[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 7]
[House]
[Pages 9026-9031]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR RENEWED EFFORT TO FIND PEACEFUL, JUST, AND 
                  LASTING SETTLEMENT TO CYPRUS PROBLEM

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 165) expressing support for a renewed effort to 
find a peaceful, just, and lasting settlement to the Cyprus problem, as 
amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 165

       Whereas the United States believed there existed a historic 
     opportunity to bring a peaceful, just, and lasting settlement 
     to the Cyprus problem, which would have benefited all Greek 
     and Turkish Cypriots, as well as the wider region;
       Whereas a resolution of the Cyprus problem remains 
     consistent with American values of promoting stability, 
     freedom, and democracy in the world;
       Whereas a resolution of the Cyprus problem is in the 
     strategic interests of the United States, given the important 
     location of Cyprus at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and 
     Asia;
       Whereas the United States strongly supports the efforts of 
     the United Nations Secretary General, and his Special Advisor 
     through his good offices mission, to achieve a comprehensive 
     settlement with respect to Cyprus in full consideration with 
     relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and 
     international treaties;
       Whereas a just and lasting resolution of the Cyprus 
     problem, in full consideration of United Nations Security 
     Council resolutions and international treaties, will 
     safeguard the security and fundamental rights of all Greek 
     and Turkish Cypriots;
       Whereas the United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, 
     on November 11, 2002, submitted a proposal for the 
     comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, referred to 
     as the ``Basis for an Agreement on a Comprehensive Settlement 
     of the Cyprus problem'', which he revised on December 10, 
     2002, and again on February 26, 2003;
       Whereas negotiations between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot 
     leaders, which had been ongoing, were encouraged to be 
     intensified in order that full agreement could be reached by 
     February 28, 2003, in conformity with the timetable proposed 
     by the United Nations Secretary General in his proposals;
       Whereas United Nations Secretary General Koffi Annan again 
     on February 26, 2003, gave the Greek and Turkish Cypriot 
     leaders, and the guarantor powers, the United Kingdom, Greece 
     and Turkey, a second revision of his plan in order to 
     accommodate input from both sides;
       Whereas the revised plan was the result of exhaustive 
     efforts by the United Nations and would have lead to a 
     peaceful, just and lasting settlement of the longstanding 
     division of Cyprus;
       Whereas the Secretary General on February 28, 2003, at the 
     conclusion of a visit to Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus, invited 
     the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders to meet with him at The 
     Hague on March 10, 2003, the purpose of the meeting being to 
     sign a commitment to submit the plan to approval in separate, 
     simultaneous referenda on March 30, 2003, in order to achieve 
     a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, and the 
     guarantor powers were also invited to attend the meeting and 
     to sign the commitment;
       Whereas both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders did 
     attend the meeting at The Hague with the Secretary General 
     but the Secretary General's plan failed when Turkish Cypriot 
     Leader, Denktash, rejected both the comprehensive settlement 
     and the referendum proposal;
       Whereas the United States Government expressed its deep 
     disappointment that the Secretary General's efforts to bring 
     his plan for a comprehensive settlement to referenda by Greek 
     and Turkish Cypriots was rejected; and
       Whereas despite this unfortunate setback, the United States 
     remains committed to seeking a just and durable settlement to 
     the Cyprus problem: Now, therefore, be it:
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) expresses its appreciation for the efforts of the 
     United Nations Secretary General to seek a peaceful, just, 
     and lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem for the benefit 
     of the Greek and Turkish Cypriots and the region;
       (2) expresses its strong disappointment that the Secretary 
     General's efforts to bring his plan for a comprehensive 
     settlement to a referenda by the Greek and Turkish Cypriots 
     has been rejected;
       (3) expresses its very strong regret that Turkish Cypriot 
     leader, Mr. Denktash, rejected the comprehensive settlement 
     offered by the Secretary General and, by refusing to offer 
     the settlement proposal to referenda, denied the Turkish 
     Cypriot community the opportunity to determine their own 
     future;
       (4) remains committed, despite the recent setback, to 
     giving any assistance necessary for finding a just and 
     durable settlement for the Cyprus problem and urges the 
     maximum effort by the United States Government and others to 
     redouble their efforts to seek a just and lasting settlement 
     to the Cyprus problem;
       (5) encourages both Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders to 
     renew their efforts to find a settlement to the Cyprus 
     problem on the basis of the Secretary General's framework for 
     a comprehensive settlement;
       (6) urges the Governments of Turkey and Greece to do 
     everything possible to support the search for a settlement, 
     including actions by the Government of Turkey helping to 
     persuade the Turkish Cypriot leader to reach an agreement 
     which would reunite the island and which would serve the 
     interests of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots; and
       (7) encourages both sides, upon completion of a 
     comprehensive settlement, to consider putting such an 
     agreement to referenda, if necessary, in order that the will 
     of the Greek and Turkish Cypriots can be democratically 
     expressed.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter).


