[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.

[[Page H4922]]

  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

[[Page H4923]]

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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