[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1477]]
                   TOWARD A FREE AND PEACEFUL CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 1997

  Mr. BLAGOJEVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on Cyprus' 
troubled history. For years, the people of Cyprus have suffered under 
the yoke of Turkish aggression. But I also rise to look with hope 
toward the future. For recent events have left the people of Cyprus 
with the best hopes for peace they have had in decades.
  Cyprus is a unique nation, one which has always served as a bridge 
between the cultures of East and West. The mix of cultures of the 
Cypriot people was for generations a blessing rather than a curse. 
Almost four decades ago, when Cyprus was granted independence from 
Britain, it appeared that for the first time in centuries the Cypriot 
people would be able to determine their destiny. But that opportunity 
was torn from their grasp by the threat of outside aggression. In 1974, 
that threat was realized when the Turkish military invaded Cyprus, 
dividing the island and causing immeasurable pain and suffering. While 
the idea of ethnic cleansing was not invented on Cyprus, it was carried 
out with brutal efficiency. Thousands were forced out of their homes, 
never to return. Families were torn apart, separated only by an 
artificial line drawn by aggression. Cyrpus' natural beauty was forever 
scarred by outside invaders.
  As Americans, it is vital that we support the peace process in Cyprus 
while the opportunity remains. The United States is uniquely situated 
to play an important and constructive role in the effort to build peace 
in Cyprus. The President's recent appointment of Richard Holbrooke as 
his special representative to Cyprus is especially welcome. Ambassador 
Holbrooke has ably demonstrated his skill as a peacemaker and a 
diplomat. His role in the process only serves to reassure optimists 
that the opportunity for peace is real, and that the United States is 
deeply committed to the effort for peace in Cyprus. We cannot let this 
opportunity slip out of our grasp. We must stand with the people of 
Cyprus as they work to throw off the yoke of Turkish oppression.

                          ____________________