FUTURE OF CYPRUS -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 22, 2008)
SPEECH OF
HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON
OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2008
* Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, many of my colleagues have supported a settlement of the Cyprus issue for decades. They have come to the floor and urged Turkish and Greek Cypriots to overcome the difficulties and reach an agreement regarding the future of the island.
* On July 1, 2008, Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat met in a positive and cooperative atmosphere. At this meeting, the two leaders reviewed the progress of the Working Groups and Technical Committees, and, momentously, agreed in principle on the issue of a single sovereignty and citizenship. The Cypriot leaders will meet again on July 25 to undertake a final review of preparations for full-fledged negotiations.
* This is not the first time there has been cause for hope. After four and a half years of negotiations and numerous failed attempts, a United Nations Comprehensive Settlement Plan was completed on March 31, 2004. The final hurdle was two separate, simultaneous referenda to be held on both sides of the island on April 24, 2004.
* Turkish Cypriots approved the plan by 65 percent, while their Greek Cypriot counterparts rejected it by 76 percent.
* The ironic outcome was that the Greek Cypriots, having turned down a peaceful settlement, became full member of the European Union, while the Turkish Cypriots were excluded, further isolating the North.
* Congress should evenhandedly support these developments, and refrain from taking any actions which would disrupt the process. I congratulate both leaders on this important breakthrough and urge them to continue the process which will provide a bright future for the peoples of Cyprus.