[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 93 (Tuesday, July 18, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H6363-H6367]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RENEWING U.S. COMMITMENT TO CYPRUS IN THEIR QUEST FOR PEACE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 19, 1999, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) is 
recognized during morning hour debates for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues have mentioned this 
morning, July 20 will be the 26th anniversary of the illegal Turkish 
invasion of Cyprus. Although two rounds of U.N.-sponsored proximity 
talks between the Cypriot and Turkish sides have been completed in 
recent months, the Turks are casting the shadow of failure over the 
negotiations by employing provocative and destabilizing behavior.
  For example, the current round of proximity talks have been 
temporarily suspended by the Turkish Cypriot leader so he could fulfill 
his stated intention to postpone discussions in order to attend the so-
called ``Peace and Freedom Day'' on July 20 in the Turkish-occupied 
area of Cyprus. This action sends an unmistakable message that the 
Turkish side is not taking the current proximity talks seriously. 
Rather, the Turkish side is just spinning its wheels.
  Should the current round of talks end up as all previous efforts have 
in the last 26 years, the United States should be prepared to act 
forcefully. In the last 2 years or so, there have been a number of 
initiatives that both the international community, and the Cypriots 
have taken to try and jump-start this decades-old problem and make the 
environment more fertile for a negotiated peaceful settlement. Turkey 
should be held accountable by the United States if it purposefully 
undermines these efforts.
  In December of 1998, the U.N. Security Council passed resolutions 
1217 and 1218. The former, Mr. Speaker, reaffirmed that any settlement 
be based on the federated bi-zonal, bi-communal framework. The latter 
called for the Secretary General to work with the two sides to reduce 
tensions and arms on the island, a position consistent with the Cypriot 
government's offer to demilitarize all of Cyprus, an offer that has 
been rejected by the Turks. The United States supported both of these 
measures.
  Following the passage of these two resolutions, the Cypriots 
unilaterally decided not to deploy the S-300 antimissile system they 
were considering deploying in an effort to give legs to the U.N. 
Security Council resolutions.
  Attempting to build on this momentum, in June of 1999, the group of 
eight industrialized nations, or G-8, urged the U.N. to invite the two 
sides' leaders to begin peaceful negotiations without preconditions in 
the fall of 1999. The U.N. Security Council in turn passed two more 
resolutions, 1250 and 1251, reaffirming its support for negotiations 
under the bi-communal, bi-zonal federation framework and requesting 
that such negotiations move ahead.
  These events did, in fact, lead to the onset of negotiations in 
December of 1999. Despite the U.N.'s call for negotiations without 
preconditions, however, the Turkish side came to the table insisting 
that a number of unrealistic conditions be met before real discussions 
could occur.
  The negotiations, Mr. Speaker, are expected to resume on July 24. 
While the U.N. and the United States should do whatever it takes to 
facilitate continued negotiations, the U.N. and the U.S. should also 
take note of the manner in which the Turkish side is conducting itself.
  Mr. Speaker, for 26 years now, the people of Cyprus have been denied 
their independence and freedom because of a foreign aggressor. I urge 
all of my colleagues to join me in remembering what the Cypriot people 
have suffered and continue to suffer at the hands of the Turks. I also 
urge my colleagues to join me in pressuring the administration to focus 
American efforts to move the peace process forward on the Turkish 
military, which has real and substantial influence on decision-making 
in the Turkish Government. If and when the Turks undermine yet another 
peace effort, the U.S. should instantaneously do what I have been 
calling for for years, punish Turkey by making drastic and immediate 
changes to our relationship with Ankara.
  As the Turks interrupt peace negotiations to celebrate their 
brutality as Cypriots mourn their dead and all they have lost, the 
United States must let the people of Cyprus know that we will have 
freedom and independence again and that we will help them attain it.
  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, on July 20th 2000, we will mark the 26th 
anniversary of Turkey's invasion of the sovereign State of Cyprus. It 
was on this date in 1974, Turkish troops began a campaign of terror. 
During the Turkish invasion, nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots were forced 
to flee their homes in the northern part of the island of Cyprus. After 
twenty-five years, Greek Cypriots are still prohibited from returning 
to their homes and remain refugees within their own country.
  Over 1,400 men, women and children who vanished during the invasion 
have not been accounted for, and the Turkish government continues to 
refuses to provide information as to their whereabouts.
