[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 30, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         AGREEMENT BETWEEN GREEK CYPRIOTS AND TURKISH CYPRIOTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TREY RADEL

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 30, 2013

  Mr. RADEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address some of the 
statements conveyed in this House concerning the continuing division of 
the island of Cyprus, a division that has now, unfortunately, 
approaching four decades.
   I believe that the time is long overdue for a final agreement 
between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots--one which is arrived 
at together by both parties, with the support of the international 
community, which respects the human rights of all Cypriots. I call upon 
the Administration to reenergize its engagement on this issue, one that 
has largely been tolerated through Administrations and Congresses of 
both parties, and unfortunately by many Cypriots themselves.
   While I do not wish to revisit the history that has led to this 
division, I would ask my colleagues to note that Turkish Cypriots voted 
overwhelmingly in favor of the ``UN Plan for a Comprehensive Settlement 
of the Cyprus Problem'' in the simultaneous referenda held on both 
sides of the island, conveying to their Greek Cypriot neighbors, and 
the wider world, its desire to solve the Cyprus problem, and become 
integrated into the life of Europe and the international community. 
Additionally, Turkey has been stating that it would welcome a 
resolution of the Cyprus issue, as long as the rights of the Turkish 
Cypriot community are guaranteed. I do not believe this is an 
unreasonable request. Indeed, it should apply to all Cypriots.
   The Greek Cypriot community, as the Republic of Cyprus, enjoys all 
of the rights and privileges of European Union membership, and 
participates freely in the international community. Turkish Cypriots 
continue to endure international isolation and embargoes--a status quo 
that can never be considered a long-term, permanent solution. The time 
has come for both parties to work together to secure a political 
settlement, and to put this long, sorry chapter behind them. I ask my 
colleagues to recommit themselves to supporting a just and 
comprehensive solution to the division of Cyprus.

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