[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 123 (Friday, July 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1559]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TURKISH MILITARY OCCUPATION IN CYPRUS

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                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2008

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker. I rise today to 
recognize the unconscionable 34 years of Turkish military occupation in 
Cyprus.
  On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, in blatant violation of 
international law. Nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots were forcibly expelled 
from their homes and approximately 5,000 Cypriots were killed. Today, 
Turkey has 43,000 troops occupying northern Cyprus, and the European 
Court of Human Rights has condemned Turkey in multiple decisions for 
violating the basic rights of Cypriots such as the right to life, the 
right to liberty and security, the right to respect for family life, 
the right to the protection of property and the prohibition of inhuman 
or degrading treatment.
  Cypriots want a unified island and continue to demonstrate their 
commitment toward a genuine reunification of Cyprus. However, no 
solution can realistically happen until the Turkish troops are 
withdrawn.
  I strongly urge Turkey to show a commitment to international law and 
basic human rights by ending its military occupation and withdrawing 
its 43,000 troops so that Cyprus can begin to heal these wounds, 
peacefully integrate its people and economy and grow together as a 
nation.

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