2001 Assembly Resolution 44
ENGROSSED RESOLUTION
Relating to: supporting an initiative seeking a just and peaceful resolution of the situation in Cyprus.
Whereas, this year marks the 27th anniversary of the military invasion and occupation of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey; and
Whereas, the Republic of Cyprus has been divided and occupied by foreign forces since 1974 in violation of international law and 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, United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1250 and 1251, adopted on June 26 and 29, 1999, provide parameters for a solution and are supported by the United States; and
Whereas, Resolution 1250 reaffirms all of its earlier resolutions on Cyprus, particularly Resolution 1218 (1998) of December 22, 1998; and
Whereas, Resolution 1251 reaffirms that the status quo is unacceptable and that negotiations on a final political solution to the Cyprus problem have been at an impasse for too long; and
Whereas, Resolution 1251 also reiterates the Security Council's position that a Cyprus settlement must be based on a state of Cyprus with a single sovereignty and international personality and a single citizenship, with its independence and territorial integrity safeguarded, and comprising 2 politically equal communities as described in the relevant Security Council resolutions, in a bicommunal and bizonal federation, and that such a settlement must exclude union in whole or in part with any other country or any form of partition or secession; and
Whereas, Cyprus is among the leading candidate countries for accession to the European Union, in recognition of its commitment to free market, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law; and
Whereas, membership in the European Union will guarantee each citizen of Cyprus important civil, human, and cultural rights, as well as new economic opportunities; and
Whereas, the European Council decided in December 1999, in Helsinki, that the solution of the Cyprus problem is not a precondition for the accession of Cyprus to the European Union; and
Whereas, the United States government supports the accession of Cyprus to the European Union according to the Helsinki Conclusions of the European Council; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, That the membership of Cyprus to the European Union should be strongly supported by the United States; and, be it further
Resolved, That the Wisconsin assembly endorses the United Nations Security Council Resolutions relevant to Cyprus, as supported by the United States, and urges the American government to undertake significant efforts to promote substantial progress towards a solution of the Cyprus problem in the near future thus ending the unacceptable status quo; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this resolution to each member of this state's congressional delegation.
