CONGRESSIONAL RECORD— Extensions Of
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July 20, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1377 I share Troop 463’s pride in being nomi- Had I been present, I would have voted in United States, and I believe all involved par- nated as a ‘‘Super Troop’’ for four years, three favor of H. Res. 1472, H. Con. Res. 126, and ties to ensure that the goal is a reunified Cy- of which have been consecutive. The Super H. Res. 1219. prus where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cyp- Troop honor is bestowed upon the Troop f riots live together in peace and security. A which exemplifies the best in Scout Spirit, successful settlement effort must build on the RECOGNIZING THE 36TH ANNIVER- competitive edge, good attitude and dem- work towards a bizonal, bicommunal federa- SARY OF TURKEY’S ILLEGAL IN- onstrates a positive example to others. tion with political equality that represents U.N. VASION OF CYPRUS Madam Speaker, the young men of Boy Security Council resolutions. In the end, Cy- Scout Troop 463 have shown dedication to prus must have a single sovereignty and sin- their peers, their community, and their cause. HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR. gle citizenship which all Cypriots can enjoy. The Troop’s accomplishments reflect the best OF NEW JERSEY Now is the time for Turkey to show that they values of Scouting and should not go unno- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES are willing to take a sincere approach to allow- ticed. Tuesday, July 20, 2010 ing a peaceful resolution to the dispute. The f Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, tonight I leadership in Ankara must show that the will join my colleagues on the House floor to re- and support behind a peaceful settlement is in TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT the best interest of Turkey and that it is fully GENERAL R. STEVEN WHITCOMB member the 36th anniversary of Turkey’s ille- gal occupation of Cyprus. supported. Without such a signal by the gov- On July 20th 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus ernment of Turkey, a final settlement will con- HON. IKE SKELTON in violation of international law and at great tinue to dwindle as Turkish settlers pursue the OF MISSOURI cost to the citizens of Cyprus. Turkish troops policies of their home nation. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES established a heavily-armed force which occu- It is now thirty-six years since the illegal Tuesday, July 20, 2010 pied the northern part of Cyprus and continues Turkish invasion and subsequent occupation Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it has to occupy close to 37 percent of Cyprus’ terri- of Cyprus. However, the resolve has never come to my attention that Lieutenant General tory. The invasion forced nearly 200,000 been greater to ensure that Greek Cypriots R. Steven Whitcomb will retire after 40 years Greek Cypriots to flee their homes—making and Turkish Cypriots alike benefit from a of service in the United States Army on Octo- one-third of the Cypriot population refugees in united nation that affords them the stability ber 1, 2010. He has served his country well their own country. and security that all citizens deserve. The and will be sorely missed. Today, Turkey continues to illegally occupy Government of the Republic of Cyprus has Lieutenant General Whitcomb graduated northern Cyprus with a force of 43,000 troops. shown their willingness to work constructively from the University of Virginia in 1970 with a This unbelievable number of troops amounts with the Cypriots towards a reunified island. It Bachelor’s degree in History. From there, he to almost one Turkish soldier for every two is time for Turkey to do the same. went on to receive degrees from the California Turkish Cypriots. This military occupation flies Last Congress, I introduced the bipartisan University of Pennsylvania, the United States in defiance of international pressure to achieve American Owned Property in Occupied Cyprus Army Command and General Staff College, a peaceful settlement. Claims Act. Through this legislation, Ameri- and the United States Army War College. He Beyond the military occupation of northern cans who are being denied access to their was commissioned through ROTC and en- Cyprus it is important to consider the mass property and even their ancestral homes will tered the U.S. Army as an Infantry Officer. colonization which has resulted in 160,000 finally be able to seek restitution. I am cur- First stationed at Fort Bragg in North Caro- Turkish mainland settlers illegally living on rently working with different stakeholders to lina, he steadily rose through the ranks and property owned by Greek Cypriots or even strengthen this bill before reintroduction. excelled at each assignment he was given. U.S. citizens. Once again this illegal coloniza- Madam Speaker, as we remember the 36th From combat operations in Desert Shield/ tion comes despite international pressure on Anniversary of Turkey’s illegal invasion and Desert Storm to