[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]




           36TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TURKISH INVASION OF CYPRUS

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                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 2010

  Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate 
the 36th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
  On July 20, 1974, the Turkish military invaded Cyprus in direct 
violation of international law. Turkish troops illegally occupied the 
northern part of Cyprus, and established local armed forces that 
continue to control 37 percent of the Island. As a result of the 
Turkish invasion, nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots were forcibly expelled 
from their homes and approximately 5,000 Cypriots were killed.
  There was no justification for Turkey's invasion of Cyprus, and there 
is no justification for continued interference to this day.
  It is appropriate that on the anniversary of the invasion, we mourn 
those whose lives were lost as well as condemn the occupation.
  Although that is the focus of today, I also want to acknowledge my 
strong belief that it is possible for there to be a settlement of the 
conflict over Cyprus. To date, the process has not been easy, and I 
don't think anyone in the U.S. Congress thinks the matter can be 
resolved without hard work and sustained focus, but it is a process we 
must continue.
  The ongoing talks between Cyprus' President Demetris Christofias and 
the Turkish Cypriot community leader Dervis Eroglu have the potential 
to produce real progress, beyond confidence building measures. Clearly, 
we need more forward momentum in strongly supporting the Cypriot's goal 
of reunification with a single internationally supported and recognized 
government. I very much hope this can achieved by the end of this year.
  For today, however, we rise to again commemorate and recognize a 
historic travesty and those that suffered as a result.

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