[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 100 (Monday, July 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        SPECIAL ORDER ON CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                               Speech of

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2002

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, today I join with my colleagues on the 
Hellenic Caucus to mark the 28th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of 
Cyprus. I thank Mrs. Maloney and Mr. Bilirakis for their ongoing 
leadership in the Hellenic Caucus and for organizing events such as 
today's, which draw much-needed attention to issues of importance to 
the Hellenic community.
  Two days from now will be the 28th anniversary of the invasion. On 
July 20, 1974, Turkish troops seized control of northern Cyprus, 
establishing an occupation that exists to this day. The invasion and 
occupation caused the deaths of 5,000 Cypriots and the expulsion of 
200,000 Greek Cypriots from their homes. To add insult to injury, 
Turkey promoted an independence declaration in the controlled area, 
drawing the condemnation of the United States and the United Nations 
Security Council.
  Our Nation's top foreign policy priorities must include the 
reunification of Cyprus. One of my first acts as a Member of Congress 
was to join many of my colleagues in sending a letter to President Bush 
requesting that his administration immediately address this matter and 
work toward a peaceful solution. The United States holds a unique 
position of trust with both Greece and Turkey, and must use its 
influence to encourage the Turkish-Cypriots to continue negotiations, 
so that Cyprus may once again be whole.
  This year, the United Nations has redoubled its efforts to encourage 
unification negotiations between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish 
Cypriots, with Secretary General Kofi Aman visiting the island in May 
to meet with government leaders. Unfortunately, LTN negotiators, as 
well as other international observers, have noted that Turkish Cypriot 
leader Rauf Denktash has shown little interest in negotiating a 
settlement, while noting that Cypriot President Glafcos Clen'des has 
shown far more flexibility. The United States must remain engaged in 
negotiations in Cyprus to promote a lasting settlement to this ongoing 
problem.
  Cyprus, like the United States, shares a commitment to democracy, 
human fights, and the concept of equal justice under the law. The 
nation's economic growth and high standard of living make it a prime 
candidate for membership in the European Union. I am a proud cosponsor 
of H. Con. Res. 164, which supports the accession of Cyprus to the 
European Union, as it would greatly contribute to the diversity and 
shared history of the EU. Membership would provide Cyprus with greater 
opportunities to contribute to the international community and could 
also serve as a catalyst for settlement of the unification problem.
  On this important anniversary, we mourn those who lost their lives in 
the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. However, we can also look forward to a 
time when Cyprus is again unified and able to reach its fullest 
potential in the international arena. The United States has stood 
beside her in the past, and we will undoubtedly maintain this strong 
relationship for years to come.
  Again, I thank my colleagues on the Hellenic Caucus for addressing 
this important matter, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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