[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1486]
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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 1997

  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Concurrent 
Resolution 81, calling for a just and peaceful resolution of the 
situation in Cyprus. The division of Cyprus and the emotional and 
physical suffering it has brought to island inhabitants and their 
families has gone on far too long. It is time to renew efforts to bring 
peace to this troubled part of the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I see three positive signs on the horizon which, if 
supported and nourished, offer hope for a settlement of the conflict in 
Cyprus.
  First, the United Nations is hosting a new set of talks between 
Cypriot President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Denktash. 
Although similar negotiations have been brokered with little effect in 
the past, open channels of communication are indispensable--they cannot 
be discounted.
  Second, Cyprus is preparing to enter into negotiations with the 
European Union in 1998 to gain membership into the EU. The prospect of 
EU membership offers increased prosperity for all, and may provide an 
added incentive for all sides to resolve their differences.
  Third, there is again high-level United States engagement in the 
issue, with the appointment by the President of Richard Holbrooke as 
Special Presidential Envoy to Cyprus.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe these three developments provide renewed 
momentum toward resolving this difficult problem, with its potential 
for increasing tensions in an area of strategic interest to the United 
States.
  The expressed support of the U.S. Congress for a peaceful resolution 
is important and I join in support of House Concurrent Resolution 81.

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