[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 57 (Wednesday, April 9, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H3009-H3014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR RENEWED EFFORT TO FIND PEACEFUL, JUST, AND
LASTING SETTLEMENT TO CYPRUS PROBLEM
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 165) expressing support for a renewed effort to
find a peaceful, just, and lasting settlement to the Cyprus problem, as
amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 165
Whereas the United States believed there existed a historic
opportunity to bring a peaceful, just, and lasting settlement
to the Cyprus problem, which would have benefited all Greek
and Turkish Cypriots, as well as the wider region;
Whereas a resolution of the Cyprus problem remains
consistent with American values of promoting stability,
freedom, and democracy in the world;
Whereas a resolution of the Cyprus problem is in the
strategic interests of the United States, given the important
location of Cyprus at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and
Asia;
Whereas the United States strongly supports the efforts of
the United Nations Secretary General, and his Special Advisor
through his good offices mission, to achieve a comprehensive
settlement with respect to Cyprus in full consideration with
relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and
international treaties;
Whereas a just and lasting resolution of the Cyprus
problem, in full consideration of United Nations Security
Council resolutions and international treaties, will
safeguard the security and fundamental rights of all Greek
and Turkish Cypriots;
Whereas the United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan,
on November 11, 2002, submitted a proposal for the
comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, referred to
as the ``Basis for an Agreement on a Comprehensive Settlement
of the Cyprus problem'', which he revised on December 10,
2002, and again on February 26, 2003;
[[Page H3010]]
Whereas negotiations between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot
leaders, which had been ongoing, were encouraged to be
intensified in order that full agreement could be reached by
February 28, 2003, in conformity with the timetable proposed
by the United Nations Secretary General in his proposals;
Whereas United Nations Secretary General Koffi Annan again
on February 26, 2003, gave the Greek and Turkish Cypriot
leaders, and the guarantor powers, the United Kingdom, Greece
and Turkey, a second revision of his plan in order to
accommodate input from both sides;
Whereas the revised plan was the result of exhaustive
efforts by the United Nations and would have lead to a
peaceful, just and lasting settlement of the longstanding
division of Cyprus;
Whereas the Secretary General on February 28, 2003, at the
conclusion of a visit to Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus, invited
the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders to meet with him at The
Hague on March 10, 2003, the purpose of the meeting being to
sign a commitment to submit the plan to approval in separate,
simultaneous referenda on March 30, 2003, in order to achieve
a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, and the
guarantor powers were also invited to attend the meeting and
to sign the commitment;
Whereas both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders did
attend the meeting at The Hague with the Secretary General
but the Secretary General's plan failed when Turkish Cypriot
Leader, Denktash, rejected both the comprehensive settlement
and the referendum proposal;
Whereas the United States Government expressed its deep
disappointment that the Secretary General's efforts to bring
his plan for a comprehensive settlement to referenda by Greek
and Turkish Cypriots was rejected; and
Whereas despite this unfortunate setback, the United States
remains committed to seeking a just and durable settlement to
the Cyprus problem: Now, therefore, be it:
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) expresses its appreciation for the efforts of the
United Nations Secretary General to seek a peaceful, just,
and lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem for the benefit
of the Greek and Turkish Cypriots and the region;
(2) expresses its strong disappointment that the Secretary
General's efforts to bring his plan for a comprehensive
settlement to a referenda by the Greek and Turkish Cypriots
has been rejected;
(3) expresses its very strong regret that Turkish Cypriot
leader, Mr. Denktash, rejected the comprehensive settlement
offered by the Secretary General and, by refusing to offer
the settlement proposal to referenda, denied the Turkish
Cypriot community the opportunity to determine their own
future;
(4) remains committed, despite the recent setback, to
giving any assistance necessary for finding a just and
durable settlement for the Cyprus problem and urges the
maximum effort by the United States Government and others to
redouble their efforts to seek a just and lasting settlement
to the Cyprus problem;
(5) encourages both Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders to
renew their efforts to find a settlement to the Cyprus
problem on the basis of the Secretary General's framework for
a comprehensive settlement;
(6) urges the Governments of Turkey and Greece to do
everything possible to support the search for a settlement,
including actions by the Government of Turkey helping to
persuade the Turkish Cypriot leader to reach an agreement
which would reunite the island and which would serve the
interests of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots; and
(7) encourages both sides, upon completion of a
comprehensive settlement, to consider putting such an
agreement to referenda, if necessary, in order that the will
of the Greek and Turkish Cypriots can be democratically
expressed.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter).
