Greek and Turkish Cypriots

GREEK AND TURKISH CYPRIOTS -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 21, 2006)

SPEECH OF
HON. ED WHITFIELD
OF KENTUCKY
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2006

* Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I, with my colleague Congressman Wexler of Florida, would like to submit a statement regarding the current situation on the island of Cyprus.

* As both Greek and Turkish Cypriots reflect on the events that took place more than 30 years ago, there is good news coming from the divided island of Cyprus. After a hiatus of more than 2 years since the unsuccessful referenda of April 2004, in which the Turkish Cypriots overwhelmingly voted in favor of a U.N. plan for a settlement, while the Greek Cypriots overwhelmingly voted against it, the two Cypriot leaders, Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Tasos Papadopoulos, met under U.N. auspices on July 3 and 8, respectively, and agreed to hold further meetings at the technical, as well as political levels, on the basis of a ``Set of Principles.''

* Among these principles aimed at ``the unification of Cyprus based on bi-zonal, bicommunal federation and political equality,'' is a commitment to the creation of the ``right atmosphere'' in order for the process to be successful; the enactment of ``confidence building measures'' to that end, and putting an end to the ``blame game.''

* The meeting of the two leaders and the agreement they reached have been welcomed by the international community, including the United States, the European Union and others.

* It is important that this new and positive spirit demonstrated by the two Cypriot leaders be supported by the United States Congress in order to help the parties build trust and forge an atmosphere conducive to peace. It is our sincere hope that the spirit of reconciliation and goodwill generated during the recent meetings will continue to be promoted by all parties involved.

* Mr. Speaker, as the process moves forward it is also important to recognize the resolve of the Turkish Cypriot people who have demonstrated time after time an unwavering commitment to reconciliation as well as remarkable flexibility both in the 2004 referenda and after. Despite their continued commitment to reunify Cyprus, Turkish Cypriots are still awaiting the fulfillment of the promises made to them by the international community before and after the referenda that their isolation would be lifted. We believe that both the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey, whose support was crucial in securing the ``yes'' vote of the Turkish Cypriots in the 2004 referenda, should be rewarded, not penalized, in order for the process to move forward toward a lasting settlement.

* More than ever before, it is important to support the recent progress made in Cyprus and look towards a brighter future for Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

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