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| Turkey illegally invaded Cyprus 45 years ago today |
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- Today marks the tragic 45th anniversary of Turkey’s invading forces landing in Cyprus
- The Federation's #HandsOffCyprus campaign concludes with 58% of MPs contacted by constituents
- Annual Parliamentary event for Cyprus attended by 19 Parliamentarians and hundreds of UK-Cypriots; clear, cross-party support for a free, united Cyprus
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Today marks the tragic 45th anniversary of Turkey’s invading forces landing in Cyprus in 1974 and beginning their invasion and subsequent occupation of 37% of the island and 57% of its coastline. Thousands of Cypriots were killed or injured during the invasion, over 200,000 were made refugees and over 1,000 people are still missing. Turkey executed its long-planned invasion following the illegal coup d’état by the Greek military junta, on the 15th July 1974. For the 45 years since, Turkey has violated United Nations Security Council resolutions; disregarded the Republic of Cyprus’ sovereignty and territorial integrity; and its illegal and aggressive actions have hampered prospects of reunification.
Federation President Christos Karaolis, reflecting on the fate of Cyprus in 1974 and the ongoing occupation, commented:
"It is now 45 years since our beloved Cyprus was illegally invaded and occupied by Turkey. On this tragic anniversary we remain determined and resolute in campaigning for our goal of ending Turkey’s occupation so that Cyprus can finally be free and united. As the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, we continue to represent and lead UK Cypriots in this campaign for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue. Such a solution won’t be reached until the outdated system of guarantors is abolished, occupying Turkish troops are removed from the island and Turkey’s violations of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf stop. Cyprus must be a state that enshrines and protects human rights for all Cypriots, shares prosperity and progress amongst all Cypriots and is a place of peace and coexistence for all Cypriots."
A number of MPs have recorded messages for our community on the anniversary of Turkey's illegal invasion at our recent event in Parliament, "Cyprus: Prospects for a Solution". Watch the video below to hear what they had to say:
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The Federation has sent a letter to the Prime Minister on this tragic anniversary calling on the UK Government to clearly call for the abolition of guarantees & removal foreign troops, and also to exert pressure and take action against Turkey for its continued occupation as well as illegal EEZ incursions. In addition, the letter also raised concerns about Turkey’s “increasingly authoritarian and aggressive policies towards Cyprus.”
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| #HandsOffCyprus campaign concludes with 58% of MPs contacted by their constituents |
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The Federation's #HandsOffCyprus campaign has concluded today as constituents across the UK have been emailing their MPs, over the last two months, about Turkey's ongoing occupation of Cyprus. The template letter reminded MPs about Turkey's refusal to abolish or even discuss the anachronistic Treaty of Guarantee (1960) as well as Turkey’s recent illegal incursions into Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
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The highlighted map (right) shows the 58% of constituencies where MPs have been contacted by their constituents about Cyprus. Emails have been sent from as far north as Aberdeen and as far south as St Ives, Cornwall. As a result, a number of individuals have already received responses from their MPs and we’ve seen welcome changes in policy, and supportive statements.
The Federation would like to express its gratitude to our Member Associations, the community media, Cypriot student societies, community Greek language schools, as well as the Greek Orthodox Church for helping us to engage with our community across the country and increase the reach of our campaign.
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Federation President, Christos Karaolis, commented on the outcome of the campaign saying that, "We can be proud that, 45 years after the invasion, the UK Cypriot community remains steadfast in its collective campaign for a free, united Cyprus but also stronger than ever as we have reached more MPs through our campaign than ever before. With over half of MPs now aware and engaged on the Cyprus issue, there can be no doubt that our efforts to end the Turkish occupation, the anachronistic treaty of guarantees and reunify our island are gaining more support. Thank you to everyone who was part of the campaign and took time to email their MP."
Many people have sent the responses they have received from their MPs to the Federation. If you'd like to do the same, please email us via: enquiries@cypriotfederation.org.uk
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| Cyprus: Prospects for a Solution |
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On Tuesday 16th July, the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK and the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Cyprus held its annual Parliamentary Reception for Cyprus, titled ‘Cyprus – Prospects for a Solution’, marking the tragic 45th anniversary of the illegal Turkish invasion of July 1974 and the ongoing occupation. The Government Spokesperson of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Prodromos Prodromou, briefed the APPG and members of the UK Cypriot community on the latest developments on the Cyprus issue.
