[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TURKISH INVASION OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SUZANNE M. KOSMAS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 2010

  Ms. KOSMAS. Madam Speaker, on the 36th anrniversary of the invasion 
of Cyprus, it is important to remind ourselves of the continuing human 
rights violations that have left the island and its people divided. The 
occupation that began on July 20, 1974 has resulted in the forced 
removal of Greek Cypriots from their homes in the occupied zone, the 
destruction and desecration of Greek Orthodox churches and chapels, and 
years of suffering for families with missing relatives whose fates may 
never be known.
  An occupation force of over 40,000 Turkish troops has allowed for the 
colonization of the seized lands by 160,000 settlers from mainland 
Turkey. These settlers are unlawfully occupying property seized from 
Greek Cypriots that have either fled their homes or been expelled in 
the wake of the invasion. This unlawful occupation has resulted in the 
adoption of 75 resolutions by the U.N. Security Council calling for the 
return of the refugees to their homes and properties and for the 
withdrawal of the Turkish troops from Cyprus.
  In the face of continuing oppression and hardship, President Demetris 
Christofias has been partaking in continuing negotiations with the 
leader of the Turkish Cypriot community in an effort to reach a 
comprehensive settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation as a 
single sovereignty, with a single citizenship that is recognized as a 
single international entity. The only acceptable solution must reunite 
the island, its people, its institutions and its economy while 
safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all Cypriots and ensuring the 
withdrawal of Turkish occupation forces from Cyprus.
  Such a solution would not only serve the best interests of all 
Cypriots, but it would also serve the interests of Turkey and 
ultimately the interests of the United States in promoting peace and 
stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

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