[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECALLING THE THIRTY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TURKISH INVASION OF 
                                 CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 2010

  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recall the tragic anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus that 
occurred on July 20, 1974.
  Thirty-six years ago, Turkey attacked the Republic of Cyprus. 
Tragically, the legacy of that brutal act continues to this day. To 
this day, approximately 40,000 Turkish troops continue to occupy 
Cyprus. Turkish troops, in blatant disregard for the Rule of Law and 
the basic rights of the Cypriot people, continue to illegally divide 
the island into two areas. As a result, the Republic of Cyprus is one 
of the most militarized areas in the world.
  I strongly urge both sides to fully comply with the guiding 
principles of the July 8, 2006 agreement. This agreement sought to 
establish working groups to operate together to reunify Cyprus into one 
bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality. The July 8 
agreement is an important achievement that has given both parties the 
framework to work toward a permanently unified and free Cyprus. Since 
September 3, 2008, the leaders of the two communities have held direct 
talks that are continuing regularly.
  On March 5, 2010, President Demetris Christofias of the Republic of 
Cyprus sent a letter to President Obama and other world leaders to 
assist him in moving forward a proposal that would allow experts under 
the umbrella of the United Nations to enter the city of Famagusta and 
conduct a study to plan for the restoration of the city and 
refurbishment of its infrastructure, among other things, so that its 
inhabitants may return.
  These are positive steps toward liberating the Cypriot people. A 
lasting and equitable solution for the people of Cyprus, the goal of a 
united Cyprus, and the restoration of the human rights and fundamental 
freedoms of all Cypriots is too important to abandon.
  While the international community should support the Cypriot and 
Turkish leaders as they work toward a solution, the solution to the 
illegal occupation of Cyprus must be solved by the Cypriots themselves. 
Any solution must serve the interests of the people of Cyprus and must 
not be imposed by outside parties or subject to arbitrary timeframes.
  Madam Speaker, I remain committed to the goal of a united and free 
Cyprus. After 36 years of illegal occupation, the Cypriot people 
deserve to be free from division and oppression at last.

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