[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 150 (Wednesday, November 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1937]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CALLING ON TURKISH-OCCUPIED CYPRUS TO PROTECT RELIGIOUS ARTIFACTS

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                               speech of

                           HON. BILL DELAHUNT

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I am concerned that the voice vote 
passage of H. Res. 1631, on September, 28, 2010, ``Calling for the 
protection of religious sites and artifacts from and in Turkish-
occupied areas of northern Cyprus as well as for general respect for 
religious freedom,'' may be detrimental to efforts at reunification of 
Cyprus.
  While the Cyprus dispute is between Greek Cypriots and Turkish 
Cypriots, it has commanded the attention of other countries for 
decades. In that time, negotiations over Cyprus have involved not only 
the Cypriot communities, but also Turkey, Greece, the United Kingdom, 
the United States, the United Nations, and the European Union. The 
impasse over Cyprus has had a number of implications, including the 
continuing stalemate on Turkey's accession to the European Union.
  While sponsors of H. Res. 1631, spoke about religious tolerance, this 
legislation is clearly intended to target Turkey and Turkish Cypriots 
directly. No mention was made about the destruction of Turkish-Muslim 
cultural sites in the Republic of Cyprus, or the fact that both Greek 
and Turkish Cypriot communities have been working to tackle this 
problem together since 2008, under a Technical Committee established 
jointly by the leaders of the two communities.
  Turkey, a friend of the United States and a NATO ally, has been 
supportive of the current discussions within the global community and 
between the two Cypriot leaders. The continuation of these efforts 
should be encouraged.
  Passage of H. Res. 1631 at this time, could provoke a highly negative 
reaction and completely sidetrack the ongoing reunification process. 
Instead of a one-sided resolution, this House should commend and 
endorse the steps taken by both parties to resolve their longstanding 
dispute and settle their differences together.

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