[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 98 (Thursday, July 18, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H4921-H4924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CYPRUS
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, as I have done every year and as the
gentlewoman from New York just did, we usually do this together, I rise
again today to reiterate my fierce objection to the illegal occupation
of the island of Cyprus by Turkish troops and declare my grave concern
for the future of the area. The island's 28 years of internal division
make the status quo absolutely unacceptable.
In July 1974, Turkish troops captured the northern part of Cyprus,
seizing over a third of the island. The Turkish troops expelled 200,000
Greek Cypriots from their homes and killed 5,000 citizens of the once
peaceful island. Over a quarter of a century later, about 1,500 Greek
Cypriots remain missing, including four Americans. The Turkish invasion
was a conscious and deliberate attempt at ethnic cleansing. Turkey
proceeded to install 35,000 military personnel. Today these troops, in
conjunction with the United Nations peacekeeping forces, make the small
island of Cyprus one of the most militarized areas in the world. Turkey
is the only nation, Mr. Speaker, in the world which recognizes the
Turkish Northern Republic of Cyprus.
Twenty-eight years later, the forced separation of these two
communities still exists despite efforts by the United Nations and G-8
leadership to mend this rift between north and south. The U.N., with
the explicit support of the United States, has sponsored several rounds
of proximity talks between the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr.
Glafcos Clerides, and Mr. Rauf Denktash, the self-proclaimed leader of
the occupied northern part of the island.
In January 2002, direct negotiations between President Clerides and
Mr. Denktash began. Thus far, these negotiations have not produced any
breakthroughs. Regrettably, the progress on an agreement has been
thwarted by the intransigent position taken by Mr. Denktash with the
full backing of the Turkish government. However, it is encouraging that
the two leaders are continuing their direct talks which maintains the
possibility that a comprehensive settlement can still be reached.
The recent political events in Turkey and the decision to hold early
elections in November of this year will have a direct effect on the
outcome of the Cyprus negotiations. While we support the call for
elections in Turkey and trust the democratic voice of the Turkish
people, we hope that the Cyprus negotiations will not be undermined by
election year politics. We hope that all parties running for Parliament
will declare their support for a resolution of the Cyprus problem
before the end of the year so that a united Cyprus can enter the EU.
Despite the division of the island constantly taking center stage,
the Republic of Cyprus has flourished and grown as an economy and
society. It is a Europe-oriented nation that is of strategic, economic
and political importance to the region and to the rest of the world.
Sadly, the people living in the northern part of the island continue to
be mired in poverty as a direct result of their leadership's and
Turkey's separatist policies. Cyprus is one of the leading candidate
nations to join the EU in the next round of enlargement. European Union
membership has the potential to act as a catalyst for resolving the
problem of Cyprus which has been poisoning the relations among the
parties to the conflict and their NATO allies and the United States.
It would also be in the best interest of Turkey to cooperate with the
U.N. on Cyprus in order to advance its own membership in the European
Union. Northern Cyprus will perhaps be the greatest beneficiary of
Cypriot membership and resolution of the entire affair. It is currently
in a state of economic distress which is being exacerbated by Turkish
intransigence. Turkey spends more than $200 million annually to sustain
northern Cyprus. With settlement on the matter of Cyprus, this huge
financial obligation would be eliminated. By joining the rest of
Cyprus, northern Cyprus would become part of an already progressive
economy, eliminating its financial dependence on Turkey.
We are all standing at the threshold of an historic opportunity that
will shape the futures of generations of Cypriots, Greeks and Turks. We
have a responsibility to these ensuant generations to secure their
futures by contributing to the efforts to create a peaceful world. It
is precisely, Mr. Speaker, to express the above stated points that I
have felt compelled to introduce House Concurrent Resolution 164, a
bill which expresses the U.S.'s support for Cyprus' admission to the
European Union according to the Helsinki Conclusions of 1999. These
specifically state that while a solution to the political crisis in
Cyprus is preferable prior to EU accession, it is not a precondition
for entry.
Mr. Speaker, we have a moral and ethical obligation to use our
influence as Americans, as defenders of democracy and as defenders of
human rights to reunify Cyprus. There have been 28 years of
illegitimate occupation, violence and strife. Let us not make it 29.
Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Co-Chairs of the
Hellenic Caucus, Representatives Michael Bilirakis and Carolyn Maloney
for organizing this special orders on Cyprus and for their leadership
on this important issue.
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Twenty-eight years ago, on July 20, 1974, Turkish troops advanced
into the Republic of Cyprus and forcefully occupied the island. Today,
Cyprus remains divided with heavily armed Turkish troops occupying
approximately 37 percent of the Island. Over the past twenty-eight
years there have been signs of hope only to be shattered by statements
or displays of aggression resulting in increased tensions and little
progress toward resolving the conflict over Cyprus. In 1999, the U.N.
Security Council passed resolution 1251 calling for ``. . . all States
to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of
the Republic of Cyprus, and requesting them, along with the parties
concerned, to refrain from any actions which might prejudice that
sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, as well as from
any attempt at partition of the island or its unification with any
other country.''
The Republic of Cyprus has on many occasions offered an olive branch
to end this conflict. The Republic of Cyprus has offered to
demilitarize the entire island, and has canceled an order of a surface-
to-air missile system. Turkey has rejected these overtures and in fact
continues to upgrade its military presence on Cyprus.
Mr. Speaker, throughout its history the United States has stood
firmly against the forces of oppression and aggression across the
globe. We should continue to advocate and support a peaceful resolution
to the problem in Cyprus. As a cosponsor of both H. Con. Res. 164 and
269, I urge the President to take steps to end the restrictions of
freedoms on the enclaved people of Cyprus by the Turkish-Cypriots and
to work with our allies to support Cyprus' efforts of accession to the
European Union (EU).
It is my sincere hope that we will see significant progress toward a
unified Cyprus obtained by peaceful means. This can only improve the
economic and political stability of the region, which is undoubtedly in
the national security and economic interests of the United States.
Mr. Speaker, let me close by thanking my colleagues in the Hellenic
Caucus for their exceptional work. I look forward to working with all
of them to ensure that some day soon, the unification, not the division
of Cyprus, will be commemorated by this body.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, for too many years this Congress has
been making its opinion known about the heinous reality that persists
on the divided island of Cyprus. Twenty eight years ago this week,
Cypriot citizens became refugees within their own country. Homeowners
became homeless. Families were divided. Hundreds were killed or
disappeared, as they ran for their lives. The divide that endures in
Cyprus is one that becomes more evident with every anniversary of the
Turkish occupation of the north.
Last night, in the Rayburn Building, I hosted a briefing and film
viewing on Cyprus' reunification. That movie, Beyond Division:
Reunifying the Republic of Cyprus, began with a very powerful quote
which read, ``My father says love your country. My country is divided
into two. Which part should I love?'' It is taken from a poem entitled
Love Your Country by Neshe Yashin, a Turkish Cypriot who fled her
birthplace in search of safety.
These words capture perfectly the history that plagued Cyprus. A
fraternal, peaceful, and bi-communal society was divided and torn by a
violent and foreign invasion. The end result was the alienation and
isolation of neighbor from neighbor, family member from family member.
Mr. Speaker, I applaud the persistent efforts of my colleagues,
Michael Bilirakis and Carolyn Maloney, for calling this special order
and arduously maintaining the plight of the people of Cyprus,
particularly those who endure under Turkish control, in the minds of
their fellow Members of Congress.
It is shameful that, as we stand here today marking this 28th
anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, Turkey has not only
threatened to annex the north of the island, but has increased its
military presence there. Last month's increase of 5,500 troops in the
north bolsters the Turkish presence there to more than 40,000
soldiers--by some accounts the highest degree ever.
Twenty eight years ago, when Turkey invaded, 200,000 Greek Cypriots--
victims of a policy of ethnic cleansing--were forced from their homes
and became internally displaced people, essentially refugees in their
own country. They were pushed out to accommodate over 80,000 settlers
from mainland Turkey. The U.S. Committee for Refugees calls the
internal displacement of people in Cyprus the ``longest standing in the
[European] region.''
