Urging the Reunification of Cyprus

Floor Speech

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to an issue that is near and dear to many constituents in my district.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the decades-long struggle to find a common ground between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots. On July 20, 1974, Turkey deployed its military forces to the island of Cyprus, separating thousands of families from their homes and dividing the sovereign nation in half.

Today, there are still many challenges that the Greek and Turkish Cypriots need to resolve before reunification can take place. While the path won't be easy and it will take the political courage of both sides, I am confident that a peaceful resolution can be found.

On February 11, 2014, the two Cypriot leaders, Nicos Anastasiades and Dervish Eroglu, renewed negotiations for a Cyprus settlement. This Joint Statement reflects the spirit of compromise and lays down a solid foundation for result-oriented talks.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in urging for the peaceful reunification of the island of Cyprus and I call upon the United States to do everything it can to support both sides in this process.

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