Time has come to resolve Cyprus impasse

At the weekend the Washington Times carried an opinion piece by Rep. Donald M. Payne (D. New Jersey), a senior member of the House International Relations Committee. Writes Payne:

The time has come for the United States to advise Turkey's leadership — in very clear terms — that its occupation of Cyprus must quickly come to an end. Turkey, today with lessened leverage over the United States, should not be allowed to continue blocking resolution of the situation in Cyprus. The only chance Turkey has to modernize by joining the EU is to release Cyprus from the grip of its aggression and show the world that Turkey itself has turned the corner and is an increasingly enlightened global citizen.

Then, and only then, Cyprus can be reunited, bringing security and prosperity to all its citizens and a glimmer of peace to the eastern Mediterranean.