[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 128 (Thursday, October 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1745]]


   IN RECOGNITION OF THE 42ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE 
                           REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 2, 2002

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today in recognition of 
the 42nd anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus. On 
October 1, 1960, Cyprus broke free from 80 years of British colonial 
rule to become its own independent Republic. While the tragic events in 
this region over the past four decades have overshadowed its progress, 
the government of the Republic of Cyprus remains committed to the core 
principles enshrined in the Cyprus Constitution that guarantee basic 
rights and freedoms to both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
  This year, Cyprus' Independence Day occurs at a time of great hope 
and optimism for its people. The economic and political progress that 
Cyprus has made during its young history has made it a leading 
candidate for membership in the European Union, and it is expected that 
a formal invitation to enter the EU will be extended to them at the end 
of this year. As resolutions have been introduced in both the House and 
Senate expressing the sense of Congress that security, reconciliation, 
and prosperity for all Cypriots can be best achieved within the context 
of membership in the EU, this is certainly a favorable advancement for 
the prosperous future of Cyprus. Despite the hardships and trauma 
caused by the ongoing Turkish occupation, Cyprus has registered 
remarkable economic growth, and the people living in the government-
controlled areas enjoy one of the world's highest standards of living. 
Sadly, however, the citizens who reside within the occupied area 
continue to be mired in poverty as a result of the policies implemented 
by the Turkish occupants.
  This year's celebration is also marked by significant advances in 
U.S.-Cyprus relations. The United States Congress has adopted several 
resolutions stating that the status quo in Cyprus is unacceptable, and 
has called for international efforts to resolve the Cyprus occupation 
on the basis of international law. In return, the government of Cyprus 
has taken many concrete and active steps to assist the U.S. with the 
war on terrorism, including blanket clearances for U.S. military 
aircraft, the sharing of intelligence, the introduction of new criminal 
laws and regulations to deter and punish terrorism, and endorsement of 
UN Security Council Resolution 1373 which serves to freeze the assets 
of terrorists and their supporters. The relationship between Cyprus and 
the United States is strong and enduring. The people of Cyprus 
appreciate the leadership that America has shown in trying to end the 
division of Cyprus and bring about reunification. At the same time, the 
people of Cyprus stand with the American people and share in their firm 
resolve to uphold the ideals of freedom, justice, and democracy.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Republic of Cyprus 
on the progress they have made during their first 42 years of 
independence. In addition, let's take this opportunity to recommit the 
United States Congress to continuing their blossoming relationship with 
the Cypriot government and working towards a peaceful, agreeable 
resolution to the Turkish occupation.

                          ____________________