[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 22, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H5507-H5511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CALLING FOR UNITED STATES INITIATIVE SEEKING JUST AND PEACEFUL
RESOLUTION OF SITUATION ON CYPRUS
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 81) calling for a United States
initiative seeking a just and peaceful resolution of the situation on
Cyprus, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 81
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,
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;
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 transfer 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.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
York [Mr. Gilman] and the gentleman from American Samoa [Mr.
[[Page H5508]]
Faleomavaega] each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman].
(Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday, we marked the 23d anniversary of the
invasion and occupation of Cyprus. The Cyprus problem is a situation
that cries out 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 code word 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.
Indeed, the President's appointment of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke
as special envoy for Cyprus is a sign of a renewed commitment to
finding a solution on the part of the administration. 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. It is for these reasons that I introduced this resolution that
is now before the House.
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 distressing 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 have the
ability 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.
The Foreign Ministers in Greece and Turkey recently agreed on
resolving disputes between them through peaceful means. There has been
increased diplomatic activity in Europe and in the United Nations to
bring the two sides together. In short, the risks of inaction far
outweigh those of taking the initiative on Cyprus now.
This resolution 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 the gentleman from Indiana [Mr.
Hamilton], our ranking minority member, the gentleman from Florida [Mr.
Bilirakis], the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Porter], the gentleman
from New York [Mr. Rangel], and the gentlewoman from New York [Mrs.
Maloney], and in excess of 50 other distinguished Members of the House
who have shared an interest in Cyprus and their 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.
Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to help us send a signal of our
commitment to resolving the Cyprus problem by adopting House Concurrent
Resolution 81.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
(Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend
his remarks.)
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution
81, calling for a United States initiative in seeking a just and
peaceful resolution of the situation in Cyprus.
I am pleased to announce that the ranking Democratic member of the
full Committee on International Relations is an original cosponsor of
this important and timely resolution. I congratulate the gentleman from
New York [Mr. Gilman], our distinguished chairman, for his foresight
and leadership in moving this legislation forward.
Earlier this year, Mr. Speaker, the Clinton administration announced
that it intends to give high priority this year to move a settlement of
Cyprus forward, easing Greek-Turkish relations. I agree with the
administration that now is the time to try to move the peace process in
Cyprus forward. That is why the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Hamilton]
and the chairman are original cosponsors of House Concurrent Resolution
81, which puts the Congress firmly behind an energetic United States
leadership role in seeking a realistic solution to the Cyprus
situation.
In fact, Mr. Speaker, the emphasis in the resolutions is on the key
role for United States' leadership on Cyprus and calls for an early
substantive initiative by the administration to promote a Cyprus
settlement. This tracks with longstanding congressional concerns that
have been expressed to a series of administrations.
The violence in Cyprus last summer, and the problems this year as a
result of arms acquisitions, have underscored the long-held view of the
gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Hamilton] that progress in Cyprus is long
overdue and should be a high United States priority. It remains our
hope and expectation that a firm, fair, and lasting settlement of the
Cyprus dispute can be reached in the coming months.
I also want to applaud the Clinton administration's recent
appointment of Richard Holbrooke as United States special envoy for
Cyprus. His appointment is the best signal yet that the Clinton
administration intends to give high priority this year to a settlement
on Cyprus and moving Greek-Turkish relations forward.
It has always been my firm belief, Mr. Speaker, that only high level
sustained United States attention will convince all parties, and
particularly the people of Turkey, to resolve the Cyprus issue.
Substantively, Mr. Speaker, the outlines of a settlement have been on
the table for some time, with the United Nations plan for a bicommunal,
bizonal federation.
The floor consideration of this resolution, Mr. Speaker, is coming at
a time of positive developments in the eastern Mediterranean region in
Cyprus. Earlier this month, direct talks between Cyprus President
Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Denktash, under the auspices of the
U.N. Secretary General Annan, were held in New York. These were the
first face-to-face talks in more than 2 years. A followup round of
talks will hopefully be held in Geneva next month.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, in a recent NATO summit in Madrid, the
Greek and Turkish Foreign Ministers at a meeting with Secretary of
State Madeleine Albright undertook an explicit commitment to settle
disputes by peaceful means without further use of force. Turkey remains
the key to further progress, Mr. Speaker. Only Turkey can push Turkish
Cypriot leader Denktash toward a settlement.
