[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1372-E1373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       THIRTY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TURKISH INVASION OF CYPRUS

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 2010

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the thirty-sixth 
anniversary of Turkey's invasion, and subsequent occupation, of Cyprus. 
It is deeply concerning to me that every year we are compelled to 
gather in this chamber to remind the world of the devastating events 
that led to the division of Cyprus, and to remember those who were 
killed, injured, or displaced when Turkey invaded the island in 1974. 
It remains very clear to me, and to most of my colleagues, as well as 
the vast majority of the international community, that Cyprus must be 
made whole again and Turkey must be held accountable for its 
reprehensible actions in dividing the island.
  Just fourteen years after gaining its independence from Great 
Britain, Cyprus was illegally invaded by 6,000 Turkish troops and 40 
tanks. These troops swept over the northern section of Cyprus, 
occupying nearly 40 percent of the island, and forcing hundreds of 
thousands from their homes. To date, more than 1,600 people remain 
unaccounted for, including five American citizens.
  Thirty-six years after the invasion, we gather to honor and remember 
those who died. The world does not forget that Cyprus remains a nation 
divided and that over three thousand Turkish troops still illegally 
occupy almost half of the island in violation of international law.

[[Page E1373]]

  As Cyprus is a member of the European Union (EU), a strong ally of 
the United States, and a stable democracy in the Mediterranean, we need 
to continue to send a clear message to Turkey that the illegal and 
immoral occupation of Cyprus will not be tolerated.
  In an effort to move forward, Cyprus has extended the benefits of EU 
citizenship to both Greek and Turkish Cypriots on both sides of the 
divide, and there have been subtle exchanges and partnerships between 
the two communities since 2003. Residents now have the ability to 
travel freely between Cyprus and the occupied North.
  Even with these positive developments, some aspects of the division 
remain intractable. The number of Turkish troops in the North is the 
same as thirty-six years ago. Greek religious sights in the North 
continue to suffer from neglect. Communities may be free to travel, but 
the island is still divided into ethnic enclaves.
  I am optimistic that President Obama has identified bringing the 
Greek and Turkish communities together in a bi-zonal, bi-communal 
federation as a priority, along with the EU. Most importantly, this is 
also the goal of the Cypriot people. On the thirty-sixth anniversary of 
the division of Cyprus, I encourage Cypriot President Demetrius 
Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to strengthen 
their efforts to remove Turkish troops, free movement between the Greek 
and Turkish communities, and end the division of Cyprus. It is time for 
us in Congress, with President Obama's commitment, to move Cyprus to a 
future of peace and prosperity.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to join with my colleagues in standing 
against Turkish oppression in Cyprus. Thirty-six years is a long time 
to wait, but it is my sincerest hope that our actions will persuade 
Turkey to end its unlawful occupation of Cyprus.

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