[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 138 (Thursday, October 2, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1955]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 2003

  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 43rd 
anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus.
  After 80 years of British colonial rule, Cyprus became an independent 
Republic on October 1, 1960. Despite a history filled with 
disappointment and tragedy, the people of Cyprus remain committed to 
the core principles enshrined in their Constitution as well as the 
basic rights and freedoms for all people of Cyprus--Greek Cypriots, 
Turkish Cypriots and Cypriots from all ethnic and religious 
communities.
  In recent years there have been significant advances in US-Cyprus 
relations and in relations between Cyprus and members of the European 
Union. Having signed the Accession Treaty to the European Union on 
April 16, 2003, Cyprus should be joining the EU in May of next year.
  However, EU laws and financial benefits will apply only to the 
southern Greek Cypriot part of the island, which is the internationally 
recognized state. Unfortunately, the celebration of this historic 
event, as well as the anniversary of the independence of Cyprus, is 
clouded by the fact that 37 percent of the Republic's territory 
continues to be illegally occupied by Turkish military forces in 
violation of UN Security Council resolutions and international law.
  The government of Cyprus is to be commended for its continued efforts 
to seek a peaceful solution to the nearly thirty-year-old Turkish 
occupation. I'm proud that the United States has repeatedly supported 
international efforts, including dozens of United Nations' resolutions, 
to resolve this dispute. The international community clearly is in 
agreement that reunification underline any future settlement. A ``two-
state'' solution that would make the division permanent would not only 
give credence to an illegal invasion and the forced displacement of 
over 200,000 Greek Cypriots, it would be inconsistent with Cyprus's 
history and constitution.
  I'm proud to state that I am a cosponsor of H. Res. 320. This 
legislation supports the removal of Turkish occupation troops from the 
Republic of Cyprus and expresses strong support for the European 
Parliament to do the same.
  Mr. Speaker, Cyprus is to be congratulated for its 43rd anniversary 
and for its relentless pursuit of peace. However, until reunification 
is complete, the people of Cyprus will be unable to truly celebrate 
their independence.

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