[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]




                           INVASION OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 20, 2011

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the 
anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus, which occurred on July 20, 
1974. In violation of international law, Turkish troops occupied the 
northern part of Cyprus, and established an armed force that continues 
to occupy nearly over one third of Cyprus' territory.
  The invasion and continuing occupation of the northern part of the 
island has resulted in the continuing presence of a force of thousands 
of Turkish troops, mass violation of the human rights and fundamental 
freedoms of the Cypriot people, and the destruction of cultural and 
religious artifacts. On September 28, 2010, the U.S. House of 
Representatives unanimously passed H. Res. 1631 which calls 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.
  Over the years, Cyprus has proven itself to be a reliable partner of 
the U.S. Throughout the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Cyprus has 
provided over-flight and landing rights to United States aircraft and 
port access for U.S. ships. Furthermore, during the Lebanon crisis of 
2006, Cyprus served as the principal transit location for people 
evacuating Lebanon, including some 15,000 U.S. citizens.
  Cyprus and the U.S. also share a deep and abiding commitment to 
upholding the ideals of freedom, democracy, justice, human rights, and 
the international rule of law. It is time for Turkey to share this goal 
with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and work earnestly and 
constructively with the Cypriots for a true reunification of the island 
as a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined 
in the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions.
  Such a solution would not only serve the best interests of all 
Cypriots, but ultimately the interests of the U.S. in promoting 
stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
  The aim remains to work towards a solution which will establish a 
bicommunal, bizonal federation with respect for human rights and 
fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots.

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