  During these 26 years of occupation, Turkey has relocated some 80,000 
Turkish citizens to Northern Cyprus, thus changing the demographic 
structure in the north. Most of the homes and land that have been 
reoccupied by Turkish citizens were once the homes of Greek Cypriots 
who were evacuated during the invasion. Historical institutions of 
cultural and religious heritage, including archaeological sites and 
churches, have been pillaged and in many cases completely destroyed.
  Tragically, there are only 500 Greek Cypriots still living in the 
occupied area, and even those few families are subject to constant and 
systematic campaigns of harassment and intimidation. In some instances, 
they are forbidden to travel and attend school, clearly being denied of 
their basic rights.
  In 1983, Turkey encouraged a ``unilateral declaration of 
independence'' by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). This 
declaration was condemned by the U.N. Security Council, as well as the 
U.S. government. Consequently, the U.N. Security Council called for 
Turkey to withdraw from Cyprus immediately. To date, the TRNC is not 
officially recognized as a sovereign State by any country except for 
Turkey.
  In June of 1999, the European Commission of Human Rights found Turkey 
responsible for continuing to violate several provisions of the 
European Convention of Human Rights, including not accounting for 
missing persons, limiting the living conditions of the enclaved, and 
failing to protect the properties of the displaced person.
  Despite the continuing efforts on behalf of the U.S. and the 
international community to negotiate a peaceful settlement, 35,000 
heavily armed Turkish troops continue to occupy more than one-third of 
the island. Turkey had previously thrown a wrench in the peace talks by 
advocating two preconditions: first, prior recognition of the TRNC, and 
second, Cyprus withdrawing its EU membership application. Fortunately, 
through international pressure and diplomatic maneuvering, a new round 
of proximity talks were undertaken without implementation of these 
conditions. The first of which took place in December 1999 under U.N. 
auspices, and the most recent talks commenced on July 5th in Geneva.
  Mr. Speaker, I reiterate my argument from last year that the 
continued occupation of Northern Cyprus is clearly an affront to 
countless U.N. resolutions calling on Turkey to withdraw its forces and 
return all refugees to their homes, and for Turkey to respect the 
sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and unity of the 
Republic of Cyprus. this is an insult to the United States and the 
global community which has worked tirelessly to unify Greek and Turkish 
Cypriots in a peaceful manner.
  I hope that the U.S. and the international community will continue to 
advocate for this new round of proximity talks and fervently work to 
find a peaceful solution to this conflict that has torn Cyprus apart 
and caused 26 years of suffering for thousands of families.
  Mr. BLAGOJEVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to denounce the illegal 
occupation of Cyprus by Turkey. Twenty-six years ago today, the Turkish 
military invaded Cyprus, driving 200,000 people from their homes. Since 
then, the Turkish military has continued to occupy a third of the 
island, in defiance of international law. During this time, nations 
around the globe have sent the clear, unequivocal message that the 
Turkish occupation of Cyprus is patently illegal and must end.

[[Page H6364]]

  Nonetheless, Turkey continues to defy the international community, 
engaging a deliberate strategy to change the ethnic composition of 
Northern Cyprus. Since forcing out the Greek Cypriot population from 
the occupied area, Turkey has settled thousands of Turks from Anatolia 
in Northern Cyprus in a blatant attempt to prevent the return of the 
native Greek Cypriot population.
  The recent talks held in Geneva provide a glimmer of hope that those 
forced out of Northern Cyprus by the Turkish invasion may finally be 
able to return home. But the world community will be watching 
carefully. There have been too many false starts, too many dashed 
hopes, for the Greek Cypriot refugee population to be convinced that 
peace is finally at hand.
  In this dispute, the United States has played a positive role in 
bringing the parties to the table to begin their discussions. But now 
the United States must go further. We must clearly say to Turkey that 
it is time to bring the Cyprus dispute to an end. This can only happen 
when the Turkish military leaves Cyprus, and lets Greek and Turkish 
Cypriots settle their own disputes in the context of a free, unified, 
and democratic Cyprus.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today 
to recognize the 26th anniversary of Turkey's tragic invasion of 
Cyprus.
  Cyprus gained independence from Great Britain in 1960 but its success 
as a new republic only lasted until 1963. After years of turmoil and 
violence between the majority of Cypriots of Greek ethnic origin and 
the minority of Cypriots of Turkish ethnic origin, Turkish troops 
invaded the island in 1974. Over 1,400 Greek Cypriots have been missing 
since the Turkish invasion and all remain unaccounted for. Today, 
Turkish troops continue to occupy 37 percent of Cyprus' territory.
