40th Anniversary of the Invasion of Cyprus

Floor Speech

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to urge the United States to advocate for a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Cyprus. July 20, 2014 marked the 40th anniversary of the division of Cyprus, and it is in the best interest of the United States to foster a state in which Greek and Turkish Cypriots may peacefully coexist.

In Congress, I have supported legislation that promotes a comprehensive peace agreement between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. I support discussions resuming to finally identify a settlement to this protracted conflict. It is my hope that a peaceful resolution to the territorial dispute will soon become reality and I am pleased with the progress that Cyprus continues to make with the United Nations and the United States. It is encouraging that the President of Cyprus has established several confidence-building measures that could lead to productive negotiations, measures that the United States has endorsed.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the State Department to work with the government of Cyprus for the advancement of democracy, human rights, and the interests of the United States.

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