36 Years of Turkish Military Occupation of the Republic of Cyprus

Floor Speech

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the unconscionable 36 years of Turkish military occupation of the Republic of Cyprus.

On July 20, 1974, tens of thousands of Turkish military troops invaded Cyprus, in a blatant and deliberate violation of international law. This caused the forcible expulsion of approximately 200,000 Greek Cypriots from their homes, which at the time amounted to almost one-third of the total population on the island. Nearly 5,000 Cypriots were also killed.

Three decades after the initial invasion, Turkey still has over 40,000 troops illegally occupying about 37 percent of Cypriot territory. During the occupation, the Turks expelled thousands of Greek Cypriots from their own homes who were then forced to flee to other parts of the island leaving behind their property and other belongings. These seized properties, many of them belonging to American citizens of Cypriot descent, were unlawfully distributed to and are currently being occupied by thousands of illegal settlers from Turkey. The European Court of Human Rights has stated again and again that displaced Greek Cypriots have not lost the title to their properties and thus remain the only legal and lawful owners of the properties in question. Unfortunately, Turkey has repeatedly ignored countless UN Resolutions calling for an end to the occupation.

Cypriots want a unified island and continue to demonstrate their commitment toward a genuine reunification of their country. However, no realistic solution can occur without Ankara's complete and constructive cooperation. I strongly urge Turkey to show a commitment to international law and basic human rights by ending its military occupation, withdrawing its thousands of troops, and removing the illegal settlers.

I am encouraged that both sides continue their negotiations toward reaching a long-lasting comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation. This solution must be made by the Cypriots and for the Cypriots.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in standing up for human rights and freedom, and urge Turkey to negotiate an end to this occupation in good faith and cooperation.

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