Rhode Island resolution

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO WORK TOWARD A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM IN CYPRUS

R 250
99-S 1065
Enacted 6/9/99

Introduced By: Senators Raptakis, Enos, Kelly, Sasso and Algiere.

Date Introduced : June 9, 1999

WHEREAS, This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus; and

WHEREAS, The Republic of Cyprus has been divided and occupied by foreign forces since 1974 in violation of United Nations resolutions; and

WHEREAS, The international community and the United States government have repeatedly called for the speedy withdrawal of all foreign forces from the territory of Cyprus; and

WHEREAS, There are internationally acceptable means to resolve the situation in Cyprus, including the demilitarization of Cyprus and the establishment of a multinational force to ensure the security of both communities in Cyprus; and

WHEREAS, A peaceful, just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem would greatly benefit the security, and the political, economic and social well-being, of all Cypriots, as well as contribute to improved relations between Greece and Turkey; and

WHEREAS, The United Nations has repeatedly stated the parameters for such a solution, most recently in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1217 which was adopted on December 22, 1998, with United States support; and

WHEREAS, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1218 adopted on December 22, 1998 calls for reduction of tensions in the island, through a staged process aimed at limiting and then substantially reducing the level of all troops and armaments in Cyprus, ultimately leading to the demilitarization of the Republic of Cyprus; and

WHEREAS, President Clinton wholeheartedly supported resolution 1218 and committed himself to taking all necessary steps to support a sustained effort to implement it; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby endorses President Clinton's commitment to undertake significant efforts in order to promote substantial progress towards a solution of the Cyprus problem in 1999; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to each member of the Rhode Island delegation to the United States Congress.