[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 111 (Wednesday, July 16, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TURKISH INVASION OF CYPRUS

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                             HON. RUSH HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2014

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, this week marks the 40th anniversary of the 
Turkish invasion of a segment of northern Cyprus. This invasion has 
since morphed into a prolonged occupation in which an estimated 43,000 
Turkish soldiers are deployed in the occupied territory, and tens of 
thousands of Turkish citizens have migrated to the island since 1974. 
Turkey's invasion and occupation of northern Cyprus has created yet 
another long-running international conflict, one that continues to 
destabilize the eastern Mediterranean region.
  I agree with those in the international community who assert that a 
peaceful, long-term resolution of this conflict must include the 
establishment of a unified Republic of Cyprus, in which the religious, 
cultural and political beliefs of all Cypriots can be expressed through 
a truly democratic political process. I am encouraged by the democratic 
selection of new leadership in the Republic of Cyprus, and reassured by 
the willingness of Turkish-Cypriot leaders to continue a dialogue about 
potential reunification. These are signs that a peaceful resolution is 
possible, but a key component of any long-term settlement must include 
the withdrawal of Turkish military forces from the island.
  A long-term, peaceful resolution of the Cyprus standoff is not simply 
in the interest of the island's Greek and Turkish inhabitants. A 
successful resolution of this conflict would remove a major obstacle to 
Turkey's integration with the rest of Europe, a development that would 
enhance the security and economic wellbeing of millions of people in 
the region. Our government should be working daily to facilitate that 
outcome, and I will certainly use every opportunity available to me to 
make that point to Administration officials.

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