[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 22, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN SUPPORT OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS ISSUE

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                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2014

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my colleagues in calling 
for a resolution of what seems to have become the never-ending division 
of the island of Cyprus. I speak not of a resolution that casts blame 
for what has gone before, but one that reunites both Cypriot 
communities and allows the island as a whole to chart a path forward 
within the international community.
   In much of the historical rhetoric surrounding this issue, what 
sometimes gets lost is that all Cypriots--Greek Cypriots and Turkish 
Cypriots--have legitimate grievances. Any resolution of the Cyprus 
question must respect the rights of all Cypriots. All Cypriots must be 
allowed to participate freely in the island's national life. Finally, 
the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community must come 
to an end. The overwhelming vote ten years ago by Turkish Cypriots to 
end the status quo and for the Annan Plan underlines the ridiculousness 
of Turkish Cypriot isolation.
   As we observe this year the 40th anniversary of the island, and the 
10th anniversary of the vote on the Annan Plan, the fact remains that 
two generations of Greek and Turkish Cypriots have known nothing but 
the status quo. It cannot be maintained for future generations. I call 
on the Administration and my colleagues to support and encourage the 
ongoing dialogue between both communities, so that a comprehensive 
settlement that encourages reunion and reconciliation can be secured.

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