[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15739]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATION OF THE 34TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INVASION OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2008

  Mr. CARTER. Madam Speaker, 34 years ago, Turkish troops invaded the 
Island of Cyprus, resulting in the death and displacement of thousands 
of Greek and Turkish Cypriot citizens; leaving behind a state of 
conflict within a civilization that can trace its history back more 
than ten thousand years. A 113-mile long divide was created as the 
Turks began their occupation of one third of the island, which exists 
to present day.
   Today, we recognize this tragic event, but we also look at, with 
hope, the future that lies ahead.
   As part of a congressional delegation last November, other members 
of Congress and I discussed this long-standing conflict and the path 
toward resolution with members of the Cyprus government. I am 
encouraged by the recent overtures made by leaders on both sides of the 
Cyprus question.
   I am hopeful that the meetings between President Christofias and Mr. 
Talat will continue, and that the work of the mutually established 
Working Groups and Technical Communities may ultimately lead to a 
unified Cypriot nation.
   I am confident that through tolerance, compromise and the 
continuation of diplomatic efforts, lasting solutions to the remaining 
differences will be attained.

                          ____________________