[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13500]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TURKISH INVASION OF CYPRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 2010

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today, on the thirty-sixth 
anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus, to sadly commemorate this 
tragic event. Turkey's illegal occupation has continued for far too 
long. After decades of stagnation, the situation in Cyprus demands a 
just and comprehensive solution.
  Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have passionately, aggressively, 
and persistently called for an end to the devastating artificial 
division of the island of Cyprus. I have been an outspoken critic of 
Turkey's obstinate belligerence on this issue and a supporter of what 
seems like countless bills and resolutions pleading, urging, and 
demanding a just and peaceful resolution.
  My voice has been just one in a rising chorus of international 
leaders asking Turkey to end its occupation and help facilitate a 
solution that is amenable to all Cypriots. Since Turkey's 1974 
invasion, numerous United Nations resolutions have condemned Turkey's 
actions and called for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from 
Cyprus. Turkey remains the only nation to recognize the Turkish 
Republic of Northern Cyprus. The consensus of the world community is 
apparent--Turkey's control over the island's future is unjust and must 
end.
  As we and other nations work to forge a path towards a free and 
unified Cyprus that fulfills the needs of all its citizens, we should 
give special attention to the refugees who have been yearning to return 
to their homes in safety. A solution must be found that respects the 
sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Republic of 
Cyprus and provides to all Cypriots the dignity to which they are 
entitled. Difficult problems rarely have easy solutions--and Cyprus is 
no exception. Only a Cypriot state that reflects the needs and consent 
of all its people will be able to thrive. The international community--
including Turkey--must help facilitate this transition. I hope Istanbul 
will find the political will and courage to at last be part of the 
solution.
  Thirty-six years is far too long for this tragedy to continue in 
search of a solution we know is possible. We who live every day in a 
nation of different ethnic backgrounds and divergent religious beliefs 
know coexistence and self-governance is possible, and that pluralism is 
no pipedream. The citizens of Cyprus yearn for a government of, by, and 
for the people and deserve it as much as any of us.

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