[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 17747-17748]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  URGING THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO SUPPORT EFFORTS TO BRING ABOUT A 
                   RESOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS CONFLICT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 2009

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call on the 
Obama administration to support efforts to bring about a negotiated 
resolution of the Cyprus conflict and reunification of the country as a 
federal bizonal, bicommunal, with a single sovereignty, international 
personality and citizenship. This formula is based on several UN 
Security Council resolutions and serves as the basis for ongoing talks 
between Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot 
leader, Mehmet Talat.
  As my colleagues know, the road to a final settlement over the past 
few decades has been fraught with difficulty. Numerous earlier 
diplomatic initiatives were launched, but in the end failed. 
Ultimately, a negotiated resolution of the conflict must be by the 
Cypriots, for the Cypriots and one that enjoys the support of Greek 
Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike. There is a strong desire by 
younger generations from both communities to experience the rebirth of 
a Cyprus where the rights of all are respected and all can participate 
in the national life of their country.
  As a member of both the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues and 
the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkish Relations and Turkish 
Americans, I am gratified that the leaders of both the Greek Cypriot 
and Turkish Cypriot communities have stated their mutual commitment to 
work towards a final settlement, and have continued their discussions 
accordingly. While the administration is currently observing 
developments and has offered its support if called upon by both 
communities. It is my hope that it will seize this

[[Page 17748]]

opportunity to offer and make the resolution of the Cyprus issue a 
priority. At a time when so many of the world's disputes seem 
intractable, I believe the Cyprus dispute is one area where, working 
together, we can truly bring hope and change to a place and people that 
have longed for it for decades.
  Madam Speaker, I hope the United States can play a supportive and 
active role in making a final settlement possible and encourage others 
to do likewise. Meanwhile, as President Christofias and Mr. Talat and 
their teams grapple with an array of tough issues it is my hope they 
seek to overcome the legacy of the past 35 years and build a brighter 
future for all Cypriots.

                          ____________________