Expressing the strong support of the House of Representatives for implementation of the July 8, 2006, United Nations-brokered agreement between President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat relating to the reunification of Cyprus.

Madam Speaker, over the last week or so I have listened to a number of my colleagues come to the floor of this Chamber to lament the 1974 ``invasion'' of Cyprus. For many years the United States, the European Union and other members of the international community have worked together for a just and lasting solution to the vexing problem of Cyprus. That is why I am deeply

concerned when I hear some of my colleagues throwing barbs at the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey in an attempt to lay all the blame for this complicated issue at their doorstep. Because by distorting the facts, we are potentially undermining our good-faith, efforts to see this conflict resolved and to see peace and prosperity come to all the people of Cyprus.

The fact is that when the Island of Cyprus gained its independence from Great Britain in 1960, the Republic's constitution specifically defined a power-sharing arrangement which required a Greek Cypriot president and a Turkish Cypriot vice-president, each elected by their constituency.

The fact is that in 1963 Greek Cypriot President Makarios proposed sweeping constitutional modifications which heavily favored the Greek Cypriot community. The changes removed most of the checks and balances which had been built into the constitution to ensure the safety and equal status of the Turkish Cypriots. The inevitable result was a serious deterioration of relations between the two parties, which came to a head in December 1963, when armed Greek Cypriots attacked and killed many Turkish Cypriots who were unable to escape. The armed conflict spread quickly, with the Turkish Cypriots eventually being forced to withdraw into enclaves to defend themselves.

For the next 10 years, the campaign of the Greek Cypriots cost the Turkish Cypriots many lives and untold suffering, as well as their equal partnership status in the Cyprus government.

Former United States Undersecretary of State, George Ball, who, among others, was actively dealing with the crisis at the time, remarked in his memoirs entitled The Past Has Another Pattern, that Makarios has turned ``this beautiful little island into his private abattoir'' (p. 341). Ball went on to say that ``Makarios' central interest was to block off Turkish intervention so that he and his Greek Cypriots could go on happily massacring the Turkish Cypriots'' (p. 345).

The fact is that during the presidential elections of 1974, Archbishop of Cyprus Makarios--the Greek Cypriot leader at the time-- escalated the crisis by embracing Enosis, or Union with Greece, as his election platform. Although Makarios won reelection he also created a power struggle between the military junta in control of mainland Greece and himself for the control over the Island. That power struggle culminated in a coup which forced Makarios to flee Cyprus and renewed ethnic cleansing of Turkish Cypriots.

In his address to the UN Security Council on July 19, 1974, Makarios himself described the coup as ``a clear attack from the outside and a flagrant violation of the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus''.

The fact is that in the face of a bloody coup that not only threatened the independence of Cyprus but also resulted in renewed massacres of Turkish Cypriots, Turkey, which was treaty-bound to act as a Guarantor State, was compelled to undertake action on July 20, 1974. And the fact is that as a result of this legitimate and timely action, Turkish Cypriots were saved from imminent destruction, bloodshed among the Greek Cypriots was ended and the independence of Cyprus was protected.

The fact is that the Turkish intervention was legitimate and was internationally confirmed by, among others, the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe (CACE). CACE resolution 573, dated July 29, 1974, clearly states, ``Turkey exercised its right of intervention in accordance with Article IV of the Guarantee Treaty of 1960.''

Unfortunately, since 1974, and in defiance of the rule of law and the established principle that federations can only be built on a foundation of equal partnership, the Greek Cypriot side continues to claim exclusive sovereignty over the entire Island. In 1983, this prompted the Turkish Cypriot side to assert its rights by proclaiming the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

After many unsuccessful attempts at reconciliation, U.N.-led direct talks between the two sides began in early 2002. The talks sketched out a settlement--the Annan Plan--which was voted on in simultaneous referenda held on each side on April 24, 2004.

The fact is that Turkish Cypriots approved the Annan Plan by a clear and overwhelming majority of 65 percent but Greek Cypriots--under heavy pressure from the Greek Cypriot government--rejected it by an even larger majority of 76 percent. The Turkish Cypriots were internationally and rightly praised for their ``courageous vote in favor of the proposals''.