                             General Leave

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Nebraska?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 165, a resolution 
offered by this Member regarding the political situation in Cyprus. The 
Subcommittee on Europe adopted this measure unanimously last week, 
because an historic moment in the history of Cyprus was about to be 
lost if the momentum which had been building over the past 2 years to 
bring about a resolution of the Cyprus problem was allowed to slip 
away.
  I want to express my appreciation to the ranking member on the 
Subcommittee on Europe, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler), for 
his support on this issue and his willingness to see this resolution 
move forward. I believe the resolution represents an important 
statement by the House on the need for a solution for the Cyprus 
problem.
  I also want to express my appreciation to the chairman of the 
committee, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), and the ranking 
Democrat, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for their help in 
moving this legislation to the floor; and to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Sherman) for managing the legislation tonight.
  I also want to particularly acknowledge the work of our distinguished 
colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), who has long 
been a leader in keeping this House informed of the situation in Cyprus 
and the status of the peace process.
  It is interesting and very salutary, I think, that we have as 
supporters of this resolution, indeed, as cosponsors of the resolution, 
some of the Members

[[Page 9027]]

that are strongest in support of Greece and are strongest in support of 
Turkey.
  House Resolution 165 commends the United Nations Secretary General, 
Kofi Annan, for his tireless efforts to seek a resolution to the Cyprus 
problem, a problem which has been on the agenda of the Security Council 
for almost 40 years. In fact, it is the oldest item continuously on the 
Secretary General's peacemaking agenda.
  In addition, this resolution expresses the disappointment of the 
House that the recent United Nations plan for a comprehensive 
settlement of the Cyprus problem could not be agreed to by the two 
Cypriot sides, despite the effort of many and, in particular, the 
United Nations Secretary General.
  Referenda put before both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots would 
be approved to create a confederation to bring peace and unity to 
Cyprus, if only they were given that opportunity.
  In a report that the Security Council issued on Saturday on the 
Secretary General's effort to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the 
Cyprus problem, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan made it clear that 
``a unique set of circumstances, including the membership of Cyprus in 
the European Union, offering a framework of incentives to reach a 
settlement, as well as deadlines within which to reach it'' was 
emerging and that the potential existed to make a true impact on peace.
  Finally, the resolution urges both the Greek and Turkish Cypriots to 
quickly resume negotiations to resolve this problem. It expresses the 
view of the House of Representatives that we want and appreciate 
continued efforts by Greece and Turkey to maximize their influence to 
prevent this opportunity to bring peace and economic prosperity to the 
entire Cypriot community from being lost.
  The resolution urges the United Nations and the Bush administration 
to redouble their efforts to encourage the talks to begin again in 
order to seek a solution.
  Mr. Speaker, since 1974, the island of Cyprus has been politically 
divided in what has been often a bitter and violent dispute. 
Consequently and regrettably, the people of Cyprus have been culturally 
and socially isolated from each other by a heavily fortified green line 
in what today represents something akin to the Berlin Wall of the last 
century.
  This Member has personally walked that green line through Nicosia on 
two occasions. The commander of one of the four national peacekeeping 
forces, the British commander, told this Member that in his capacity, 
he has men in his unit whose fathers have served in that unit at that 
location.
  For the past 29 years, various attempts and numerous proposals have 
been put forward to bring Greek and Turkish Cypriots together to 
resolve what has become known as ``the Cyprus problem.''
  None of these attempts to bring about reconciliation has been so 
close to achieving success than the effort which is before us now has 
had as an opportunity during this past 5 months. Last November, with 
the entry of a divided Cyprus into the European Union looming, U.N. 
Secretary General Kofi Annan proposed a comprehensive framework for a 
just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem. His plan was hailed 
as a positive attempt to resolve the problem.
  In presenting his framework, the Secretary General asked Greek and 
Turkish Cypriot leaders to accept the plan by February 28. When neither 
side resolved their differences with the proposal by the end of the 
February, the Secretary General asked the two leaders to meet him in 
The Hague on March 10 and to sign an agreement that would put the 
framework to simultaneous referenda on the island.
  On March 10 both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders did meet with 
Annan in The Hague. However, we learned with great disappointment that 
the Secretary General's framework was rejected when the Turkish Cypriot 
leader announced he could not accept the settlement plan, and would not 
agree to put the referenda to the Turkish Cypriots.
  This decision was disappointing because informal polls indicated that 
a majority of Turkish Cypriots were prepared to support the plan and 
bring the longstanding division and suffering of the island to an end.
  Despite our uncertainty over the future of the island, last week, as 
our subcommittee prepared to adopt this resolution, we were informed 
that several measures were being initiated by the various parties which 
seemed to us to be very positive.
  The first was the announcement by Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan that 
he would bring a new effort to unite the Greek and Turkish Cypriot 
areas of Cyprus forward.