General Leave
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Nebraska?
There was no objection.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
(Mr. BEREUTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 165,
a resolution offered by this Member regarding the political situation
in Cyprus. The Subcommittee on Europe adopted this measure unanimously
last week, because an historic moment in the history of Cyprus was
about to be lost if the momentum which had been building over the past
2 years to bring about a resolution of the Cyprus problem was allowed
to slip away.
I want to express my appreciation to the ranking member on the
Subcommittee on Europe, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler), for
his support on this issue and his willingness to see this resolution
move forward. I believe the resolution represents an important
statement by the House on the need for a solution for the Cyprus
problem.
I also want to express my appreciation to the chairman of the
committee, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), and the ranking
Democrat, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for their help in
moving this legislation to the floor; and to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Sherman) for managing the legislation tonight.
I also want to particularly acknowledge the work of our distinguished
colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), who has long
been a leader in keeping this House informed of the situation in Cyprus
and the status of the peace process.
It is interesting and very salutary, I think, that we have as
supporters of this resolution, indeed, as cosponsors of the resolution,
some of the Members that are strongest in support of Greece and are
strongest in support of Turkey.
House Resolution 165 commends the United Nations Secretary General,
Kofi Annan, for his tireless efforts to seek a resolution to the Cyprus
problem, a problem which has been on the agenda of the Security Council
for almost 40 years. In fact, it is the oldest item continuously on the
Secretary General's peacemaking agenda.
In addition, this resolution expresses the disappointment of the
House that the recent United Nations plan for a comprehensive
settlement of the Cyprus problem could not be agreed to by the two
Cypriot sides, despite the effort of many and, in particular, the
United Nations Secretary General.
Referenda put before both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots would
be approved to create a confederation to bring peace and unity to
Cyprus, if only they were given that opportunity.
In a report that the Security Council issued on Saturday on the
Secretary General's effort to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the
Cyprus problem, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan made it clear that
``a unique set of circumstances, including the membership of Cyprus in
the European Union, offering a framework of incentives to reach a
settlement, as well as deadlines within which to reach it'' was
emerging and that the potential existed to make a true impact on peace.
Finally, the resolution urges both the Greek and Turkish Cypriots to
quickly resume negotiations to resolve this problem. It expresses the
view of the House of Representatives that we want and appreciate
continued efforts by Greece and Turkey to maximize their influence to
prevent this opportunity to bring peace and economic prosperity to the
entire Cypriot community from being lost.
The resolution urges the United Nations and the Bush administration
to redouble their efforts to encourage the talks to begin again in
order to seek a solution.
Mr. Speaker, since 1974, the island of Cyprus has been politically
divided in what has been often a bitter and violent dispute.
Consequently and regrettably, the people of Cyprus have been culturally
and socially isolated from each other by a heavily fortified green line
in what today represents something akin to the Berlin Wall of the last
century.
This Member has personally walked that green line through Nicosia on
two occasions. The commander of one of the four national peacekeeping
forces, the British commander, told this Member that in his capacity,
he has men in his unit whose fathers have served in that unit at that
location.
For the past 29 years, various attempts and numerous proposals have
been put forward to bring Greek and Turkish Cypriots together to
resolve what has become known as ``the Cyprus problem.''
None of these attempts to bring about reconciliation has been so
close to achieving success than the effort which is before us now has
had as an opportunity during this past 5 months. Last November, with
the entry of a divided Cyprus into the European Union
[[Page H3011]]
looming, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan proposed a comprehensive
framework for a just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem. His
plan was hailed as a positive attempt to resolve the problem.
In presenting his framework, the Secretary General asked Greek and
Turkish Cypriot leaders to accept the plan by February 28. When neither
side resolved their differences with the proposal by the end of the
February, the Secretary General asked the two leaders to meet him in
The Hague on March 10 and to sign an agreement that would put the
framework to simultaneous referenda on the island.
