[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 113 (Thursday, August 1, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REUNIFICATION ON THE ISLAND OF CYPRUS

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 1, 2013

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
encourage renewed efforts to bring about reunification on the island of 
Cyprus.
  In 2004, the inhabitants of the island participated in a referendum 
put forward by the United Nations under Secretary-General Kofi Annan. 
The proposal known as the Annan Plan foresaw a bi-communal, bi-zonal 
federation based on political equality. Unfortunately, it was 
overwhelmingly rejected by Greek Cypriots in 2004 despite vast support 
by Turkish Cypriots. Had it been accepted, it would have brought about 
a resolution to this longstanding separation of the island and 
contributed to political stability in this region of the world.
  In 2008, the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders reaffirmed 
their commitment to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political 
equality as defined by relevant Security Council resolutions. These 
talks proceeded through May 2012, often being guided by former United 
Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The framework included a federal 
government with a single international personality as well as a Turkish 
Cypriot constituent state and a Greek Cypriot constituent state, both 
of equal status. Unfortunately, this process has been put on hold for 
more than a year, as Cyprus has dealt with serious economic crises and 
political reforms.
  The time has come for both sides to resume this process and seek 
long-term solutions that will bring peace and prosperity to the island. 
On July 28, Turkish Cypriots successfully completed elections, 
advancing the cause of democracy on the island. I congratulate the 
Turkish Cypriots for holding free and fair elections, and wish them 
well as they endeavor to form a new government. But a broader solution, 
involving the participation of both sides of the island, is essential 
to Cyprus's long-term success. It is my strong hope that economic 
conditions have stabilized sufficiently on the island to allow this 
process to move forward. The United States should do all it can to 
support this process.

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