[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 101 (Thursday, July 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  STATEMENT RECOGNIZING THE 32ND ANNIVERSARY OF TURKEY'S INVASION OF 
                                 CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2006

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the Hellenic Caucus, 
I wish to recognize the 32nd Anniversary of the Turkish invasion of 
Cyprus. On July 20, 1974, under the pretense of peace-keeping 
operations, Turkish forces occupied northern Cyprus and gained de facto 
control in the annexed territory. Today we remember those who lost 
their lives, the barrier that was erected, and the political upheaval 
it created. Sadly, despite attempts by the United Nations for a 
reunification settlement, the country remains divided.
  On this anniversary, in addition to mourning and remembering, let us 
also look forward as positive developments have recently occurred. 
Earlier this month, Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish 
Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed to begin a process of bilateral 
discussions to find a comprehensive settlement to the ongoing Cyprus 
problem. Both sides recognize that the status quo is deplorable and its 
prolongation will continue to have negative consequences for both 
Turkish and Greek Cypriots. The Set of Principles agreed to by the 
leaders includes a commitment to the unification of Cyprus based on a 
bizonal, bi-communal federation and political equality, as set out in 
Security Council resolutions. Discussions would immediately commence to 
focus upon issues that affect the day-to-day life of the people while 
addressing those that concern substantive issues, both of which will 
contribute to a comprehensive settlement. This momentous agreement is 
the first step to engage in direct negotiations since Cyprus's 
admission to the European Union on May 1, 2004.
  Recent events represent great triumphs for the Cyprus state and 
affirm Cyprus's willingness and determination to diplomatically resolve 
the decades-old inter-communal conflict. U.S. support, in conjunction 
with the U.N. and EU, will play an integral role in ensuring successful 
Cypriot negotiations. The United States must consider 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 will help further 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 admission 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. Also, the EU's consideration of Turkey's application for 
membership provides a prime opportunity for needed reforms. 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, as 
well as other important priorities such as ending the blockade of 
Armenia. Members of the EU have expressed similar concerns, and I have 
urged Secretary Rice to emphasize those factors as the EU continues its 
deliberations.

  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. The 
United States has stood beside her in the past, and we will undoubtedly 
maintain this strong relationship for years to corne.
  Again, I thank my colleagues on the Hellenic Caucus for their 
recognition of this important event.

                          ____________________