We must hope that a new government in Turkey under Prime Minister
Yilmaz will be prepared to play a pivotal role in the process that
other Turkish leaders have promised in the past. In the final analysis,
it is in U.S. interests, as well as for the people in the region, that
we find a just and lasting solution to treat these problems.
I believe, Mr. Speaker, that House Concurrent Resolution 81 will make
a helpful contribution to this process. I urge my colleagues, Mr.
Speaker, to support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Florida [Mr. Bilirakis].
(Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given permission to revise and extend
his remarks.)
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from New York, Mr.
Gilman, for yielding to me. And of course I also wanted to commend the
chairman, the gentleman from New York, Mr. Gilman, for all the work
that he has done on this important issue for many, many years. Mr.
Speaker, we live in a world where regional conflicts of one sort or
another are still prevalent. However, time and time again, we have seen
the concepts of freedom and democracy triumph over tyranny and
oppression.
Nowhere was this more profoundly demonstrated than with the change of
[[Page H5509]]
the Berlin Wall in late 1989 and with the withering of communism that
followed. A divided city was reunited, families separated for decades
enjoyed emotional unions. In the West, we congratulated ourselves
because our persistence and way of life had finally prevailed. But
Berlin was not the only divided city in the world, nor was Germany the
only divided country. It is our sad duty to once again bring the plight
of Cyprus to the attention of the American people.
{time} 1500
In 1974, Turkey invaded the Island of Cyprus. Some 6,000 Turkish
troops and over 100 tanks forcibly seized approximately 40 percent of
the island, including half of the capital city, Nicosia. In the
process, they displaced and divided thousands of Greek Cypriot
families. To this day 1,619 people are still missing, including five
U.S. citizens.
Today I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 81, which
calls for a United States initiative seeking a just and peaceful
resolution of the situation in Cyprus. For 23 years, the United Nations
has stationed troops on the island to prevent the spread of violence,
and yet the violence has not abated. Therefore, I do not believe that a
lasting peace settlement can be negotiated without U.S. leadership.
Some wonder why we should involve ourselves in the problems of
nations as distant as Cyprus. To them I would point out Cyprus is a
vital strategic and economic importance to the United States. During
the Persian Gulf war, Cyprus served as a major staging point for our
military operations. In peacetime it serves as a critical listening
post in the Middle East.
Cyprus is also close to the shipping lanes of the Aegean Sea and the
Suez Canal, which is the gateway for oil and other materials. These
shipping lanes are essential to the stability of the entire region and
the rest of the world.
In the national archives here in Washington, DC, there is a piece of
the Berlin Wall on display which was sent to former President Ronald
Reagan by a young American. It is my sincere hope that someday in the
near future we might be able to display a peace of the wall that marks
the green line which divides Cyprus.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me and the gentleman from
New York, Chairman Gilman, in demonstrating our intentions with regards
to Cyprus by unequivocally supporting this concurrent resolution. We
must send a signal to the world that the division of a nation and the
suppression of fundamental human rights are not to be tolerated. A just
and peaceful resolution to the issue is a real possibility, but only
with the leadership of the United States.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to
thank the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Bilirakis] for his support and
his remarks. He has been a longtime proponent of Cyprus and bringing
peace to the region.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Pallone].
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this concurrent
resolution. I want to thank the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman],
the chairman of the committee, and also the gentleman from Indiana [Mr.
Hamilton], the ranking member, as well as the gentleman from Florida
[Mr. Bilirakis], and others, the gentlewoman from New York [Mrs.
Maloney], other Members of the Congressional Caucus on Helenic Issues
that have been keeping this issue in the spotlight.
For almost a quarter of a century now the people of Cyprus have lived
on a divided, militarized, and occupied island. On July 9 of this year
high level negotiations between some of the key principals involved
once again got underway, and we are very happy with that development.
