[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 113 (Thursday, July 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SUPPORTING INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS FOR THE REUNIFICATION OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2012

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the Administration to 
join in the international effort to reach a comprehensive settlement in 
Cyprus as a bi-zonal and bi-communal federation. This continued dispute 
has real regional and global implications. It threatens effective NATO-
EU cooperation, affects regional stability, and also remains an 
obstacle to Turkey, our key partner and ally, gaining full membership 
to the European Union, which the United States has long supported.
  I continue to believe that a just and viable solution to the 
longstanding Cyprus problem is not only achievable, but also urgent and 
necessary. The key to the settlement in Cyprus is the renewal of the 
Partnership between the two equal co-owners and co-founders of the 
``Republic of Cyprus'', as established in 1960: Turkish Cypriots and 
Greek Cypriots. As a matter of fact, Turkish Cypriot people have long 
proven their readiness to renew the Partnership State. In 2004 they 
demonstrated the necessary political will for a comprehensive solution 
by voting strongly for the UN Settlement Plan in the separate and 
simultaneous referenda, a proposal that was overwhelmingly rejected by 
the Greek Cypriot side.
  Since assuming the European Union term presidency on July 1, there is 
no better time for the Greek Cypriot government to take the long-
awaited substantial steps towards a comprehensive settlement with the 
Turkish Cypriots. I hope this new EU role for Cyprus will not hinder 
the continuation of reunification talks. In fact, I believe that 
Cyprus' six-month term in the presidency of the EU brings extra 
responsibilities to show sincere efforts towards peace.
  The international community and the United States will have to answer 
a fundamental question in the days ahead: Are we going to put in place 
all necessary efforts in order to reach a comprehensive solution in 
Cyprus, and thus demonstrate the political will to that effect, or are 
we going to let an achievable settlement slip away once again, all the 
while perpetuating the illegitimate and unjust isolation of the Turkish 
Cypriot people? A continued status quo in Cyprus is not beneficial to 
any party, and the time is now to solve a dispute that has lasted for 
more than forty years.
  In light of recent actions by Syria and others in the Middle East, 
Turkey has continued to operate as an important U.S. ally in the 
region, and all parties acknowledge that Turkey's membership to the 
European Union cannot be achieved without first tackling these issues 
in Cyprus. Therefore, all sides should return to the table and set a 
timeline for action, and this Administration should work with all 
stakeholders to ensure that any agreement respects human rights and 
ensures the fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots.
  While the people of Cyprus must ultimately decide their own fate, 
there is no better time for the international community to support such 
reunification efforts. As all eyes remain on Cyprus during its term 
with the EU presidency, and continued talks would signal to the world 
that both parties are committed to establishing a peaceful and 
prosperous future for all Cypriots.

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