Frank Pallone: “July 20 will be the 26th anniversary of the illegal Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Although two rounds of U.N.-sponsored…”

“July 20 will be the 26th anniversary of the illegal Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Although two rounds of U.N.-sponsored proximity talks between the Cypriot and Turkish sides have been completed in recent months, the Turks are casting the shadow of failure over the negotiations by employing provocative and destabilizing behavior. For example, the current round of proximity talks have been temporarily suspended by the Turkish Cypriot leader so he could fulfill his stated intention to postpone discussions in order to attend the so-called 'Peace and Freedom Day' on July 20 in the Turkish-occupied area of Cyprus. This action sends an unmistakable message that the Turkish side is not taking the current proximity talks seriously. Rather, the Turkish side is just spinning its wheels. Should the current round of talks end up as all previous efforts have in the last 26 years, the United States should be prepared to act forcefully.”