[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 117 (Friday, July 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECALLING THE INFAMOUS ANNIVERSARY OF THE INVASION OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 19, 2007

  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to recall 
the tragic anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
  On July 20, 1974, Turkey brutally attacked the Republic of Cyprus. To 
my deep regret, the shameful legacy of this despicable act remains. To 
this day, Turkish troops illegally occupy Cyprus, splitting the island 
into two areas, and continuing the oppression of the people of Cyprus 
which has remained since that infamous day.
  Reminiscent of the infamous Berlin Wall, Cyprus has remained divided 
by ``the green line,'' a 113-mile barbed-wire fence that has run across 
the island for the past 33-years. Despite pressure from the United 
States, the European Union, and the United Nations, Cyprus remains one 
of the most militarized areas in the world.
  Although Cyprus remains divided, there is reason for optimism that 
the nation will one day be made whole. In late April of 2004, the 
people of Cyprus went to the polls to vote on a plan of reunification. 
Unfortunately, this reunification proposal was rushed, allegedly to 
coincide with the ascension of Cyprus into the European Union. Because 
of many legitimate concerns, including security, and in a demonstration 
of great courage and independence, approximately 75 percent of Greek 
Cypriots opposed the plan. However, this rushed and unfortunate effort 
must not, and will not, be the end of attempts to reunify the island. A 
lasting and equitable solution for the people of Cyprus, and the goal 
of a united Cyprus, is too important to abandon.
  I firmly support the efforts begun with the bicommunal agreement 
reached at the meeting of July 8, 2006. The framework of July 8 
established guiding principles to accomplish the goal reunifying the 
two halves of Cyprus within a bizonal, bicommunal federation. I urge 
both parties to proceed with establishing working groups so that there 
can be movement forward in implementing these principles. The 
remarkable achievement of the July 8 agreement gives me great reason to 
be hopeful that a solution is near. Yet so long as Cyprus remains 
divided, we have great work ahead of us.
  I remain committed to achieving a solution to this problem so that we 
never have to gather again to commemorate an anniversary of this 
condemnable invasion. Madam Speaker, I pray that this will be the last 
year of a divided Cyprus. It is my fervent hope that, 33 years after 
Cyprus was torn asunder, all Cypriots can be reunited, living in peace 
and freedom forever.

                          ____________________