At the invitation of the Secretary General of the United Nations, the
President of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot leader met face to face for
the first time in 3 years. This is certainly a very positive
development, as was the joint statement released by Greece and Turkey
the day before the talks in New York began, in which the two countries
vowed to ``settle their disputes by peaceful means, based on mutual
consent and without use of force or threat of force.''
As everyone is aware by now, I know it has been mentioned that
President Clinton recently signaled his commitment to resolving the
problem in Cyprus by appointing Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, the
architect of the Dayton peace accords, as the Special Emissary to
Cyprus, and I want to congratulate the President for signaling his
serious interest in the Cyprus issue through the appointment of
Ambassador Holbrooke.
Because the Cyprus problem is clearly one of illegal invasion and
occupation, there are a number of conditions I have mentioned before,
and I want to stress again, that I believe the United States must
pressure the Turkish Government to accept. The first of these concerns
the issue of sovereignty. Any solution reached must be consistent with
U.N. Resolution 750 of 1992, which states,
A Cyprus settlement must be based on a State of Cyprus with
a single sovereignty and international personality and a
single citizenship, with its independence and territorial
integrity safeguarded.
To facilitate the goal of a State of Cyprus with a single
sovereignty, I believe the United States should push for the
establishment of a federation, with two federated states, one Greek
Cypriot and one Turkish Cypriot, administered by a federal government.
This would be much like the constitutional democracy of the United
States, where the states receive their powers from a federal
government. What I am saying is a rotating Presidency and/or separate
sovereignties for the Greek and Turkish communities should be viewed as
completely unacceptable proposals.
Second, Mr. Speaker, any solution to the Cyprus problem must be based
on internationally accepted standards of human rights. Simply stated,
all Cypriots must be guaranteed three basic freedoms, freedom of
movement, property and settlement.
Third, all foreign troops should be withdrawn from the island. In
1994, President Clerides proposed the demilitarization of the island as
a precursor to meaningful negotiations. In 1995, this House went on
record in support of this peaceful gesture when it passed the Cyprus
Demilitarization Act.
The United States must use its influence with the Turkish government
to facilitate the removal of the Turkish occupying force and the
introduction of NATO or U.N. peacekeeping forces, if necessary, so
negotiations can begin in earnest.
Last, I wanted to say, Mr. Speaker, that other matters, such as
Cypriot accession to the European Union, must also be pursued. I know
some of my colleagues have mentioned this. Integrating Cyprus into the
framework of the European Union would demonstrate unequivocally to
Turkey that its only real option is to accept a sovereign, independent
Cyprus.
Mr. Speaker, the United States should embrace the opportunity to make
progress, but we must not reach an agreement just for the sake of
reaching an agreement. It is tragic that Cyprus has been divided for 23
years now. We will, however, wait as long as we must to bring true and
lasting freedom to the Cypriot people.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman
from Rhode Island [Mr. Weygand].
Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, I want to echo the comments of my fellow
colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Pallone], who spoke so
eloquently about the situation.
Mr. Speaker, in July 1974 Turkish troops advanced into the Republic
of Cyprus, and since then Cyprus has been divided. Over the past 23
years, there have been several instances where actions have led to
increased tensions resulting in little progress toward resolving the
conflict over Cyprus.
Cyprus remains divided today, at a time when we have seen significant
progress in the proliferation of democracy throughout this great world.
In the last 10 years we have seen the fall of the Berlin Wall, the
lifting of the Iron Curtain, the advancement of the peace process in
the Middle East, yet, as has been mentioned just recently, the green
line still remains across the Island of Cyprus.
It is my hope that the green line will soon be erased and Cyprus will
be added to the list of places where the conflict has been resolved and
democracy flourishes. In light of the anticipated accession of Cyprus
into the European Union, the appointment of
[[Page H5510]]
Richard Holbrooke as special envoy and renewed peace talks, I think the
opportunity for progress has presented itself clearly before us now.
It is my hope that both sides will realize the economic and political
importance of resolving their differences. With the cooperation of
Ambassador Holbrooke, the United Nations and our President, I believe
that the peace talks can reunify the Island of Cyprus. However, the
agreement must abide by applicable international law, should include
provisions for strengthening democracy, should protect human rights,
and take into account the relevant United Nations security resolutions.
