[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]




  ACKNOWLEDGING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ILLEGAL DIVISION OF CYPRUS

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                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 2014

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the 
current situation in Cyprus. This July 20th will mark the 40th 
anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus.
   As a result of Turkey's invasion, Cyprus has been divided into two 
territories. The main part of the Island under control of the Republic 
of Cyprus, which has de jure sovereignty, and the northern section 
controlled and occupied by Turkish troops, which the international 
community does not recognize.
   Because of this arbitrary and illegal division, thousands of Greek-
Cypriot citizens have been unable to return to their homes, some of 
which have been confiscated or sold. Additionally, countless thousands 
of Turkish settlers and troops have inhabited the Northern territory 
since the Turkish invasion, in violation of UN resolutions and the 
Geneva Convention, and within the occupied territory, freedom of 
religion has been curtailed.
   Mr. Speaker, I hope that progress can be made and diplomacy wins out 
to allow the reunification of Cyprus. In 2008, a wall that divided 
portions of Cyprus had been razed. That wall was seen as a symbol of 
the island's long-standing division. With luck, further headway can be 
made.

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