in 1997 the 
     United States will ``play a heightened role in promoting a 
     resolution in Cyprus''; and
       Whereas United States leadership will be a crucial factor 
     in achieving a solution to the Cyprus problem, and increased 
     United States involvement in the search for this solution 
     will contribute to a reduction of tensions on Cyprus: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That the Congress--
       (1) reaffirms its view that the status quo on Cyprus is 
     unacceptable and detrimental to the interests of the United 
     States in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond;
       (2) considers lasting peace and stability on Cyprus could 
     be best secured by a process of complete demilitarization 
     leading to the withdrawal of all foreign occupation forces, 
     the cessation of foreign arms transfers to Cyprus, and 
     providing for alternative internationally acceptable and 
     effective security arrangements as negotiated by the parties;
       (3) welcomes and supports the commitment by President 
     Clinton to give increased attention to Cyprus and make the 
     search for a solution a priority of United States foreign 
     policy;
       (4) encourages the President to launch an early substantive 
     initiative, in close coordination with the United Nations, 
     the European Union, and interested governments to promote a 
     speedy resolution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of 
     international law, the provisions of relevant United Nations 
     Security Council resolutions, democratic principles, 
     including respect for human rights, and in accordance with 
     the norms and requirements for accession to the European 
     Union;
       (5) calls upon the parties to lend their full support and 
     cooperation to such an initiative; and
       (6) requests the President to report actions taken to give 
     effect to the objectives set forth in paragraph (4) in the 
     bimonthly report on Cyprus transmitted to the Congress.

     

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