On March 10 both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders did meet with
Annan in The Hague. However, we learned with great disappointment that
the Secretary General's framework was rejected when the Turkish Cypriot
leader announced he could not accept the settlement plan, and would not
agree to put the referenda to the Turkish Cypriots.
This decision was disappointing because informal polls indicated that
a majority of Turkish Cypriots were prepared to support the plan and
bring the longstanding division and suffering of the island to an end.
Despite our uncertainty over the future of the island, last week, as
our subcommittee prepared to adopt this resolution, we were informed
that several measures were being initiated by the various parties which
seemed to us to be very positive.
The first was the announcement by Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan that
he would bring a new effort to unite the Greek and Turkish Cypriot
areas of Cyprus forward.
{time} 1915
The second was the announcement that Turkish Foreign Minister Gul
would travel to Northern Cypress to discuss the peace process with
Turkish Cypriot leaders and then would travel to Belgrade to meet with
Greek leaders to discuss how to resume the peace negotiations. Both of
these announcements were very welcome, and this Member commends the
Turkish leadership for their willingness to address the issue.
A third announcement was that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Denktash,
had sent a letter to the Cypriot President, Mr. Papadopoulos,
suggesting several measures which the Turkish leader was offering as a
way to begin rebuilding confidence between the two sides in advance of
resuming the negotiation.
Mr. Speaker, this Member felt that the gestures may have been
positive because one of the biggest obstacles which had plagued the
peace process for all these years has been the lack of confidence and
trust on both sides. Unfortunately and very quickly, we saw just how
much distrust actually does exist today on that island because some
people thought there was a hidden agenda, and maybe there was, but I
hope that was not the case.
Whatever the real motivation of the proposal, a little bit of trust
and confidence is something both sides could use right now. This Member
wonders what is wrong with lifting current restrictions on crossborder
trade, tourism, education and culture exchanges, even if for only 1 day
a week just as a way for both sides to see if they really are prepared
to live as a united island. This Member also wonders why some of the
measures could not be agreed to outside of a more comprehensive
agreement based upon the U.N. peace plan.
Mr. Speaker, in just 12 days the Government of Cypress will sign the
accession papers paving the way for the southern part of the island to
enter the European Union. The economic benefits of this membership to
the southern half of the island will be significant. On the other hand,
it would be a terribly damaging blow to the potential economic
prospects for the Turkish Cypriots. The current differences between the
income levels of the two communities would continue to widen
dramatically.
Now is the time for both sides to put aside their past differences
and to make a serious commitment to resolve this problem of a divided
Cypress. We are never going to have a better opportunity.
As Secretary General Kofi Annan has stated, his settlement proposal
is still on the table; and I believe resumption of the negotiations
should continue to use the Secretary General's plan as a basis for an
agreement.
Mr. Speaker, the people of Cypress have endured 29 years of
separation. They are ready, it is clear, to see and support referenda.
Therefore, it is a sincere hope of this Member that the leaders of both
sides will return to the negotiating table and resolve this important
problem so that next year, in 2004, we will be celebrating the first
anniversary of a united Cypress and not the 30th anniversary of a
divided one.
Mr. Speaker, this Member urges Members of the House to speak with one
strong voice in support of a resolution on the Cypress problem and thus
urges support for the resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 165.
Mr. Speaker, let me first provide some background. On July 20, 1974,
thousands of Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of the
island, which since that time has been separated by a green line,
actually a line of barbwire, analogized by the gentleman from Nebraska
(Mr. Bereuter) to the Berlin Wall. They created the Northern Republic
of Cypress in 1975 and, indeed, recognized only by Ankara. Nicosia
today is the only divided capital in the world.
Today Turkey maintains 35,000 troops in Northern Cypress and that
area is one of the most highly militarized areas of the world,
according to former U.N. Secretary General Boutros Boutros Ghali.
