[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]




        IN RECOGNITION OF THE CYPRUS FEDERATION OF AMERICA, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 17, 2002

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the 
Cyprus Federation of America, Inc. which will solemnly commemorate the 
28th year anniversary of the tragic invasion and occupation of Cyprus 
by the Turkish armed forces on Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21, 
2002. The Cyprus Federation of America is an umbrella organization 
representing the Cypriot American community in the United States. The 
largest Hellenic Cypriot community outside of Cyprus is located in the 
14th congressional district, which I am fortunate to represent.
  Twenty-eight years ago, on July 20, 1974, the Turkish armed forces 
invaded Cyprus, in a tragic and brutal disregard for the human rights 
of Cypriots. Since then, 37% of Cyprus has remained under Turkish rule. 
The Cyprus Federation of America has been leading the effort to promote 
an end to the devastating occupation.
  The occupation of Cyprus has had a devastating impact on the people 
of Cyprus. Families have been separated, parents have lost the right to 
bequeath land that has been in their families for generations, churches 
have been desecrated and historical sites destroyed. More than 1,500 
Greek Cypriots, including four American citizens, were missing after 
the invasion and we still do not know what happened to many of them.
  In a spirit of remembrance and commemoration, a concert will be held 
on July 20, 2002 at the SummerStage in Central Park, New York, with the 
participation of two exemplary artists from Greece, Dionyssios 
Savopoulos and Alkinoos Ioannides. These remarkable performers have 
been strong advocates against the division of Cyprus and the human 
rights violations perpetrated by the Turkish army in Cyprus.
  On July 21, 2002, memorial services will be held for the victims of 
the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus at the Cathedral of Holy 
Trinity in Manhattan. His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of 
the Greek Church of America, will officiate.
  After twenty-eight years of occupation, all Cypriots deserve to live 
in peace and security, with full enjoyment of their human rights. I am 
hopeful that their desire for freedom will one day be fulfilled.
  In recognition of the spirit of the people of Cyprus, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring the Cyprus Federation of America, and 
in solemnly commemorating the twenty-eighth anniversary of the invasion 
of Cyprus. I hope that this anniversary will mark the advent of true 
freedom and peace for Cyprus.

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