[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[House]
[Pages 26885-26887]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF AGREEMENT RELATING TO 
                        REUNIFICATION OF CYPRUS

  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 405) expressing the strong support of the House of 
Representatives for implementation of the July 8, 2006, United Nations-
brokered agreement between President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos 
Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat relating to 
the reunification of Cyprus, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 405

       Whereas, in recognition that any future efforts for a 
     solution of the Cyprus problem need to be carefully prepared, 
     President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos and 
     former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan met on 
     February 28, 2006, in Paris, and reiterated that, ``the 
     resumption of the negotiating process within the framework of 
     the Secretary General's Good Offices must be timely and based 
     on careful preparation'';
       Whereas on July 8, 2006, President Papadopoulos and Turkish 
     Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, agreed, under the auspices 
     of United Nations Under Secretary-General Ibrahim Gambari, to 
     a set of principles to begin a process of bi-communal 
     discussions;
       Whereas the set of principles agreed to are--
       (1) commitment to the unification of Cyprus based on a bi-
     zonal, bi-communal federation and political equality, as set 
     out in the relevant United Nations Security Council 
     resolutions;
       (2) recognition of the fact that the status quo is 
     unacceptable and that its prolongation would have negative 
     consequences for the Turkish and Greek Cypriots;
       (3) commitment to the proposition that a comprehensive 
     settlement is both desirable and possible, and should not be 
     further delayed;
       (4) agreement to begin a process immediately, involving bi-
     communal discussion of issues that affect the day-to-day life 
     of the people and concurrently those that concern substantive 
     issues, both of which will contribute to a comprehensive 
     settlement; and
       (5) commitment to ensure that the ``right atmosphere'' 
     prevails for this process to be successful; in that 
     connection, confidence-building measures are essential, both 
     in terms of improving the atmosphere and improving the life 
     of all Turkish and Greek Cypriots; and also in that 
     connection, an end must be put to the so-called ``blame 
     game'';
       Whereas, according to the agreement, technical committees 
     and working groups would be set up to examine and discuss 
     issues that affect day-to-day life of the people of Cyprus 
     and concurrently those that concern substantive issues, thus 
     contributing to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus 
     problem;
       Whereas on March 27, 2007, the United Nations Security 
     Council in a statement on Cyprus indicated that, ``the 
     members of the Security Council urge both communities to work 
     with the United Nations to implement the 8 July 2006 
     agreement, in particular through the immediate creation of 
     bi-communal working groups and technical committees in order 
     to prepare the ground for full-fledged negotiations leading 
     to a comprehensive and durable settlement'';
       Whereas the United States has long supported fostering the 
     reunification of Cyprus within a bi-zonal, bi-communal 
     federation, and within a process that is led by the United 
     Nations, thereby consistent with the intended aim of the July 
     8, 2006, agreement, and as set out in the relevant United 
     Nations Security Council resolutions;
       Whereas several meetings have been held between the Greek 
     and Turkish Cypriot members of the coordination committee, 
     consulting on the implementation of the July 8, 2006, 
     agreement, but no technical committees or working groups have 
     been set up;
       Whereas on June 15, 2007, the United Nations Security 
     Council adopted Resolution 1758 which ``expresses full 
     support for the July 8, 2006 process, notes with concern the 
     lack of progress, and calls upon all parties to immediately 
     engage constructively with the United Nations efforts, as 
     described in Under Secretary General Gambari's letter of 15 
     November 2006, to demonstrate measurable progress in order to 
     allow fully fledged negotiations to begin''; and
       Whereas on September 5, 2007, President Papadopoulos and 
     Mr. Talat ``agreed on the need for the earliest start of the 
     [Gambari] process'' and to ``continue their contact through 
     the UN and to meet again when appropriate'': Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) expresses its support for the immediate implementation 
     of the July 8, 2006, agreement as the way forward to prepare 
     for new comprehensive negotiations leading to the 
     reunification of Cyprus within a bi-zonal, bi-communal 
     federation as set out in the relevant United Nations Security 
     Council resolutions; and
       (2) calls upon the United States Government to fully 
     support the immediate implementation of the July 8, 2006, 
     agreement in its entirety and without deviation from that 
     process.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Watson) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days 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 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution 
and yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Let me first thank our colleague from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) for 
introducing this important resolution. For years, the United Nations 
has attempted to reduce the potential for conflict on Cyprus and to 
heal and reunify that long-divided island.
  Last year, Under Secretary of the United Nations Ibrahim Gambari 
potentially made progress towards resolving this issue. Thanks to his 
efforts, the Greek and Turkish Cypriots signed an agreement on July 8, 
2006, that sets out principles forming the basis for a future permanent 
agreement.
  Mr. Speaker, these important principles include, first and foremost, 
recognition that the status quo, with a divided island, is 
unacceptable. They also include a commitment to unification based on a 
bizonal, bicommunal federation; a commitment to form intercommunal 
working groups aimed at achieving confidence-building measures to 
improve daily lives on both sides of the island; and a commitment to 
promote a positive atmosphere that would allow negotiations to thrive.
  All of us hope that the July 8, 2006, agreement between the Greek and 
the Turkish Cypriot communities will prove to be an important step on 
the road to reunification of Cyprus as a bizonal, bicommunal 
federation. The pace of the progress must accelerate. To date, it has 
been, at best, halting. But both parties have at least renewed their 
pledge to work towards a negotiated agreement.
  Mr. Speaker, U.N. Security Council Resolution 1758 expresses full 
support for the July 8, 2006, agreement. I hope the Members of this 
body will reinforce that message by backing this bill, and thereby 
backing the unification of Cyprus. The resolution before us, H. Res. 
405, expresses its support for the immediate implementation of the July 
8, 2006, agreement, and it calls on the administration to support it as 
well.

