[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 10] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 13504-13505] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]COMMEMORATING THE 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TURKISH INVASION OF CYPRUS ______ HON. SUZANNE M. KOSMAS of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 20, 2010 Ms. KOSMAS. Madam Speaker, on the 36th anrniversary of the invasion of Cyprus, it is important to remind ourselves of the continuing human rights violations that have left the island and its people divided. The occupation that began on July 20, 1974 has resulted in the forced removal of Greek Cypriots from their homes in the occupied zone, the destruction and desecration of Greek Orthodox churches and chapels, and years of suffering for families with missing relatives whose fates may never be known. An occupation force of over 40,000 Turkish troops has allowed for the colonization of the seized lands by 160,000 settlers from mainland Turkey. These settlers are unlawfully occupying property seized from Greek Cypriots that have either fled their homes or been expelled in the wake of the invasion. This unlawful occupation has resulted in the adoption of 75 resolutions by the U.N. Security Council calling for the return of the refugees to their homes and properties and for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops from Cyprus. In the face of continuing oppression and hardship, President Demetris Christofias has [[Page 13505]] been partaking in continuing negotiations with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community in an effort to reach a comprehensive settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation as a single sovereignty, with a single citizenship that is recognized as a single international entity. The only acceptable solution must reunite the island, its people, its institutions and its economy while safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all Cypriots and ensuring the withdrawal of Turkish occupation forces from Cyprus. Such a solution would not only serve the best interests of all Cypriots, but it would also serve the interests of Turkey and ultimately the interests of the United States in promoting peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. ____________________