Solving the Cyprus Problem

Floor Speech

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the ongoing Cyprus problem.

Another year has passed, and yet again Members of Congress are speaking out in support of resolving this problem. As co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on US-Turkish Relations and Turkish-Americans, I wish to join my colleagues in these efforts. A positive resolution of this matter would enhance the stability, security, and economic integration in the Eastern Mediterranean region and ensure the equitable and effective sharing of natural resources.

Many of my colleagues have grown frustrated over the years by the lack of progress toward a negotiated political settlement. Perhaps the greatest frustration was caused by the failure of the UN peace initiative in 2004, when--despite the strong approval of the Turkish Cypriots--Greek Cypriots overwhelmingly rejected the Peace Plan and defeated the initiative.
If it had been approved by the both sides, the UN Peace Plan of 2004, which was strongly supported by the United States and the international community, would have established a bi-zonal and bi-communal state, demilitarized the island and settled the very issues that many of my colleagues have raised in recent weeks in conjunction with Cyprus.

In a report issued in May 2004, the UN Secretary General stated: ``In the aftermath of the vote, the situation of the Turkish Cypriots calls for the attention of the international community as a whole, including the Security Council.'' The report also noted that ``[t]he Turkish Cypriot vote has undone any rationale for pressuring and isolating them.''

Meanwhile, on April 26, the General Affairs Council of the European Union declared that: ``The Turkish Cypriot community has expressed their clear desire for a future within the European Union. The Council is determined to put an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community and to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community.''

Yet we cannot let frustration deter us from moving forward.

I applaud The Turkish Cypriots for their willingness to move forward and their continued commitment to a negotiated political settlement. I am also encouraged by the newly elected Greek Cypriot President's previous support of the 2004 Peace Plan. Mr. Anastasiades now has a genuine opportunity to not only support a comprehensive settlement, but to achieve it.

The economic difficulties that have gripped Southern Cyprus this year should not be an obstacle to peace. On the contrary, as many experts say, they offer a good reason to take the path of cooperation. A united Cyprus would increase economic growth and provide stability in an important region--for the United States and our allies.

And while it will be up to the Greek and Turkish Cypriots to decide on their common or separate futures, the United States' interests in the region require an active involvement and engagement in the process. The U.S. should use its best influence to encourage all relevant parties in Cyprus to launch comprehensive peace talks without any further delay.

Mr. Speaker, I hope this time next year we will be able to applaud the ultimate resolution of the 40-year-old Cyprus problem.

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