[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 111 (Wednesday, July 16, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TURKISH INVASION OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2014

  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 
40th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of the Republic of Cyprus. On 
July 20, 1974, Turkish forces occupied over a third of the northern 
part of Cyprus leading into the forcible division of the country.
  Turkey's occupation of the northern part of Cyprus divided the 
country between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. Currently, Greek 
Cypriots are not given the freedom to return to their homes and are 
having their property and religious sites destroyed. The people of 
Cyprus are experiencing a violation of their human rights and the 
country continues to pursue an ethnically segregated state.
  The U.N. Security Council has been assisting the Cyprus government 
with the process of reaching a sustainable settlement that would unify 
Cyprus. In addition, President Anastasiades introduced a proposal that 
aims to rebuild a relationship between Greek Cypriot and Turkish 
Cypriot communities, which the U.S. has accepted. I urge Turkey to 
contribute in the process of reuniting the Republic of Cyprus.
  Members of Congress and the international community must work 
together to solve the ongoing conflicts and reach a comprehensive 
settlement that will unify the country. We must strongly urge Turkey to 
resolve the continuing humanitarian issues the people are facing.
  The United States strongly supports the sovereign rights of the 
Republic of Cyprus. The Cyprus Government's commitment towards working 
with the United States will ease the process of finding possible 
initiatives that will further mend the country's division. I believe 
the international community must focus on reunifying the Republic of 
Cyprus and support the ideals of freedom and justice.

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