[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E626-E627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONTINUED NEGOTIATIONS FOR A UNIFIED CYPRUS BETWEEN GREEK AND TURKISH 
                                CYPRIOTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2014

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
the continued negotiations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots as 
critically important towards peacefully resolving the dispute 
surrounding a unified Cyprus. I am pleased to learn that progress has 
been made following the issuance of a joint statement that resumed 
negotiations between Greek Cypriot negotiator Andreas Mavroyiannis and 
Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Ozersay in February of this year.
  The United States remains committed to supporting peace and 
cooperative relations in the Eastern Mediterranean. Cyprus was, by 
legend, the birthplace of the ancient Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. 
However, its modern history has, in contrast, been largely dominated by 
enmity between its Greek and Turkish inhabitants. However, I commend 
President Nicos Anastasiades of the Republic of

[[Page E627]]

Cyprus and President Dervis Eroglu of the Turkish Republic of Northern 
Cyprus for their leadership and coming together for the future of all 
Cypriots.
  It is my sincere hope that we may soon see an end to the Cyprus 
question once and for all, and welcome a unified Cyprus into the 
international community of nations. To this end, I encourage President 
Barack Obama, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and their 
respective governments to continue their efforts to help facilitate a 
peaceful resolution. As called for by the United Nations in various 
statements and declarations, I believe that the reunification of Cyprus 
based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality 
represents the most sustainable path to peacefully uniting the Greek 
and Turkish Cypriot communities.
  A unified Cyprus would positively impact the entire region through 
improved multilateral relations, greater economic opportunities, and 
increased security. In particular, the reunification of Cyprus would be 
a significant step towards strengthening the North Atlantic Treaty 
Organization (NATO) at a time of renewed tensions with Russia. 
Furthermore, it may signal the beginning of closer cooperation between 
Greece and Turkey, as well as revitalize discussions for Turkish 
accession to the European Union.
  Mr. Speaker, the resumption of negotiations for a unified Cyprus is a 
most welcome development. I remain a friend and ally to the people of 
Cyprus, and support their aspirations for peace and unity.

                          ____________________