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Guest Commentary: July 30, 2001
27th Anniversary of the Turkish Occupation
of the Island of Cyprus
The Honorable Patrick Kennedy
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In 1960, the Republic of Cyprus was formed after the island was granted independence by Great Britain. However, the people of Cyprus enjoyed this freedom for only fourteen short years.
On July 20th 1974, sixteen days after our own independence day, Turkish troops invaded and took control of one third of the island nation. The Republic of Cyprus was then divided into two parts -- Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus -- by a 113 mile barbed wire fence.
This present day equivalent of a Berlin Wall remains standing even now. As a result, over 200,000 Greek Cypriots were displaced and forced to flee their homes. To this day, they are not permitted to return.
The Turkish government has made little progress in normalizing any sort of relations with Cyprus. The Turkish government still maintains 35,000 troops on the island, making it one of the most militarized areas in the world. Most recently, the Turkish Cypriot leader refused to take part in talks with the U.N. Security Council about the issue of Cyprus unless his own preconditions were met.
Most disturbing though, the Turkish government is guilty of countless human rights violations against the island of Cyprus, including continued inhuman treatment, harassment, and intimidation. Because of this deplorable human rights record, no other nation besides Turkey itself recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It is a cruel irony that Cyprus, a nation so rich in history and culture, has been subdued by the most barbaric of methods -- unlawful military occupation.
There is a glimmer of hope, though, despite the bleak outlook. The Republic of Cyprus is expected to be brought into the European Union. I hope that with their acceptance into the European Union, Cyprus will once again be able to become a free and united nation. And as a free and united nation, Cyprus will grant stability to a violate area of the world where the United States has crucial interests.
Note: This column has been adapted from a speech Rep. Kennedy delivered on the floor of the House, July 27, 2001.
 How to contact Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-RI)
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