[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 100 (Monday, July 22, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S7160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CYPRUS 28 YEARS OF OCCUPATION

 Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise to call attention to the 28th 
anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation in the Republic of 
Cyprus.
  In 1974, the Turkish Government sent 35,000 Turkish troops in two 
separate actions into Cyprus, obstensibly to put down a coup attempt 
against Cyprus President Makarios and to protect Turkish Cypriots. 
However, after taking over 36 percent of the northern part of the 
island, Turkish troops remained. This led to the Turkish Cypriots 
declaring their own government, the Turkish Republic of Northern 
Cyprus; a government only Turkey recognizes.
  Since then, the United Nations has maintained a buffer zone between 
the two land areas. The U.N. Secretary General has called Cyprus ``one 
of the most militarized regions of the world.'' Despite the U.N.'s 
presence and numerous attempts at settlement, there have been many 
tragic results of the Turkish intervention: nearly 200,000 Greek 
Cypriots have been displaced, over 1,000 Greek Cypriots and 4 Americans 
remain unaccounted for, over 400 Greek Cypriots remain enclaved in the 
occupied area, and the Turkish troop presence continues. For this and 
other reasons, I was proud to cosponsor S.C.R. 28, calling for a U.S. 
effort to end restrictions on the freedoms and human rights of the 
enclaved people in the occupied area of Cyprus.
  We should be heartened that it appears that the settlement process 
may be making some progress. Talks between Cyprus President Clerides 
and Turkish Cypriot Leader Denktash began in January of 2002 under the 
auspices of the U.N., and although they missed the June deadline for 
settlement, they have continued their dialog.
  The U.S. must remain committed to the settlement process. A durable, 
comprehensive settlement that addresses the legitimate concerns of both 
sides and promotes regional stability would benefit Cypress, the 
region, and U.S. interests. Cypress is an important partner and friend 
of the U.S. Most recently Cypress has cooperated in the fight against 
terrorism since September 11 and was of enormous help when it agreed to 
allow the 13 Palestians in Bethlehem to stopover temporarily on their 
final destination in the EU.
  On the anniversary of the day Cyprus was divided we must renew our 
efforts to promote measures aimed at reunification and designed to 
reduce tensions and promote peace between the two communities.

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