[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 30, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       SOLVING THE CYPRUS PROBLEM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VIRGINIA FOXX

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 30, 2013

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the ongoing Cyprus 
problem.
  Another year has passed, and yet again Members of Congress are 
speaking out in support of resolving this problem. As co-chair of the 
Congressional Caucus on US-Turkish Relations and Turkish-Americans, I 
wish to join my colleagues in these efforts. A positive resolution of 
this matter would enhance the stability, security, and economic 
integration in the Eastern Mediterranean region and ensure the 
equitable and effective sharing of natural resources.
  Many of my colleagues have grown frustrated over the years by the 
lack of progress toward a negotiated political settlement. Perhaps the 
greatest frustration was caused by the failure of the UN peace 
initiative in 2004, when--despite the strong approval of the Turkish 
Cypriots--Greek Cypriots overwhelmingly rejected the Peace Plan and 
defeated the initiative.
  If it had been approved by the both sides, the UN Peace Plan of 2004, 
which was strongly supported by the United States and the international 
community, would have established a bi-zonal and bi-communal state, 
demilitarized the island and settled the very issues that many of my 
colleagues have raised in recent weeks in conjunction with Cyprus.
  In a report issued in May 2004, the UN Secretary General stated: ``In 
the aftermath of the vote, the situation of the Turkish Cypriots calls 
for the attention of the international community as a whole, including 
the Security Council.'' The report also noted that ``[t]he Turkish 
Cypriot vote has undone any rationale for pressuring and isolating 
them.''
  Meanwhile, on April 26, the General Affairs Council of the European 
Union declared that: ``The Turkish Cypriot community has expressed 
their clear desire for a future within the European Union. The Council 
is determined to put an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot 
community and to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging 
the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community.''
  Yet we cannot let frustration deter us from moving forward.
  I applaud The Turkish Cypriots for their willingness to move forward 
and their continued commitment to a negotiated political settlement. I 
am also encouraged by the newly elected Greek Cypriot President's 
previous support of the 2004 Peace Plan. Mr. Anastasiades now has a 
genuine opportunity to not only support a comprehensive settlement, but 
to achieve it.
  The economic difficulties that have gripped Southern Cyprus this year 
should not be an obstacle to peace. On the contrary, as many experts 
say, they offer a good reason to take the path of cooperation. A united 
Cyprus would increase economic growth and provide stability in an 
important region--for the United States and our allies.
  And while it will be up to the Greek and Turkish Cypriots to decide 
on their common or separate futures, the United States' interests in 
the region require an active involvement and engagement in the process. 
The U.S. should use its best influence to encourage all relevant 
parties in Cyprus to launch comprehensive peace talks without any 
further delay.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope this time next year we will be able to applaud 
the ultimate resolution of the 40-year-old Cyprus problem.

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