[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 59 (Friday, April 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E761-E762]
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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 2003

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 
165, a resolution that calls for the rights of Greek Cypriots and

[[Page E762]]

Turkish Cypriots to be protected. Most importantly, the resolution 
urges that steps be taken to resolve the longest unresolved conflict in 
Europe--the division of Cyprus.
  The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, which I co-
chair, has held several briefings over the last 18 months on the 
evolution of a hoped-for solution to the Cyprus impasse. The tone of 
these briefings varied from optimistic to skeptical. Those concerned 
about this problem were hopeful when United Nations Secretary General 
Koffi Annan put forth a proposed plan last November.
  After further discussions, Mr. Annan adapted the plan to encompass 
the concerns voiced by both sides of the conflict. Unfortunately, Mr. 
Rauf Denktash, leader of the Turkish Cypriots, failed to accept either 
the comprehensive settlement or the proposed referendum advanced by the 
Secretary General. Denktash's inability to find common ground with his 
fellow Cypriots from the Greek side keeps Cyprus divided.
  H. Res. 165 calls for the most logical resolution of the problem--let 
the people of Cyprus, whether they be Greek Cypriots or Turkish 
Cypriots, determine their own fate at the ballot box. Tens of thousands 
of Turkish Cypriots have demonstrated their support for this proposal 
in massive public marches. Many Turkish Cypriots are obtaining Republic 
of Cyprus passports in an attempt to move this process ahead.
  Mr. Denktash must heed the call of these times. The time for a single 
man to stand in the way of progress for an entire people, for an entire 
country, is past. I call on you, Mr. Denktash, to allow the referendum 
to be held now or step aside in the interest of your people and the 
prospect of reconciliation on the divided island nation of Cyprus!

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