                              {time}  1915

  The second was the announcement that Turkish Foreign Minister Gul 
would travel to Northern Cypress to discuss the peace process with 
Turkish Cypriot leaders and then would travel to Belgrade to meet with 
Greek leaders to discuss how to resume the peace negotiations. Both of 
these announcements were very welcome, and this Member commends the 
Turkish leadership for their willingness to address the issue.
  A third announcement was that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Denktash, 
had sent a letter to the Cypriot President, Mr. Papadopoulos, 
suggesting several measures which the Turkish leader was offering as a 
way to begin rebuilding confidence between the two sides in advance of 
resuming the negotiation.
  Mr. Speaker, this Member felt that the gestures may have been 
positive because one of the biggest obstacles which had plagued the 
peace process for all these years has been the lack of confidence and 
trust on both sides. Unfortunately and very quickly, we saw just how 
much distrust actually does exist today on that island because some 
people thought there was a hidden agenda, and maybe there was, but I 
hope that was not the case.
  Whatever the real motivation of the proposal, a little bit of trust 
and confidence is something both sides could use right now. This Member 
wonders what is wrong with lifting current restrictions on crossborder 
trade, tourism, education and culture exchanges, even if for only 1 day 
a week just as a way for both sides to see if they really are prepared 
to live as a united island. This Member also wonders why some of the 
measures could not be agreed to outside of a more comprehensive 
agreement based upon the U.N. peace plan.
  Mr. Speaker, in just 12 days the Government of Cypress will sign the 
accession papers paving the way for the southern part of the island to 
enter the European Union. The economic benefits of this membership to 
the southern half of the island will be significant. On the other hand, 
it would be a terribly damaging blow to the potential economic 
prospects for the Turkish Cypriots. The current differences between the 
income levels of the two communities would continue to widen 
dramatically.
  Now is the time for both sides to put aside their past differences 
and to make a serious commitment to resolve this problem of a divided 
Cypress. We are never going to have a better opportunity.
  As Secretary General Kofi Annan has stated, his settlement proposal 
is still on the table; and I believe resumption of the negotiations 
should continue to use the Secretary General's plan as a basis for an 
agreement.
  Mr. Speaker, the people of Cypress have endured 29 years of 
separation. They are ready, it is clear, to see and support referenda. 
Therefore, it is a sincere hope of this Member that the leaders of both 
sides will return to the negotiating table and resolve this important 
problem so that next year, in 2004, we will be celebrating the first 
anniversary of a united Cypress and not the 30th anniversary of a 
divided one.
  Mr. Speaker, this Member urges Members of the House to speak with one 
strong voice in support of a resolution on the Cypress problem and thus 
urges support for the resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 165.

