[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 106 (Monday, July 19, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  STAND WITH THE CYPRIOTS ON THE COMMEMORATION OF THE CYPRUS INVASION 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 19, 2010

  Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker and colleagues. I rise today to commemorate 
the 36th anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus by Turkey. On July 20, 
1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus in flagrant violation of international law.
  The continuing presence of the occupied areas of Cyprus and the human 
rights violation of the Cypriot people is unacceptable! A solution 
cannot be achieved without the removal of all Turkish troops and 
settlers, and the return of all Cypriot citizens to their ancestral 
homes. Despite numerous U.N. resolutions calling for the return of the 
refugees to their home and properties and for the withdrawal of Turkish 
troops from Cyprus, Turkey continues to illegally occupy the northern 
part of Cyprus.
  We should honor the Cypriots who continue in their tight for justice! 
Cyprus and the U.S. share a deep and abiding commitment to upholding 
the ideals of freedom, democracy. justice, human rights, and the 
international rule of law. The international community has a moral and 
ethical obligation to stand with the Cypriots to reunify their island 
and end the military occupation.
  I ask my colleagues to stand with me and Cypriots to mark this 
important anniversary and take a stand for human rights and freedom.

                          ____________________