[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 100 (Monday, July 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 2002

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, we are approaching a solemn 
time in the calendar of Cypriots. Twenty-eight years ago, on July 20, 
1974, the Turkish armed forces invaded Cyprus, in a tragic an brutal 
disregard for the human rights of Cypriots. Since the devastating 
attack on Cyprus in 1974, 37 percent of Cyprus has remained under 
Turkish rule.
  This year, PSEKA (the International Coordinating Committee Justice 
for Cyprus), the Cyprus Federation of America (an umbrella organization 
representing the Cypriot American Community in the United States), SAE 
(the World Council of Hellenes Abroad) and the Federation of Hellenic 
Societies are commemorating the anniversary of the invasion with a 
series of special events in New York. They have chosen to hold these 
events in New York City out of respect for the terrible tragedy that 
occurred here on 9/11 and in support of New York, which bore the brunt 
of the terrorist attack on America. The largest Hellenic Cypriot 
community outside of Cyprus is located in the 14th Congressional 
District of New York, which I am fortunate to represent.
  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.
  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. By 
commemorating the tragic anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus, we keep 
alive the memory of those who perished and those who have suffered 
under occupation.
  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 PSEKA, the Cyprus Federation of 
America, SAE and the Federation of Hellenic Societies and in solemnly 
commemorating the twenty-eighth anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus. 
I hope that this anniversary will make the advent of true freedom and 
peace for Cyprus.

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