[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   36 YEARS OF TURKISH MILITARY OCCUPATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 2010

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the unconscionable 36 years of Turkish military occupation of 
the Republic of Cyprus.
  On July 20, 1974, tens of thousands of Turkish military troops 
invaded Cyprus, in a blatant and deliberate violation of international 
law. This caused the forcible expulsion of approximately 200,000 Greek 
Cypriots from their homes, which at the time amounted to almost one-
third of the total population on the island. Nearly 5,000 Cypriots were 
also killed.
  Three decades after the initial invasion, Turkey still has over 
40,000 troops illegally occupying about 37 percent of Cypriot 
territory. During the occupation, the Turks expelled thousands of Greek 
Cypriots from their own homes who were then forced to flee to other 
parts of the island leaving behind their property and other belongings. 
These seized properties, many of them belonging to American citizens of 
Cypriot descent, were unlawfully distributed to and are currently being 
occupied by thousands of illegal settlers from Turkey. The European 
Court of Human Rights has stated again and again that displaced Greek 
Cypriots have not lost the title to their properties and thus remain 
the only legal and lawful owners of the properties in question. 
Unfortunately, Turkey has repeatedly ignored countless UN Resolutions 
calling for an end to the occupation.
  Cypriots want a unified island and continue to demonstrate their 
commitment toward a genuine reunification of their country. However, no 
realistic solution can occur without Ankara's complete and constructive 
cooperation. I strongly urge Turkey to show a commitment to 
international law and basic human rights by ending its military 
occupation, withdrawing its thousands of troops, and removing the 
illegal settlers.
  I am encouraged that both sides continue their negotiations toward 
reaching a long-lasting comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem 
based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation. This solution must be made 
by the Cypriots and for the Cypriots.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in standing up for 
human rights and freedom, and urge Turkey to negotiate an end to this 
occupation in good faith and cooperation.