                              {time}  1700

  Mr. Speaker, the people of Cyprus deserve our encouragement and our 
support in their efforts to prepare for new talks aimed at 
reunification, and that is exactly what this resolution seeks to do. I 
strongly support it, and I encourage my colleagues to do likewise.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentlewoman from California 
for her strong support of H. Res. 405. I rise today to urge my 
colleagues to support H. Res. 405, which expresses the strong support 
of the U.S. House of Representatives for the immediate implementation 
of the July 8, 2006, United Nations-brokered agreement between 
President Papadopoulos of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot community 
leader, Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat.
  More than 33 years after the invasion and occupation of Cyprus by 
Turkish troops, the country remains divided and has the longest running 
peacekeeping force in the history of the

[[Page 26886]]

United Nations. It is important that there is forward movement on 
properly preparing the grounds for serious negotiations that will lead 
to sustainable and lasting peace.
  The international community has helped shepherd an agreement on a 
process, the Gambari process, that points the way forward to 
comprehensive negotiations that will lead to the reunification of the 
island, its people, institutions and economy in a bi-zonal, bi-communal 
federation.
  The United Nations Security Council, the European Union, and the 
United States have all played key roles in trying to bring a lasting 
and fair resolution to the division of the island.
  On July 8, 2006, President Papadopoulos and Mr. Talat agreed, under 
the auspices of the United Nations, to the establishment of technical 
committees and working groups to examine the issues affecting the daily 
lives of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot people, as well as issues of 
substance.
  H. Res. 405 recognizes the fact that the status quo is unacceptable 
and that its prolongation would have negative consequences for the 
Turkish and Greek Cypriots. It also reinforces the proposition that a 
comprehensive settlement is both desirable and possible and should not 
be further delayed.
  In an effort to jump-start the July 8 agreement, President 
Papadopoulos invited Mr. Talat to a meeting that took place this year 
on September 5. The two leaders agreed on the need for the earliest 
start of the Gambari process and to continue their contact through the 
U.N. and to meet again when appropriate.
  As a member of the European Union, the Republic of Cyprus has proven 
itself a committed and influential partner in Europe. Despite its 
forced division, Cyprus's successful social and economic integration 
into the European Union is a testament to its focus and dedication to 
democratic values and regional cooperation.
  In addition, Cyprus has a long history of working cooperatively with 
the United States on issues of international defense and security and 
continues to do so in the global war on terror. Cyprus is also a good 
friend to this country. In the summer of 2006, Cyprus served as the 
principal transit for 15,000 Americans evacuating Lebanon. Our citizens 
were provided with food, shelter, and medical care.
  It is now time for Congress to demonstrate its strong support of 
efforts toward the reunification of Cyprus by passing H. Res. 405, 
calling for the immediate implementation of the July 8 agreement in its 
entirety and without deviation from the process.
  H. Res. 405 gives a strong message of support for a reunified Cyprus 
under a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with a single sovereignty, 
single international personality, and single citizenship with respect 
to human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots.
  I wish to thank Chairman Lantos and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen and 
all of my colleagues who have cosponsored H. Res. 405. I thank them for 
recognizing what a significant step this great representative body is 
taking by telling the world community that the sad and tragic division 
of Cyprus should be no longer.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Nevada (Ms. Berkley), member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and 
Ways and Means Committee.
  Ms. BERKLEY. I thank the gentlewoman from California.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution of which I am a 
proud cosponsor. In the summer of 2006, we witnessed a major 
breakthrough in the troubled history of this divided island. After 
years of conflict, both sides committed themselves to the reunification 
of Cyprus based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation and political 
equality. By agreeing to these principles, they recognize the status 
quo is unacceptable and that continuing it only hurts both the Turkish 
and Greek Cypriot communities.
  In connection with this agreement, we are all pleased to see the 
Cypriot Government take a number of confidence-building measures, 
demolishing walls and even providing free health care to Turkish 
Cypriots.
  This summer, my family and I traveled to Cyprus and had the pleasure 
of enjoying the legendary Cypriot hospitality. While I enjoyed the 
beauty and serenity of the island, I was most struck by the openness 
and warmth of the people there, who treated my family and me with the 
greatest regard. It is cruel that such a warm and hospitable people 
