[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21748]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE 46TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC 
                               OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2006

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, July 4th each year, Americans young and 
old, of every ethnicity and political persuasion, unite in our 
celebration of our Nation's independence. We proudly stand and honor 
our democratic ideals and the liberty we all enjoy. It is a day to 
reflect on our shared history and remember those who have sacrificed 
their lives to ensure our freedom.
  For the citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, July 4th is just another 
day on the calendar. But on October 1st each year, they celebrate their 
independence, which was attained in 1960 after decades of British 
colonial rule.
  I want to offer my sincerest congratulations to the Cypriot people on 
the 46th anniversary of their independence.
  I also want to reaffirm the strong and enduring relationship between 
Cyprus and the United States. Over the past few decades, Cyprus and the 
United States have established close political, economic and social 
ties, developing a valued friendship. Cypriots and Americans alike 
share a deep and abiding commitment to democracy, fundamental human 
rights, free markets, and the ideal and practice of equal justice under 
the law.
  As the Republic of Cyprus celebrates its 46th Independence Day, I 
share the Cypriots' joy for and love of their nation, a prosperous and 
open society based on solid foundations. The celebration of this 
anniversary is an opportunity for the United States and Cyprus to draw 
closer together as we stand united in our resolve to fight the ongoing 
battle against terrorism and to promote the spread of freedom and 
democracy around the world. As we move forward, I am confident that our 
friendship will continue well into the future.

                          ____________________