A unified Cyprus will result in economic and political stability. In
the Middle East we have seen that kind of work be very fruitful. Here
in Cyprus we want it to be the same.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues and applaud this resolution.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New
Jersey [Mr. Pappas].
Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the Committee on
International Relations for yielding me this time, and I rise in strong
support of this resolution and urge its passage.
Twenty-three years ago Turkish troops invaded Cyprus and divided a
nation and community. Today, 1,619 people remain missing, including 5
Americans. A barbed-wire fence divides the northern part of Cyprus from
its southern portion, separating communities and families that had
lived together in peace and harmony for generations. The longer the
world waits, the harder it will be to reconcile these communities in
the future. The time to act is now, the status quo is simply
unacceptable.
In order to make progress, we will need to have willingness on all
sides of this issue. The Republic of Cyprus has announced its
willingness to delay the purchase of defensive missile systems pending
advances in negotiations. I am hopeful that Turkey will also act in
this manner and can begin by withdrawing its troops and by stopping the
unhealthy rhetoric by its leaders toward Cyprus.
There are many players in the complicated issue of Cyprus. I am
hopeful that this resolution being debated today will put pressure on
all parties to roll up their sleeves and return stability to that part
of the world.
The recent decision of the European Union to admit Cyprus to its
ranks demonstrates the strength of its economy and democratic form of
government and should be used to show Turkey that its occupation of the
northern part of Cyprus is simply counterproductive to its own stated
goal of joining the European Union. As such, the European Union, NATO,
the United States, Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, and the United Nations all
must actively search for common ground and create ways to restore the
proud communities of Cyprus, to possibly demilitarize the island, and
take down the last wall in the world.
I believe the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman] and the gentleman
from Indiana [Mr. Hamilton], the ranking member, are to be commended
for their efforts for years to raise awareness of this issue, and I
urge support and I urge a strong United States role in justly resolving
the issue with Cyprus and our NATO partners, Turkey and Greece. Through
this resolution and through this debate we are able to show the world
that America still stands against armed aggression and supports
peaceful resolutions of dispute.
As a new Member of Congress, it has been my honor to work with these
gentlemen, the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Bilirakis], the gentlewoman
from New York [Mrs. Maloney], and many others on issues relating to
southeastern Europe. As a freshman, I am optimistic that we can produce
results now if the rest of the world community joins with this Congress
in insisting on a just and peaceful resolution for the people of the
Republic of Cyprus.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
New York [Mr. Nadler].
Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution.
Twenty-three years of an armed occupation of Cyprus is too long. This
should have been ended long ago. This resolution is reaffirmation that
the status quo in Cyprus is unacceptable, that it is detrimental to the
security interests of the United States, and it emphasizes that we can
only get a true and just and lasting peace and stability in Cyprus
through a process of demilitarization.
In view of the recent beginning of talks between Turkey and Greece,
and in view of the administration's initiative, this is a good time to
reemphasize these points and to encourage the President to launch the
kind of initiative that has met with some success in other parts of the
Middle East.
So I commend the sponsor of this resolution and I urge its strong
support. And, Mr. Speaker, I wish to join as a sponsor of this
resolution also.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman
from New Jersey [Mr. Rothman].
Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to add my voice to those of my
colleagues who have today so eloquently spoken in support of House
Concurrent Resolution 81.
For Cyprus, this proud island nation, the cause of peace, the cause
of freedom, the pursuit of unity is more than sloganeering. For the
people of Cyprus and the Cypriot Americans I am proud and honored to
represent in Congress, when we talk about freedom, we talk about an
important element of that nation's identity that was robbed from them
in 1974. For the people of Cyprus and the Cypriot Americans in my
district, when we talk about justice, we talk about an ideal unseen
since the de facto partition of that island nation in 1974. For the
people of Cyprus and all those in America who believe in and cherish
the value of peace, when we talk about Cyprus, we talk of an island
where peace has been absent for 23 years. And that has been, in my
estimation, 23 years too long.
