[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1420-E1421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               ANNIVERSARY OF TURKEY'S INVASION OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 25, 2001

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, today we pause to remember the 
anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus. Twenty-seven years ago an 
estimated 35,000 armed Turkish troops invaded the small peaceful 
Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots lost 
their homes and became refugees in their own country. To this date, 
Turkish troops continue to occupy 37 percent of Cyprus' territory.
  Simply put, the status quo in Cyprus is unacceptable and continues to 
have a detrimental effect to the interests of the U.S. in the eastern 
Mediterranean. Without question, improving the relations and 
cooperation between Greece and Turkey, two key NATO allies, is

[[Page E1421]]

key to strengthening the stability of the region. Therefore, I urge the 
two parties to take the long steps needed to demilitarize and launch a 
much needed initiative to promote a speedy resolution on the basis of 
international law and democratic principles. We must have lasting peace 
and stability on Cyprus.

                          ____________________