[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 116 (Wednesday, July 23, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INVASION OF CYPRUS

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                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 2014

  Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention 
to reunification efforts in Cyprus. July 20th marked the 40th 
anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus which tore the island in two. It 
is time to end this forcible division and ensure the rights of all 
Cypriots.
   In the summer of 1974, Turkish armed forces invaded Cyprus and 
captured portions of the northern region of the island. Nearly a 
quarter of the captured residents were expelled from the island, of 
which about 80 percent were Greek Cypriots. The invasion concluded with 
the installation of the UN-monitored buffer zone which still divides 
Cyprus today. It is crucial that we find a solution that allows Greek 
and Turkish Cypriots to prosper together.
   Cyprus is an anchor for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and 
has been a reliable partner in combating terrorism and threats to 
international peace. Cyprus has played a critical role in the removal 
of chemical weapons from Syria. At a time when the stability of the 
wider Middle East has become increasingly fragile, it is important to 
ensure the security of a reliable ally in the region.
   The Cypriot people deserve a free republic, one without foreign 
troops patrolling their neighborhoods and one where exiled Cypriots 
have the right to return to their homes. In early 2013, the President 
of Cyprus outlined several measures that, if adopted, could 
significantly contribute to a favorable atmosphere for reunification 
negotiations. I am reassured by the efforts made by the Cypriot 
government; however, as a nation who highly values its relationships 
with our allies, the United States should support initiatives to end 
the 40 year division of Cyprus. A united Cyprus is the best solution to 
respect the sovereignty of the Mediterranean nation as well as the rich 
history of its people.

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