Political Quotes

“I rise to denounce the illegal occupation of Cyprus by Turkey. Twenty-six years ago today, the Turkish military invaded Cyprus, driving 200,000 people from their homes. Since then, the Turkish military has continued to occupy a third of the island, in defiance of international law. During this time, nations around the globe have sent the clear, unequivocal message that the Turkish occupation of Cyprus is patently illegal and must end. Nonetheless, Turkey continues to defy the international community, engaging a deliberate strategy to change the ethnic composition of Northern Cyprus. Since forcing out the Greek Cypriot population from the occupied area, Turkey has settled thousands of Turks from Anatolia in Northern Cyprus in a blatant attempt to prevent the return of the native Greek Cypriot population. The recent talks held in Geneva provide a glimmer of hope that those forced out of Northern Cyprus by the Turkish invasion may finally be able to return home. But the world community will be watching carefully. There have been too many false starts, too many dashed hopes, for the Greek Cypriot refugee population to be convinced that peace is finally at hand. In this dispute, the United States has played a positive role in bringing the parties to the table to begin their discussions. But now the United States must go further. We must clearly say to Turkey that it is time to bring the Cyprus dispute to an end.”