Elizabeth Furse: “I rise to address the need for a peaceful resolution of the situation in Cyprus. The 18 percent Turkish-Cypriot and over…”

“I rise to address the need for a peaceful resolution of the situation in Cyprus. The 18 percent Turkish-Cypriot and over 80 percent Greek-Cypriot population of Cyprus lived in harmony on Cyprus for centuries. Twenty-two years ago this month, Turkish troops invaded Cyprus and continue their occupation of the northern portion of Cyprus today. A barbed-wire fence cuts across the island separating thousands of Greek Cypriots from the towns and communities in which they and their families had previously lived for generations. Last month, I was among the 91 Members of Congress signing letters to President Clinton expressing strong support for this administration's efforts to promote a just and viable solution to the long-standing Cyprus dispute. A resolution calling for demilitarization in Cyprus had already been adopted by voice vote in the House. Our letter to President Clinton stated that this solution must be based on the principles adopted in United Nations Security Council Resolution 939 and in our Cyprus Demilitarization Resolution. Both state that a solution must be based on a State of Cyprus with a single sovereignty and international personality. It must comprise two politically equal communities in bicommunal and bizonal federation.”