Nicosia: Members of the Famagusta Association of Great Britain held a peaceful protest outside the Turkish Embassy in London on Friday to mark the 52nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. The demonstrators condemned the continued occupation of the northern part of the Republic of Cyprus, calling for the withdrawal of Turkish troops and the removal of Turkish settlers. They also reiterated their demand for the return of displaced persons to their homes and properties under conditions of peace and security, under the sovereignty of the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, in a statement, the Famagusta Association of Great Britain said its commitment to justice and the restoration of human rights remains unwavering, adding that it would continue to condemn what it described as Turkey's violations of human rights in Cyprus.
The peaceful demonstration was attended by members of the Cypriot community in the United Kingdom, who called on the international community to keep the Cyprus issue high on the international agenda and to support efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting settlement.
The Association's President, Dr Vasilis Mavrou, said Turkey "continues to occupy 37% of our homeland, to settle the occupied areas, and to disregard United Nations resolutions." He paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the 1974 events, as well as to the missing persons, the enclaved, and the displaced, and pledged that the community would continue its campaign until the withdrawal of Turkish troops, the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, and the liberation of all occupied territories of Cyprus.