[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PRAISING THE GOVERNMENT OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 19, 2004

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the Government of 
Cyprus for its recent decision to take a monumental step towards peace 
and reunification of the island. Yesterday marked the beginning of the 
Cyprus Government's initiative to clear all Cyprus National Guard 
minefields within the buffer zone that divides the island.
  Over the next year, an estimated 2,300 mines will be cleared from 
eight minefields--an area that covers more than 100 miles. Ever since 
the Turkish invasion more than 30 years ago--and today with Turkey's 
continued occupation--Cyprus has been a country that has struggled to 
achieve peace. The Government of Cyprus' endorsement of this program 
demonstrates its strong commitment to break down the physical barriers 
that separate Greek Cypriots from their Turkish Cypriot compatriots.
  Further, the program illustrates the government's broader commitment 
to the international community as it joins the international fight 
against mine proliferation, and supports the United Nations Policy of 
Mine Action.
  The Cyprus Government has been working with the United Nations Peace 
Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) since January 2002 in order to enact 
this de-mining project, and it should be praised for this dedication 
and tenacity.
  I wish to make special note that these actions are being taken 
unilaterally by the Republic of Cyprus. Unfortunately, the Turkish side 
has not yet agreed to the de-mining of 27 minefields in the buffer zone 
laid by the Turkish occupation forces. We can only hope that the 
Turkish side will someday join the Government of Cyprus in taking this 
necessary step towards removing these dangerous explosives.
  Recent statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Mehmet Ali 
Talat, that the Turkish side intends to proceed with the destruction of 
its minefields in the buffer zone are encouraging. It is my strong wish 
that the Turkish occupation forces decide to go ahead with the de-
mining process, as this would be a positive development that could 
contribute to further reducing the tension on the island.

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