  The invasion led to the widespread dislocation of the Cypriot 
population and to numerous related refugee and property problems. 
Nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots were forcibly evicted from their homes 
and became refugees in their own country.
  Over the last three decades, Turkish authorities in Cyprus have waged 
a ceaseless campaign of systematic harassment and intimidation of Greek 
Cypriots. The flagrant human rights abuses by Turkey have been 
condemned repeatedly by international authorities.
  Turkey is a member of NATO and an ally of the United States. We 
should use all of our influence to further a negotiated settlement in 
Cyprus and support the United Nations in its efforts to do so. 
Applications by the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey to become full 
members of the European Union may present a fresh opportunity to 
resolve the conflict. Let us take this chance.
  My fellow colleagues, I urge your continued support for the people of 
Cyprus. I also join my colleagues in encouraging President Clinton to 
continue his efforts to promote peace in Cyprus during his last months 
in office.
  After 26 years of forcible division it is high time to take firm 
steps to reach a peaceful settlement of this ongoing conflict.
  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Florida 
(Mr. Bilirakis) and the gentlelady from New York (Mrs. Maloney) for 
organizing today's commemoration.
  It saddens me greatly that again we are remembering the Turkish 
invasion of Cyprus, instead of celebrating a united island and a 
resolution to the Cyprus problem.
  Twenty-six years ago, on July 20th, 1974, over 6,000 Turkish troops 
and forty tanks landed on the north coast of Cyprus and heavy fighting 
took place. Turkish troops pressed on to the capital city of Nicosia, 
where the heavy fighting continued. By the time a cease fire had been 
arranged on August 16th, Turkish forces had taken the northern one 
third of the country. Throughout the battles and subsequent occupation, 
there were extensive tales of atrocities, abductions, rapes and 
executions. It was only as those abducted or taken prisoner of war 
began to filter back to their homes after the cease fire that it became 
apparent that hundreds were missing.
  Nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots, who fell victim to ethnic cleansing, 
were forcibly evicted from their homes and became refugees in their own 
country. More than a quarter of a century later, the Turkish occupation 
still prevents them from returning to homes which have been in their 
family for generations.
  35,000 Turkish troops have occupied northern Cyprus since the summer 
of 1974. During this time, Turkey's government has shown what it is 
that it is not a democracy. It is a military dictatorship in which the 
generals allow only as much democracy as they want. The Turkish 
government continues to support the illegal occupation of Cyprus, while 
also continuing to persecute its Kurdish population, and to spurn 
normal relations with Armenia.
  However, today, for the first time I do see the potential for the 
resolution of this conflict. Not only have Presidents Denktas and 
Clerides recently engaged in the third round of U.N. sponsored talks, 
Turkey's candidacy for the European Union creates a new urgency for a 
solution to be found for this situation.
  I want to encourage these talks to continue and for the Clinton 
Administration to support them in every way possible. After twenty-six 
years of division, it is imperative that the United States and United 
Nations take all steps to support the efforts to bring an end to the 
forcible division of the island and its people.
  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. Speaker, I join my friend, the distinguished 
gentleman from Florida, and my colleagues in commemorating the 26th 
anniversary of Turkey's military invasion and continued illegal 
occupation of northern Cyprus.
  Twenty-six years have passed since Turkey illegally invaded the 
northern part of Cyprus. On July 20, 1974, Turkey launched a full scale 
invasion on Cyprus, forcing more than 200,000 Greek Cypriots from their 
homes. To this day, these refugees are prevented from returning to 
their homes by the Turkish Army. Turkey's bloody invasion of this 
Mediterranean island state has been rightfully condemned by the United 
Nations and all peace loving nations of the world.
  Later on this month, Greek Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides and 
Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash will meet again in Geneva. I hope 
that this meeting will lead to a constructive outcome, but this can 
only occur if Mr. Denktash is willing to meet President Clerides 
halfway. Mr. Denktash must be willing to negotiate in good faith. Only 
when these two Cypriot leaders meet in good faith will there be a 
resolution to the Cypriot problem.
  Mr. Speaker, the 26th anniversary of Turkey's cruel invasion of 
northern Cyprus should weigh heavily on the conscience of all civilized 
people of the world who share in the underlying principle that military 
aggression must not prevail.
  Mr. Speaker, the status quo must be broken. The paralysis in U.N. 
sponsored negotiations must be broken. And the intercommunal strife 
that has torn Cypriots apart must be settled peacefully. But none of 
these worthy objectives can occur as long as Turkey continues to 
violate international law and flout U.N. resolutions condemning its 
oppressive occupation of 40 percent of Cypriot territory.