Furthermore, Turkish armed forces responsible for the disappearance
of 1,463 Greek Cypriots, including four Cypriot-Americans, have
remained protected by the impunity the Turkish government has afforded
them, despite its obligations under the UN Declaration on the
Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances.
In addition, just over a year ago the European Court of Human Rights
rendered a decision, finding Turkey guilty of violating 14 articles of
the European Convention on Human Rights, and of being an illegal and
illegitimate occupying force in Cyprus.
As Cyprus continues on its ensured path towards EU accession, it
boggles the mind that Turkey--a NATO member--continues to occupy one-
third of Cyprus. If a settlement to Cyprus is not reached by the end of
the year, when the island is expected to join Europe, Turkey will be
occupying European territory and hampering its chances of attaining
that same status during its volatile economic and political crisis.
Mr. Speaker, the government of Turkey and Denktash are to be held
responsible for the continual separation of the country of Cyprus.
Despite the progress that has been made in the settlement talks that
began in December of last year, they have halted development keeping
the whole of the Cypriot community from a life of peace and freedom.
However, hold-ups with the talks, increased deployment of Turkish
troops to northern occupied Cyprus, and threats of annexation have
proven futile in eroding international support of Cyprus' EU accession,
settlement, or Clerides' government.
We cannot let this body forget the terror and fear that Turkey struck
in every Cypriot's heart when they invaded in 1974. As the fifth round
of the latest settlement talks commenced this week, we remain watchful,
as well as hopeful, that peace may finally reach Cyprus and join both
sides.
Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, twenty-eight years ago this week, Turkey
invaded Cyprus, violating international law and provoking an
international outcry. Since June 1974, Turkey has occupied the northern
third of this beautiful Mediterranean island--although no other country
recognizes the occupation as legitimate. Cypriot President Glafcos
Clarides and Turkish Cypriot Leader Rauf Denktash have re-engaged in
peace talks aimed at reconciling the two communities of Cyprus since
January. A resolution is not yet in sight, however, despite the
incentive of accession to the European Union for both Turkey and
Cyprus. We must now hope that a compromise will be reached soon, to
ensure that Cyprus achieves its potential as a prosperous, progressive
nation.
I was fortunate enough to visit Cyprus last summer. It was an eye-
opening experience to be on the Green Line in Nicosia and then to walk
a few blocks into the heart of a successful European Capital. This
dramatic contrast--where conflict and normalcy can co-exist within a
few city blocks--reinforces the need to find a solution to this dispute
that removes hatred and division from the heart of Cyprus.
Today, Cyprus faces many challenges. The island is split across the
middle by a barbed wire fence over one hundred miles long. Thirty-five
thousand Turkish troops illegally occupy a third of the island, in what
some consider one of the world's most militarized zones. Two hundred
thousand Greek Cypriot refugees want to return to their homes in the
north of the island but cannot as a result of the Turkish occupation.
Behind these disturbing statistics, there is a fundamental
disagreement on the ultimate objective. Greek Cypriots seek a bi-zonal
bi-communal federation--a solution endorsed by the United States, the
European Union and the United Nations. The Turkish Cypriot leadership,
however, seeks a loose confederation of two independent Cypriot states.
Turkey has, to date, rejected the UN Security Council's resolutions,
which call for the withdrawal of both Turkish troops and the 115,000
Turkish settlers introduced to the north since 1974. It is clear that
consensus will not be easily reached, but the leadership of both sides
must work diligently to implement a solution, as ordinary Cypriots on
both sides of the barbed wire continue to suffer.
Congress must remain committed to helping the two sides settle this
twenty-eight year old dispute.
First and foremost, the island must be re-united as a bi-zonal, bi-
communal federal Cyprus on the basis of UN Security Council
resolutions.
It is also crucial that the north of the island be de-militarized and
that the two hundred thousand Greek Cypriot refugees be allowed to
return safely to their homes.
In addition, the Turkish Cypriot leadership must address the plight
of Greek Cypriots living in northern enclaves. During my trip last
year, I attempted to visit Cypriots trapped in such enclaves, but was
prevented from doing so by the Turkish Cypriot Authorities. I have co-
sponsored House Concurrent Resolution 269, which calls for an end to
restrictions on Greek Cypriots living in the North, because I believe
that the human rights of this community must be respected by the
Turkish Cypriot leadership.
