[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 109 (Monday, July 14, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF TURKEY'S INVASION OF CYPRUS

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 14, 2014

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 40th 
anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus and to call for the 
end to Turkey's continued and illegal occupation.
  The Greek Cypriot community continues to struggle and face the denial 
of its fundamental human rights. Turkish troops and colonists from 
mainland Turkey based in the occupied area prevent thousands of Greek 
Cypriots from returning to their homes, and those who chose to stay in 
the occupied region face daily threats and discrimination. Their 
properties are often confiscated or sold without their consent. They 
face daily religious persecution, as Turkish troops restrict access to 
and destroy religious sites, and constrain freedom of worship.
  Turkey continues to obstruct attempts to discover the fate of 
military and civilian personnel who have been unaccounted for since the 
invasion 40 years ago Turkey has prevented the exhumation of mass 
graves in its restricted military areas, even under the offer of U.N. 
supervision.
  Fortunately, Cyprus's government continues in its commitment to a 
U.N.-sponsored process to reach a lasting solution that would create a 
bizonal, bicommunal federation respectful of the human rights of all 
Cypriots, Greek or Turkish. Last year, President Anastasiades proposed 
several measures which would significantly contribute to the 
negotiating process, and recently, the leaders of both Cypriot 
communities issued a Joint Statement which lays a strong foundation for 
future talks. The United States has welcomed both of these developments 
as crucial steps toward a lasting solution. Regrettably, the Turkish 
government has not only rejected all of these proposals, but also 
exercises ``gunboat diplomacy'' to interfere with legal oil and gas 
explorations in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
  Forty years is too long for a people to be denied their basic rights. 
It is too long to be separated from one's family and one's home. It is 
time to make Cyprus an example of reconciliation, peace, and stability 
for the eastern Mediterranean, and for the international community at-
large.

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