[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TURKISH INVASION OF CYPRUS

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                          HON. PETER J. ROSKAM

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 2010

  Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the anniversary 
of the Turkish invasion of the Republic of Cyprus. Thirty-six years ago 
today, Turkish troops entered the country in violation of international 
law, and have since maintained, and even increased their occupation of 
the Northern portion of Cyprus. Besides turning over Greek Cypriot 
property to new Turkish immigrants it is widely reported that there are 
currently roughly one Turkish soldier for every two Turkish Cypriots 
that they are claiming to defend.
  Over the past 36 years, the occupation of Cyprus has grown to the 
point where Turkish troops can be found in almost 37 percent of the 
country's territory. This increase in occupation has occurred despite 
the fact that countless resolutions have been adopted by the U.N. 
Security Council and the U.N. General Assembly discouraging Turkey's 
continued occupation. These resolutions, which call for the return of 
refugees and the withdrawal of Turkish troops, have been blatantly 
ignored.
  Turkey's invasion and continued occupation of Cyprus represents a 
violation of human rights and creates an unnecessary ongoing situation 
of tension and uncertainty throughout the island. It has resulted in 
ethnic segregation and a noticeable division between the Greek Cypriots 
and Turkish Cypriots. Most notably, the Turkish occupation has provoked 
the forcible expulsion of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots from their 
homes, leaving nearly one-third of the country in an ambiguous state of 
homelessness waiting to see if an agreement will ever be reached and 
their land will ever be returned.
  Just weeks ago we celebrated America's Independence Day. We 
celebrated our freedom and thriving representative democracy. Please 
join me in taking a moment today to remember and recognize the country 
of Cyprus as they continue to push for a restored democracy and a safe 
resolution to Turkish occupation.

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