The Greek Cypriot side has since been trying to justify its rejection by claiming, among other things, that the plan ``did not meet the interests of the country'' and that ``it did not provide for guarantees to ensure the complete implementation of commitments under the plan''. However, impartial European Union diplomats, closely associated with the reconciliation effort, have gone so far as to say very undiplomatically, that the Greek Cypriot people had been ``lied to'' by the Greek Cypriot government as to the details of the Annan plan.

As public servants I think the members of this House understand that no compromise worth its salt ever fully meets all of the demands of either side, nor could it do so or it wouldn't be much of a compromise. The fact is that the Annan Plan was a carefully balanced compromise that certainly from the Turkish Cypriot perspective represented immense sacrifices on the part of the Turkish Cypriots, on such key issues as land, resettlement, property and security.

The Greek government and several former Greek government leaders fully supported the plan and the Turkish government was also pivotal in encouraging the Turkish Cypriots to approve the plan. In the end, the only people who were not willing to make the sacrifices necessary to bring peace to this troubled island where the Greek Cypriots--yet they were inexplicably rewarded membership to the EU; although some EU leaders have subsequently stated that doing so was a mistake.

The fact is that despite the Greek Cypriots' failure to embrace peace and the international community's failure to end the economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriots; Turkish Cypriots continue to seek a just and peaceful settlement to this crisis.

Most recently, Turkey and Turkish Cypriots have supported implementation of the July 8, 2006, United Nations-brokered agreement between Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat relating to the reunification of Cyprus through a process of bi-communal discussions.

Some of my colleagues, particularly those who support House Resolution 405 (H. Res. 405), would have this House believe that Turkish Cypriots are unwilling to proceed with the July 8 agreement. But I would ask my colleagues this simple question; when offered the chance to vote for peace which side rejected peace, Turkish or Greek? The answer is Greek.

Under the circumstances it should make one wonder if Greek Cypriots, having already forestalled UN efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue--and been rewarded for it through EU membership--whether they truly feel under pressure to seek a just solution. The fact is that the status quo benefits Greek Cypriots significantly more than Turkish Cypriots and it seems to me that if either side has an incentive to delay implementation of the July 8 agreement; it would be the Greek Cypriots.

Madam Speaker, facts are stubborn things; and as the facts in this case clearly show, the crisis on Cyprus is significantly more complex than the ``blame Turkey'' special interest groups would like people to believe. It's time for these groups and their friends in Congress to end the ``blame game'' and get down to the real work of reshaping Cyprus into a Cyprus that respects human rights and the fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only as a Member of this body, but particularly as a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and as cochair on the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues.

I stand before you today to recall an anniversary that has racked the Cypriot and Hellenic communities for the past 33 years. Mr. Speaker, even though the tragic events of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus took place so long ago, the pain and suffering of this tragic occasion still ripples throughout the Greek and Cypriot communities.

This anniversary is a time for America to solemnly remember the Turkish military invasion of the Island of Cyprus, to mourn those who lost their lives, and to condemn the continued occupation.

On July 20, 1974, in blatant violation of international law, Turkey violently invaded Cyprus and captured the northern part of the island. As a result of the invasion, approximately 5,000 Cypriots were killed and more than 1,400 Greek Cypriots, including four Americans of Cypriot descent, are still missing.

Since the invasion, Turkey has established a heavily armed military occupation that continues to control nearly 40 percent of Cyprus. Forced expulsions of Greek Cypriots on the occupied land have left more than 160,000 displaced persons.

Another tragic result of this 33-year occupation is the division of the Greek and Turkish Cypriots who since have forcibly left their homes. This cracking of the Cypriot Nation is a crime against society and the people of Cyprus that can only be resolved by ending this occupation.

Since the invasion, international governing bodies and human rights groups have condemned Turkey's flagrant abuse of international law and violation of Cyprus's national sovereignty.

Mr. Speaker, 33 years is just too long. The international community has helped shepherd a peace process and settlement that will unite the island, its people, institutions and economy. The United Nations Security Council, the European Union and the United States have all played key roles in trying to bring a practical and fair resolution of this 33-year nightmare.

On the occasion of this anniversary, America needs to take a long and hard look at its own commitment toward helping the Turkish Cypriot crisis reach a lasting and enduring peace, free from occupation, division and oppression.

