[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 129 (Friday, October 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




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

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                          HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 3, 2002

  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to observe the 42nd 
anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus. Despite the political tensions 
between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots that have taken 
place since its independence in 1960, the Government of the Republic of 
Cyprus remains committed to the core values enshrined in the Cyprus 
Constitution guaranteeing basic rights and freedoms for all its 
citizens. This year, Independence Day comes at a time of great hope for 
the people of Cyprus. In particular, we have made significant advances 
in U.S.-Cyprus relations, and Cyprus is a leading candidate for 
European Union membership during the EU's next enlargement round. Both 
chambers of Congress have passed resolutions expressing the Sense of 
Congress that security, reconciliation, and prosperity for all Cypriots 
can best be achieved through EU membership. However, Cyprus' 
Independence Day is also clouded by territorial disputes with Turkey. 
Despite Turkish violations of UN Security Council resolutions, Cyprus 
remains committed to achieving a peaceful resolution through UN-
sponsored negotiations. Immediately after the September 11th terrorist 
attacks, Cyprus was among the first nations to express its solidarity 
with the U.S. Cyprus has taken many concrete and active steps to target 
the perpetrators, collaborators, and financiers of terrorism--and the 
relationship between Cyprus and the U.S. is strong and enduring. Mr. 
Speaker, I want to congratulate the Republic of Cyprus on this 42nd 
anniversary of its independence.

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