Eighty thousand Turkish settlers were installed after that invasion
and occupy properties forcibly vacated by Greek Cypriot refugees,
people who had lived there for generations. And now we have 200,000
refugees and over 1,600 people missing since that long-ago invasion,
including five American citizens. In Northern Cypress there are a few
Greek Cypriots. They are, in effect, locked into enclaves. They are
denied basic human rights such as freedom of movement, access to
education, religious freedom, or political rights.
The deterioration of the situation in northern Cypress must be
contrasted to the prosperity of the southern part of that island ruled
by the official government of the Republic of Cypress. That government
has done so well that they have met the EU's strict standards for
administration and will soon be admitted. Those standards include tough
limits on the amounts of public debt, limits that, after this budget
resolution comes to the floor tomorrow, the United States will not be
able to meet. The economic hardship on the northern part of the island
and the competition with settlers from Turkey has caused the exodus of
the majority of the Turkish Cypriot population.
On September 30, 2002, the EU's enlargement commissioner stated that
Cypress complies with all political and economic conditions for
membership and that the government-controlled areas of Cypress enjoy an
atmosphere of economic prosperity and political freedom, allowing its
people to enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world.
Cypress will become a member of the EU in a few weeks, and the
Cypriot government will sign an accession agreement and formally join,
I believe, on April 16 of this year.
The recent failure of the U.N.'s peace talks must be blamed on
Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. The U.N. plan offered a wide
range of autonomy, a weak central government, a demilitarized Cypriot
state, and a continuing, if greatly reduced, Turkish and Greek presence
to guarantee the safety of the respective communities. But Denktash was
not willing to put this plan to a referendum. Notwithstanding the fact
that his own people, the Turkish Cypriots would have overwhelmingly
supported this plan, a great opportunity was lost.
Mr. Speaker, I fully endorse this resolution and in later comments
would want to detail its terms.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), who I would say
is among the House's most outstanding experts on Cypress.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Nebraska
[[Page H3012]]
(Mr. Bereuter) for writing this bill and for yielding me time.
I also rise in strong support of H. Res. 165, a bill which expresses
support for a renewed effort to find a peaceful and lasting settlement
to the Cypress problem by declaring appreciation for the efforts of
Kofi Annan, the United Nations' Secretary General.
Mr. Speaker, the U.N. peace process, which is strongly supported by
the United States and the entire international community, has sought to
reunite Cypress as a single, sovereign bi-communal federation.
With Cypress poised to join the European Union in May 2004, Secretary
General Annan chose to get personally involved in bringing the two
sides together, asking the two community leaders to put the U.N. plan
before their people in a referendum. President Papadopoulos of Cypress
said he was prepared to do so. Unfortunately, Mr. Denktash, the Turkish
Cypriot leader, was not prepared to agree to put the plan to a
referendum.
It is a shame that the Secretary General's personal diplomacy was met
by this kind of flat-out rejection. The bill expresses strong
disappointment that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Denktash, rejected
the comprehensive settlement offered by Secretary General Annan,
thereby denying the Turkish Cypriot people the opportunity to determine
their own future.
This legislation also indicates that we in the House of
Representatives remain committed to giving any assistance needed to
find a just and durable settlement for the Cypress problem.
H. Res. 165 urges the United States Government and others to redouble
their efforts to seek a fair solution to the Cypress problem. And
finally, H. Res. 165 urges the governments, the governments of Turkey
and Greece to do everything possible to support the search for a
settlement, including actions by the Government of Turkey, helping to
persuade Mr. Denktash to reach an agreement which would reunite the
island.
Mr. Speaker, again I want to thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr.
Bereuter) for his commitment and perseverance in resolving the 29-year-
old problem in Cypress, and I urge my colleagues to support the
legislation.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Pallone), a gentleman who has been a leader on issues of
foreign policy and human rights.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from
California (Mr. Sherman) for those kind remarks.
Mr. Speaker, as an original co-sponsor of House Resolution 165, I
come to the floor this afternoon to voice my strong support for the
gentleman from Nebraska's (Mr. Bereuter) resolution calling for a
renewed effort to find a peaceful and lasting settlement to the Cypress
problem. Tomorrow the U.N. Security Council is expected to adopt a
resolution on the Cypress peace process. This follows the issuance of a
report last Saturday by Secretary General Kofi Annan on the reasons
behind last month's breakdown of U.N.-sponsored negotiations. While it
remains to be seen what the council will do, the Secretary General was
clear in his report regarding reasons for the breakdown. Mr. Annan's
report blamed Turkish Cypriot Leader Raul Denktash and Turkey for the
failure of the Secretary General's plan to reunify this divided island.
