[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16120]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 34TH ANNIVERSARY OF TURKEY'S INVASION OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 2008

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, as a proud member of the Hellenic 
Caucus, I rise today to recognize the 34th anniversary of Turkey's 
invasion of Cyprus. On this occasion, we mourn those who lost their 
lives and remember the barrier created in 1974 that still exists today. 
The island remains divided between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek 
Cypriots, despite attempts by the international community for a 
reunification settlement.
  I have repeatedly emphasized the need for a peaceful settlement to 
the ongoing division in Cyprus--a goal that has eluded American and 
European leaders for more than thirty years. I believe that a strong 
U.S. commitment to Cyprus should be one of our nation's top foreign 
policy priorities. As Americans, we must guarantee that our foreign 
policy reflects our values of justice, equality and responsibility, and 
promoting a lasting peace and stability in Cyprus illustrates those 
values.
  The United States holds a unique position of trust with both Greece 
and Turkey, and we must use our influence to work toward a solution 
that is acceptable and equitable to all of Cyprus's residents. I am 
pleased that we have made progress in recent years, but we have more to 
do. We must remain committed to our vision of a Cyprus that is again 
unified and able to reach its full potential in the international 
arena.
  I also would like to thank my colleagues on the Hellenic Caucus, 
especially Mrs. Maloney and Mr. Bilirakis, for addressing this 
important event.

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