[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 111 (Wednesday, July 22, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H8562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                              {time}  1845
                 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF INVASION OF CYPRUS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recall an anniversary 
that for the past 35 years has plagued the Cypriot and Hellenic 
communities, as well as all freedom-loving people. Mr. Speaker, even 
though the tragic events of the Turkish invasion took place so long ago 
on July 20, 1974, the pain and suffering is still felt because the 
divisions of the invasion still exist, unfortunately.
  This week is a time for this body to solemnly remember the Turkish 
military invasion of the island of Cyprus, to mourn those who lost 
their lives in the invasion, and to condemn the ongoing Turkish 
occupation.
  On July 20, 1974, in flagrant violation of international law, Turkey 
invaded Cyprus and violently captured the northern part of the island 
Cyprus' territory. As a result of the Turkish invasion and occupation, 
160,000 Greek Cypriots, 70 percent of the population of the occupied 
area, were forcibly expelled from their homes. In addition, 5,000 Greek 
Cypriots were killed, and more than 1,400 Greek Cypriots, including 
four Americans of Cypriot descent, remain missing since the Turkish 
invasion, and their fate is still unknown.
  As a result of the invasion and occupation, Greek and Turkish 
Cypriots were forcibly divided along ethnic lines and remain so to this 
day.
  The United Nations has adopted numerous resolutions which reflect the 
universal condemnation of Turkey's invasion. Moreover, the European 
Court of Human Rights has found the Government of Turkey responsible 
for gross and systematic violations of human rights in Cyprus.
  Cypriots should have the right to return to their homes, and the 
illegal settlers who were transported from Turkey to the occupied parts 
of Cyprus should relinquish their homesteads and properties to the 
rightful owners. Thirty-five years is 35 years too long for the island 
and people of Cyprus to endure an illegal occupation and division.
  Negotiations that began with President Christofias and Turkish 
Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat last year have provided some measure of 
hope. Negotiations are moving forward. The key to a successful outcome 
of the negotiating process and reunification of the island remains with 
Ankara. A solution to the Cyprus problem cannot be reached without 
Turkey's full and constructive cooperation. It is essential that Turkey 
exhibit the necessary political will that would enable the negotiations 
between the two communities in Cyprus to move forward. A solution must 
come from the Cypriots themselves and must serve the interests of the 
Cypriots.
  Secretary Clinton promised me in a recent hearing that the 
administration would support a solution of the Cyprus problem and, 
specifically, a bicommunal, bizonal federation. The U.S. should use its 
influence toward Turkey to also actively and publicly support the 
process and the reunification of the island as a bicommunal and bizonal 
federation.
  Mr. Speaker, let's hope the people of Cyprus won't have to suffer 
another year longer. Let us hope that Cyprus will once again be a 
unified nation where all freedom-loving Cypriots can live together in 
peace.

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