Mr. Speaker, despite the lack of a settlement, Cypress's European
Union ascension is going forward. Next Wednesday, April 15, is the date
of the signing ceremony of the ascension treaty in Athens. The Republic
of Cypress will join with nine other nations in signing the treaty.
Sadly, however, the residents of the Turkish-occupied areas will be
left out, due to the obstinate Mr. Denktash and his short-sighted
supporters in Ankara.
Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged that the statements coming out of the
State Department have expressed regard over Mr. Denktash's refusal to
let the Turkish Cypriots vote on a referendum. I would be further
encouraged if the administration put the necessary pressure on Turkey
to be part of the solution and not just part of the problem. Mr. Annan
stressed that ``my plan is still on the table,'' and I am sure that the
Security Council will suggest that we go forward with the U.N. plan.
But Mr. Denktash and the Government of Turkey must understand that
there are costs for walking away from the table and benefits to be
derived if they cooperate with the U.N. process.
I still believe that the U.S. and this administration can do a lot
more to put pressure on Turkey to go ahead with the U.N. plan and try
to come to some sort of settlement. I am hopeful and I know that this
resolution will help in that regard, and that is why we should all
support it.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Watson), a distinguished former ambassador who is also
a congressional Representative.
Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, a crucial opportunity was missed this spring
to bring peace to Cypress. Almost 3 decades of illegal occupation have
kept the Cypriot nation divided and its people, both Greek and Turkish
Cypriots, in a dangerous limbo. Cypress has a rich tradition as the
crossroads of trade and culture in the Eastern Mediterranean. Yet, in
spite of history and geography, those living in the occupied zone have
been isolated from the rest of the world for close to 30 years because
of the intransigence of their leaders. While unoccupied Cypress has
fared better, the fact of the division of Cypress still leaves fear,
doubt, and uncertainty in the minds of all Cypriots.
This month Cypress will join the European Union. This act is a
testament to the will and the industry of the Cypriot people, building
an economy which is the envy of many of its neighbors. But the
celebration of the EU membership will be bittersweet for many Cypriots,
knowing that their country will not join the EU as a whole, but still
as a nation illegally divided.
{time} 1930
This fact was not inevitable. The Cypriot people, both Greek and
Turkish, have repeatedly demonstrated their desire to end the division
of their nation and integrate themselves into modern Europe, but the
old men that hold power in northern Cyprus refuse to free their people
to join the 21st century. The Secretary General, as my colleagues know,
of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, who worked tirelessly to bring peace
to Cyprus, left no doubt this week as to who was to blame for the
failure of the talks.
Rauf Denktash, the self-styled head of the Cypriot separatists,
refused to negotiate in good faith to resolve this 30-year-old dispute.
In fact, Denktash went so far as to refuse to put a Cyprus peace
agreement to his people in a referendum. His refusal is likely because
he knows full well that even the Turkish Cypriots he purports to
represent would embrace peace if given the opportunity.
Mr. Speaker, it is time to end this illegal and artificial division
of the Cypriot nation, and I urge my colleagues to support this
resolution, and I urge the President to apply renewed energy to
convince the Turkish Government that ending its occupation of Cyprus
and supporting peace there could be the most crucial thing Turkey could
do to right a wrong.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2\1/2\ minutes
to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) who has shown her
dedication to human rights and impressed us all with her expertise on
Hellenic issues.
Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 165 and thank my
friends and colleagues, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) and
the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman), for their work on this
important resolution.
However, I do have some reservations. As Democratic cochair of the
Hellenic Caucus, along with my Republican colleague, the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), we have been working with the U.N. and the
State Department on the reunification of Cyprus, which has been divided
since 1974. The peaceful, lasting and just settlement of Cyprus has
been a priority of the United Nations and the caucus.
The Republic of Cyprus will sign the EU treaty in Athens on April 16.