Operation Joint Forge to Op- Turkey to take action to stop the illegal occu- occupation of Cyprus, I remain hopeful a eration Iraqi Freedom, he effectively led our pation and ensure the return of properties to united Cyprus can become a reality. However, men and women into battle and never forgot their rightful owners. the United States can not be complacent in that the Army’s most precious assets are In fact, since 1974 more than 75 resolutions this goal. those who wear the uniform of our Nation’s have been adopted by the U.N. Security f Council and more than 13 by the U.N. General military. Throughout his career he consistently COMMEMORATING THE 36TH ANNI- showed his dedication to the youngest mem- Assembly calling for a withdrawal of Turkish troops and the return of refugees to their right- VERSARY OF THE TURKISH IN- bers of the U.S. Army. As a professor and a VASION OF CYPRUS mentor for ROTC, he made sure the young ful homes. However, the Turkish government cadets of the U.S. Army were well-trained with continues to remain defiant, plainly ignoring high morale and in excellent physical condi- these calls to withdraw. HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN In recent months we have continued to see tion. OF NEW YORK At the Pentagon, Lieutenant General Turkey pursue policies that not only hurt its re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lations with nations that should serve as true Whitcomb served several roles including Exec- Tuesday, July 20, 2010 utive Officer for the Vice Chief of Staff of the democratic allies, but also policies that hurt re- Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise Army and Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations gional relations and stability. I have been an today, on the thirty-sixth anniversary of Tur- and Plans. He ended his forty years of distin- outspoken opponent of Turkey’s irresponsible key’s invasion of Cyprus, to sadly commemo- guished service as the Inspector General for regional relations, which in many ways nega- rate this tragic event. Turkey’s illegal occupa- the Office of the Secretary of the Army. tively affect the U.S. Whether it is the illegal tion has continued for far too long. After dec- Madam Speaker, throughout his lifetime of blockade on its border with Armenia, the fail- ades of stagnation, the situation in Cyprus de- service, Lieutenant General R. Steven ure to take proper recourse to investigate a mands a just and comprehensive solution. Whitcomb has shown uncommon profes- domestic group that incited a deadly incident Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have sionalism and dedication to the mission of the with Israeli troops, their continued violations of passionately, aggressively, and persistently United States Army. I wish him the very best Greek airspace or their illegal occupation of called for an end to the devastating artificial in his well-earned retirement. northern Cyprus, Turkey disrespects inter- national law and regional partners of the division of the island of Cyprus. I have been f United States. an outspoken critic of Turkey’s obstinate bel- PERSONAL EXPLANATION There comes a time when the United States ligerence on this issue and a supporter of must say enough is enough and take prin- what seems like countless bills and resolutions HON. JIM JORDAN cipled steps to prevent further destabilizing ac- pleading, urging, and demanding a just and OF OHIO tions. As a member of the Hellenic Caucus, I peaceful resolution. My voice has been just one in a rising cho- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES have long advocated for the withdrawal of Turkish forces from northern Cyprus and rus of international leaders asking Turkey to Tuesday, July 20, 2010 called on Turkey to support a settlement that end its occupation and help facilitate a solu- Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I comes from the Cypriots themselves. tion that is amenable to all Cypriots. Since was absent from the House Floor during yes- The United States must do its part to foster Turkey’s 1974 invasion, numerous United Na- terday’s three rollcall votes. a united Cyprus. It is in the best interest of the tions resolutions have condemned Turkey’s VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:31 Jul 21, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A20JY8.027 E20JYPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with REMARKS E1378 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 20, 2010 actions and called for the withdrawal of all for- great generosity in building Tampa Bay com- dents have been killed in battle. More than eign forces from Cyprus. Turkey remains the munities. 1,200 have suffered physical wounds, and only nation to recognize the Turkish Republic f many more suffer from PTSD. of Northern Cyprus. The consensus of the They fight a war unlike those of their prede- world community is apparent—Turkey’s control PAYING TRIBUTE TO JOYCE cessors, against an enemy who targets and over the island’s future is unjust and must ROGERS brutalizes its own citizens—innocent women end.