As a new member of the European Union, the Republic of Cyprus has proven a committed and influential partner in Europe. Despite having a large portion of its land illegally occupied, Cyprus's successful social and economic integration into the European Community is a testament to its

focus and dedication to democratic values and regional cooperation.

The Republic of Cyprus has also worked alongside its European neighbors to bring about a stronger integration of Turkish and Greek Cypriot interests for the good of the island. This has included a partial lifting on restriction of movement across the ceasefire line that continues to forcibly divide Cyprus. As a result, since April of 2003, more than 13 million Greek and Turkish Cypriots have crossed without incident. Incredible. Additionally, the per capita income of Turkish Cypriots has nearly tripled in the last 3 years because of an aggressive integration policy by the Republic of Cyprus and its European neighbors.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that because of this continued integration between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, and the economic and political successes that the Republic of Cyprus so readily wants to share with its neighbors, it is possible to bring closure to this 33-year occupation.

Indeed, on July 8, 2006, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed to formally begin consultations with the ultimate aim of a peaceful reunification and an end to Turkey's military occupation.

Despite the early successes of what has since been known as the ``July 8th Agreement'' and the best efforts of the Cyprus government, the Turkish Cypriots have not followed through on their commitment to continue this dialogue and a path to peace.

Let's resolve this issue, Mr. Speaker. Thirty-three years is too long.

In fact, Mr. Speaker, only last week, President Papadopoulos attempted to jumpstart the Island's reunification efforts and resume the July 8 Agreement process. Though he initially accepted this gesture, Turkish Cypriot leader Talat ended up cancelling the proposed meeting.

Mr. Speaker, the United States, and this Congress, should demonstrate its commitment and support for the July 8 Agreement as a way toward ending the Turkish-Cypriot divide on the Island of Cyprus. I have introduced legislation, H. Res. 405, which expresses strong support for the implementation of the July 8 Agreement.

I urge all of my colleagues to act and help this body put our own stamp of support on the July 8 process by supporting this resolution.

Cyprus has long been a strong and faithful ally of the United States. It continues to work with us in the Global War on Terrorism and has supported our efforts in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Aside from providing overflight rights and port access, the government of Cyprus has joined only a handful of nations who have acted on their commitment to cancel Iraq's outstanding debt.

Mr. Speaker, 33 years is long enough. It is not impossible to conceive one-day having a Cyprus that is unified under bizonal, bi- communal federation with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship with respect for human rights. and fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots.

America, a friend of the Cypriot people, owes it to them to do everything in their power to support peace and an end to this illegal occupation.

Madam Speaker, as co-chair and co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, I rise today to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the 1974 illegal Turkish invasion of Cyprus. I have commemorated this day each year since I became a Member of Congress.

PSEKA (The International Coordinating Committee ``Justice for Cyprus''), The Cyprus Federation of America, SAE (World Council of Hellenes Abroad), and The Federation of Hellenic Societies are primarily located in the 14th Congressional District of New York, which I am fortunate to represent.

These organizations have been strong advocates against the division of Cyprus and the human rights violations perpetrated by the Turkish army in Cyprus.

For the past several years, the Hellenic Caucus has been very engaged on the issues facing Cyprus. Many members of the Caucus remain concerned about the continued occupation and division of the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey illegally invaded Cyprus in 1974. As a result of the Turkish invasion and occupation, 160,000 Greek Cypriots, amounting to 70 percent of the population of the occupied area and over a quarter of the total population, were forcibly expelled from their homes and approximately 5,000 Cypriots were killed. More than 1,400 Greek Cypriots, including four Americans of Cypriot descent, remain missing and unaccounted for since the Turkish invasion. Today, 33 years later, Turkey continues forcibly to occupy more than one-third of Cyprus with more than 43,000 Turkish troops. The peaceful and cooperative spirit in the person-to-person, family-to-family interactions between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots is an encouraging sign for the successful reunification of Cyprus. However, it is time for Turkey to remove its troops from the island so that Cyprus can move forward as one nation.

As a full-fledged member of the European Union, Cyprus is playing a vital role in European affairs while also strengthening relations with the United States. It has joined with us on issues important to our own security, including the fight against terrorism and other forms of international crimes. Cyprus was the first EU member to join the ship boarding protocol of President Bush's Proliferation Security Initiative, particularly important because Cyprus has one of the world's largest commercial shipping registries. As Cyprus developed into a regional financial center, the government moved aggressively and put in place strong anti-money laundering legislation.