We had all hoped a united Cyprus would enter the European Union.
Unfortunately, the latest round of talks ended without an agreement.
According to the report of the United Nations Secretary General, Kofi
Annan, released on April 7, and I would like to put his testimony into
the record, ``In the case
[[Page H3013]]
of the failure of this latest effort, I believe that Mr. Denktash, the
Turkish Cypriot leader, bears prime responsibility.''
Despite my concerns and disappointment, I appreciate the comments of
President Papadopoulos, who has stated that the Greek Cypriot side will
``continue the efforts for reaching a solution to the Cyprus question
both before and after Cyprus joins the EU.''
I am pleased that this resolution addresses these issues and
appreciate the work the subcommittee has done.
One area that concerns me about this amended resolution is that it
has deleted references to the people of Cyprus and, instead, only
refers to Greek and Turkish Cypriots. There are Armenians, Maronites
and Latins in addition to Greek and Turkish Cypriots, living in Cyprus.
I believe the new references that identify only Greek Cypriots and
Turkish Cypriots is inaccurate and works to divide the people of Cyprus
into two main groups. For this reason, the use of the term ``people of
Cyprus'' is much more preferable and accurate, reflecting the unity of
the country and the people.
Again, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) and the
gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) for their work on this very
important resolution. I am hopeful that there will be new initiatives
and new opportunities to work toward solving the problem as all sides
will benefit. I am hopeful that even between now and April 16 there is
an opportunity for them to get back on board, and I am hopeful that
Cyprus will go to the EU as a united country.
I appreciate very much the gentleman from Nebraska's (Mr. Bereuter)
leadership. He has really worked to bring both sides together. It has
been very helpful. I appreciate it very much.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Holt), my favorite rocket scientist.
(Mr. HOLT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from California for yielding
to me, and I rise in support of H. Res. 165 to draw this Chamber's
attention to this opportunity that is not yet lost in Cyprus.
Cyprus has suffered from ethnic strife among the people of Cyprus,
and I thank my colleague, the gentlewoman from New York, for using that
phrasing, among the people of Cyprus for decades and has been
physically divided since Turkish armed forces invaded and occupied the
northern third of the island in 1974 after a Greek-led coup.
There have been efforts by the Greek Cypriots over the last year.
There have been encouraging words from Turkey. Turkey's new ruling
party suggested a change in Turkish policy toward Cyprus, but no
agreement has been reached. Tens of thousands of Cypriots have taken to
the streets in recent months, particularly in the Turkish areas, in
support of this settlement, but Denktash ultimately imperiled the
recent round of talks by refusing to take the plan directly to the
Turkish Cypriot people for a referendum. As a result, Secretary General
Annan has ended official U.N. efforts to broker a settlement.
This is a severe disappointment to me, to my Greek and my Turkish
American constituents in New Jersey, and to all the people of Cyprus,
but we must not accept the end of this latest round of talks as the end
of the road. Peace rarely comes easily.
Peace in Cyprus is still possible, and as Cyprus prepares to enter
the European Union, let us do our part to get the peace process back on
track.
I commend the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter). His resolution
would help. Let us pass it promptly.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself so much time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, this is an important resolution. It expresses our
support for a peaceful, just and lasting resolution of the Cyprus
problem. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the gentleman
from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), the chairman, for sponsoring this
resolution and to commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler), the
ranking Democratic member, for his leadership on foreign policy issues.
I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of the resolution.
I fully endorse the sentiment expressed in this resolution that Greek
Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties should renew their efforts to find
a settlement to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the U.N. Secretary
General's framework for a comprehensive settlement, notwithstanding the
lamentable failure of the most recent round of diplomacy.
It is also important that this body reaffirm its own commitment to
giving any necessary assistance to help achieve a just and durable
settlement of the Cyprus problem, and that is, again, called for by
this resolution.
In particular, this resolution expresses the Congress' very strong
regret that Turkish Cypriot leader Mr. Denktash rejected the
comprehensive settlement offered by the Secretary General and denied
the Turkish Cypriots the opportunity to determine their own future,
because he refused to offer the settlement proposal as a referendum. I
urge the parties to return to the table at the earliest possible time
and to complete negotiations on the Secretary General's plan.
