[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 117 (Thursday, August 2, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RESOLUTION OF DISAGREEMENTS ABOUT CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VIRGINIA FOXX

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, there is a need to respond to recent comments 
that have been made by some of my colleagues involving issues of 
concern to Cyprus.
  We all agree that a comprehensive and sustainable resolution of 
disagreements about Cyprus is long overdue. Such a solution must allow 
both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities to participate in all 
aspects of the island's national life and government while respecting 
the rights and political equality of all Cypriots preserved in a 
renewed partnership state.
  Of concern to me are statements by some that Turkish Cypriots, and 
the Republic of Turkey itself, are obstacles to any forward progress.
  Without rehashing the history that brought about the current 
situation on Cyprus, it should be made clear that the Turkish 
government has, on multiple occasions, welcomed the resolution of these 
issues which guarantees the equal rights of the Turkish Cypriot 
community. Turkish Cypriots voted overwhelmingly in favor of the U.N. 
Comprehensive Peace Plan (known as Annan Plan) in 2004, demonstrating 
their sincere desire to move beyond the painful past. Despite this 
genuine determination to incorporate, not only within the life of the 
island, but within the wider European and global communities, the U.N. 
proposal was overwhelmingly rejected by the Greek Cypriot side. 
Incredibly, one week after missing one of the most significant 
opportunities to reach a comprehensive solution to these longstanding 
problems, the Greek Cypriots were awarded with membership in the 
European Union.
  As a result, the Greek Cypriot community, as the Republic of Cyprus, 
now enjoys full membership status in the European Union including all 
associated rights and privileges as well as membership in the wider, 
global community. It is time to end the isolation and embargoes imposed 
upon the Turkish Cypriot community and secure a negotiated political 
settlement, agreed to by both parties, that allows all Cypriots to 
build a common future together.

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