[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 102 (Friday, July 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1609-E1610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENTS OF CYPRUS AND TURKEY

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 28, 2006

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
resolution expressing our deepest gratitude to Cyprus and Turkey.
  We are all following the news from the Middle East with concern and 
regret. The Lebanese South--for many years a region of civil war, of 
mortal fear and hopelessness--is burning again. Parts of Israel are 
suffering under permanent rocket fire. The military actions are causing 
humanitarian difficulties, as well. Thousands of Americans and 
Europeans are suffering in the region. When Hezbollah started their 
offensive against Israel, there were at least 25,000 American citizens 
in Lebanon.
  The current situation painfully reminds me of Lebanon in the year 
1983, when 241 Americans were killed in a suicide bombing. It also 
brings to mind the evacuation of American citizens from Iran in 1979 
and from Vietnam in 1975.
  However, we must remain optimistic. There is some light in the 
darkness, something not to overlook in these sorrowful days: Even at a 
time when the United States is not the most beloved country in the 
world, we can feel that we are not alone. We are not alone in our 
efforts to save the lives of our citizens. True friendship is shown in 
difficult times, and I am glad it does.
  I hope we are all aware that the United States could never manage the 
evacuation of 25,000 citizens without reliable partners in the region. 
Bearing this in mind, I feel deeply grateful not only toward two 
governments but also towards two people: The governments and people of 
the Republics of Cyprus and Turkey.

[[Page E1610]]

  Cyprus opened her doors to Americans evacuating Lebanon. On July 
15th, a short-time after the Israeli reaction started, the Cypriot 
government declared its readiness to assist efforts for the evacuation 
of U.S. citizens and other nationals fleeing Lebanon.
  The government set up a committee to organize the reception of 
thousands of evacuees--between 5,000 and 10,000 were expected just in 
the first week of the evacuation. Keeping in mind that the Republic of 
Cyprus does not have more than 750,000 inhabitants, this is an enormous 
task.
  Thousands of American citizens have already been evacuated to Cyprus. 
Many of them breathed a big sigh of relief! We received reports about 
the extraordinary hospitality offered to our evacuees. The Cypriot 
people obviously know about the needs of people suffering under war and 
terror due to their own painful history of war and separation.
  Besides Cyprus, our Turkish friends also offered their support. For 
the purpose of the evacuation of American citizens they provided their 
Mediterranean seaport Mersin. From there our evacuees can easily be 
transported to the U.S. military base of Incirlik. The Turkish offer is 
also an expression of our deep and strong alliance.
  Today, we should express our hope that the excellent cooperation of 
the last several weeks will be continued.
  It is also time to recognize the responsible roles the Turkish and 
the Cypriot governments are playing in their efforts to stabilize the 
Middle East, and encourage them to proceed.
  Let us keep in mind: Real friendship is proven in times of crisis, 
and we can be appreciative that it does. Let us support this process 
sending a message of gratitude to our friends in Cyprus and Turkey!
  Thank you Cyprus, thank you Turkey!

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