Expressing the strong support of the House of Representatives for the positive actions by the Government of 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.

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.

Madam Speaker, tomorrow marks the 33rd anniversary of Turkey's illegal invasion and occupation of Cyprus, which occurred on July 20, 1974. This black anniversary commemorates 33 years too long of suffering and injustice for the people of the Republic of Cyprus.

Thirty-three years ago, Turkish troops invaded Cyprus in flagrant disregard for international law. As a result, an estimated 160,000 true Cypriots were displaced and another 5,000 Cypriots were killed. The current occupied area is notably one of the most highly militarized areas in the world with 43,000 Turkish troops stationed there illegally. In an act of further defiance, in 1983, Turkish Cypriots declared themselves a sovereign nation.

To date, they are the only ones who recognize themselves as such.

Together with both the E.U. and the U.N., the U.S. has been a strong ally of the Republic of Cyprus, and we owe it to her to continue our steadfast support. As a Congress, we must uphold our Nation's pledge to advance the July 8th agreement that President Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat reached a year ago. This agreement would begin the process of setting up bi-communal committees and working groups to address day-to-day issues facing those caught up in this conflict.

Unfortunately, Talat is not only yet to move forward with his earlier promise, but has also now gone back on his word. We must work to convince Talat that it is in his best interest, and in the best interest of Turkish Cypriots, to cooperate. They will be left behind and without a seat at the table if they choose to disregard plans for progress toward a solution.

Meanwhile, Greek Cypriots continue working toward their national commitment. The Republic of Cyprus took the initiative to demolish a portion of the fortification at Ledra Street in the capital of Nicosia. Opening up this crossing point was a confidence building step, as was demolishing a Cypriot National Guard post in Kato Pyrgos in an effort to open up another crossing point.

There are steps members of this House can take to show support for the people of the Republic of Cyprus. We can cosponsor legislation to resolve the Cyprus problem--H.R. 1456, H. Res. 405, and H. Res. 407.

H.R. 1456 enables U.S. citizens who own property in Turkish-occupied Cyprus to seek financial remedies with either current inhabitants of their land or the government of Turkey. The intent here is to ensure that property not only benefits the lawful owner, but also that it stays out of the hands of illegal squatters.

H. Res. 405 expresses the sense of Congress for the support and implementation of the July 8th agreement as a way forward for the reunification of Cyprus. And H. Res. 407 expresses the support of the House of Representatives for the positive actions of the Republic of Cyprus to open more crossing points and to reach a cease-fire.

These are all bills that I'm a cosponsor of, and I urge other members to join me in my support for these worthwhile measures.

As a Greek American and as a member of the Hellenic Caucus, I could not feel more strongly about the reunification of Cyprus. The issue is straightforward and clear: we must aid our ally, the Republic of Cyprus, in righting the wrongs of the past 33 years. I cannot think of a better day than today, on the eve of the 33rd anniversary of the Turkish invasion, to express my conviction on the matter.

Tomorrow, we must both remember the past and look to the future. In recognizing the significance of July 20th for the citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, we must recommit ourselves to the cause of restoring the island nation to its rightful inhabitants. I ask for the support of my colleagues in this worthy undertaking.

Madam Speaker, as a co-chair and co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, I want to welcome Mr. Alexis Galanos, mayor of Famagusta, Cyprus, to Washington, DC. Mr. Galanos has an important message to share with those of us in Congress about how his city became a ``ghost town'' when Cyprus was invaded in 1974 by Turkey. Famagusta is a symbol of a divided Cyprus and a crystallization of the situation there since the invasion.

Famagusta was a thriving port city in Cyprus until 1974. Its industrial sector supplied vital jobs to the nearby population, and it was an important tourist destination. In 1973, 88.9 percent of all imports and 73.6 percent of all exports went through Famagusta.

Tragically, a few short weeks after Turkey invaded Cyprus, Famagusta was bombed relentlessly by Turkish troops. Greek Cypriots fled in terror, and the city was sealed off with barbed wire fences by Turkish forces. Ultimately, 45,000 citizens of Famagusta became refugees in their own country, losing their land, businesses, homes, and neighbors.