[[Page 9028]]

  Mr. Speaker, let me first provide some background. On July 20, 1974, 
thousands of Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of the 
island, which since that time has been separated by a green line, 
actually a line of barbwire, analogized by the gentleman from Nebraska 
(Mr. Bereuter) to the Berlin Wall. They created the Northern Republic 
of Cypress in 1975 and, indeed, recognized only by Ankara. Nicosia 
today is the only divided capital in the world.
  Today Turkey maintains 35,000 troops in Northern Cypress and that 
area is one of the most highly militarized areas of the world, 
according to former U.N. Secretary General Boutros Boutros Ghali.
  Eighty thousand Turkish settlers were installed after that invasion 
and occupy properties forcibly vacated by Greek Cypriot refugees, 
people who had lived there for generations. And now we have 200,000 
refugees and over 1,600 people missing since that long-ago invasion, 
including five American citizens. In Northern Cypress there are a few 
Greek Cypriots. They are, in effect, locked into enclaves. They are 
denied basic human rights such as freedom of movement, access to 
education, religious freedom, or political rights.
  The deterioration of the situation in northern Cypress must be 
contrasted to the prosperity of the southern part of that island ruled 
by the official government of the Republic of Cypress. That government 
has done so well that they have met the EU's strict standards for 
administration and will soon be admitted. Those standards include tough 
limits on the amounts of public debt, limits that, after this budget 
resolution comes to the floor tomorrow, the United States will not be 
able to meet. The economic hardship on the northern part of the island 
and the competition with settlers from Turkey has caused the exodus of 
the majority of the Turkish Cypriot population.
  On September 30, 2002, the EU's enlargement commissioner stated that 
Cypress complies with all political and economic conditions for 
membership and that the government-controlled areas of Cypress enjoy an 
atmosphere of economic prosperity and political freedom, allowing its 
people to enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world.
  Cypress will become a member of the EU in a few weeks, and the 
Cypriot government will sign an accession agreement and formally join, 
I believe, on April 16 of this year.
  The recent failure of the U.N.'s peace talks must be blamed on 
Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. The U.N. plan offered a wide 
range of autonomy, a weak central government, a demilitarized Cypriot 
state, and a continuing, if greatly reduced, Turkish and Greek presence 
to guarantee the safety of the respective communities. But Denktash was 
not willing to put this plan to a referendum. Notwithstanding the fact 
that his own people, the Turkish Cypriots would have overwhelmingly 
supported this plan, a great opportunity was lost.
  Mr. Speaker, I fully endorse this resolution and in later comments 
would want to detail its terms.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), who I would say 
is among the House's most outstanding experts on Cypress.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. 
Bereuter) for writing this bill and for yielding me time.
  I also rise in strong support of H. Res. 165, a bill which expresses 
support for a renewed effort to find a peaceful and lasting settlement 
to the Cypress problem by declaring appreciation for the efforts of 
Kofi Annan, the United Nations' Secretary General.
  Mr. Speaker, the U.N. peace process, which is strongly supported by 
the United States and the entire international community, has sought to 
reunite Cypress as a single, sovereign bi-communal federation.
  With Cypress poised to join the European Union in May 2004, Secretary 
General Annan chose to get personally involved in bringing the two 
sides together, asking the two community leaders to put the U.N. plan 
before their people in a referendum. President Papadopoulos of Cypress 
said he was prepared to do so. Unfortunately, Mr. Denktash, the Turkish 
Cypriot leader, was not prepared to agree to put the plan to a 
referendum.
  It is a shame that the Secretary General's personal diplomacy was met 
by this kind of flat-out rejection. The bill expresses strong 
disappointment that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Denktash, rejected 
the comprehensive settlement offered by Secretary General Annan, 
thereby denying the Turkish Cypriot people the opportunity to determine 
their own future.
  This legislation also indicates that we in the House of 
Representatives remain committed to giving any assistance needed to 
find a just and durable settlement for the Cypress problem.
  H. Res. 165 urges the United States Government and others to redouble 
their efforts to seek a fair solution to the Cypress problem. And 
finally, H. Res. 165 urges the governments, the governments of Turkey 
and Greece to do everything possible to support the search for a 
settlement, including actions by the Government of Turkey, helping to 
persuade Mr. Denktash to reach an agreement which would reunite the 
island.
  Mr. Speaker, again I want to thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. 
Bereuter) for his commitment and perseverance in resolving the 29-year-
old problem in Cypress, and I urge my colleagues to support the 
legislation.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Pallone), a gentleman who has been a leader on issues of 
foreign policy and human rights.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from 
California (Mr. Sherman) for those kind remarks.
  Mr. Speaker, as an original co-sponsor of House Resolution 165, I 
come to the floor this afternoon to voice my strong support for the 
gentleman from Nebraska's (Mr. Bereuter) resolution calling for a 
renewed effort to find a peaceful and lasting settlement to the Cypress 
problem. Tomorrow the U.N. Security Council is expected to adopt a 
resolution on the Cypress peace process. This follows the issuance of a 
report last Saturday by Secretary General Kofi Annan on the reasons 
behind last month's breakdown of U.N.-sponsored negotiations. While it 
remains to be seen what the council will do, the Secretary General was 
clear in his report regarding reasons for the breakdown. Mr. Annan's 
report blamed Turkish Cypriot Leader Raul Denktash and Turkey for the 
failure of the Secretary General's plan to reunify this divided island.
  Mr. Speaker, despite the lack of a settlement, Cypress's European 
Union ascension is going forward. Next Wednesday, April 15, is the date 
of the signing ceremony of the ascension treaty in Athens. The Republic 
of Cypress will join with nine other nations in signing the treaty. 
Sadly, however, the residents of the Turkish-occupied areas will be 
left out, due to the obstinate Mr. Denktash and his short-sighted 
supporters in Ankara.
  Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged that the statements coming out of the 
State Department have expressed regard over Mr. Denktash's refusal to 
let the Turkish Cypriots vote on a referendum. I would be further 
encouraged if the administration put the necessary pressure on Turkey 
to be part of the solution and not just part of the problem. Mr. Annan 
stressed that ``my plan is still on the table,'' and I am sure that the 
Security Council will suggest that we go forward with the U.N. plan. 
But Mr. Denktash and the Government of Turkey must understand that 
there are costs for walking away from the table and benefits to be 
derived if they cooperate with the U.N. process.
  I still believe that the U.S. and this administration can do a lot 
more to put pressure on Turkey to go ahead with the U.N. plan and try 
to come to some sort of settlement. I am hopeful and I know that this 
resolution will help in that regard, and that is why we should all 
support it.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from

