[PIO] Announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the illegal passage of the Turkish President to the occupied territories

Today marks 49 years since the illegal Turkish invasion of 1974, which resulted in the continued occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus by 45,000 Turkish soldiers, the forced displacement of 200,000 Greek Cypriots and the usurpation of their property, colonization, thousands of dead and missing persons whose fate has not been determined to date. No matter how many years have passed, the Cyprus problem remains an international issue of illegal invasion and occupation, in violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs unequivocally condemns the illegal visit of the Turkish President to the occupied territories, who once again chose to participate in "events to celebrate" such a sad day for our island. The presence of President Erdogan confirms the total responsibility of Turkey, which systematically promotes its illegal plans in Cyprus, in violation of international law and the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. In this context, the Turkish President has chosen to repeat his unacceptable and provocative statements on the Cyprus problem, challenging the agreed framework for a solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

At a time when the Republic of Cyprus is making strenuous efforts to restart negotiations to find a solution within the agreed UN framework, such rhetoric attempts to promote "recognition" of the illegal breakaway entity and works against any prospect for a solution to the Cyprus problem. Moreover, the Turkish President's participation in the "inauguration of a new wing" and a new "terminal" of the illegal "airport" at Tympos clearly confirms Ankara's long-standing policy of strengthening the dependence of the occupied territories on Turkey and promoting a two-state solution.

The Foreign Ministry reiterates that all of Turkey's unacceptable actions in the occupied territories, including, inter alia, the gradual opening of the enclosed area of Varosha, constitute a flagrant violation of international law and the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is taking all appropriate actions and steps.

(MF/EP)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source

[/URL][/P]
Source[/P]