Wexler Expresses Strong Support for Start of Cyprus Reunification Negotiations
Urges the Bush Administration to Support UN-led Negotiations

Washington, DC / July 25, 2008 - Today, Congressman Robert Wexler, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe and a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, issued the following statement in support of the decision by Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to start formal negotiations on September 3 to resolve the over three decades long division on Cyprus.

“I want to express my strong support for the bold decision taken by Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders to start negotiations on September 3 under the good offices of the United Nations secretary general,” said Wexler. “It is critical at this juncture that the Bush Administration -- along with the European Union, United Nations, Greece and Turkey -- continues to support this process of Cypriot leaders working to find a mutually acceptable solution that ensures a better future for Greek and Turkish Cypriots. I applaud President Christofias and Mr. Talat, who have displayed leadership and courage in working toward a viable solution that will hopefully lead to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation on Cyprus.”

Congressman Wexler is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Judiciary Committee.