Political Quotes

“the recent shooting of two young Greek Cypriots and a Turkish Cypriot soldier have raised tension on Cyprus to a higher level than has been experienced in many years. These events demonstrate that the status quo of foreign occupation and forcible division of the island is unacceptable and dangerous to peace and stability in the area. Above all, the recent killings highlight the need to demilitarize Cyprus as a first step toward achieving a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem. Last fall, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling for demilitarization and it was subsequently approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The need for demilitarization is even greater now than it was last year. Neither demilitarization nor a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem will occur, however, unless Turkey demonstrates the political will and flexibility to arrive at a compromise solution to the division of Cyprus. In order for that to happen, the United States and its European allies must make a concerted effort to convince Turkey that an end to the division of Cyprus is in everyone's security interest.”