[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22514]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 2008

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
48th Anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus. It was on October 1, 1960, 
that Cyprus became an independent republic after decades of British 
colonial rule.
  I am honored to represent Astoria, Queens--one of the largest and 
most vibrant communities of Greek and Cypriot Americans in this 
country. I truly enjoy participating in the life of this community and 
treasure the wonderful and vital Cypriot friends that I have come to 
know. Cyprus has long been a key partner for the United States, and our 
friendship rests on the bedrock of shared democratic values.
  As a member of the European Union, Cyprus is playing a vital role in 
European affairs while also strengthening relations with the United 
States. Unfortunately, the commemoration of Cyprus' Independence Day 
this year, as in the past, is clouded by the fact that Turkish military 
forces continue illegally to occupy Cyprus, in violation of U.N. 
Security Council resolutions. On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, 
and to this day continues to maintain an estimated 40,000 heavily armed 
troops on the island.
  I have introduced H. Res. 407, which expresses the strong support of 
the House for the positive actions by the Government of the Republic of 
Cyprus aimed at opening additional crossing points along the cease-fire 
line. On April 3, the border crossing at Ledra Street in Nicosia was 
opened, and for the first time in decades, people could walk the full 
length of the street. I hope that more positive steps will be taken to 
end the division of Cyprus and to bring people together.
  On March 21, 2008, President Christofias and Turkish-Cypriot leader 
Talat agreed to establish working groups and technical committees as 
stipulated in the July 8, 2006, agreement for which the House of 
Representatives expressed its full support by passing H. Res. 405 last 
year. I am pleased that new comprehensive negotiations regarding the 
unification of Cyprus within a bizonal, bi-communal federation have 
recently begun.
  I believe that the United States must play an active role in the 
resolution of the serious issues facing Cyprus. The relationship 
between Cyprus and the United States is strong and enduring, and we 
stand together celebrating democracy and freedom.

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