[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 122 (Thursday, July 31, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 CYPRUS

  Mr. REID. Madam President, I rise today in recognition of the 40th 
anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus in July 1974, which resulted 
in the division of Cyprus.
  In 1974, a Turkish military invasion divided Cyprus into two de facto 
regions, forcing tens of thousands of Cypriots to flee their homes. 
Today, Turkish troops continue to occupy northern Cyprus and, after 
four decades, the country remains divided.
  This month, the United States remembers those who were forced to flee 
their homes and lost their property, and we acknowledge the economic, 
political, and humanitarian impacts of this division. I stand to 
reaffirm our commitment and support for a comprehensive agreement to 
achieve reunification.
  I am proud of the strong relationship between the United States and 
the Republic of Cyprus, and of our mutual commitment to democracy, 
counterterrorism, and economic development. I look forward to the day 
when this important partnership is made even stronger by a unified 
Cyprus.
  I am encouraged by the February 2014 announcement that Cypriot 
President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu 
would resume long-stalled reunification talks. I am hopeful that these 
meetings will lay the groundwork for peaceful negotiations that will 
result in a fair and lasting solution.

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