[[Page 9029]]

California (Ms. Watson), a distinguished former ambassador who is also 
a congressional Representative.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, a crucial opportunity was missed this spring 
to bring peace to Cypress. Almost 3 decades of illegal occupation have 
kept the Cypriot nation divided and its people, both Greek and Turkish 
Cypriots, in a dangerous limbo. Cypress has a rich tradition as the 
crossroads of trade and culture in the Eastern Mediterranean. Yet, in 
spite of history and geography, those living in the occupied zone have 
been isolated from the rest of the world for close to 30 years because 
of the intransigence of their leaders. While unoccupied Cypress has 
fared better, the fact of the division of Cypress still leaves fear, 
doubt, and uncertainty in the minds of all Cypriots.
  This month Cypress will join the European Union. This act is a 
testament to the will and the industry of the Cypriot people, building 
an economy which is the envy of many of its neighbors. But the 
celebration of the EU membership will be bittersweet for many Cypriots, 
knowing that their country will not join the EU as a whole, but still 
as a nation illegally divided.

                              {time}  1930

  This fact was not inevitable. The Cypriot people, both Greek and 
Turkish, have repeatedly demonstrated their desire to end the division 
of their nation and integrate themselves into modern Europe, but the 
old men that hold power in northern Cyprus refuse to free their people 
to join the 21st century. The Secretary General, as my colleagues know, 
of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, who worked tirelessly to bring peace 
to Cyprus, left no doubt this week as to who was to blame for the 
failure of the talks.
  Rauf Denktash, the self-styled head of the Cypriot separatists, 
refused to negotiate in good faith to resolve this 30-year-old dispute. 
In fact, Denktash went so far as to refuse to put a Cyprus peace 
agreement to his people in a referendum. His refusal is likely because 
he knows full well that even the Turkish Cypriots he purports to 
represent would embrace peace if given the opportunity.
  Mr. Speaker, it is time to end this illegal and artificial division 
of the Cypriot nation, and I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution, and I urge the President to apply renewed energy to 
convince the Turkish Government that ending its occupation of Cyprus 
and supporting peace there could be the most crucial thing Turkey could 
do to right a wrong.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2\1/2\ minutes 
to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) who has shown her 
dedication to human rights and impressed us all with her expertise on 
Hellenic issues.
  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 165 and thank my 
friends and colleagues, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) and 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman), for their work on this 
important resolution.
  However, I do have some reservations. As Democratic cochair of the 
Hellenic Caucus, along with my Republican colleague, the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), we have been working with the U.N. and the 
State Department on the reunification of Cyprus, which has been divided 
since 1974. The peaceful, lasting and just settlement of Cyprus has 
been a priority of the United Nations and the caucus.
  The Republic of Cyprus will sign the EU treaty in Athens on April 16. 
We had all hoped a united Cyprus would enter the European Union. 
Unfortunately, the latest round of talks ended without an agreement. 
According to the report of the United Nations Secretary General, Kofi 
Annan, released on April 7, and I would like to put his testimony into 
the record, ``In the case of the failure of this latest effort, I 
believe that Mr. Denktash, the Turkish Cypriot leader, bears prime 
responsibility.''
  Despite my concerns and disappointment, I appreciate the comments of 
President Papadopoulos, who has stated that the Greek Cypriot side will 
``continue the efforts for reaching a solution to the Cyprus question 
both before and after Cyprus joins the EU.''
  I am pleased that this resolution addresses these issues and 
appreciate the work the subcommittee has done.
  One area that concerns me about this amended resolution is that it 
has deleted references to the people of Cyprus and, instead, only 
refers to Greek and Turkish Cypriots. There are Armenians, Maronites 
and Latins in addition to Greek and Turkish Cypriots, living in Cyprus. 
I believe the new references that identify only Greek Cypriots and 
Turkish Cypriots is inaccurate and works to divide the people of Cyprus 
into two main groups. For this reason, the use of the term ``people of 
Cyprus'' is much more preferable and accurate, reflecting the unity of 
the country and the people.
  Again, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) and the 
gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) for their work on this very 
important resolution. I am hopeful that there will be new initiatives 
and new opportunities to work toward solving the problem as all sides 
will benefit. I am hopeful that even between now and April 16 there is 
an opportunity for them to get back on board, and I am hopeful that 
Cyprus will go to the EU as a united country.
  I appreciate very much the gentleman from Nebraska's (Mr. Bereuter) 
leadership. He has really worked to bring both sides together. It has 
been very helpful. I appreciate it very much.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Holt), my favorite rocket scientist.
  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from California for yielding 
to me, and I rise in support of H. Res. 165 to draw this Chamber's 
attention to this opportunity that is not yet lost in Cyprus.
  Cyprus has suffered from ethnic strife among the people of Cyprus, 
and I thank my colleague, the gentlewoman from New York, for using that 
phrasing, among the people of Cyprus for decades and has been 
physically divided since Turkish armed forces invaded and occupied the 
northern third of the island in 1974 after a Greek-led coup.
  There have been efforts by the Greek Cypriots over the last year. 
There have been encouraging words from Turkey. Turkey's new ruling 
party suggested a change in Turkish policy toward Cyprus, but no 
agreement has been reached. Tens of thousands of Cypriots have taken to 
the streets in recent months, particularly in the Turkish areas, in 
support of this settlement, but Denktash ultimately imperiled the 
recent round of talks by refusing to take the plan directly to the 
Turkish Cypriot people for a referendum. As a result, Secretary General 
Annan has ended official U.N. efforts to broker a settlement.
  This is a severe disappointment to me, to my Greek and my Turkish 
American constituents in New Jersey, and to all the people of Cyprus, 
but we must not accept the end of this latest round of talks as the end 
of the road. Peace rarely comes easily.
  Peace in Cyprus is still possible, and as Cyprus prepares to enter 
the European Union, let us do our part to get the peace process back on 
track.
  I commend the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter). His resolution 
would help. Let us pass it promptly.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself so much time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this is an important resolution. It expresses our 
support for a peaceful, just and lasting resolution of the Cyprus 
problem. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the gentleman 
from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), the chairman, for sponsoring this 
resolution and to commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler), the 
ranking Democratic member, for his leadership on foreign policy issues. 
I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of the resolution.
  I fully endorse the sentiment expressed in this resolution that Greek 
Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties should renew their efforts to find 
a settlement to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the U.N. Secretary 
General's