  It is indeed a sad testament to Turkey's intransigence that more than 
a quarter of a century after its invasion of northern Cyprus, its 
troops still occupy a third of Cyprus. Turkey must realize that its 
military occupation stands as an obstacle to a just and permanent 
solution of the Cypriot problem.
  Mr. Speaker, a permanent solution to the Cypriot impasse must take 
into consideration the anxieties and legitimate concerns of both Greek 
and Turkish Cypriots. However, the first step toward reconciliation and 
peaceful reunification must be the end of Turkey's illegal occupation 
of northern Cyprus.
  Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the 26th 
anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. As a member of the 
Congressional Hellenic Caucus, I look forward to a day when peace comes 
to the region and we no longer have to come to the floor each year and 
remind the world that this occupation continues.
  26 years ago, nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots were forced from their 
homes during the Turkish invasion. This act of aggression resulted in 
the capture of over forty percent of the island, and the death of five 
Americans among scores of Cypriots. Since that time, more than 1,400 
Greek Cypriots have gone missing and are unaccounted for. The invasion 
took a toll not only on the people of Cyprus, but also on the island's 
rich religious and architectural history as churches and other places 
of worship have been destroyed.
  ver the years, Turkey has continuously upgraded its military presence 
on the island. In contrast, Greek Cypriots have been willing to 
compromise. The international community has also sought a decrease in 
tension.
  As we watch the ongoing talks between the Israelis and Palestinians 
at Camp David, we are reminded that peace is possible--indeed it is the 
only option. Since the time of the invasion, the United Nations has 
sought to reach a just peace agreement for Cyprus. I am pleased that 
the recent round of talks in Geneva have been encouraging.
  I look forward to July 2001 when, I hope, we will be celebrating the 
peace in Cyprus, and remembering the futility of aggression.
  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in remembrance of the invasion 
of Cyprus by Turkish forces in July of 1974. It was 26 years ago, Mr. 
Speaker, that more than six thousand Cypriots lost their lives, and 
more than 200,000 were displaced from their homes and communities by 
the advancing Turkish forces. With their culture threatened, their 
ancestral lands occupied, and their rights deprived, Cypriots have 
endured untold suffering. It is a terrible human tragedy and affront to 
all who support human rights that more than a quarter of a century 
later the situation remains unresolved.
  There are several United Nations resolutions calling for a peaceful 
end to the situation

[[Page H6365]]

under the guidelines of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation based on a 
single sovereignty and a single citizenship with the independence and 
territorial integrity of Cyprus safeguarded. There have been 
resolutions passed through this body which have called for a peaceful 
conclusion to the conflict and an end to the Turkish occupation. The 
Cypriot government has made extraordinary efforts to reach an accord 
with the Turkish government, displaying goodwill, courage and a bold 
vision of peace. However, to date, all of this is to no avail.
  Turkey employs a standing army of more than 35,000 troops, hundreds 
of tanks and other sophisticated weapons on the island, and maintains a 
substantial amphibious force permanently stationed on the Turkish 
mainland base closest to Cyprus. Turkey has made no serious effort to 
implement agreements made in good faith regarding the status of 
refugees, property rights and human rights and has exhibited a rather 
tenacious intransigence in working toward demilitarization and peace.
  Mr. Speaker, the status quo is unacceptable, the occupation is 
illegal and a peaceful solution must be reached. Today, I am happy to 
say, there is hope for this solution. Negotiations between the Turks 
and Cypriots under United Nations auspices in Geneva are scheduled to 
resume on July 24 and to continue into August and even into the autumn; 
we can only have hope that this time, the tragedy and suffering of the 
Cypriots will be eased by a peaceful and true conclusion. I implore all 
sides to the conflict to be bold, to be courageous, to reach out for 
the vision peace and stability which can be achieved, and to give the 
world hope by closing this unfortunate chapter in the history of 
Cyprus.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
marking the 26th year of Turkey's illegal invasion and partition of the 
Republic of Cyprus. I commend Congresswoman Maloney and Congressman 
Bilirakis for their leadership on this issue and thank them for calling 
this special order.
  This anniversary is not a happy occasion, but it is one which serves 
to remind us of the continuing strife that the people of Cyprus have 
faced everyday for over two decades.
