Speech #980267983

Madam President. this amendment strengthens the U.S. effort to obtain a longoverdue settlement of the conflict on Cyprus. While sustaining the traditional 7to10 ratio in aid to Greece and Turkey. as provided for by both the foreign Relations Committee in its authorization bill and the Appropriations Committee in this continuing resolution. it requires concrete actions by Turkey to remove a key obstacle to the resolution of that nations crisis. This amendment reflects the overwhelming opinion in the Foreign Relations Committee that concrete U.S. action required if we are to use the only leverage we possess to bring about an end to the decadeold Cyprus conflict. This leverage is contained in our foreign aid program. This amendment requires that for Turkey to receive grant military assistance totaling some $215 million. the formerly GreekCypriot area of Famagusta/ Varosha must be returned to the Government of Cyprus under the asupices of the United Nations for immediate resettlement of refugees.