TURKISH AGGRESION AGAINST CYPRUS

 

The Cyprus issue has deep historical origins and various internal and international dimensions.  However, since the illegal Turkish invasion in July and August 1974 and the occupation of 17% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.  It is foremost an international problem of invasion and occupation in direct violation of the United Nations  Charter and a plethora of UN resolutions.

So far, for 46 years  Turkey has refused to withdraw the illegal occupation troops which have rendered Cyprus the most military area in the world.  The Cyprus issue is a characteristic of disgraceful and mass violation of fundamental human rights by Turkey.  Specifically, Turkey is violating the rights of Greek Cypriot refugees, missing persons and their relatives as well as those that are enclaved in the occupied part of Cyprus while continuing systematically with illegal settlements and the destruction of the cultural heritage in the occupied part of the island. 

The international community has repeatedly expressed itself, with regard to the Cyprus issue. condemning the invasion and demanding the withdrawal of the occupation forces in international fora, including the UN General Assembly and Security Council, the  European  Parliament, the Council of Europe. the non-aligned and the Commonwealth countries.

In November 1983, the Turkish side proceeded to the unilateral declaration of independence of the pseudo-state in occupied Cyprus.   The UN security resolution 541/1989 and 550/1984 condemn this illegal and unilateral action calling all states not to recognise the illegal entity and not to help it in any way.  

Turkish President Erdogan said that Ankara was open to  "constructive"  talks but would remain determined in the eastern Mediterranean standoff with Greece.

Erdogan made the above comments during a video conference with Chancellor Merkel before the EU summit, net week, at which the block will discuss imposing sanctions on Turkey over its search in Greek and Cypriot waters.

Turkey says the EU unfairly backs  Greece on the maritime dispute which gained added importance with the discovery of large natural gas deposits, in recent years.

The Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, following the meeting with Mr Christodoulides asked for sanctions against Turkey.