[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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