[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20661]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     44TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 4, 2004

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
commemorate the 44th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of 
Cyprus. On October 1, 1960, Cyprus became an independent republic after 
decades of British colonial rule.
  The relationship between Cyprus and the United States is strong and 
enduring. Over the last decades, Cyprus and the United States have 
established close political, economic and social ties, developing a 
valued friendship. Cyprus and the United States share a deep and 
abiding commitment to democracy, fundamental human rights, free 
markets, and the ideal and practice of equal justice under law.
  As the Republic of Cyprus celebrates its 44th Independence Day, I 
share the Cypriots' joy for having created a prosperous, open society 
based on solid foundations. Furthermore, I believe this is an 
opportunity for the United States of America and Cyprus to come closer 
together, as we stand united in our resolve to fight the battle on 
terrorism. As we move forward, I am confident that our friendship will 
continue well into the future.

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