[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 102 (Monday, July 25, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  STATEMENT RECOGNIZING THE 31ST ANNIVERSARY OF TURKEY'S INVASION OF 
                                 CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 25, 2005

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the Hellenic Caucus, 
I rise today to recognize the 31st anniversary of Turkey's invasion of 
Cyprus. On this occasion, we mourn those who lost their lives and 
remember the barrier created on July 20, 1974. Sadly, that barrier 
still exists today, and despite attempts for a reunification 
settlement, the island remains divided between the Turkish Cypriots and 
the Greek Cypriots. 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.
  On the occasion of this anniversary, in addition to mourning and 
remembering, let us also look forward to the promise of a peaceful 
settlement to the ongoing division in Cyprus, a goal that has eluded 
American and European leaders for more than 30 years. I have repeatedly 
called for a strong U.S. commitment to Cyprus as one of our Nation's 
top foreign policy priorities. As Americans, we must guarantee that our 
foreign policy reflects our values of justice, equality and 
responsibility, and promoting a lasting peace and stability in Cyprus 
illustrates those values. The United States holds a unique position of 
trust with both Greece and Turkey, and we must use our influence to 
work toward a solution that is acceptable and equitable to all of 
Cyprus's residents.
  The European Union will also play an important role in charting the 
future of Cyprus. I was a strong advocate of Cyprus's accession to the 
EU because Cyprus, like the United States, shares a commitment to 
democracy, human rights, and the concept of equal justice under the 
law. Now that Cyprus is a member, it will benefit significantly from 
increased trade and economic investment while contributing its 
diversity and history to that of the EU.
  Turkey's desire to enter the EU provides a prime opportunity for 
Cyprus. The international community must demand that Turkey demonstrate 
its support for reunification as a requirement to become a participant 
in the Europe of the future. If Turkey wishes to increase its global 
profile and to gain the world's respect, it must earn it by 
demonstrating its commitment to peace in Cyprus. By putting pressure on 
Turkish Cypriot leaders and reducing its military presence, Turkey can 
prove that it can work in the international framework to encourage a 
lasting peace in Cyprus.
  Despite the obstacles and disappointments we have experienced in the 
past, we cannot abandon our vision of a Cyprus that is again unified 
and able to reach its fullest potential in the international arena. We 
should heed the words of the Greek Cypriot President Tassos 
Papadopoulus: ``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.'' Patience in 
particular is tantamount to this endeavor. A lasting solution is not 
one that will be attained with the implementation of a rushed plan.
  The United States has stood beside Cyprus in the past, and we will 
undoubtedly maintain this strong relationship for years to come. Again, 
I thank my colleagues on the Hellenic Caucus for their recognition of 
this important event.

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