US Congressman Submits Resolution Urging Turkey to Recognise Cyprus

by Lorys Charalambous, Tax-News.com, Cyprus

08 August 2005

US Congressman Robert Menendez (D - New Jersey) has submitted a resolution to Congress calling on Turkey to fully recognise the Republic of Cyprus.

The resolution, supported by ten members of Congress from both the Democratic and Republican parties, urges the removal of Turkish occupation forces from the northern part of Cyprus in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 353 (1974).

The resolution calls upon Turkey to:

• Fully recognise all European Union members, including the Cyprus Republic,
• Continue to adhere to all criteria for accession to the European Union,
• Extend its customs union to all EU members,
• Respect EU laws and demonstrate that it is willing to abide by such laws,
• Abandon all insistence on the right to intervene in or invade Cyprus, in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution 353.

In addition, the resolution expresses the view that Turkey should recognise the fundamental rights of all Cypriots with respect to: the right to own property; the right of free movement; the right of free settlement; and the right of return for refugees.

Lastly, the resolution calls upon Turkey to work and cooperate with the United Nations and Cyprus toward the discovery of the fate of every missing person, and to pledge to uphold and safeguard human rights without compromise. It also encourages Turkey to continue the advancement of processes and programmes to modernise and democratise its own society.

The resolution has been referred to the International Relations Committee, which will decide whether it will forward it to the plenary for final adoption.

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