[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 112 (Thursday, July 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DIVISION OF CYPRUS

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 2014

  Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in commemoration of the 40th 
anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus, which began a conflict that 
continues to this day.
  Since July 20, 1974, Turkey has occupied the northern territory of 
Cyprus, denying thousands of Greek Cypriots the right to return to 
their homes and imposing severe restrictions on their property rights 
and religious freedoms. They continue to block the exhumation of mass 
graves, even under UN supervision, leaving hundreds of cases of missing 
people unresolved.
  Cyprus should not be expected to accept anything less in terms of 
fundamental democratic rights than any American would accept. A final 
resolution must be determined by the Cypriots and for the Cypriots.
  I am encouraged that both parties agreed to a Joint Statement which 
lays the foundation for future resolution talks, and I applaud 
President Anastasiades' proposed confidence-building measures as 
helpful ways to facilitate the negotiating process.
  I also wish to recognize the incredible achievements by Cyprus 
despite the ongoing conflict.
  Cyprus has flourished as a nation and grown as a democratic stalwart 
in the eastern Mediterranean. This ally of the United States has helped 
progress U.S. interests in the region, including their integral role in 
the removal of chemical weapons from Syria.
  As a member of the European Union, they helped push the body to 
designate Hezbollah a terrorist organization. Their recent discovery of 
offshore natural gas will not only provide a significant revenue stream 
for the country, but also creates opportunities for cooperation with 
Israel and offers an alternative energy source for the EU.
  As a co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic-Israeli Alliance Caucus, 
I will continue to promote greater collaboration between Congress, 
Israel, Greece, and Cyprus.
  This conflict has continued for far too long, and I call on both 
parties to resume negotiations and work toward a permanent resolution.

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