Chuck Schumer: “I would like to applaud and express my gratitude to my fellow colleagues for conducting this special order to…”

“I would like to applaud and express my gratitude to my fellow colleagues for conducting this special order to acknowledge the 22d anniversary of the Turkish occupation of Cyprus. This year the Members of the House meet again to remember this sad day and to denounce the atrocities taking place in Cyprus. There are still 1,619 people missing as a result of the occupation. Five of these missing persons are American citizens. This is an outrage. In the time since the Turks have taken over Cyprus the situation there has steadily worsened. The widespread violence and violations of human rights can not be ignored. Action must be taken to amend these horrible travesties. For some time I have been interested in the situation in Cyprus. I have supported legislation which would require an investigation into the whereabouts of the United States citizens and others missing from Cyprus. Another bill I have supported would prohibit all United States military and economic assistance for Turkey until the Turkish Government takes responsibility for its actions in Cyprus and complies with its obligations under international law. I have also cosponsored a concurrent resolution supporting a settlement of the dispute regarding Cyprus. I hope there will soon be a resolution to the problems in Cyprus once and for all.”