  In 1974, using United States military equipment, Turkey invaded the 
Republic of Cyprus, killing 4,000 Greek Cypriots and capturing over 
1,600 others, including 5 United States citizens. Though the Turkish 
Government has been condemned by this Congress and the international 
community time and time again, it has not halted its unjustified 
occupation. Today, Cyprus remains cruelly divided. A barbed-wire fence 
known as the green line cuts across the island separating thousands of 
Greek Cypriots from the towns and communities in which they and their 
families had previously lived for generations.
  The human rights violations by the Turkish Government on the people 
of Cyprus also continue. The freedoms of religion and assembly are 
frequently stifled, and intimidation by the military is ongoing and 
ever present.
  On July 5, 2000, U.N. sponsored Cyprus talks resumed in Geneva with 
the full support of the United States and all members of the U.N. 
security council. Now is the key time to resolve the Cyprus problem and 
the only way forward is through a sustained process of negotiations and 
a solution which can unite Cyprus and its people. President Clinton has 
emphasized that we must ``work for an end to the tragic conflict on 
Cyprus, which is dividing too many people in too many ways.''
  After 26 years of division, it is urgent that all the necessary steps 
are taken to actively support a just and lasting solution to the 
island's armed conflict. A peaceful resolution of this conflict is long 
overdue.
  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues to 
remember the 26th Black Anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus that 
occurred on July 20, 1974.
  Following the first assault and despite the fact that talks were 
being held in Geneva to resolve the situation, on August 14, 1974, the 
Turkish army mounted a second full-scale offensive. By the end of the 
offensive, Turkey increased its hold on Cyprus to include the booming 
tourist resort of Famagusta and the rich citrus-growing area of 
Morphou. Over 37 percent of the area of Cyprus came under Turkish 
military occupation, an area Turkey still holds today, despite 
international condemnation.
  As a result, 200,000 Greek Cypriots were made refugees in their own 
country and 70 percent of the economic potential of Cyprus came under 
military occupation. Moreover, thousands of people, including 
civilians, were killed or ill-treated by the Turkish invaders. There 
are still 1,619 Greek Cypriots missing as a result of the Turkish 
invasion, many of whom were held in Turkish custody.
  Currently, Cyprus remains divided with 35,000 Turkish troops 
stationed there as a constant reminder of this violation of human 
rights and international law. Only Turkey recognizes the Turkish 
Cypriot State in the north. A 2,500-member U.N. peacekeeping force 
patrols the buffer zone between north and south.
  Mr. Speaker, this Congress must do everything we can to state our 
firm condemnation of the Turkish invasion and our unwavering support of 
the self-determination of Cyprus and the sovereignty of Greece. 
Thousands of families still bear the terrible scars of the invasion. 
They must have their land and homes back!
  It is time for the United States to join its voice in calling for a 
solution based on the U.N. resolutions. The time is now for us to use 
all of our influence on Turkey to obtain peace in Cyprus.
  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, today, on the 26th anniversary of 
Turkey's invasion of Cyprus, I rise to voice my concerns regarding that 
state's current efforts to gain entrance into the European Union.
  On Friday, the British Broadcasting Company reported that, ``Foreign 
Minister Ismail Cem and Guenter Verheugen, member of the EU commission 
responsible for enlargement, have said that relations between Turkey 
and the EU are `developing rapidly' . . . and that a compromise could 
be reached'' regarding Turkey's entrance into the European Union.
  Yet, as the EU discusses Turkey's entrance into the European union, I 
feel that it is necessary to discuss the human rights violations and 
violations of the Vienna III agreement that are currently taking place 
in the occupied area of northern Cyprus. Turkey still occupies 37% of 
the Cyprus territory, which was illegally annexed in the 1974 Turkish 
invasion. Currently, Turkey maintains 35,000 troops in this territory 
and there are still 1,400 Greek Cypriots, including four Americans of 
Cypriot decent, who are unaccounted for. Turkey is the only state in 
the world that recognizes the northern Turkish Cypriot state.
  In an attempt to alter the demographic make-up of the northern Cyprus 
region, Turkey has transplanted over 80,000 Turkish settlers to the 
area and has illegally distributed land belonging to evicted Cypriots--
actions prohibited by articles 9 and 17 of the Universal Declaration of 
Human Rights set forth in the Geneva Convention of 1949. Turkish 
soldiers are also responsible for destroying Byzantine churches and 
other places of worship. These violations have not gone unnoticed by 
the European commission of Human Rights, which issued a report in June 
of 1999 that found Turkey in violation of the European Convention on 
Human Rights in regards to the issues of missing persons, the living 
conditions of the enclaved, and the properties of displaced persons.