[[Page 9030]]

framework for a comprehensive settlement, notwithstanding the 
lamentable failure of the most recent round of diplomacy.
  It is also important that this body reaffirm its own commitment to 
giving any necessary assistance to help achieve a just and durable 
settlement of the Cyprus problem, and that is, again, called for by 
this resolution.
  In particular, this resolution expresses the Congress' very strong 
regret that Turkish Cypriot leader Mr. Denktash rejected the 
comprehensive settlement offered by the Secretary General and denied 
the Turkish Cypriots the opportunity to determine their own future, 
because he refused to offer the settlement proposal as a referendum. I 
urge the parties to return to the table at the earliest possible time 
and to complete negotiations on the Secretary General's plan.
  Mr. Speaker, the U.S. has a clear and direct interest in solving the 
Cyprus problem. Its resolution would offer peace and prosperity to all 
of the peoples of Cyprus and would bring lasting stability to Greek-
Turkish relations on NATO's southern flank.
  It is, therefore, vital, Mr. Speaker, that this body go on record 
uncompromisingly in support of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I see that I have no other requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the remaining amount of 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his concluding comments, and 
all of these speakers this evening have had a very positive outlook on 
the opportunity, a rare opportunity, for us to really bring peace and 
unity to the island of Cyprus.
  This is an opportunity we cannot avoid trying our best on. This is an 
opportunity with a maximum amount of leverage. I urge, therefore, my 
colleagues to support the resolution.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House 
Resolution 165. This resolution is directed at renewed endeavors to 
find a peaceful, just, and durable solution to the Cyprus conflict. 
With the failure of the recent UN-brokered peace negotiations and with 
Cyprus going to join the EU, a solution to the problem is more needed 
than ever.
  The Eastern Mediterranean is a region of vital U.S. interests. 
Endeavors to promote greater stability in the area by bringing the two 
conflicting parties together, must thus remain high on our agenda. In 
fact, stability in this region serves to advance many key policy 
objectives.
  I thus wish to applaud the tireless efforts of the Secretary General 
of the United Nations to have prudently worked out an acceptable peace 
plan for both the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots. Kofi Annan 
crafted a compromise plan that sought to reunite Cyprus as a single 
bicommunal federation. The plan would have satisfied both communities. 
The plan also enjoyed broad bipartisan support in the U.S. and was 
strongly supported by the wider international community. I therefore 
commend the Cypriot President Tapas Papadopolous who was eager to 
finally solve this long-lasting dispute. He accepted the UN proposal 
and was willing to submit the plan to a separate referendum last month. 
Immediately after the failure of the negotiations, Papadopolous further 
stated that the Greek Cypriot side will continue its endeavors for 
reaching a solution to the Cypriot issue within the UN framework.
  Parallel, I voice my disappointment at the Turkish Cypriot leader 
Rauf Denktash's decision not to accept the UN proposal and his ultimate 
rejection of the peace deal. This is an unacceptable situation and 
hurts everyone involved: the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities, the 
United Nations, the U.S., the EU and Turkey's own desire to become a EU 
member, now is the time to act. Indeed, the Turkish intransigence hurts 
first and foremost Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots themselves. The 
failure of the unification endeavors complicates Ankara's own efforts 
to join the EU. The European Commission warned Turkey after the 
breakdown of the talks that the Greek Cypriot part of the island is 
going to join the EU in May 2004 with or without the Turkish Cypriots. 
But without an agreement on the Cyprus issue, Turkey will be in a 
position of not recognizing a member of the European Union.
  Public demonstrations by the Turkish-Cypriot opposition in favor of 
the peace plan further explicitly show who will be the major losers of 
the failed negotiations: the Turkish Cypriots who will not enjoy the 
benefits of EU membership.
  The United States will remain committed to finding a just and 
permanent solution to the Cyprus issue. This solution must be achieved 
within the UN framework. The Turkish Cypriot leader must thus clearly 
