Members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives Comment On the 37th Anniversary of the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This week marks the 37^th Anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus; the Republic of Cyprus remains forcibly divided to this day. Turkey occupies more than one-third of the country and has more than 43,000 Turkish troops stationed in the occupied area. Human rights violations, massive colonization of areas under occupation, property usurpation, the destruction of cultural heritage and ethnic separation have all resulted from this invasion. As Cyprus marks this sad anniversary, friends and allies in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate offer words of remembrance and support.

"I applaud the leadership demonstrated by President Christofias in an attempt to bring about a comprehensive settlement and reunification of his country based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined in the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, with a single sovereignty, single citizenship and single international personality. Attempts to resolve the Cyprus issue are exacerbated by Turkish intransigence; the continued deployment of tens of thousands of Turkish troops in occupied northern Cyprus; and the introduction of an estimated 160,000 settlers from mainland Turkey."

SEN. BEN CARDIN, MARYLAND, July 20, 2011

"It is imperative that Turkey withdraw its forces and at long last concede that the Cyprus question is one that can only be resolved through mutual agreement on a solution, not the imposition of one. In this way, Turkey must contribute practically and substantially to the negotiating effort and embrace in concrete terms a reunified and prosperous Cyprus where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can live together in peace."

SEN. OLYMPIA SNOWE, MAINE, July 20, 2011

"After 37 years of broken promises, it is high time that this Chamber demand that Turkey conduct itself in accordance with the standards and values expected of a democracy, a member of NATO, and a candidate country of the European Union."

REP. JOHN SARBANES, MARYLAND, July 20, 2011

"The status quo on Cyprus clearly benefits no one. It must end and the time is now."

"I truly believe that a lasting, fair and comprehensive solution to the conflict on Cyprus is possible. If we avoid inflammatory rhetoric and political statements and instead work in unison to bolster the efforts of the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots to work together in good faith for the future of all Cypriots; the future will be bright for Cyprus."

REP. DAN BURTON, INDIANA, July 20, 2011

"The onus is on the Turkish government to play a positive role, which means it should actively and publicly support the process and the reunification of the island. Turkey must also remove its occupying forces."

REP. STEVE ISRAEL, NEW YORK, July 14, 2011

"I stand today to ask the Administration to take an active role to bring about a solution that would benefit both Cypriot communities. This ongoing disagreement is not helpful and reunification of Cyprus will only benefit the world community."

REP. EDOLPHUS TOWNS, NEW YORK, Friday, July 15, 2011

"Cyprus and the U.S. share a deep and abiding commitment to upholding the ideals of freedom, democracy, justice, human rights, and the international rule of law. Infringements upon these American—and Cypriot—principles should not go unnoticed. I remain steadfast in my dedication to correcting these problems and working with others to ensure that Cyprus can flourish for years to come."

REP. LOIS CAPPS, CALIFORNIA, Wednesday, July 13, 2011

"The U.S. and Cyprus also share a deep commitment to freedom, democracy and human rights. Given the long-standing friendship between the U.S. and Cyprus, I call upon the United States Government to become actively engaged in moving forward the negotiations regarding the future of Cyprus."

REP. ELTON GALLEGLY, CALIFORNIA, Thursday, July 21, 2011

"The time has come for Turkey to end their threats, withdraw their troops, and return the territory that is not rightfully theirs. That way, the Cypriots—and the Cypriots alone—can make the decisions affecting their future."

REP. SHELLEY BERKLEY, NEVADA, Thursday, July 21, 2011

This press release is being distributed by Qorvis Communications on behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus.  Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.

SOURCE Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus