39th Anniversary of Turkey's Invasion of Cyprus

Floor Speech

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark an anniversary that has pained the Cypriot and Hellenic communities for 39 years.

On July 20, 1974, in blatant violation of international law, Turkey violently invaded Cyprus and captured the northern part of the island.

Since the invasion, Turkey has established a heavily armed military occupation that continues to control nearly 40 percent of Cyprus and has forced 160,000 Greek Cypriots from their homes.

Mr. Speaker, it is not impossible to conceive a unified Cyprus that respects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots.

Cyprus has long been a strong and faithful ally of the United States, and we owe our support for both peace and the end of this illegal occupation.

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