[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 117 (Friday, July 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1585-E1586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           33RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE TURKISH INVASION OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ZACHARY T. SPACE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 19, 2007

  Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, tomorrow marks the 33rd anniversary of 
Turkey's illegal invasion and occupation of Cyprus, which occurred on 
July 20, 1974. This black anniversary commemorates 33 years too long of 
suffering and injustice for the people of the Republic of Cyprus.
  Thirty-three years ago, Turkish troops invaded Cyprus in flagrant 
disregard for international law. As a result, an estimated 160,000 true 
Cypriots were displaced and another 5,000 Cypriots were killed. The 
current occupied area is notably one of the most highly militarized 
areas in the world with 43,000 Turkish troops stationed there 
illegally. In an act of further defiance, in 1983, Turkish Cypriots 
declared themselves a sovereign nation.

[[Page E1586]]

To date, they are the only ones who recognize themselves as such.
  Together with both the E.U. and the U.N., the U.S. has been a strong 
ally of the Republic of Cyprus, and we owe it to her to continue our 
steadfast support. As a Congress, we must uphold our Nation's pledge to 
advance the July 8th agreement that President Papadopoulos and Turkish 
Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat reached a year ago. This agreement 
would begin the process of setting up bi-communal committees and 
working groups to address day-to-day issues facing those caught up in 
this conflict.
  Unfortunately, Talat is not only yet to move forward with his earlier 
promise, but has also now gone back on his word. We must work to 
convince Talat that it is in his best interest, and in the best 
interest of Turkish Cypriots, to cooperate. They will be left behind 
and without a seat at the table if they choose to disregard plans for 
progress toward a solution.
  Meanwhile, Greek Cypriots continue working toward their national 
commitment. The Republic of Cyprus took the initiative to demolish a 
portion of the fortification at Ledra Street in the capital of Nicosia. 
Opening up this crossing point was a confidence building step, as was 
demolishing a Cypriot National Guard post in Kato Pyrgos in an effort 
to open up another crossing point.
  There are steps members of this House can take to show support for 
the people of the Republic of Cyprus. We can cosponsor legislation to 
resolve the Cyprus problem--H.R. 1456, H. Res. 405, and H. Res. 407.
  H.R. 1456 enables U.S. citizens who own property in Turkish-occupied 
Cyprus to seek financial remedies with either current inhabitants of 
their land or the government of Turkey. The intent here is to ensure 
that property not only benefits the lawful owner, but also that it 
stays out of the hands of illegal squatters.
  H. Res. 405 expresses the sense of Congress for the support and 
implementation of the July 8th agreement as a way forward for the 
reunification of Cyprus. And H. Res. 407 expresses the support of the 
House of Representatives for the positive actions of the Republic of 
Cyprus to open more crossing points and to reach a cease-fire.
  These are all bills that I'm a cosponsor of, and I urge other members 
to join me in my support for these worthwhile measures.
  As a Greek American and as a member of the Hellenic Caucus, I could 
not feel more strongly about the reunification of Cyprus. The issue is 
straightforward and clear: we must aid our ally, the Republic of 
Cyprus, in righting the wrongs of the past 33 years. I cannot think of 
a better day than today, on the eve of the 33rd anniversary of the 
Turkish invasion, to express my conviction on the matter.
  Tomorrow, we must both remember the past and look to the future. In 
recognizing the significance of July 20th for the citizens of the 
Republic of Cyprus, we must recommit ourselves to the cause of 
restoring the island nation to its rightful inhabitants. I ask for the 
support of my colleagues in this worthy undertaking.

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