  But these violations of international treaties are not new. In 1983, 
Turkey established unilateral independence in the area of military 
occupation--a direct violation of international Treaties establishing 
the Republic of Cyprus. Since 1974, the UN has adopted numerous 
resolutions calling for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from 
Cyprus, the return of refugees to their homes in safety, and respect 
for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of 
the Republic of Cyprus.
  If Turkey is going to press ahead with its effort to gain acceptance 
into the EU and demand legitimacy in international markets, it must 
commit to drastic change and become more aligned with the goals and 
ideals central to the European Union. Eligibility for EU admittance 
should hinge on Turkey's willingness to abide by these treaties and 
withdrawal from its current position in Cyprus.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join with my colleagues in 
bringing the House's attention to the 26th anniversary of the Turkish 
invasion of Cyprus, a tragedy that continues to upset the peace and 
stability of the eastern-Mediterranean region. The Turkish invasion, 
which occurred on July 20, 1974, has led to the expulsion of over 
200,000 Greek Cypriots from their ancestral homelands for more than a 
quarter of a century.
  The systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing and harassment of Greek 
Cypriots has significantly marred the rich history of Cyprus and its 
people. Lootings and destruction continued to be ordered against 
archaeological and religious monuments in an attempt to wipe out the 
Hellenic and Christian Orthodox heritage of the island. The policies of 
redistributing Greek Cypriots' land to the 80,000 transferred Turkish 
settlers brought from the mainland by the Turkish government, and of 
harassing those Greek Cypriot enclaves forced to live within the 
stifling confines to Turkish-controlled areas on the island, are 
offensive to our nation's values. These violations of international 
law, unless acknowledged and remedied, will continue to cast a grim 
shadow on the future of all Cypriots.
  We, here in the House of Representatives, must remember the thousands 
of innocent Greek Cypriot victims not just for the meaning of their 
suffering, but also as a reminder of all those who have fallen victim 
to vicious ethnic, religious, and social hatred. Even today, ethnic 
strife remains a pox on the international community, and the 
unrelenting pattern of conflict around the world illustrates the 
importance of commemorative anniversaries such as the one we 
acknowledge today. Perhaps, it is only when we focus on the similaries 
of suffering

[[Page H6366]]

between the people of the world that we can move beyond the differences 
among us. Our nation's unshakable commitment to human rights and the 
dignity of all people demands that we acknowledge and remember all 
those who have suffered at the hands of bigotry, hatred and intolerance 
around the world.
  As a nation, we witnessed a myriad of atrocities in the last century. 
In response, rightly, we have committed our nation to both working for 
the peaceful resolution of ethnic conflicts around the world and to 
defending truth and memory where injustice has occurred. Today, I am 
proud that this House again ensures that the victims of aggression on 
Cyprus are not victimized in memory as they were in life.
  Mr. Speaker, I am here today for a simple reason: to publicly recall 
that since 1974, thousands of innocent Greek Cypriots, regardless of 
sex or age, have been victimized by ethnic cleansing and partition for 
no just cause. Failure to take note of the situation in Cyprus is to 
become a party to this gross injustice, for as we all know, silence and 
inactivity amounts to acceptance.
  I continue to advocate the unwavering support of this House in 
support of the people of Cyprus in their struggle for a peaceful and 
just settlement to this protracted and ugly conflict with Turkey.
  Mr. Speaker, I'd like to commend and thank my colleagues 
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Congressman Michael Bilirakis, the 
co-chairs of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus. Thanks to their 
leadership, this House has again fulfilled America's commitment to 
memory and decency, and most importantly, has kept faith with the 
people of Cyprus. I'd also like to recognize and express my thanks for 
the tireless devotion of America's citizens of Hellenic descent. Thanks 
to them and their commitment, the atrocities which have occurred in 
Cyprus will not be forgotten. We must build on their successes and work 
together to find an end to this terrible injustice as soon as possible.
  Mrs. KELLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my colleagues in 
marking the 26th Black Anniversary of Turkey's invasion of the island 
of Cyprus. On July 20, 1974, the government of Turkey sent troops to 
Cyprus and forcefully assumed control of more than one-third of the 
island. This action dislocated nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots, forcibly 
evicting them from their homes and creating a refugee problem that 
exists to this day. Additionally, over 1600 Greek Cypriots are still 
missing or unaccounted for as a result of this brutal invasion.
