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Bilirakis Resolution on the Unification of Cyprus Approved by Foreign Affairs Committee |
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WASHINGTON (Sept. 26) -- On
Wednesday, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs unanimously passed a
bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis
(R-Fla.), which supports the implementation of a United
Nations-brokered agreement toward the reunification of Cyprus.
On July 8, 2006, Republic of Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and
Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed to an UN-sponsored
framework establishing a set of principles for the Greek and Turkish
Cypriots to find common ground and ensure a lasting peace and eventual
reunification.
Congressman Bilirakis, a member of the
Committee and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues,
was pleased with the bipartisan support for his resolution and the
prospect of Congress lending its support to the July 8 peace process.
"The Committee has acted decisively today to demonstrate its support
for a constructive and transparent process toward a reunification of
Cyprus," said Bilirakis. "The implementation of the July 8 Agreement
would make it possible for a Cyprus that is unified under a bi-zonal,
bi-communal federation with a single sovereignty, single international
personality and single citizenship with respect for human rights and
fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots."
H. Res. 405
acknowledges the key terms of the July 8, 2006 agreement, particularly
the formation of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with territory
allocated to the Greek and Turkish communities within a united Cyprus.
Bilirakis encouraged Speaker Pelosi to take up the measure before the
full House and for both Cypriot leaders to take the initiative and move
toward sustained progress in implementing the July 8th Agreement.
"More than 33 years after the division of Cyprus, it is important that
both sides now move forward on a dialogue that can pave the way for a
more sustainable and lasting peace," said Bilirakis. "I urge Speaker
Pelosi to move this important resolution before the full House for a
vote. It is now time for this Congress to act in expressing its support
for the unification of Cyprus."
Co-sponsors of H. Res.
405 include: Rep. Andrews, Robert E. (D-NJ); Rep. Berkley, Shelley
(D-NV); Rep. Brown, Henry E., Jr. (R-SC); Rep. Brown-Waite, Ginny
(R-FL); Rep. Capuano, Michael E. (D-MA); Rep. Carnahan, Russ (D-MO);
Rep. Crowley, Joseph (D-NY); Rep. Diaz-Balart, Lincoln (R-FL); Rep.
Diaz-Balart, Mario (R-FL); Rep Engel, Eliot L. (D-NY); Rep. Fortuno,
Luis G. (R-PR); Rep Fossella, Vito (R-NY); Rep. Franks, Trent (R-AZ);
Rep. Gallegly, Elton (R-CA); Rep. Hinchey, Maurice D. (D-NY): Rep.
Hodes, Paul W. (D-NH); Rep. Holt, Rush D. (D-NJ); Rep. Inglis, Bob
(R-SC); Rep. Kennedy, Patrick J. (D-RI); Rep. King, Peter T. (R-NY);
Rep. Lee, Barbara (D-CA); Rep. Maloney, Carolyn B. (D-NY); Rep.
McCotter, Thaddeus G. (R-MI); Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. (D-NJ); Rep.
Payne, Donald M. (D-NJ); Rep Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana (R-FL); Rep. Roskam,
Peter J. (R-IL); Rep Sarbanes, John P. (D-MD); Rep. Sires, Albio
(D-NJ); Rep. Space, Zachary T. (D-OH); Rep. Van Hollen, Chris (D-MD);
Rep. Watson, Diane E. (D-CA).
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