[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 145 (Thursday, September 27, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 27, 2007

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
47th Anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus. It was on October 1, 1960, 
that Cyprus became an independent republic after decades of British 
colonial rule.
  I am honored to represent Astoria, Queens--one of the largest and 
most vibrant communities of Greek and Cypriot Americans in this 
country. I truly enjoy participating in the life of this community and 
treasure the wonderful and vital Cypriot friends that I have come to 
know.
  As a member of the European Union, Cyprus is playing a vital role in 
European affairs while also strengthening relations with the United 
States. Unfortunately, the commemoration of Cyprus' Independence Day 
this year, as in the past, is clouded by the fact that Turkish military 
forces continue illegally to occupy Cyprus, in violation of UN Security 
Council resolutions. On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, and to 
this day continues to maintain an estimated 40,000 heavily armed troops 
on the island.
  I have introduced legislation, H. Res. 407, which expresses the 
strong support of the House of Representatives for the positive actions 
by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus aimed at opening additional 
crossing points along the cease-fire line, thereby contributing to 
efforts for the reunification of the island. On March 8, 2007, the 
Government of the Republic of Cyprus demolished a wall at Ledra Street 
in Nicosia, a key thoroughfare through the divided capital, as a 
gesture to facilitate the opening of Ledra Street as a crossing point. 
Two months later, the Government demolished a National Guard post at 
Kato Pyrgos. I commend the Government of the Republic of Cyprus for 
taking these actions, and I continue to believe that it is time for 
Turkey to remove its troops from the island so that Cyprus can move 
forward as one nation. I remain hopeful that an end to this division 
will be achieved.
  I believe that the United States must play an active role in the 
resolution of the serious issues facing Cyprus. Cyprus and the United 
States share a deep and abiding commitment to democracy, human rights, 
free markets, and the ideal and practice of equal justice under the 
law. The relationship between Cyprus and the United States is strong 
and enduring, and we stand together celebrating democracy and freedom.

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