Bilirakis Joins House Colleagues in Marking 39th Anniversary of Invasion of Cyprus

Statement

Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL), Chairman of the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, joined Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD) in introducing H.Res. 308, a resolution supporting the end of the 39-year-old division of the Republic of Cyprus.

"For almost 40 years, Turkey has illegally occupied the northern region of Cyprus, displacing residents and hindering the country's ability to govern itself effectively," said Bilirakis. "In May, Secretary Kerry and Cypriot Foreign Minister Kasoulides held a meeting, where Mr. Kasoulides laid out several confidence-building proposals as the foundation for Cyprus' reunification. A reunified Cyprus would undoubtedly contribute to the economic stability of the Eastern Mediterranean, and the United States must remain committed to these efforts. I urge all sides of the conflict to pursue these proposals, as well."

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