[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 12015]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DIVISION OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS

  (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today because Sunday, July 
20, marks the 40th anniversary of the division of the Republic of 
Cyprus.
  I fully support the reunification of Cyprus, and it is encouraging 
that the Government of Cyprus remains fully committed to the U.N.-
sponsored process to reach an enduring settlement that would reunify 
Cyprus based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation in accordance with 
relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions.
  The occupation of Cyprus has led to thousands of Greek Cypriots being 
denied their fundamental right to return to their homes, freedom of 
worship continues to be severely restricted, and access to religious 
sites blocked.
  Cyprus is an important ally of the United States, and its newest 
discovery of offshore gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean will 
strengthen cooperation with the United States and with our ally, 
Israel, and offer an alternative source of energy supply to Europe.
  As a strategic partner of the United States, Madam Speaker, Cyprus 
can help us promote security and stability in this volatile region.

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