Mr. Speaker, the U.S. has a clear and direct interest in solving the
Cyprus problem. Its resolution would offer peace and prosperity to all
of the peoples of Cyprus and would bring lasting stability to Greek-
Turkish relations on NATO's southern flank.
It is, therefore, vital, Mr. Speaker, that this body go on record
uncompromisingly in support of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I see that I have no other requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the remaining amount of
time.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his concluding comments, and
all of these speakers this evening have had a very positive outlook on
the opportunity, a rare opportunity, for us to really bring peace and
unity to the island of Cyprus.
This is an opportunity we cannot avoid trying our best on. This is an
opportunity with a maximum amount of leverage. I urge, therefore, my
colleagues to support the resolution.
Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House
Resolution 165. This resolution is directed at renewed endeavors to
find a peaceful, just, and durable solution to the Cyprus conflict.
With the failure of the recent UN-brokered peace negotiations and with
Cyprus going to join the EU, a solution to the problem is more needed
than ever.
The Eastern Mediterranean is a region of vital U.S. interests.
Endeavors to promote greater stability in the area by bringing the two
conflicting parties together, must thus remain high on our agenda. In
fact, stability in this region serves to advance many key policy
objectives.
I thus wish to applaud the tireless efforts of the Secretary General
of the United Nations to have prudently worked out an acceptable peace
plan for both the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots. Kofi Annan
crafted a compromise plan that sought to reunite Cyprus as a single
bicommunal federation. The plan would have satisfied both communities.
The plan also enjoyed broad bipartisan support in the U.S. and was
strongly supported by the wider international community. I therefore
commend the Cypriot President Tapas Papadopolous who was eager to
finally solve this long-lasting dispute. He accepted the UN proposal
and was willing to submit the plan to a separate referendum last month.
Immediately after the failure of the negotiations, Papadopolous further
stated that the Greek Cypriot side will continue its endeavors for
reaching a solution to the Cypriot issue within the UN framework.
Parallel, I voice my disappointment at the Turkish Cypriot leader
Rauf Denktash's decision not to accept the UN proposal and his ultimate
rejection of the peace deal. This is an unacceptable situation and
hurts everyone involved: the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities, the
United Nations, the U.S., the EU and Turkey's own desire to become a EU
member, now is the time to act. Indeed, the Turkish intransigence hurts
first and foremost Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots themselves. The
failure of the unification endeavors complicates Ankara's own efforts
to join the EU. The European Commission warned Turkey after the
breakdown of the talks that the Greek Cypriot part of the island is
going to join the EU in May 2004 with or without the Turkish Cypriots.
But without an agreement on the Cyprus issue, Turkey will be in a
position of not recognizing a member of the European Union.
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Public demonstrations by the Turkish-Cypriot opposition in favor of
the peace plan further explicitly show who will be the major losers of
the failed negotiations: the Turkish Cypriots who will not enjoy the
benefits of EU membership.
The United States will remain committed to finding a just and
permanent solution to the Cyprus issue. This solution must be achieved
within the UN framework. The Turkish Cypriot leader must thus clearly
show his willingness to constructively work with the United Nations and
to settle for a compromise, a fair compromise like the one that was
just presented to him.
Yet, a permanent solution that involves compromise, tolerance, and
understanding is not merely achieved via multilateral institutions or
intergovernmental interactions, however crucial they are. More than
ever, confidence-building measures to re-integrate the two communities
on the island are crucial, and the U.S. must continue to support these
biocommunal initiatives.
A constructive dialogue between the Greek and the Cypriot leader
under the UN auspices as well as reintegration efforts between the two
communities represent the best and the only way to settle the Cyprus
conflict.
Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I share the hopes of Mr. Bereuter for a
peaceful, just and lasting settlement to the long-standing Cyprus
issue.
Like many of my colleagues, I was disappointed that a comprehensive
agreement to support the United Nation's proposal was not reached in
March.
We must not allow the recent setback to get in the way of future
negotiations and a lasting settlement of this issue. I hope that both
Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders will renew their commitment to bridge
the divide that separates their people.
