This year marks a half-century since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, which led to the seizure and occupation of one third of the island’s territory by the Turkish military forces, in violation of fundamental principles of International Law, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
“Greece profoundly respects the sacred memory of those who fell, empathizes with the tragedy of the Missing and the Displaced, and expresses gratitude to all those who bravely fought for the defense of Cyprus.
Greece does not accept undue threats, divisive resolutions or fait accomplish on the ground.
The Cyprus issue remains to this day an unresolved international issue of illegal invasion and occupation of a member state of the European Union and the United Nations. The perpetuation of the current status quo, with the presence of occupying troops and the creation of two states, are not acceptable solutions to the Cyprus problem.
In solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus, Greece remains committed to the solution of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions. Greece supports the UN Secretary-General’s efforts to initiate dialogue aimed at the reunification of Cyprus, based on a single sovereignty, a single international personality, and a single citizenship. The resolution of the Cyprus issue has been and will remain a top national priority,” it added.