  The Turkish Cypriot community has historically shown its 
unwillingness to move towards a negotiated settlement with their Greek 
neighbors. The removal of the roughly 35,000 Turkish troops from the 
island of Cyprus is central to any such agreement, as is compliance 
with the previously agreed upon parameters for any solution. However, 
the Turkish government is doing the exact opposite. They have continued 
their arms buildup on the island, have abandoned reconciliation efforts 
begun on a bi-communal grassroots level, have added two new 
preconditions for the resumption of the peace talks and are now seeking 
the creation of a confederation of two sovereign states. The net result 
of these actions is to make any sort of reconciliation all the more 
unlikely.
  The Greek Cypriots have continually demonstrated their flexibility 
and willingness to compromise in order to bring an end to this long-
standing dispute. The Cyprus government has made numerous gestures of 
goodwill in an effort to move the peace process forward. In the last 
year, they have canceled the deployment of a Russian defensive surface 
to air missile system on Cyprus in an effort to head off any escalation 
of this conflict. In addition, Cyprus has continued to comply with the 
preconditions established by the United Nations Security Council 
resolutions, and has even put forth a plan for the demilitarization of 
the island.
  In another positive step forward, last year for the first time in a 
substantive way, the leaders of the G-8 dealt with the Cyprus issue in 
their meeting in Cologne (June 20, 1999) and urged the UN Secretary 
General, in accordance with the Security Council resolutions, to invite 
the leaders of the two sides to comprehensive negotiations without 
preconditions. The UN Security Council in its resolution adopted on 
June 29, 1999 reiterated the G8 leaders' appeal and requested the UN 
Secretary General to proceed accordingly (UNSC resolution 1250 [1999]).
  As a result of this coordinated international effort, a new round of 
proximity talks between the two communities was launched, under UN 
auspices, which began in December 1999. This process is still 
continuing, with a second round of proximity talks having taken place 
in Geneva in February 2000 and a third round which began on July 5, 
2000, with the full support of the US and all the other members of the 
UN Security Council. This process has once again stalled with the 
Turkish Cypriot Leader's decision to leave the talks to return for 
Turkish Cypriot celebration of July 20, 2000.
  The U.S. government must again take bold steps to show its continued 
resolve to the Turkish government that it is serious about moving 
towards peace in Cyprus. In this regard, I am pleased to be a so-
sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 100, urging the compliance by 
Turkey with United Nations Resolution relating to Cyprus. It is 
essential that the United States and the entire international community 
continue to work for the long awaited resolution to this tragic event.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with decisive steps such as these that we can 
begin to hope for a brighter future for Cyprus. I wish to commend the 
Gentleman from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, and my other colleagues on the 
Hellenic Caucus for their steadfast work in this area. I look forward 
to working with him, and all who share our concerns, to achieve a 
unified and peaceful Cyprus in the future.
  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by 
thanking my colleague from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, for this special 
order commemorating the 26th anniversary of the Turkish occupation of 
the island of Cyprus.
  In 1960, the Republic of Cyprus was formed after the island received 
its independence from Great Britain. From the start it struggled to 
balance the various ethnic and religious differences between its people 
in such a way that would provide for a harmonious and democratic 
nation. Both the Cypriot government and the Cypriot people sought to 
prosper in peace rather than fall victim to the plague of sectarian 
infighting. But, for the people of one third of that democratic nation, 
the dream of peace and prosperity has been denied.
  Since the Turkish invasion of the northern third of the island in 
1974, the Cypriot people have endured countless violations of their 
human rights at the hands of foreign invaders. Following the 
occupation, a Turkish policy of ethnic cleansing has resulted in nearly 
200,000 Greek Cypriots being evicted from their homes. The Turkish 
military has prevented their repatriation ever since and many Cypriots 
continue to live as refugees in their own nation.
  Throughout the decades following that initial suspension of human 
rights, international organizations have sought to compel the Turkish 
military to return basic human rights and freedoms to the people of 
northern Cyprus. But despite the signing of agreements designed to 
reunite Cyprus under democratic government, the Turkish military has 
never honored their promises with positives results. To this day they 
still pursue the vain and unjust goal of establishing a separate, 
Turkish republic in the north. The Turkish military even goes so far as 
to violate the Geneva Convention of 1949 by its effort to bring 80,000 
mainland Turks to colonize the homes and lands of Cypriots that had 
been ethnically cleansed in previous decades.