show his willingness to constructively work with the United Nations and 
to settle for a compromise, a fair compromise like the one that was 
just presented to him.
  Yet, a permanent solution that involves compromise, tolerance, and 
understanding is not merely achieved via multilateral institutions or 
intergovernmental interactions, however crucial they are. More than 
ever, confidence-building measures to re-integrate the two communities 
on the island are crucial, and the U.S. must continue to support these 
biocommunal initiatives.
  A constructive dialogue between the Greek and the Cypriot leader 
under the UN auspices as well as reintegration efforts between the two 
communities represent the best and the only way to settle the Cyprus 
conflict.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I share the hopes of Mr. Bereuter for a 
peaceful, just and lasting settlement to the long-standing Cyprus 
issue.
  Like many of my colleagues, I was disappointed that a comprehensive 
agreement to support the United Nations proposal was not reached in 
March.
  We must not allow the recent setback to get in the way of future 
negotiations and a lasting settlement of this issue. I hope that both 
Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders will renew their commitment to bridge 
the divide that separates their people.
  In this vein, I was very pleased to hear that Turkish Cypriot leader 
Mr. Denktas has taken positive steps to initiate a new process of 
dialogue and consultation. Last week, in a detailed letter to Greek 
Cypriot Leader Papadopoulos, Mr. Dentkas proposed lifting all overseas 
trade, transport, travel and cultural activities from or to both parts 
of Cyprus. He also expressed his willingness to meet with Mr. 
Papadopoulos to discuss the core issues of a comprehensive settlement.
  It is my understanding that Mr. Denktas' proposal was not accepted by 
the Greek Cypriots. I agree with the Greek Cypriot sentiment that talks 
should be concluded under the U.N. framework. However, I am hopeful 
that Mr. Denktas' letter can be a catalyst to restart dialogue and to 
achieve a comprehensive settlement.
  As for Turkey's role, which I know has been criticized by some in 
Washington and Europe, I am optimistic that Prime Minister Erdogan and 
his government are truly committed to a fair settlement on the issue. 
Mr. Erdogan has offered to bring Turkish and Greek Cypriots together 
``with the three guarantor countries, Turkey, Greece and Britain.'' 
Furthermore, Mr. Erdogan and Foreign Minister Gul will be attending a 
Balkans summit in Belgrade this week, where they will meet with Greek 
leaders to discuss steps to resolve the Cyprus issue.
  Mr. Speaker, it is going to take an even greater commitment from the 
United States and the international community to a achieve lasting 
settlement of the Cyprus issue. I believe the debate we are engaged in 
today is a clear signal that Congress will remain firmly engaged on 
this issue, and that we are serious about achieving a comprehensive 
settlement that benefits both Greek and Turkish Cypriots as well as the 
entire region.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today I want to thank Mr. Bereuter for 
his leadership in introducing H. Con. Res. 165, expressing support for 
a renewed effort to find a peaceful, just, and lasting settlement to 
the Cyprus problem, and I want to take this opportunity to voice my 
strong support for this resolution.
  In today's uncertain world, where conflict and instability abound, 
one such long-standing dispute was quietly moving toward a resolution.
  However, while the world has been focused on Iraq and deadlines on 
the Hussein regime came and went, another deadline, one vitally 
important to a resolution to the conflict on Cyprus, passed with little 
fanfare.
  The stakes in Cyprus are high, and while the United States is rightly 
focusing on more pressing foreign policy problems like the war on 
terrorism, the war in Iraq and other issues in the Middle East, we 
should also devote attention to bringing an end to this conflict.
  The outcome of a peaceful resolution to the division of Cyprus will 
have a significant impact on Turkey and Greece, two key NATO players 
whose antagonistic relationship has too often roiled the alliance.
  It would benefit U.S. interests in the eastern Mediterranean, would 
strengthen NATO by improving relations between our two key allies, and 
defuse an ongoing regional arms race.
  Just as they are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States 
in the war against terror, so too must they play a constructive role in 
resolving this longstanding dispute.
  The European Commission clearly and unequivocally has linked Turkey's 
ambitions to

