Turkish Military Occupation in Cyprus

TURKISH MILITARY OCCUPATION IN CYPRUS -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 25, 2008)

* Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker. I rise today to recognize the unconscionable 34 years of Turkish military occupation in Cyprus.

* On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, in blatant violation of international law. Nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots were forcibly expelled from their homes and approximately 5,000 Cypriots were killed. Today, Turkey has 43,000 troops occupying northern Cyprus, and the European Court of Human Rights has condemned Turkey in multiple decisions for violating the basic rights of Cypriots such as the right to life, the right to liberty and security, the right to respect for family life, the right to the protection of property and the prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment.

* Cypriots want a unified island and continue to demonstrate their commitment toward a genuine reunification of Cyprus. However, no solution can realistically happen until the Turkish troops are withdrawn.

* I strongly urge Turkey to show a commitment to international law and basic human rights by ending its military occupation and withdrawing its 43,000 troops so that Cyprus can begin to heal these wounds, peacefully integrate its people and economy and grow together as a nation.

Source