Bob Filner: “I rise today to join him and other colleagues... in acknowledging this tragic invasion of Cyprus by the government of…”

“I rise today to join him and other colleagues... in acknowledging this tragic invasion of Cyprus by the government of Turkey. We are here... for the 26th anniversary of the hostile assault on Cyprus which unlawfully led to the declaration of independence by the Turkish Cypriots. Mr. Speaker, time and time again, Turkey has violated international law, imposing a systematic campaign of harassment and intimidation in the occupied areas. This has led to severe problems such as internally displaced refugees, violations of human rights, and the disappearance of over 1,400 Greek Cypriots. Mr. Speaker, Turkey is our ally. We give them military aid and other forms of assistance. It is about time that we demanded that this ally comply with the United Nations and end this deplorable crisis. The time for peace is now.”