Furthermore, the Administration should continue its annual allocation
of $15 million to promote confidence-building measures aimed at
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bringing the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities together. This small
investment in peace will prove to yield enormous dividends.
And finally, I urge the Administration and my colleagues in Congress
to continue to support Cyprus' accession to the European Union. EU
membership will provide access to new markets and permit the free
movement of goods and people. The European Council has made it clear
that reunification will not be a precondition for accession; indeed,
membership may even prove to be a catalyst toward the resolution of the
Cypriot dispute. It is clearly in the interest of the Turkish Cypriot
community to move forward in peace talks so the entire island can
benefit from EU membership.
On this important anniversary, I urge all Cypriots to consider the
merits of reunification, and I urge Congress and the Administration to
remain committed to resolving this issue. The United States must
continue to work with Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots as they
strive for peace, after twenty-eight years of conflict.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Hellenic Caucus since
its inception in 1995, I rise today to mark the 28th anniversary of
Turkey's invasion, and subsequent occupation of, Cyprus.
In 1960, Cyprus gained its political independence from the British
Empire. Fourteen short years later, however, this independence was
shattered when 6,000 Turkish troops and 40 tanks invaded the north
coast of Cyprus and proceeded to occupy nearly 40 percent of the
island. The ensuing fighting killed thousands of Cypriots and forced
hundreds of thousands from their homes. Today, there are 1,619 people
still missing, five of whom are United States citizens.
Twenty-eight years after the invasion, we are gathering to remember
those who died and to ensure that the world never forgets that Cyprus
is a land divided. More than 35,000 Turkish troops continue to occupy
Cyprus in violation of international law. A barbed wire fence cuts
across the island, separating families from their property and
splitting this once beautiful country in half.
Over the course of the 107th Congress, I have petitioned the Bush
Administration to take positive steps to help end the occupation of
Cyprus, requesting that both President Bush and Secretary of State
Powell make the reunification of Cyprus a top priority.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join with my colleagues in standing up
against Turkish oppression in Cyprus. I would especially like to extend
my sincere thanks to the dedicated co-chairs of the Hellenic Caucus,
Rep. Bilirakis and Rep. Maloney, for their tireless work to ensure that
the people of Cyprus are not forgotten. Twenty-eight years is a long
time to wait, but it is my sincere hope that our actions will help
persuade Turkey to end its unlawful occupation of Cyprus.
Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of the most
egregious acts of the 20th century--the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
This Saturday, July 20, will mark the 28th anniversary of the invasion
of Cyprus and the 28th year of Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus.
On July 20, 1974, 30,000 Turkish troops invaded northern Cyprus in
flagrant violation of international law. More than 200,000 Greek
Cypriots were forcibly expelled from their homes and nearly 5000 were
killed. The fates of more than 1400 Greek Cypriots missing since the
occupation remain uncertain. This tragedy is remembered by Greek
Cypriots around he world as one of the blackest days in their people's
history. I share the outrage of my Greek Cypriot friends and firmly
believe Turkey must withdraw its troops from Cyprus and allow
reunification to take place.
Unfortunately, Turkey has continued to pour salt on this deep wound.
In 1983, again in flagrant violation of international law, Turkey
unilaterally declared independence in the area of Cyprus under its
military occupation. The UN Security Council, including the United
States, condemned this declaration and called for Turkey's withdrawal.
To date, Turkey is the only country in the world to recognize the so-
called ``Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.'' Turkey has also
attempted to change the demographic structure of occupied Cyprus by
transferring 115,000 Turkish settlers to northern Cyprus and allowing
them to live in the homes of expelled Greek Cypriots.
Despite the occupation, Cyprus has achieved remarkable economic
growth. It's people enjoy one of the world's highest standards of
living and Cyprus is now a leading candidate for membership in the
European Union. It is also a thriving democracy that maintains the
highest regard for the rule of law and human rights.
