Robert Weygand: “Mr. Speaker, in July 1974 Turkish troops advanced into the Republic of Cyprus, and since then Cyprus has been divided.…”

“Mr. Speaker, in July 1974 Turkish troops advanced into the Republic of Cyprus, and since then Cyprus has been divided. Over the past 23 years, there have been several instances where actions have led to increased tensions resulting in little progress toward resolving the conflict over Cyprus. Cyprus remains divided today, at a time when we have seen significant progress in the proliferation of democracy throughout this great world. In the last 10 years we have seen the fall of the Berlin Wall, the lifting of the Iron Curtain, the advancement of the peace process in the Middle East, yet, as has been mentioned just recently, the green line still remains across the Island of Cyprus. It is my hope that the green line will soon be erased and Cyprus will be added to the list of places where the conflict has been resolved and democracy flourishes. In light of the anticipated accession of Cyprus into the European Union, the appointment of Richard Holbrooke as special envoy and renewed peace talks, I think the opportunity for progress has presented itself clearly before us now.”