[[Page 9031]]

join the EU to a solution to the conflict. Turkey is eager to join the 
EU, and the Turks of Cyprus, isolated and living in poverty, look 
forward to sharing the benefits of EU membership. One only has to look 
to the massive rallies recently held by Turkish Cypriots in support of 
a resolution.
  Just today, the Greek and Turkish Prime Ministers met in Belgrade and 
agreed on the need to reach a solution to the political problem in 
Cyprus. The moment of truth is at hand, and time is running short. The 
two communities should play an important role in the efforts toward a 
solution and move their leadership to the negotiating table.
  They must show genuine commitment to forge an agreement on the terms 
of reunification. As the President of the Republic of Cyprus recently 
stated: ``Non-solution is not a solution. It is not even the conclusion 
of the Cyprus problem. On the contrary, it will mean the beginning of 
new dangers and new problems. The eventual solution to the Cyprus 
problem will be a compromise. . . .''
  However, ``If the solution is not functional it cannot be viable. If 
it is not viable it will not be permanent.'' A solution cannot include 
the possibility of the permanence of division. After nearly 30 years, 
it is time for the bitter division of Cyprus to come to an end. It is 
time for a peaceful, just, and lasting settlement to the Cyprus 
problem. I am confident my colleagues share this hope and I ask them to 
vote for this resolution.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bass). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 165, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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