  Although the world is rife with instances of injustice, the frequency 
of that injustice is no excuse for complacency. This Congress must 
continue to speak out against the actions of the Turkish military to 
subvert the existence of the free and democratic nation of Cyprus. We 
must support the efforts of those who would seek peace and unity over 
those who would promote fear and division. We, as the Congress of the 
United States, must note that with great power comes great obligation, 
and that, therefore we are obliged to speak out against the tyranny of 
the Turkish occupation of Cyprus. We must speak out for a peaceful and 
just solution to this oft overlooked international issue. To close, I 
would like to thank the strong Greek and Cypriot communities of Rhode 
Island for bringing this important issue to my attention and I hope 
that we will all honor their efforts through this commemoration today.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleagues Congressman 
Michael Bilirakis and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney for calling this 
special order and for bringing the public's attention to this sad 
anniversary we commemorate this week.
  This Thursday, July 20th marks the 26th anniversary of the Turkish 
invasion and occupation of northern Cyprus. On that sad day 26 years 
ago, over 50,000 heavily armed troops landed in northern Cyprus.
  Today 35,000 of those troops remain in Cyprus and are used, along 
with Turkish police forces, to harass and terrorize the Greek-Cypriots 
remaining in the occupied area.
  Those Greek-Cypriots remaining in the Turkish occupied area are 
referred to as the enclaved. They are called the enclaved because when 
the Turkish forces invaded the island, over 200,000 Greek-Cypriots were 
forcibly evicted from their homes their families had lived in for 
centuries.
  Under an international agreement signed in 1975 called the Vienna III 
Agreement, 20,000 Greek-Cypriots and Maronites were to be allowed to 
stay in the northern area called the Karpasia Peninsula and in certain 
Maronite villages.

[[Page H6367]]

  That Vienna III Agreement had not been honored because of those 
20,000, only 500 remain.
  This is the result of a systematic campaign of harassment and 
intimidation and continuing massive violations of their most basic 
human rights and freedoms, including those guaranteed by Turkey in the 
1975 Vienna III Agreement.
  In a hope to bring an end to the suffering of these brave people, I 
filed H. Con. Res. 80 last year, which today I am happy to report has 
131 cosponsors.
  H. Con. Res. 80 is a modest resolution simply seeking to bring 
attention to and thereby end the suffering of the enclaved and urging 
the President of the United States to undertake efforts to end the 
restrictions on the freedoms and human rights of the enclaved people of 
Cyprus.
  The violations of the enclaved people's human rights and of the 
agreements signed by Turkey have been documented in UN reports.
  The daily life for the enclaved is far from the normal life 
guaranteed by the international agreements. As stated in the 1999 case 
Cyprus vs. Turkey before the European Court of Human Rights, taken as a 
whole, the daily life of the Greek Cypriot in northern Cyprus is 
characterized by a multitude of adverse circumstances.
  These adverse circumstances include: the absence of normal 
communication, the unavailability in practice of the Greek Cypriot 
press, the insufficient number of priests, the difficult choice before 
which parents and school children are put regarding secondary 
education, the restrictions and formalities applied to freedom of 
movement, the impossibility to preserve property rights upon departure 
or death and the various other restrictions create a feeling among the 
persons concerned of being compelled to live in a hostile environment 
in which it is hardly possible to lead a normal private and family 
life.
  If these Turkish created difficulties were not enough to get these 
enclaved people to abandon their traditional family homes, over 80,000 
Turkish settlers from the mainland have been moved to the occupied area 
and are living in the homes the Greek Cypriots had to flee from, in 
violation of international law.
  The history of this military occupation is a sad history with many 
disappointments. Presently, thanks to the efforts of the United Nations 
and others in the international community, the two sides are in their 
second round of negotiations.
  My heart is full of hope that these talks find the breakthrough that 
all the previous talk did not find. But I believe that our 
Administration must do all it can to show the Turkish side that the 
settlement of this conflict is a high priority.
  Moreover, that the plight of the enclaved will not be tolerated any 
longer and it must be known that Turkey's attitude toward the plight of 
the enclaved will affect the United States attitude towards Turkey.
  The recent improved relations between Greece and Turkey does give us 
cause for hope but that is no reason to hold back our earnest desire 
that the Cyprus dispute be finally ended and that the island and its 
people no longer be divided.
  I believe that this is a time for pressure on both sides but mostly 
the Turkish side. I hope our Administration plays its part during these 
negotiations. As for us here in Congress, I know we will continue to do 
our part to help the cause of freedom and justice for the enclaved 
people of Cyprus.

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