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The Federation President, Mr Christos Karaolis, thanked the 19 Parliamentarians who were present (including the Minister and Shadow Minister) and welcomed the guests to the event. He spoke of the UK Cypriot community’s hope and determination to see a reunited Cyprus free from the outdated system of guarantees and without the presence of foreign troops, as well as the return of refugees to their hometowns and properties. He added, “what we’re asking for is both fair and simple; a fully functioning state that is in line with the rule of law and is free from foreign interference. Put simply a “normal state” as the UN Secretary-General Mr Antonio Gutteres said in 2017."
Mr Karaolis reassured those present, that despite it being 45 years since the illegal invasion, the Cypriot community is "louder than it has ever been before" with 376 MPs receiving emails "calling for Turkey to take it’s #HandsOffCyprus".
Sir Roger Gale (MP for North Thanet), recently re-elected as the Chair of the APPG for Cyprus, emphasised the cross-party support for the reunification of Cyprus, stating that “45 seconds is too long, 45 minutes is too long, 45 days is too long, and 45 years is far too long” for the island of Cyprus to be occupied and divided.
Theresa Villiers (MP for Chipping Barnet) echoed Sir Roger Gale’s sentiments on the duration of the occupation and division, adding that the Treaty of Guarantees should be abolished and that "we want to give Cypriots the opportunity to decide their own future without the presence of foreign troops". Further, she stressed that it remains important to continue funding the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus. Beyond the occupation, Ms Villiers also condemned the "unlawful incursions into Cyprus’ EEZ", asserting that it is simply and clearly "unacceptable".
Bambos Charalambous (MP for Enfield Southgate) and the only MP of Cypriot origin, affirmed his support stating that "we need to put pressure on Britain and all our allies to stop Turkey from drilling in Cyprus’ EEZ" and that "we need to make sure negotiations start again under the auspices of the United Nations" with the provision that "any solution that is agreed, must include the abolition of the treaty of guarantees". Mr Charalambous emphasised that pressure on the UK Government is now of greater importance as the Government transitions to a new Prime Minister and cabinet.
Fabian Hamilton (MP for Leeds North) speaking on behalf of Her Majesty’s Opposition as Shadow Minister for Peace and Disarmament, reiterated that it is "absolutely vital that the guarantees must go" affirming that Britain must publicly express its desire to no longer have any form of guarantor rights. Mr Hamilton condemned Turkey’s incursions into the EEZ, emphasising that Cyprus’ resources are being "stolen".
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The Federation President then thanked the other Parliamentarians present at the event, including Catherine West (Secretary of the APPG for Cyprus & MP for Hornsey and Wood Green); Roger Godsiff (Treasurer of the APPG for Cyprus & MP for Birmingham, Hall Green); Baroness Massey of Darwen (Officer of the APPG for Cyprus); Kate Osamor (Officer of the APPG for Cyprus & MP for Edmonton); Sheryll Murray (Officer of the APPG & MP for South East Cornwall); Mike Freer (Government Whip & MP for Finchley and Golders Green); Caroline Nokes (Minister of State for Immigration & MP for Romsey and Southampton North); Mike Gapes (Independent Group for Change Foreign Affairs Spokesperson & MP for Ilford South); Jack Dromey (MP for Birmingham, Erdington); Martin Vickers (MP for Cleethorpes); Lord Dykes; Sir Graham Brady (MP for Altrincham and Sale West); Stephen Hepburn (MP for Jarrow); Thangam Debbonaire (MP Bristol West); and Rupa Huq (MP for Ealing Central and Acton).
The event concluded with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to the High Commissioner for Cyprus to the UK, Mr Euripides Evriviades who will be retiring after six years in London and 43 years in diplomatic service. Sir Roger Gale MP, along with the other members of the APPG, presented the High Commissioner with the plaque to honour his service. In his closing remarks, Mr Evriviades reflected on his career in the diplomatic service, his dedication to Cyprus and his hopes for cohesion, reunification and freedom of our beloved country.
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