I would like to preface my remarks by commending the distinguished gentleman from New York. the Honorable TOM MANTON. for calling this special order to recognize the anniversary of Cyprus independence. Thirty years ago. the Island of Cyprus became an independent state. however. for 16 years. the northern part of the island has been under the grip of foreign occupation. When Turkish troops Invaded. 200.000 Cypdots were driven from their homes. deprived of their possessions. and reduced to refugees In their own land. The decades that have followed have been marked with violence and bloodshed. Over the years. there has been an influx of approximately 65.000 settlers from mainland Turkey and 35.000 Turkish troops now occupy Cyprus.
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refugees