[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 109 (Wednesday, July 20, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1366-E1367]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 37TH ANNIVERSARY OF TURKEY'S ILLEGAL INVASION OF CYPRUS

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                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 20, 2011

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 37th 
anniversary of Turkey's illegal occupation of Cyprus. I hope that my 
colleagues in the House of Representatives will join me in calling for 
an end to this occupation.
  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 and made one-third of the Cypriot population refugees in 
their own country.
  Turkey continues to illegally occupy northern Cyprus with a force of 
approximately 43,000 troops. This incredible number of troops amounts 
to almost one Turkish soldier for every two Turkish Cypriots. The 
military occupation of northern Cyprus continues in the face of 
international pressure to achieve a peaceful settlement.
  While military occupation of northern Cyprus continues to be a 
constant threat to peace, the forcible expulsion of Greek Cypriots and 
U.S. citizens has resulted in the mass colonization of their homes and 
property. At the time of the invasion this amounted to almost one-third 
of the total population of the island being expelled and having their 
property taken. Once again this illegal colonization comes in defiance 
of international calls 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 and continuing 
to display blatant disrespect towards Greek Cypriots and their 
property.
  We continue to see Turkey pursuing policies that not only hurt its 
relations with nations that

[[Page E1367]]

should serve as true democratic allies, but also policies that hurt 
regional stability. I have been an outspoken opponent of Turkey's 
irresponsible regional relations, which in many ways negatively impact 
the United States. Turkey plainly disrespects international law and 
provides support to rogue nations and organizations that threaten the 
United States and our regional partners.
  It is unfortunate that I must again this year say enough is enough 
and ask my colleagues to join me in taking principled steps to prevent 
further destabilizing actions by Turkey. 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.
  Cypriot President Christofias has begun meetings with Turkish Cypriot 
leader Mr. Eroglu and U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon in attempts to 
come to a peaceful settlement. The leaders have agreed to intensify 
their diplomatic contacts in order to establish a practical plan for 
overcoming the major remaining disagreements. It is my hope that this 
agreement will come in a fair and expeditious manner that is in the 
best interest of the Cypriot people.
  The U.S. must also 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. 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.
  Mr. Speaker, today I am reintroducing legislation that is just one 
step towards achieving justice for those who have been unfairly 
expelled from their rightful property in occupied Cyprus. My 
legislation, the American Owned Property in Occupied Cyprus Claims Act, 
will enable U.S. citizens who own property in the Turkish-occupied 
territory to seek financial remedies with either the current 
inhabitants of their land or the Turkish government. Passage of this 
legislation will not only return rights to U.S. citizens but send an 
important message to Turkey and the international community that the 
status quo cannot stand.
  Mr. Speaker, as we remember the 37th 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 or the protection of its citizens.

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