[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 114 (Wednesday, July 27, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CIVIL RIGHTS ABUSES IN CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JESSE L. JACKSON, JR.

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 27, 2011

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of 
the lives lost to date on Cyprus, and in recognition of the continuing 
conflict and civil rights abuses taking place on the island.
  On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus in response to a Greek led 
coup, bringing to life a conflict that had long remained dormant. On 
that day, Turkish armed forces took control of the Northern portion of 
the island, and continue to occupy nearly 37 percent of Cyprus' 
territory today.
  The continuing occupation has resulted in segregation and division of 
Greek and Turkish Cypriots, preventing the diverse and peaceful 
communities that once existed from returning, and inhibiting any 
communication or peaceful solution to the current crisis.
  To date, more than 160,000 Turkish mainland settlers have emigrated 
to Cyrpus, creating an imbalance in the population. In addition to that 
figure, the continued presence of 43,000 Turkish troops in Cyprus has 
contributed to tension between either ethnicity.
  During the course of this conflict, more than 200,000 Greek Cypriots 
have been forced from their homes; 520 Greek Orthodox churches have 
been vandalized; 15,000 ecclesiastical items have been lost or stolen; 
nearly 60,000 Cypriot artifacts have been illegally transferred to 
other nations; and the property of displaced Greek-Cypriots, including 
homes and business, has been commandeered by mainland Turkish 
immigrants. These human rights violations, historical defacements, and 
cultural destruction of the Cypriot legacy must be stopped.
  Mr. Speaker, this House and the United Nations have consistently 
passed resolutions calling for protection of the Cypriot people, 
restoration of property rights, and the return of stolen historic and 
religious artifacts. It is critical that a peaceful solution to this 
standoff is reached, so that all Cypriot people can return to their 
homes, and rebuild the vibrant, diverse and accepting communities that 
once existed there.
  I urge all parties involved to join in negotiating a settlement that 
will prevent further devastation and restore peace and security to the 
island of Cyprus.

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