[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 103 (Thursday, July 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         ANNIVERSARY OF THE ILLEGAL TURKISH INVASION OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2004

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 30th 
anniversary of the 1974 illegal Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
  I have commemorated this day each year since I became a Member of 
Congress. PSEKA (The International Coordinating Committee ``Justice for 
Cyprus''), The Cyprus Federation of America, SAE (World Council of 
Hellenes Abroad), and The Federation of Hellenic Societies are all 
primarily located in the 14th Congressional district of New York, which 
I am fortunate to represent. These individuals believe that peace will 
come to Cyprus, and they have been strong advocates against the 
division of Cyprus and the human rights violations perpetrated by the 
Turkish army in Cyprus.
  While we must remember this black anniversary, we also have reason to 
celebrate. On May 1, Cyprus became a full-fledged member of the 
European Union along with nine other countries from Central and Eastern 
Europe. Cyprus's accession to the EU is a historic achievement. As an 
EU member, Cyprus will represent European values and policies and, at 
the same time, will work toward even stronger transatlantic ties with 
the United States. This has been a long time in coming, and I believe 
that Cyprus will have much to contribute to the EU.
  Although all of us, including the Turkish Cypriots and Greek 
Cypriots, wanted to see the division of Cyprus end before its accession 
to the EU, the Annan Plan for a Cyprus settlement was justly voted down 
by the Greek Cypriots. Prior to the April referenda on the Annan Plan, 
I and several of my colleagues met with U.N. Secretary General Kofi 
Annan to express our concerns and our willingness to work with him to 
move the process forward. I know we are all hopeful that a just 
resolution can be reached soon to end the division so that both sides 
will reap the benefits from membership in the EU.
  Now is not the time to give up. Earlier this month, my friend and 
fellow co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, 
Congressman Bilirakis, and I sent letters, along with more than ninety 
members of the House of Representatives, to President Bush, Secretary 
of State Powell, and U.N. Secretary General Annan urging them to 
respect the democratic decision of the people, to remain engaged in 
efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, and to work toward a fair and 
lasting reunification of Cyprus.
  A unified Cyprus would promote stability, both politically and 
economically, to the entire Mediterranean region. The people of Cyprus 
deserve a unified and democratic country. I remain hopeful that a 
peaceful settlement will be found so that the division of Cyprus will 
come to an end.
  Thirty years is too long to have a country divided. It is too long to 
be kept from your home. It is too long to be separated from family.
  We have seen many tremendous changes around the world. It is time for 
the Cypriots to live in peace and security, with full enjoyment of 
their human rights.
  In recognition of the spirit of the people of Cyprus, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in solemnly commemorating the 30th anniversary of 
the invasion of Cyprus.
  Long Live Freedom. Long Live Cyprus. Long Live Greece.

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