Sean Patrick Maloney: “I rise to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the 1974 illegal Turkish invasion of Cyprus. I have commemorated this day…”

“I rise to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the 1974 illegal Turkish invasion of Cyprus. I have commemorated this day each year since I became a Member of Congress. PSEKA, the International Coordinating Committee, Justice for Cyrus, the Cyprus Federation of America, the World Council of Hellenes Abroad, the Federation of Hellenic Societies are all located in the 14th Congressional District of New York, which I am fortunate to represent. These organizations believe that peace will come to Cyprus, and they have been strong advocates against the division of Cyprus and the human rights violations perpetrated by the Turkish army in Cyprus. While we must remember this black anniversary, we also need to look to the future. Cyprus' accession to the European Union was an historic achievement. As an EU member, Cyprus represents European values and policies, and at the same time is working toward even stronger transatlantic ties with the United States. This was a long time in coming, and I believe that Cyprus has much to contribute to the EU. Although all of us, including the Greek Cypriots and Turkey Cypriots, want to see the division of Cyprus end before its entrance into the EU, the Annan plan for a Cyprus settlement was justly voted down by the Greek Cypriots by an overwhelming 76 percent. My colleague, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), outlined the many reasons why this vote took place.…”