[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 130 (Monday, October 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1774-E1775]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 42D ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC 
                               OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 7, 2002

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, last week, we commemorated the 42d 
anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus. In 1960, 
Cyrus claimed sovereignty over its territory following 80 years of 
British colonial rule, and since that time, it has been a close friend 
of the United States.
  Cyprus now stands as the leading candidate country for membership in 
the European Union (EU). On September 30th 2002, the EU's Enlargement 
Commissioner stated that Cyprus complies with all political and 
economic conditions required for membership. The Government-controlled 
areas of Cyprus enjoy an atmosphere of economic prosperity and 
political freedom, allowing its people to enjoy one of the highest 
standards of living in the world.
  Unfortunately, the northern portions of the island have been occupied 
by Turkish troops for more than 28 years, and an illegitimate 
government was set up there to rule an illegitimate state that only 
Turkey has recognized. As many as 35,000 Turkish troops remain to keep 
this government viable.
  The United States must maintain pressure on the Turkish side to end 
its illegal occupation of Cyprus and allow the people of that island to 
resolve the problem without outside interference. Too often, Turkey 
seeks to use its occupation as a veto over the legitimate aspirations 
of the Cyprus government, including its bid to join the EU.

[[Page E1775]]

  EU accession will have immeasurable benefits for the people of 
Cyprus, both Greek and Turkish, and will serve as a catalyst for 
peaceful resolution of the conflict. Unfortunately, not everyone 
believes that the accession of Cyprus to the EU is a good idea. In 
fact, Turkey and its illegitimate child, the Turkish Republic of 
Northern Cyprus, have opposed Cyprus' membership in the EU on the 
grounds that this would allow Cyprus in turn to veto Turkey's EU 
membership bid. It is my belief that the reunification of Cyprus would 
serve the interests of all parties. The EU has rightfully stated that a 
resolution to the division of Cyprus is by no means a precondition to 
its accession to the EU, and I am proud that the United States has 
taken the same position.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to commemorate the 42d anniversary 
of the Independence of Cyprus and to work for the peaceful resolution 
of the division of the island and its successful accession to the EU.




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