[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 164 (Wednesday, December 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNITION OF CYPRUS' PRESIDENCY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

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                            HON. ALBIO SIRES

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2012

  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Republic of 
Cyprus as their first rotating European Union (EU) Presidency comes to 
a close. The past six months have been lauded as a very productive 
presidency and I would like to honor the importance of this 
accomplishment for a small--yet still occupied and divided--country 
like Cyprus. Some of the most notable accomplishments show a continued 
commitment to human rights and democratic governments.
  During Cyprus's presidency they oversaw the implementation of Iran 
sanctions--the toughest EU measure to date. The EU was also awarded the 
2012 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its longtime commitment to 
promoting peace, as well as reconciliation, democracy, human rights, 
and the rule of law. Furthermore, the EU focused on steps needed to 
eradicate human trafficking during the sixth EU Anti-Trafficking Day 
conference entitled, ``Working Together Towards the Eradication of 
Trafficking in Human Beings: The Way Forward.''
  Mr. Speaker, as a friend and ally of the United States, I would like 
to congratulate Cyprus on a productive EU presidency. This is an 
important moment in the history of Cyprus and as a stable democracy 
dedicated to human rights and religious freedom; I wish to honor this 
significant event.

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