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. Sadly, since the invasion, churches, monasteries, and cultural artifacts have been destroyed, looted, vandalized, and illegally excavated. Many of these priceless items have been sold on the black market. Today, thirty-three years later, Turkey continues forcibly to occupy more than one-third of Cyprus with more than 43,000 Turkish troops. It is time for Turkey to remove its troops from the island so that Cyprus can move forward as one nation.

Just this month, we passed legislation introduced by my fellow co- chair, Representative Gus Bilirakis, which expresses the strong support of the House of Representatives for the implementation of the July 8, 2006, UN-brokered agreement between President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat relating to the reunification of Cyprus. I believe that passage of this resolution will be a positive influence in moving this process forward in preparation for new comprehensive negotiations leading to the unification of Cyprus within a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. Additionally, 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.

The people of Cyprus, and Famagusta, 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.

Once again, I want to acknowledge Mayor Galanos for being a tireless advocate on behalf of the exiled citizens of Famagusta

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 47th Anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus. It was on October 1, 1960, that Cyprus became an independent republic after decades of British colonial rule.

I am honored to represent Astoria, Queens--one of the largest and most vibrant communities of Greek and Cypriot Americans in this country. I truly enjoy participating in the life of this community and treasure the wonderful and vital Cypriot friends that I have come to know.

As a member of the European Union, Cyprus is playing a vital role in European affairs while also strengthening relations with the United States. Unfortunately, the commemoration of Cyprus' Independence Day this year, as in the past, is clouded by the fact that Turkish military forces continue illegally to occupy Cyprus, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, and to this day continues to maintain an estimated 40,000 heavily armed troops on the island.

I have introduced legislation, H. Res. 407, which expresses the strong support of the House of Representatives for the positive actions by the Government of 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. 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. Two months later, the Government demolished a National Guard post at Kato Pyrgos. I commend the Government of the Republic of Cyprus for taking these actions, and I continue to believe that it is time for Turkey to remove its troops from the island so that Cyprus can move forward as one nation. I remain hopeful that an end to this division will be achieved.

I believe that the United States must play an active role in the resolution of the serious issues facing Cyprus. Cyprus and the United States share a deep and abiding commitment to democracy, human rights, free markets, and the ideal and practice of equal justice under the law. The relationship between Cyprus and the United States is strong and enduring, and we stand together celebrating democracy and freedom.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 48th Anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus. It was on October 1, 1960, that Cyprus became an independent republic after decades of British colonial rule.

I am honored to represent Astoria, Queens--one of the largest and most vibrant communities of Greek and Cypriot Americans in this country. I truly enjoy participating in the life of this community and treasure the wonderful and vital Cypriot friends that I have come to know. Cyprus has long been a key partner for the United States, and our friendship rests on the bedrock of shared democratic values.

As a member of the European Union, Cyprus is playing a vital role in European affairs while also strengthening relations with the United States. Unfortunately, the commemoration of Cyprus' Independence Day this year, as in the past, is clouded by the fact that Turkish military forces continue illegally to occupy Cyprus, in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, and to this day continues to maintain an estimated 40,000 heavily armed troops on the island.

I have introduced H. Res. 407, which expresses the strong support of the House for the positive actions by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus aimed at opening additional crossing points along the cease-fire line. On April 3, the border crossing at Ledra Street in Nicosia was opened, and for the first time in decades, people could walk the full length of the street. I hope that more positive steps will be taken to end the division of Cyprus and to bring people together.

On March 21, 2008, President Christofias and Turkish-Cypriot leader Talat agreed to establish working groups and technical committees as stipulated in the July 8, 2006, agreement for which the House of Representatives expressed its full support by passing H. Res. 405 last year. I am pleased that new comprehensive negotiations regarding the unification of Cyprus within a bizonal, bi-communal federation have recently begun.

I believe that the United States must play an active role in the resolution of the serious issues facing Cyprus. The relationship between Cyprus and the United States is strong and enduring, and we stand together celebrating democracy and freedom.