[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 24, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF TURKISH INTERVENTION IN CYPRUS

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                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2024

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to reflect on a pivotal 
moment in history--the intervention in Cyprus by Turkish troops in 
1974. This event remains a point of contention and deep emotion for 
many, yet it is essential to approach it with a balanced perspective.
  The intervention in Cyprus was not merely a response to a singular 
incident but the culmination of longstanding tensions between the Greek 
Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities marked by decades of inter-
communal strife.
  The intervention by Turkish troops was a strategic effort to avert 
further bloodshed and to protect lives on both sides. It sought to 
stabilize the situation, create a buffer zone, and prevent the 
escalation of violence.
  It is crucial to acknowledge that the intervention's intention was 
not conquest or aggression but rather a desperate attempt to restore 
order and ensure the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire.
  Since then, Cyprus has remained a divided island, with ongoing 
efforts at reconciliation and peacebuilding. The scars of the past 
continue to influence political discourse and societal relations. 
However, it is also a reminder of the importance of dialogue, 
understanding, and a commitment to finding peaceful solutions to deeply 
rooted conflicts.
  As we reflect on the intervention in Cyprus, let us strive for 
empathy and a more nuanced understanding of history. May we honor the 
memory of those affected by these events. Going forward, may we 
continue to embrace an impartial arbiter approach to this frozen 
conflict by working towards a future where both Greek and Turkish 
Cypriots can live in peace and harmony side by side.

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