Mr. Speaker. after nearly 16 years of Turkish occupation. the Island of Cyprus remains divided. A 1974 coup by the Faction of Greek Cypriots and the Greek Army to bring about union of Cyprus with Greece prompted an invasion and occupation which has left refugees on both sides of the "Green Line." While both Greek and Turkish troops had been stationed on the island of Cyprus. the July 15 coup compelled Turkey to invade militarily to protect its citizens on the island and keep the small country from uniting with Greece. Less than 1 month later. Turkish troops and civilians occupied 41 percent of Cyprus. Over 200.000 Cypriots were forced to flee their homes in the northern territories leaving homes. businesses. and personal belongings behind. The Turkish government brought in 60.000 civilians to live in the homes left empty. giving the Turks a democratic majority. Meanwhile. in the south. the Cypriot refugees were forced to start over from nothing. Mr. Speaker. on behalf of CypriotAmericans in the 18th District of Ohio and the citizens of Cyprus.
Keywords matched
refugees