Doug Bereuter: “Last summer this House overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling on the citizens of Cyprus to accept a U.N.-sponsored…”

“Last summer this House overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling on the citizens of Cyprus to accept a U.N.-sponsored plan designed to end 29 years of separation and to unite the island. During the floor debate, this Member expressed the sincere hope that in 2004 we would be celebrating the first anniversary of a united Cyprus, not the 30th anniversary of a divided one. Regrettably, this hope may not be realized. Although the U.N. plan is scheduled to be voted on in a referendum on April 24, the recent very disappointing decision by the president of Cyprus to recommend a 'no' vote to Cypriots may have doomed the best chance to reunify that country in a very long time. Turkish Cypriots today appear to be strongly in favor of the referendum, and Ankara has played a most positive role in moving the process forward. Both should be commended for their actions and resolve. It is unfortunate that, in a reversal of positions, it may now be the Greek Cypriots who will block unification. In Athens it is believed that both the current government and the opposition remain supportive of the U.N. plan. A strong public statement of support from Athens would be very helpful in this critical time. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe, this Member believes there is still a chance that Cyprus may enter the EU on May 1 as a united country. The U.S. has pledged $400 million to help implement the U.N. plan.”