[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 97 (Wednesday, July 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A CALL FOR PEACE IN CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 17, 2002

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, it has been 28 years since the Turkish 
invasion of Cyprus. In 1974, Turkish troops evicted 200,000 Greek 
Cypriots from their homes, making them refugees in their own country. 
And yet, the elapsing of more than a quarter century has not darkened 
the memory of the invasion. Turkey's continued violation of the Greek 
Cypriots' human rights, and the need for the reversal of Turkey's 
actions and a return to peace, remains as strong today as it did in 
1974.
  For 25 years, Turkey has fought to increase its grip on Cyprus. In 
violation of international law, Turkey has moved more than 80,000 
settlers into the ancestral homes of the Greek Cypriots. A campaign of 
harassment and the destruction of cultural sites has been used to 
intimidate the Greek Cypriots.
  Despite these abuses, the people of Cyprus continue to work toward 
peace. The Cypriot Government called for the demilitarization of 
Cyprus, despite the threat of the Turkish army occupying 37% of the 
island's territory. Cyprus is seeking to join the European Union, a 
step that will move them forward. Even as it is constantly confronted 
with uncertainty and instability, the Cypriot Government acts in the 
best interest of its people.
  The world community has joined the call for peace, yet Turkey 
continues to threaten with force and non-compliance. To the 
international community, the objection over the invasion of 1974 
remains as strong today as it was then. For the Greek Cypriots, who 
struggle to move forward underneath the burden of human rights 
violations and refugee status, the desire for peace is unending. In the 
name of democracy and in the defense of human rights, we need to 
continue to support the people of Cyprus in their efforts to bring 
peace and stability back to their country.

                          ____________________