On July 8, 2006, the President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed to immediately begin a process of establishing bi-communal technical committees and working groups. This UN-brokered agreement also emphasized the need for confidence-building measures to make this process successful. Unfortunately, the Turkish Cypriot side has not reciprocated the positive approach taken by the Cyprus Government. President Papadopoulos proposed a meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr. Talat to jumpstart the process and move forward with the agreement. Mr. Talat initially accepted this invitation but on July 12th decided to cancel. I hope that the Turkish side will reconsider this decision so that the July 8th agreement can proceed.

On March 8, 2007, the Government of the Republic of Cyprus demolished a wall at Ledra Street in Nicosia, a key thoroughfare through the divided capital, as a gesture to facilitate the opening of Ledra Street as a crossing point. I have introduced H. Res. 407, which expresses the strong support of the House of Representatives for the positive actions by the Republic of Cyprus aimed at opening additional crossing points along the cease-fire line, thereby contributing to efforts for the reunification of the island. Once Turkey removes its occupation forces from the adjacent area and other issues of safety and security have been addressed, the citizens of Cyprus will be free to travel Ledra Street as they had generations ago.

I also strongly support legislation introduced by my colleagues including H.R. 1456, introduced by Representative Pallone, which would enable U.S. citizens who own property in the Turkish-occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus to seek financial remedies with

either the current inhabitants of their land or the Turkish government, and H. Res. 405, introduced by Representative Bilirakis, which expresses the strong support of the House of Representatives for the implementation of the UN-brokered July 8, 2006, agreement as the way forward to prepare for new comprehensive negotiations for the reunification of Cyprus.

The people of Cyprus deserve a unified and democratic country, and I remain hopeful that a peaceful settlement will be found so that the division of Cyprus will come to an end.

In recognition of the spirit of the people of Cyprus, I ask my colleagues to join me in solemnly commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus.

Long Live Freedom.

Long Live Cyprus.

Long Live Greece.

Mr. Speaker, I rise not only as a Member of this esteemed body, but more importantly, as a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and also as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues. I stand before you today to recall a somber anniversary that has pained the Cypriot and Hellenic communities for the past 34 years.

Mr. Speaker, even though the tragic events of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus took place as long ago as July 20, 1974, believe it or not, the suffering of the victims has not subsided. This anniversary is a time for America to respectfully remember the brutal Turkish military invasion of Cyprus, to mourn those who lost their lives, and to condemn the continued occupation. Five thousand Cypriots were killed in 1974, and more than 1,400 Greek Cypriots, including four Americans of Cypriot descent, still remain missing.

Since the invasion, Turkey has established a heavily armed military occupation that continues to control nearly 40 percent of the island. Forced expulsions of Greek Cypriots on the occupied land have left nearly 200,000 people displaced. These Cypriots were kicked out of their homes, making them refugees in their own country. Those properties have been unlawfully distributed and are currently being used by the tens of thousands of illegal settlers from Turkey. To this day, Greek Cypriots are prevented by Turkey from returning to their homes and properties.

Another tragic result of this 34-year occupation is the division among Greek and Turkish Cypriots, who have been forcibly separated along ethnic lines. This unnatural division of the island Nation is a crime against society and the people of Cyprus that can only be resolved by ending this occupation.

Mr. Speaker, 34 years is just too long. On the occasion of this anniversary, we need to take a long, hard look at our own commitment toward helping Cyprus reach a lasting and enduring peace, free from occupation, division, and oppression.

Last year, the U.S. House had the wisdom and foresight to unanimously pass H. Res. 405, a measure I introduced, which expressed strong support from this body for the implementation of the July 8 agreement. This year, a new President was elected in Cyprus. President Demitris Christofias has followed through on his promise to make the solution of the Cyprus problem his top priority and principal concern. The day of his election, he extended a hand of friendship to the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Talat, and called on him to meet face-to-face to begin implementing the July 8 agreement.