should continue to be subjected to this conflict.
  We were simply appalled by the state of the ``green line'' area. It 
is a blot on an otherwise breathtaking country. It is time that the 
Turkish troops remove themselves from this island so that, at our next 
visit, Cyprus will once again be a peaceful and unified island free of 
occupation.
  Mr. Speaker, it is time for both sides to come together to execute 
the July 2006 agreement. The principles have been laid out and all that 
we need now is implementation. I urge support for this resolution.
  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H. Res. 405, which 
expresses strong support for the implementation of the July 8, 2006 
agreement between the President of the Republic of Cyprus and the 
Turkish Cypriot leader. Since the invasion of Cyprus over 30 years ago, 
the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities have been divided. There have 
been over 13 million crossings by Greek and Turkish Cypriots into each 
other's communities without incident. The reunification of Cyprus would 
improve relations between the communities, commerce, and the everyday 
lives of Cypriots on the island. It is in the best interest of the 
Cypriot people, the United States and our allies, Greece and Turkey, to 
urge the immediate implementation of the July 8th agreement. Both 
parties must abide by U.N. Security Council Resolutions and move 
forward with the reunification of Cyprus. I'd like to thank Congressman 
Bilirakis for introducing this resolution and I would urge all of my 
colleagues to support it.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Res. 405, of which I am a cosponsor, which expresses the strong 
support of the House of Representatives for the implementation of the 
July 8, 2006, U.N.-brokered agreement between President of the Republic 
of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali 
Talat relating to the reunification of Cyprus. As a co-founder and co-
chair of the Hellenic Caucus, I want to thank Representative Bilirakis, 
my fellow co-chair, for introducing the bill and working to bring it to 
the floor today.
  On July 8, 2006, President Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader 
Mehmet Ali Talat agreed, under the auspices of the United Nations, to a 
set of principles to begin a process of discussions aimed at ending the 
division of Cyprus. The agreement calls for a commitment to the 
unification of Cyprus based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation and 
political equality, as set out in the relevant Security Council 
resolutions. The agreement also called for the establishment of 
technical committees and working groups to examine and discuss a 
variety of issues including those that affect the daily lives of the 
people.
  I believe that the United States must play an active role in the 
resolution of the serious issues facing Cyprus, and I hope that passage 
of H. Res. 405 by the House today will be a positive influence in 
moving this process forward in preparation for new comprehensive 
negotiations leading to the unification of Cyprus within a bi-zonal, 
bi-communal federation.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I wish to make known my support for H. Res. 
405, a bill expressing the sense of Congress in support of the 
immediate implementation of the July 8, 2006 agreement as the way 
forward to prepare for new comprehensive negotiations leading to the 
reunification of Cyprus within a bizonal, bicommunal federation as set 
out in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
  On July 20, 1974, Turkey illegally invaded the island of Cyprus. 
Thirty-three years later, we remember this black day as we continue 
hammering out a suitable way forward. This is absolutely necessary as 
the people of Cyprus have suffered unjustly for far too long.
  Thirty-three years ago, Turkish troops invaded Cyprus in flagrant 
disregard for international law. As a result, an estimated 160,000 true 
Cypriots were displaced and another 5,000 Cypriots were killed. The 
current occupied area is notably one of the most highly militarized 
areas in the world with 43,000

[[Page 26887]]

Turkish troops stationed there illegally. In an act of further 
defiance, in 1983, Turkish Cypriots declared themselves a sovereign 
nation. To date, they are the only ones who recognize themselves as 
such.
  Together with both the E.U., and the U.N., the United States has been 
a strong ally of the Republic of Cyprus, and we owe it to her to 
continue our steadfast support. As a Congress, we must uphold our 
Nation's pledge to advance the July 8th agreement that President 
Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat reached a year 
ago. This agreement would begin the process of setting up bicommunal 
committees and working groups to address day-to-day issues facing those 
caught up in this conflict.
  I am a cosponsor of H. Res. 405 because of the history I've outlined 
here. The July 8th agreement is the way forward for an island that has 
suffered far too long.
  As a Greek American and as a member of the Hellenic Caucus, I could 
not feel more strongly about the reunification of Cyprus. The issue is 
straightforward and clear: We must aid our ally, the Republic of 
Cyprus, in righting the wrongs of the past 33 years. Passing H. Res. 
405 is a step in the right direction.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 405, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________