[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18245]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             THE IMPORTANCE OF THE REUNIFICATION OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED WHITFIELD

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 17, 2009

  Mr. WHITFIELD. Madam Speaker, there is no doubt that a historic 
opportunity to unify the island Cyprus was missed on April 24, 2004 
when 76 percent of Greek Cypriots in separate simultaneous referenda in 
both sides of the island rejected the U.N. comprehensive settlement 
plan, known as the Annan Plan.
  After the referenda, the Greek Cypriots became a full member of the 
European Union, while the social, economic and political isolation of 
the Turkish Cypriots still continues despite their affirmative vote in 
the referenda with a 65 percent majority.
  Until the recent change in leadership in South Cyprus in February 
2008 the issue was at a virtual standstill; however, in September 2008, 
Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader 
Mehmet Ali Talat, launched full-fledged negotiations to find a 
comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem. The negotiations which 
were revived thanks to the insistence of the Turkish Cypriot side have 
been welcomed by the international community, including the United 
States, the European Union and others.
  Hopes are high among the international community that a mutually 
acceptable settlement might be reached. In order to promote the spirit 
of goodwill generated during the recent meetings, I encourage this body 
to support the two Cypriot leaders as they work toward reunification.
  On July 20th the Turkish Cypriots commemorate the 35th anniversary of 
the Turkish peace operation which prevented an attempt by Greece to 
annex the island. Although peace prevails in Cyprus today, the social, 
economic and political development of the Turkish Cypriots have been 
restricted for more than four decades.
  Despite their continued commitment to achieving a just and lasting 
settlement that respects the political equality of the two peoples on 
the island, the Turkish Cypriot people are still waiting for the 
international community to honor the promises it made to them that 
their isolation would be lifted.
  Madam Speaker, if the process is to move forward toward a lasting 
settlement it is important that the United States Congress recognize 
the unwavering commitment of the Turkish Cypriot people to unify the 
island and encourage the lifting of the isolation.

                          ____________________