Benjamin Gilman: “Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday, we marked the 23d anniversary of the invasion and occupation of Cyprus. The Cyprus…”

“Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday, we marked the 23d anniversary of the invasion and occupation of Cyprus. The Cyprus problem is a situation that cries out for just redress and an end to the occupation of Cyprus by foreign troops. Although the world has dramatically changed for the better during this decade, Cyprus remains as a pressing international problem. Indeed, Cyprus has almost become a code word for intractability in the realm of diplomacy. I have been encouraged, nevertheless, by recent statements from high-level officials of the Clinton administration, including the President himself, that indicate that there may be new willingness on the part of our Government to exert its leadership in promoting a solution to the Cyprus problem. Indeed, the President's appointment of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke as special envoy for Cyprus is a sign of a renewed commitment to finding a solution on the part of the administration. I strongly believe that our Government should invest some of our prestige in such an effort, because Americans have always supported justice and because we have significant interests that can be affected by instability in Cyprus.”