[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 120 (Tuesday, July 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  40TH ANNIVERSARY OF A DIVIDED CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED WHITFIELD

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 29, 2014

  Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the heels of the 40th 
anniversary of a divided Cyprus. A division that has left both Turkish 
and Greek Cypriots bogged down in an unacceptable status quo that 
continues to impede economic and social progress on the island. Until 
these differences are resolved, all Cypriots will feel the negative 
effects of this division and Cyprus will be unable to realize its full 
potential in the international community.
  This past February represented a significant shift in the deadlock 
when both Cypriot leaders resumed long stalled negotiations and issued 
a joint statement outlining principles the two sides will use to work 
toward a reunification of Cyprus. Both sides have met regularly since 
this announcement and real progress is being made. That said, many 
controversial issues remain and the path forward will be a difficult 
one. This makes it even more important that the United States Congress, 
the Administration, the United Nations, Turkey, Greece, and other 
stakeholders remain engaged and continue to encourage expeditious, good 
faith negotiations on both sides.
  I believe these negotiations represent a historic opportunity to put 
all Cypriots on a path to peace and prosperity. During this process, 
it's important that all parties remain focused on the future of Cyprus 
and refrain from inflammatory dialogue that only serves to derail 
progress. A comprehensive settlement is within reach and I would 
encourage my colleagues to support this effort.

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