[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1544]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 24TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TURKISH OCCUPATION OF CYPRUS

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                          HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 2008

  Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate once again the 
anniversary of Turkey's illegal invasion and occupation of Cyprus, 
beginning in 1974, lasting up to the present time. The division of 
Cyprus has wreaked havoc on the island nation and left its Turkish-
occupied section in disarray. It is cruel that the Cypriot people 
should continue to be subjected to this conflict.
  Two summers ago, we were all pleased to see the two sides reach a 
major breakthrough in the troubled history of this divided island. 
After years of conflict, both sides committed themselves to the 
reunification of Cyprus based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation and 
political equality. By agreeing to these principles, they recognized 
the status quo is unacceptable and that continuing it only hurts 
Turkish and Greek Cypriots.
  Now, the two parties have set up working groups and committees so 
they can begin implementing the agreement they reached in 2006. In just 
a few days, Cypriot President Christofias will meet with his Turkish 
counterpart, Mr. Talat, when they will review the progress of these 
working groups. It is my hope--and I believe my colleagues share in my 
feeling--that the two sides will soon be able to begin full-fledged 
negotiations, leading to a final status agreement and the removal of 
all Turkish troops from the island. Last fall, this House expressed its 
support for these efforts by unanimously passing H. Res. 405, of which 
I was a proud cosponsor.
  Madam Speaker, we urge the two parties to move forward in their 
discussions and, at the same time, we urge the international community 
to step back and allow the Cypriots--and the Cypriots alone--to make 
the decisions affecting their future. No one can force an agreement on 
them.

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