So today I stand here as a Member of Congress, as a member of the
House Committee on International Relations, as a cosponsor of House
Concurrent Resolution 81 to say that I believe strongly in the
following: I believe in freedom for Cyprus, I believe in a united
Cyprus, and I believe that we must support the efforts of the parties
to negotiate and secure a long-lasting and genuine peace for Cyprus.
As my colleagues know, in 1974 Cyprus was invaded by Turkey. It was
an illegal invasion, illegal and against all international norms
recognized then or now. And most important, we must recognize that this
invasion cannot stand, just as we took that same position with regard
to the invasion of Kuwait.
Some might argue that freedom for Cyprus might not be in the national
interest of the United States. I wholeheartedly and emphatically
disagree. Part of our makeup, part of our national history is founded
on the simple belief that we are a people who believe in justice.
{time} 1515
Mr. Speaker, the little nation of Cyprus has a big dream, to be free.
It is a dream I support, it is a dream I will continue to fight for,
and I am proud to be a cosponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 81.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman
from New York [Mrs. Maloney].
(Mrs. MALONEY of New York asked and was given permission to revise
and extend her remarks.)
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding me this time. First, I would like to commend the gentleman
from New York [Mr. Gilman] for his leadership for peace and justice on
Cyprus. This weekend we remembered the 23d anniversary of the illegal
invasion of Cyprus and the horrible complications that have cost lives
and stolen freedoms.
When one thinks of a people or a country as a whole, it is easy to
gloss over the real tragedies. So I would like to remember two people
who lost their lives 1 year ago this August. A 24-year-old protester,
Tassos Isaac, was savagely beaten to death on August 11, 1996, by
Turks, using rocks and iron poles. Three days later a group of
mourners, people who were not even armed, became the targets of Turkish
troop gunfire. The 26-year-old cousin of Tassos was gunned down, 11
others were injured.
Additionally, just 2 months after that, 58-year-old Petros Kakoullis
was
[[Page H5511]]
out snail gathering with his son-in-law when he was gunned down as he
assumed a position of surrender. Petros' only mistake was that he had
wandered across the green line into the occupied area.
Our country must take an active role in stopping these abuses. The
illegal occupation of Cyprus must end. The island must be
demilitarized. Turkish troops must be forced off the island. The island
must be unified, justice must be served, and the President of the
United States must make it a foreign policy priority. I urge a vote in
support of this resolution and in support of this island in crisis.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman
from New Jersey [Mr. Menendez].
(Mr. MENENDEZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to express my strong support as
cosponsor for this resolution and commend the gentleman from New York
[Mr. Gilman] and the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Hamilton] for their
leadership in bringing it before the House.
On Sunday we commemorated the unhappy anniversary and tragic
circumstances of 23 years of division on the island of Cyprus, which
has been artificially divided following an invasion by Turkish troops
on July 20, 1974. On that date, over 200,000 Greek Cypriots became
refugees in their own country and to this date are denied return to
their homes. Today, a full 37 percent of the island remains under
occupation by Turkish troops which in defiance of United Nations
resolutions, now number 35,000, making Cyprus one of the most
militarized places in the world.
After 23 years, the people of Cyprus in both communities deserve a
solution which will reunite the island, its communities, and its
people. As Secretary of State Albright recently pointed out, ``U.S.-
Cyprus relations extend far beyond the so-called Cyprus problem. * * *
Cyprus is a valued partner against new global threats.'' A resolution
would strengthen peace and stability in the volatile eastern
Mediterranean and significantly advance U.S. national security
interests in the region and beyond.
I recently sent a letter to President Clinton with 67 of my
colleagues in the House. The letter outlines what we believe should be
the parameters of any Cyprus solution. They are that Cyprus should be
reunited with a strong federal government in which the federated states
derive their powers from the federal constitution, a democratic
constitution which would ensure the rights of all of its citizens and
communities and which would guarantee the right to private property and
free travel to all parts of the country. If Turkey is serious about its
commitment to a permanent solution, then it must bring its views into
conformity with the United Nations framework on issues of sovereignty
and political equality which they have refused to do.
Cyprus should not be a prisoner to Turkey's objections or threats.
This is an opportunity for us to make a difference and the swift
passage of this resolution sends a message of Congress' deep desire to
see a settlement and the reunification of Cyprus for all of its people.
Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as an original cosponsor of
House Concurrent Resolution 81 to express my strong support for this
resolution and to thank my friend from New York, the chairman of the
International Relations Committee, for his leadership in bringing this
important issue before the House.
For too long, the beautiful Mediterranean country of Cyprus has been
politically and physically divided. Last week, a number of my
colleagues, led by my good friend Mr. Bilirakis, marked the 23d
anniversary of the division of Cyprus with a special order. The remarks
which were delivered last Thursday clearly showed the commitment and
interest that this body has in bringing an end to this deplorable
situation. While we welcome the recent efforts undertaken by the
Clinton administration, including the appointment of Richard Holbrooke
as special envoy, we hope that this will not be just the latest in a
long line of failed efforts which lacked the political will to find a
just solution to the Cyprus problem. Over the past 20 years, there have
been almost continual efforts by the United States and the
international community, none of which has achieved the result we hope
for.
In our efforts to resolve this problem, we must not forget the
history of this issue and the strong feelings that it evokes. By the
same token, we must realize that the world has changed dramatically in
the past 23 years and the situation that created this division simply
no longer exists. The legitimate Government of Cyprus is a thriving
democracy with a robust economy and growing international prestige.
Cyprus is a candidate to join the European Union in the near future.
Yet this prosperous, democratic country remains, in the north,
occupied by 35,000 Turkish troops and divided by U.N. peacekeepers. In
the past year, there have been tragic episodes of violence along the
Green Line that divides Cyprus, resulting in needless loss of life and
heightening of tensions. As you walk the streets of Nicosia, just steps
from the pleasant pedestrian square filled with quaint shops and happy
tourists you are confronted with U.N. peacekeepers, and beyond them,
the forlorn-looking abandoned section of the city located in the buffer
zone. This situation seems absurd on its face, and this should be the
year that it ends. I hope that this resolution and the attention of the
House to the matter will prompt a complete and far-reaching effort by
the United States and the international community to demilitarize
Cyprus and bring peace to this island once again.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for House
Concurrent Resolution 81, a resolution calling for an early initiative
to resolve the longstanding conflict on Cyprus.
Twenty-two years ago, Turkey invaded the sovereign Republic of
Cyprus, capturing almost 40 percent of the island and driving more than
200,000 Cypriots from their land. Today, in one of the most heavily
armed areas on Earth, more than 30,000 Turkish troops continue to
occupy the northern part of the island.
Congress, further, still awaits a report by the President on the fate
of 5 Americans and more than 1,500 others missing in the wake of the
Turkish invasion. The Presidential investigation and upcoming report
are being prepared pursuant to a bill I authored in the 103d Congress.
Clearly, the status quo on Cyprus is unacceptable.
In 1995, the House of Representatives took an important step in the
effort to promote a resolution of the long-standing Cypriot conflict.
By passing a resolution which I sponsored calling for the
demilitarization of Cyprus, Congress presented an option which would
reduce tensions and help remove the oppressive Turkish troops.
Today, Congress is again taking a leading role. In the important
resolution now under consideration, Congress urges the President to
launch an initiative, in coordination with the United Nations, the
European Union, and interested governments to promote a speedy
resolution of the Cyprus problem.
President Clinton has already taken the first steps in this regard.
By appointing former Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke,
who negotiated the Dayton Accord on Bosnia, to the post of Special
Envoy for Cyprus, the President has selected one of the most able
negotiators to handle one of the world's most difficult disputes. With
the hopeful entry of Cyprus into the European Union and the recent
meeting in New York between Republic of Cyprus President Glafcos
Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, it is my hope that a
new, sustained effort to solve the Cyprus dispute will now help to
bring this sad conflict to a just resolution.
I commend Chairman Ben Gilman and Ranking Minority Member Lee
Hamilton of the International Relations Committee for their fine work
on House Concurrent Resolution 81 and urge my colleagues to support the
resolution.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time,
and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore [Mr. Snowbarger]. The question is on the
motion offered by the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman] that the
House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, House
Concurrent Resolution 81, as amended.
The question was taken.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground
that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum
is not present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 5, rule I, and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
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