Speech #930329814

Mr. President. this week the Subcommittee on Refugees. which I serve as chairman. released a report of the findings of a special Study Mission to Cyprus. Their report is especially timely. given the current congressional effort to speak its will regarding Anlmerican policy toward the Cyprus issue. and continued military assistance to Turkey. Reviewing the Study Missions findings there is an appalling series of omissions in our countrys policy and diplomacy toward Cyprus. In analyzing U.S. policy. the report staces. in part: Evidence available to the Study Mission. including conversations with American officials. suggest that some of the policy considerations. in giving humanitarian aid to Greek refugees. includes the need to improve the political/diplomatic climate. It includes the need to show the Greek and Cypriot Governments that we are following a balanced policy. It includes the need to keep the refugees contained. so as to buy time to assist Ankara in consolidating its position on the island. Indeed. it is intended as well to help refurbish Turkeys International image. thereby strengthening its bargaining position In pursuing its hiregional objectives on Cyprus. M . President. the record is clear that the United States bears some heavy responsibility for the mess in Cyprus. and the human and political tragedy of the Cypriot people. It is also -clear that our country. along with others. has a humanitarian obligation to support the relief and rehabilitation of the Cypriot refugees and others in need. But to do this in the context of promoting Turkish interests. rather than in pursuing a resolution of the crisis which will permit the return of refugees to their homes. is a sad commentary on our Governments concern for people. Moreover. like the Presidents businessasusual attitude toward military shipments to Turkey. our policy toward refugees only encourages Ankaras Intransigence in negotiations. and needlessly feeds frustrations on Cyprus and among our friends in neighboring Greece. Mr. President. I believe the report of the Refugee Subeommittes Study Mission to Cyprus helps to refocus the issue of Cyprus on the central issue before us: The plight of nearly half the Cypriot people. who are refugees or in need of relief assistance. and the need for them to be able to return to their homes. I ask unanimous consent that a summary of the Study Missions findings and its recommendations. be printed in the REcor.