[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF TURKEY'S ILLEGAL INVASION OF CYPRUS

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                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 2010

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, tonight I join my colleagues on the House 
floor to remember the 36th anniversary of Turkey's illegal occupation 
of Cyprus.
  On July 20th 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus in violation of 
international law and at great cost to the citizens of Cyprus. Turkish 
troops established a heavily-armed force which occupied the northern 
part of Cyprus and continues to occupy close to 37 percent of Cyprus' 
territory. The invasion forced nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots to flee 
their homes--making one-third of the Cypriot population refugees in 
their own country.
  Today, Turkey continues to illegally occupy northern Cyprus with a 
force of 43,000 troops. This unbelievable number of troops amounts to 
almost one Turkish soldier for every two Turkish Cypriots. This 
military occupation flies in defiance of international pressure to 
achieve a peaceful settlement.
  Beyond the military occupation of northern Cyprus it is important to 
consider the mass colonization which has resulted in 160,000 Turkish 
mainland settlers illegally living on property owned by Greek Cypriots 
or even U.S. citizens. Once again this illegal colonization comes 
despite international pressure on Turkey to take action to stop the 
illegal occupation and ensure the return of properties to their 
rightful owners.
  In fact, since 1974 more than 75 resolutions have been adopted by the 
U.N. Security Council and more than 13 by the U.N. General Assembly 
calling for a withdrawal of Turkish troops and the return of refugees 
to their rightful homes. However, the Turkish government continues to 
remain defiant, plainly ignoring these calls to withdraw.
  In recent months we have continued to see Turkey pursue policies that 
not only hurt its relations with nations that should serve as true 
democratic allies, but also policies that hurt regional relations and 
stability. I have been an outspoken opponent of Turkey's irresponsible 
regional relations, which in many ways negatively affect the U.S. 
Whether it is the illegal blockade on its border with Armenia, the 
failure to take proper recourse to investigate a domestic group that 
incited a deadly incident with Israeli troops, their continued 
violations of Greek airspace or their illegal occupation of northern 
Cyprus, Turkey disrespects international law and regional partners of 
the United States.
  There comes a time when the United States must say enough is enough 
and take principled steps to prevent further destabilizing actions. As 
a member of the Hellenic Caucus, I have long advocated for the 
withdrawal of Turkish forces from northern Cyprus and called on Turkey 
to support a settlement that comes from the Cypriots themselves.
  The United States must do its part to foster a united Cyprus. It is 
in the best interest of the United States, and I believe all involved 
parties to ensure that the goal is a reunified Cyprus where Greek 
Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots live together in peace and security. A 
successful settlement effort must build on the work towards a bizonal, 
bicommunal federation with political equality that represents U.N. 
Security Council resolutions. In the end, Cyprus must have a single 
sovereignty and single citizenship which all Cypriots can enjoy.
  Now is the time for Turkey to show that they are willing to take a 
sincere approach to allowing a peaceful resolution to the dispute. The 
leadership in Ankara must show that the will and support behind a 
peaceful settlement is in the best interest of Turkey and that it is 
fully supported. Without such a signal by the government of Turkey, a 
final settlement will continue to dwindle as Turkish settlers pursue 
the policies of their home nation.
  It is now thirty-six years since the illegal Turkish invasion and 
subsequent occupation of Cyprus. However, the resolve has never been 
greater to ensure that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike 
benefit from a united nation that affords them the stability and 
security that all citizens deserve. The Government of the Republic of 
Cyprus has shown their willingness to work constructively with the 
Cypriots towards a reunified island. It is time for Turkey to do the 
same.
  Last Congress, I introduced the bipartisan American Owned Property in 
Occupied Cyprus Claims Act. Through this legislation, Americans who are 
being denied access to their property and even their ancestral homes 
will finally be able to seek restitution. I am currently working with 
different stakeholders to strengthen this bill before reintroduction.
  Madam Speaker, as we remember the 36th Anniversary of Turkey's 
illegal invasion and occupation of Cyprus, I remain hopeful a united 
Cyprus can become a reality. However, the United States can not be 
complacent in this goal.

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