[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 29TH ANNIVERSARY OF TURKEY'S INVASION OF CYPRUS

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                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2003

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the Hellenic Caucus, 
I rise today to recognize the 29th anniversary of Turkey's invasion of 
Cyprus. On this occasion, we mourn those who lost their lives and 
remember the barrier created in 1974 that still exists today. The 
island remains divided between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek 
Cypriots, despite attempts by the United Nations for a reunification 
settlement. I thank Mrs. Maloney and Mr. Bilirakis for their ongoing 
leadership in the Hellenic Caucus and for bringing much-needed 
attention to issues of importance to the Hellenic community.
  The European Union has invited Cyprus to enter its membership next 
May, and on July 14, 2003, the Greek Cypriot parliament unanimously 
approved the bid to join. At this point in time, only pertains to the 
Greek Cypriot part of the island, since the Turkish Cypriot part is not 
formally recognized by the European Union. Shortly after Cyprus agreed 
to join the European Union, the Turkish Cypriot authorities opened the 
borders and allowed Cypriots to cross over the line for the first time 
in 30 years. This past April was the first time that Cypriots from 
either side were able to travel through the 120-mile barrier, which 
continues to be guarded by U.N. peacekeeping forces, since the invasion 
in 1974. Despite this step forward, the nation remains divided.
  Along with my colleagues, I will continue to put pressure on the Bush 
Administration to help Cyprus work toward a peaceful solution. Although 
relations between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides have recently 
thawed, there is still a long way to go to reunification. The U.N. 
settlement cleared a path for all of Cyprus to unite once again, to 
share in the European Union's prosperity, and to end military zones. 
Now with just the Republic of Cyprus poised for EU membership in 2004, 
the divide between the two sides may grow without a push for future 
negotiations.
  Rauf Denktash, the Turkish Cypriot Leader, has proven to be the 
biggest hindrance to reunification talks. He has ignored the calls from 
the majority of his own people who want reunification, and would rather 
fight for a two-state confederation, which is not supported by the 
Greek Cypriots or the United Nations. He has even stood in the way of 
his people's democratic choice by not allowing them to take part in a 
referendum on the decision of whether or not to join the European 
Union. Elections for the Turkish Cypriot authorities are expected in 
November, and I hope the will of the Turkish Cypriots will be heard.
  The U.S. must continue its role in supporting negotiations so that 
there is still potential for all of Cyprus to join the EU. It has been 
a long, hard road, but with support from the United States, the 
European Union, and the United Nations, a reunification of Cyprus is 
still possible. We should heed the words of the Greek Cypriot President 
Tassos Papadopoulus on this special anniversary: ``we are determined to 
try, until the end, in a peaceful manner and through negotiations, to 
end the invasion and occupation. The people should be brave, patient, 
and work hard.''

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