[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 123 (Monday, October 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1782-E1783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 4, 2004

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to submit for the 
Congressional Record an excerpt from the recent (9/23/04) address by 
the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos, to 
the General Assembly of the United Nations. In his remarks, President 
Papadopoulos eloquently outlined his concerns about the U.N. proposed 
plan, and his hopes for peace and reunification for Cyprus.

       I would like to emphasize how proud we are that Cyprus is 
     now a full member of the European Union. The European Union 
     has outlined an extensive set of priorities for this Session 
     of the General Assembly. As the statement delivered by the 
     Dutch Presidency has delineated these priorities, I will not 
     elaborate on them any further.
       This year marks 30 years since the occupation of 37% of 
     Cyprus' territory as a result of the invasion of the island 
     by Turkish troops. It also marks 30 years of relentless 
     efforts by the Greek Cypriots to achieve a just and peaceful 
     settlement, with the support of the international community, 
     to which I would like here to express our deep appreciation.
       The Greek Cypriot side has repeatedly demonstrated in the 
     past thirty years, its readiness to move forward by making 
     many painful sacrifices and concessions, while the Turkish 
     Cypriot leadership always lacked the necessary political 
     will. The quest and eagerness of Greek Cypriots for a 
     solution never meant, however, that they would accept any 
     settlement proposed to them nor that they would be ready to 
     embark on an adventure, in all probability condemned to 
     failing, with irreversible consequences.
       The latest effort by the UN Secretary-General to solve the 
     Cyprus problem resulted in a Plan, which, by some was 
     described as a historic opportunity to solve one of the 
     longest standing international problems. I will only briefly 
     outline why, despite the hard work invested in the process by 
     all involved, the end product of this effort was judged to be 
     inadequate and fell short of minimum expectations from a 
     settlement for Greek Cypriots.
       Firstly, the Annan Plan was not the product of negotiation 
     nor did it constitute an agreed solution between the parties. 
     Secondly, the Plan did not place the necessary emphasis on 
     achieving a one State solution with a central government able 
     to guarantee the single sovereign character of Cyprus. 
     Thirdly, it failed to address the serious concerns of the 
     Greek Cypriot Community regarding their security and 
     effective implementation of the Plan.
       In rejecting the Plan as a settlement for the Cyprus 
     problem the Greek Cypriots did not reject the solution or the 
     reunification of their country. They have rejected this 
     particular Plan as not effectively achieving this objective. 
     We remain committed to a solution which will ensure the 
     reunification of the country, its economy, and its people.
       We are committed to reaching a solution on the basis of a 
     bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. However, there are a number 
     of essential parameters the Greek Cypriot Community insist 
     this solution to be founded on. The withdrawal of troops and 
     settlers and the respect of human rights for all Cypriots, 
     the underlying structures for a functioning economy, the 
     functionality and workability of the new state of affairs, 
     the just resolution of land and property issues in accordance 
     with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, and 
     the respect of the right of return of refugees. To this end, 
     we welcome the recent Pinheiro Progress Report on property 
     restitution in the context of the return of refugees and 
     internally displaced persons.
       Simultaneously, it pains me to bring to your attention, Mr. 
     President, that certain provisions of the Annan Plan have 
     encouraged an unprecedented unlawful exploitation of occupied 
     properties in northern Cyprus, something alluded to even in 
     statements by officials of the occupying power itself.
       The most paramount feature of any settlement is the ability 
     to install a sense of security to the people. The mistakes of 
     the past must not be repeated. Cyprus must in its future 
     course, proceed without any grey areas with regard to its 
     sovereignty or its relation to third states. If the people 
     feel that their needs have not formed the basis of any 
     solution reached or that the characteristics of this solution 
     have been dictated by the interests of third parties, then 
     this solution will unsurprisingly be bypassed. Indeed, the 
     spirit and practice of effective multilateralism not only 
     encompasses, but also derives from, the comprehension and 
     consideration of local realities and particulars, on which it 
     must then proceed to formulate proposals.
       This should not be interpreted by third parties as a lack 
     of will to solve the Cyprus problem. Instead, it must be 
     unequivocally understood that the people who will have to 
     live with this solution are in the best position to judge 
     what is suitable for them, that it is imperative for the 
     people to be called upon to ratify any plans that are drawn 
     to this effect, and that their verdict must be respected.
       In the framework of the European Union, and with the aim of 
     promoting reunification and reconciliation, my Government, 
     despite the obstacles placed by the current status quo, is 
     consistently pursuing policies aiming to enhance the economic 
     development of the Turkish Cypriots. While not intended to 
     serve as a substitute for a solution, such policies are in 
     our view the most effective way to foster the maximum 
     economic integration of the two Communities, and increase 
     contact between them, so as to ensure the viability of a 
     future solution.
       Responding to the expanding possibilities on the ground, we 
     have intensified our efforts to ameliorate the situation and 
     seek ways to benefit citizens. In this context, my
       Government has recently proposed the withdrawal of military 
     forces from sensitive areas and refraining from military 
     exercises, the opening of eight additional crossing points 
     across the cease fire line and the facilitation of the 
     movement of persons, goods and services across the Green 
     Line, as well as the extension of the so far unilateral de-
     mining process initiated by my Government.
       We have also declared our readiness to make special 
     arrangements whereby Turkish Cypriots will utilize Larnaca 
     Port for the export of their goods. Furthermore, subject to 
     the area of Varosha being returned under the control of the 
     Government of Cyprus and to its legitimate inhabitants, we 
     could accommodate the lawful operation of the port of 
     Famagusta.
       The Cyprus problem is not always perceived in its correct 
     parameters. The fact remains that this problem is the result 
     of a

[[Page E1783]]

     military invasion and continued occupation of part of the 
     territory of a sovereign state. This fact should not be 
     conveniently overlooked in people's perception, by 
     concentrating on peripheral parameters. Any initiative to 
     solve the problem must have at its core, this most basic and 
     fundamental fact and be based on the premise that 
     international legality must be served and the occupation 
     lifted.
       Unfortunately, the fundamentals of the situation on the 
     ground remain unchanged for the past 30 years since the 
     Turkish invasion in Cyprus. This situation is one comprising 
     of severe violations of the most fundamental human rights. 
     The yet unresolved issues of the missing persons, an issue of 
     a purely humanitarian nature, as well as that of the enclave 
     of the Karpass peninsula, are in themselves an indication of 
     Cyprus' enduring suffering. This should not only point 
     towards the specifics of the solution to be pursued but must 
     also guide our actions with regard to managing the current 
     status quo. For instance, the United Nations Force in Cyprus 
     (UNFICYP), assigned with the task to manage the status quo 
     inflicted 30 years ago, should remain specific to the 
     situation on the ground.
       The accession of Cyprus to the European Union, in 
     conjunction with the lack of an agreement on the settlement 
     of the Cyprus problem, in spite of our efforts and our 
     preference for a settlement prior to accession, signifies the 
     end of an era and the beginning of a new one. I firmly 
     believe that the new context defined by the accession of my 
     country to the EU and by the expressed will of Turkey to 
     advance on the European path offers a unique opportunity and 
     could have a catalytic effect in reaching a settlement in 
     Cyprus. Our vocation is to be partners and not enemies.
       Hence, in this new era, we plea to Turkey, to join us in 
     turning the page and seeking ways to mutually discover, 
     mutually beneficial solutions to the various aspects that 
     compose the Cyprus problem. The mere realization that peace 
     and stability in our region serve the interests of both our 
     countries is ample evidence to prove that what unites us is 
     stronger than what divides us.

                          ____________________