[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 111 (Wednesday, July 16, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INVASION OF CYPRUS

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                           HON. NIKI TSONGAS

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2014

  Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, this week marks the 40th anniversary of the 
invasion of Cyprus by Turkish armed forces. While there has been some 
progress made regarding a resolution, thousands of Greek Cypriots 
continue to be denied their fundamental right to return to their homes.
   Turkey must live up to its international responsibilities and return 
all of Cyprus' territory to the Cypriots. Throughout my tenure in 
Congress, I have supported a variety of initiatives in support of this 
outcome, including sending letters to President Obama applauding the 
administration's commitment to exercise U.S. leadership in the 
negotiation for a just solution on Cyprus. This solution should result 
in a single, sovereign country within a bi-zonal, bi-communal 
federation. Forty years of discord is long enough; Cypriots deserve a 
government for them and by them.
   I applaud President Anastasiades' proposal from early 2013 that, if 
adopted, would significantly contribute to creating an atmosphere that 
would facilitate the negotiating process. Unfortunately, the Turkish 
side has continued to reject proposals that would enhance cooperation 
and move the two sides toward a resolution.
   Despite continued pressure from the United States, Turkey continues 
to obstruct Cyprus from exercising its basic sovereign rights including 
accessing its own natural resources.
   With the situation in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean 
growing more volatile each day, it is paramount that Turkey and Cyprus 
come back to the negotiating table, and that Turkey return occupied 
territory back to the people of Cyprus.

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