[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 109 (Wednesday, July 20, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          THE FUTURE OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 20, 2011

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, for several years, I have come to 
this Floor to urge my colleagues to support efforts to achieve a 
resolution to the dispute on Cyprus. Tragically, I find myself here 
once again as yet another year has gone by with no end to the conflict.
  While the Cyprus dispute is most directly between Greek Cypriots and 
Turkish Cypriots, it has larger implications for regional security and 
prosperity. Over the past few decades this dispute has involved not 
only the Cypriot communities, but also Turkey, Greece, the United 
Kingdom, the United States, the United Nations, and the European Union. 
Moreover, Turkey's membership to the European Union, which the United 
States enthusiastically supports, is unfortunately being impacted 
because of the impasse over Cyprus.
  In 2003, it looked like we were on the cusp of a resolution when 
Cypriots voted on the United Nations backed Annan Plan which would have 
created the United Cyprus Republic, as a loose confederation of two 
component states--the Greek Cypriot State and the Turkish Cypriot 
State.
  That plan provided a strong framework for a bi-zonal, bi-communal 
unified Cyprus; and the U.S. House of Representatives strongly endorsed 
the plan by unanimously approving a Sense of the House to that effect. 
Regrettably, the Annan Plan did not succeed when put to a referendum.
  Since the collapse of the Annan Plan peace efforts have moved forward 
sporadically. The latest round of talks began on July 7th of this year 
when Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders met in Geneva under the 
auspices of the UN Secretary General. I welcome these meetings. The 
status quo on Cyprus clearly benefits no one. It must end and the time 
is now.
  Ultimately, the Cypriots themselves are the ones who must make the 
tough decisions that will ensure a peaceful future for their island. 
Nevertheless, I urge the administration to work with all stakeholders 
to ensure that a future unified Cyprus is a Cyprus that respects human 
rights and the fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots. Any unnatural or 
unnecessary artificial limitations imposed on either community are a 
recipe for future disaster.
  Mr. Speaker, I truly believe that a lasting, fair and comprehensive 
solution to the conflict on Cyprus is possible. If we avoid 
inflammatory rhetoric and political statements and instead work in 
unison to bolster the efforts of the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish 
Cypriots to work together in good faith for the future of all Cypriots; 
the future will be bright for Cyprus.

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