[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 112 (Thursday, July 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IMMEDIATE END TO THE TURKISH OCCUPATION OF CYPRUS

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                            HON. DINA TITUS

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 2014

  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call for an immediate end to 
the Turkish occupation of Cyprus. This year we mark the 40th 
anniversary of Turkey's aggressive and illegal division of the island.
   During their forty year occupation, Turkey has taken little action 
to bring peace and stability to the island. In fact, they have done 
just the opposite, bringing tens of thousands of settlers from mainland 
Turkey to live in the homes of Greek Cypriots and further complicate 
any solution to the Cyprus Problem.
   The Turkish government has been complicit in the destruction of 
Greek churches and the systematic demolition of Greek culture in the 
northern areas of Cyprus.
   Time after time, the Turkish Government has stood in the way of a 
mutually agreeable resolution. Despite the lack of commitment from the 
Turkish authorities, Cyprus remains committed to finding a settlement 
to reunify Cyprus in a manner that respects the rights of all 
inhabitants of the island. It is far past time for Turkey to seriously 
work on finding a solution to this problem.
   Cyprus is a strong ally of the United States in an area of the world 
that can be unstable and unpredictable. It is critical that the United 
States strengthens our relationship with Cyprus, especially on issues 
such as energy and tourism.

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