[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17029]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      RECALLING THE INFAMOUS ANNIVERSARY OF THE INVASION OF CYPRUS

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                        HON. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 21, 2005

  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recall the 
tragic anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
  On July 20, 1974, the nation of Cyprus was viscously attacked by 
Turkey. This abominable act of violence against the people of Cyprus 
has never been undone. To this day, Turkish troops illegally occupy 
Cyprus, splitting the nation into two areas.
  Since 1974, the nation has been divided, but progress is being made 
toward the reunification of Cyprus. In late April 2004, the people of 
Cyprus went to the polls to vote on a plan of reunification. 
Unfortunately, this reunification proposal was rushed, allegedly to 
coincide with the ascension of Cyprus into the European Union. Because 
of many legitimate concerns, including security, and in a demonstration 
of great courage and independence, approximately 75 percent of Greek 
Cypriots opposed the plan. However, this rushed and unfortunate effort 
must not, and will not, be the end of attempts to reunify the island. A 
lasting and equitable solution for the people of Cyprus, and the goal 
of a united Cyprus, is too important to abandon, now or ever.
  The goal of the process must be to attain a just and lasting 
solution, not a rushed or imposed solution. Currently, the Republic of 
Cyprus is seeking a plan that truly reunifies both its society and 
economy, while allowing each community to retain its own identity and 
culture, without foreign occupation.
  I remain committed to achieving a solution to this problem so that we 
never have to gather again to commemorate an anniversary of this 
condemnable and unjustifiable invasion. Mr. Speaker, I pray that this 
will be the last year of a divided Cyprus. It is my fervent hope that, 
31 years after Cyprus was torn asunder, all Cypriots can be reunited, 
living in peace and freedom forever.

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