The Republic of Cyprus has also worked alongside its European neighbors to bring about a stronger integration of Turkish and Greek Cypriot interests for the good of the island. This has included a partial lifting on restrictions of movement across the cease-fire line that continues to forcibly divide Cyprus. As a result, since 2003, more than 13 million Greek and Turkish Cypriots have crossed without incident.

Additionally, the per capita income of Turkish Cypriots has nearly tripled in the last 3 years because of an aggressive integration policy by the Republic of Cyprus.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that because of this continued integration between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, and the economic and political successes that the Republic of Cyprus so readily wants to share with its neighbors, it is possible to bring closure to this 34-year occupation.

Cyprus has long been a strong and faithful ally of the United States. It continues to work with us in the global war on terrorism and has supported our efforts in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Aside from providing over-flight rights and port access, the Government of Cyprus has joined only a handful of Nations who have acted on their commitment to cancel Iraq's outstanding debt.

Mr. Speaker, 34 years is long enough. It is not impossible to conceive one day having a Cyprus that is unified under a bizonal, bicommunal federation with a single sovereignty, single international personality, and single citizenship with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots.

We, Americans, as friends of the Cypriot people, owe it to them to do everything in our power to support peace and an end to this illegal occupation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the dark day 34 years ago this week in which Turkey illegally invaded the island of Cyprus. I rise in honor of the thousands of Cypriots who lost their lives or whose fate remains unknown, and in honor of the hundreds of thousands who were exiled from their homes. I would like to share my sympathy for their losses as well as my hope for a brighter, peaceful future for the island. The 34 unjust years of occupation must come to an end.

July 20, 1974 marks the beginning of a tragic era in Cypriot history. The Turkish invasion and occupation of the northern region of Cyprus has proved an affront to human rights and the rule of law. Hundreds of thousands of Greek Cypriots have suffered serious abuses of fundamental rights and freedoms. Their property has been illegally seized, their land has been settled, and many of their religious and cultural treasures have been damaged, destroyed, or illegally transferred abroad.

Turkey's military hold over northern Cyprus has persisted over three decades despite condemnation by the international community and nearly 100 U.N. resolutions requesting the withdrawal of all foreign forces from the island, the return of Greek Cypriot refugees to their homes and properties and above all, respect for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. Indeed, I authored a resolution which passed the House in 1995 calling for the demilitarization of Cyprus. While Turkey is a friend and ally of the United States, the time has come for Ankara to relinquish its grasp on Cyprus. Enough is enough.

Recent events have raised hopes for both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Cyprus' accession to the European Union in 2004 was pivotal in the processes of integration and mutual development. The Turkish Cypriot population of over 90,000 benefit daily from rapidly increasing per capita income and the Government of Cyprus' provision of free education and medical and social services. In sum, the Government of Cyprus has provided nearly one billion dollars in tangible benefits to the Turkish Cypriot community. Along with hundreds of thousands of crossings between the Turkish occupied zone and the rest of the Republic of Cyprus, this progress has contributed to an environment of increasing trust and cooperation in which a peacefully negotiated solution may be pursued.

Since his election in February 2008, President of Cyprus Demetris Christofias has made resolution of the Cyprus problem his top priority and principal concern. He has reached out to Turkish Cypriot leader Mr. Mehmet Talat and called on him to cooperate face to face in order to implement a solution that honors relevant U.N. Security Council Resolutions, the High Level Agreements of 1977, 1979 and July 8, 2006 and the values and fundamental principles on which the European Union is founded.

In March, President Christofias and Mr. Talat agreed to establish a number of Working Groups and Technical Committees as stipulated in the July 8 Agreement. The House of Representatives expressed its full support in H. Res. 405, which I cosponsored, for these actions as the ground on which to prepare for new comprehensive negotiations leading to Cyprus' reunification within a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

After several meetings earlier this year between the two parties and in the spirit of the opening in April of a symbolic crossing through the U.N.-controlled buffer zone in Nicosia, the world's last divided capital, I am proud to report that tomorrow, President Christofias and Mr. Talat will meet again to undertake the final review of the Working Groups and Technical Committees.

I ask each of my colleagues in the House to join me in support of this positive effort to realize full-fledged negotiations. We must urge Turkey to respect the fundamental human rights and freedoms of all citizens of Cyprus while exhibiting the political will that would enable a solution which will bring peace, prosperity and a better future for all the citizens of a united Cyprus.