Political Quotes

“it is with great sadness and frustration that I rise this evening to commemorate the 23d anniversary of an international crisis. On July 20, 1974, Turkish forces invaded the Island Nation of Cyprus, capturing nearly 40 percent of the country and 70 percent of its economic wealth. The invasion was a craven act of aggression resulting in thousands of deaths, the expulsion of 200,000 Greek-Cypriots from the northern territory of Cyprus and today 1,619 people, including some Americans, are still unaccounted for. The Turkish Government's unjust actions are atrocious violations of human rights. A permanent reminder of this tragic event is the Green Line, a barbed wire fence that severs the nation, cutting across family and community ties that had been intact for generations. This oppressive occupation is illegal and the Turkish Government's self proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is not recognized in the international community. Despite the government of Cyprus making every attempt possible to bring peace to the region, Turkish troops, that number well over 35,000, are still intact. Turkish warplanes continue to fly over Cypriot airspace undeterred by the ban on military planes overflying the island. Turkey simply refuses to cooperate in seeking a compromise and has even threatened war if Greece asserts its legitimate rights.”