In this vein, I was very pleased to hear that Turkish Cypriot leader
Mr. Denktas has taken positive steps to initiate a new process of
dialogue and consultation. Last week, in a detailed letter to Greek
Cypriot Leader Papadopoulos, Mr. Dentkas proposed lifting all overseas
trade, transport, travel and cultural activities from or to both parts
of Cyprus. He also expressed his willingness to meet with Mr.
Papadopoulos to discuss the core issues of a comprehensive settlement.
It is my understanding that Mr. Denktas' proposal was not accepted by
the Greek Cypriots. I agree with the Greek Cypriot sentiment that talks
should be concluded under the U.N. framework. However, I am hopeful
that Mr. Denktas' letter can be a catalyst to restart dialogue and to
achieve a comprehensive settlement.
As for Turkey's role, which I know has been criticized by some in
Washington and Europe, I am optimistic that Prime Minister Erdogan and
his government are truly committed to a fair settlement on the issue.
Mr. Erdogan has offered to bring Turkish and Greek Cypriots together
``with the three guarantor countries, Turkey, Greece and Britain.''
Furthermore, Mr. Erdogan and Foreign Minister Gul will be attending a
Balkans summit in Belgrade this week, where they will meet with Greek
leaders to discuss steps to resolve the Cyprus issue.
Mr. Speaker, it is going to take an even greater commitment from the
United States and the international community to a achieve lasting
settlement of the Cyprus issue. I believe the debate we are engaged in
today is a clear signal that Congress will remain firmly engaged on
this issue, and that we are serious about achieving a comprehensive
settlement that benefits both Greek and Turkish Cypriots as well as the
entire region.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today I want to thank Mr. Bereuter for
his leadership in introducing H. Con. Res. 165, expressing support for
a renewed effort to find a peaceful, just, and lasting settlement to
the Cyprus problem, and I want to take this opportunity to voice my
strong support for this resolution.
In today's uncertain world, where conflict and instability abound,
one such long-standing dispute was quietly moving toward a resolution.
However, while the world has been focused on Iraq and deadlines on
the Hussein regime came and went, another deadline, one vitally
important to a resolution to the conflict on Cyprus, passed with little
fanfare.
The stakes in Cyprus are high, and while the United States is rightly
focusing on more pressing foreign policy problems like the war on
terrorism, the war in Iraq and other issues in the Middle East, we
should also devote attention to bringing an end to this conflict.
The outcome of a peaceful resolution to the division of Cyprus will
have a significant impact on Turkey and Greece, two key NATO players
whose antagonistic relationship has too often roiled the alliance.
It would benefit U.S. interests in the eastern Mediterranean, would
strengthen NATO by improving relations between our two key allies, and
defuse an ongoing regional arms race.
Just as they are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States
in the war against terror, so too must they play a constructive role in
resolving this longstanding dispute.
The European Commission clearly and unequivocally has linked Turkey's
ambitions to join the EU to a solution to the conflict. Turkey is eager
to join the EU, and the Turks of Cyprus, isolated and living in
poverty, look forward to sharing the benefits of EU membership. One
only has to look to the massive rallies recently held by Turkish
Cypriots in support of a resolution.
Just today, the Greek and Turkish Prime Ministers met in Belgrade and
agreed on the need to reach a solution to the political problem in
Cyprus. The moment of truth is at hand, and time is running short. The
two communities should play an important role in the efforts toward a
solution and move their leadership to the negotiating table.
They must show genuine commitment to forge an agreement on the terms
of reunification. As the President of the Republic of Cyprus recently
stated: ``Non-solution is not a solution. It is not even the conclusion
of the Cyprus problem. On the contrary, it will mean the beginning of
new dangers and new problems. The eventual solution to the Cyprus
problem will be a compromise. . . .''
However, ``If the solution is not functional it cannot be viable. If
it is not viable it will not be permanent.'' A solution cannot include
the possibility of the permanence of division. After nearly 30 years,
it is time for the bitter division of Cyprus to come to an end. It is
time for a peaceful, just, and lasting settlement to the Cyprus
problem. I am confident my colleagues share this hope and I ask them to
vote for this resolution.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bass). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 165, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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