In recent months, Turkey has issued threats in response to Cyprus'
prospective EU entry. Most worrisome is Turkey's threat to annex the
occupied areas of Cyprus. The world must not sit still for such
dangerous saber rattling. Fortunately, it has not. The EU has stated
that it will not be held hostage to such threats and Cyprus' movement
toward EU membership continues. The U.S. has also stated emphatically
that it opposes Turkish annexation and believes such threats are
destabilizing. Unfortunately, Turkey has not backed off its threats and
continues to take positions that fly in the face of the world
community's aspirations for peace.
The U.N. Security Council has proposed a peace agreement that would
create a single state with two politically equal communities in a bi-
zonal and bi-communal federation. The Turkish Cypriot side, backed by
Ankara, has rejected this internationally supported proposal. Cyprus
supports this proposal and, notwithstanding Turkish opposition, it
continues to make overtures in an attempt to resolve this longstanding
conflict. The U.S. has supported Cyprus' peace aims but we must do more
to press Turkey to allow peace negotiations to move forward.
Cyprus has been a reliable U.S. ally since its independence from
Britain in 1960. Our countries share deep commitments to democracy,
human rights, free markets and equal justice under law. Following
September 11, Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides immediately condemned
the terrorist attacks and offered his country's assistance in our
efforts to fight terrorism.
This Saturday, at 5:30 a.m., sirens will be sounded across Cyprus to
remember the moment when Turkish troops invaded their homeland. I urge
my colleagues to take a moment this weekend to recognize the enormous
injustice that has persisted in Cyprus at the hands of our NATO ally
Turkey. The U.S. must do all it can to end this conflict and restore
the right to live in a unified Cyprus for all Greek Cypriots.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the gentleman from Florida,
(Mr. Bilirakis), and the gentlewoman from New York, (Mrs. Maloney), for
organizing this special order on Cyprus, and providing us with the
opportunity to reflect on the 28th anniversary of the Turkish invasion
of Cyprus.
The Cyprus conflict remains one of longest lasting issues of concern
to the international community that remains unresolved to this day. For
years, Cyprus has been divided by a 113-mile barbed wire fence, in
effect sealing off the residents of Cyprus one side from the other.
The presence of 35,000 Turkish troops on the island is unacceptable,
and has contributed to a militarized atmosphere that is far from
conducive to a life of peace and cooperation for all of its
inhabitants. Overall, this conflict has been very costly for both the
Greek and the Turkish Cypriot communities, resulting in untold human
and economic losses.
Our goal must be to seek the reunification of Cyprus within the
framework of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, guaranteeing freedom,
human rights, and political equality for all of its citizens regardless
of their backgrounds. I am encouraged by the UN-brokered efforts
earlier this year that represented the first time that the two sides
agreed to hold indirect talks since the 1974 invasion.
I applaud the personal efforts of the UN Secretary General, Kofi
Annan, to advance the negotiating process, although I am disappointed
that despite his visit to the island in May, the two sides failed to
meet the June target date for an agreement.
As Cyprus prepares its candidacy for accession to the European Union
in advance of the EU's December summit in Copenhagen, it has become
increasingly essential that the two sides once again engage in serious
negotiations with the goal of a political settlement of their
differences and the ultimate unification of the island.
As we continue to press for peace, the US and the international
community must pay heed to the anxieties and legitimate concerns of
both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Indeed, a political settlement of the
Cyprus issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions would
benefit all parties involved, as well as strengthening relations
between Greece and Turkey, two of our key NATO allies.
The US must make it clear to Turkey that they stand to benefit,
alongside Turkish Cypriot authorities, in promoting the UN's vision for
a negotiated settlement to the Cyprus dispute in the near future. A
solution to the conflict in Cyprus would promote regional economic
opportunities, and would increase the likelihood for Turkish accession
to the European Union where it would join Cyprus and much of the rest
of Europe as the new century unfolds.
I am one of the few Members of Congress who was serving in the House
28 years ago and I very much regret that on this, the final opportunity
I will have to participate on the House floor in a commemoration of
this anniversary, the ugly scar that divides Cyprus has not yet been
erased.
And yet, Mr. Speaker, I hope that soon, perhaps before the year is
out, a breakthrough may yet occur. That is my hope for peace for the
people of Cyprus.
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