Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-07-19

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Wednesday, 19 July 2000

CONTENTS

• [01] State of New York calls for peace, justice and an end to the threat of the war in Cyprus
• [02] US Congressmen demand an end to Cyprus occupation

[01] State of New York calls for peace, justice and an end to the threat of the war in Cyprus

In the proclamation, it is stated "whereas, the invasion and subsequent colonization by Turks have resulted in the loss of 37 percent of the Cypriots' ancestral land, the expulsion of 200.000 Greek Cypriots from their northern homes, the disappearance of nearly 1.500 Greek Cypriots and the relegation of hundreds of Greeks to diminishing enclaves where they continue to endure discrimination and other hardships, it is fitting to recognize the noble cause of the Cypriots and Greek-American communities in their collective call for peace, justice and an end to the threat of war in the region and a return to the Republic's former glory and grandeur".

[02] US Congressmen demand an end to Cyprus occupation

"It is time to demand a solution in Cyprus", Bilirakis emphasized. "Although the Administration has pledged that finding a Cyprus solution is one of its top priorities, Turkish demands have become so inflexible and unacceptable that we are no closer to a solution to day than we were two decades ago".

Bilirakis criticized Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash for his inflexibility on the Cyprus issue. Denktash has refused to seriously consider a solution until his illegal entity is recognized and Cyprus withdraws its application for membership in the European Union. "It is outrageous that the legitimate government of Cyprus has to negotiate for land wrongfully taken in an illegal invasion by a regime recognized by only one country in the world", Bilirakis said.

Members of Congress speaking before the House also expressed outrage about Turkey's advancement in Strovilia Bilirakis called on the US government to condemn and discourage threats of violence against Cyprus. "It is in the interests of the United States, the countries involved in the dispute, as well as other neighboring countries, to have this matter settled in a spirit of mutual respect", he said.

"We have a responsibility to use our influence to reunite Cyprus with its heritage", Bilirakis concluded. "As Americans, as defenders of democracy, as righteous human beings, we must not - and cannot - stand idle while Cyprus remains divided".

Congressmen Messrs. Ben Gilman, Jim McGovern and Bob Filmer and Congresswomen Shelley Berkley and Carolyn Maloney also condemned the invasion and 26-year occupation of Cyprus.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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