The Federation of Cypriots in the UK hosted a Cyprus Information Day in Parliament on the anniversary of the illegal “unilateral declaration of independence” in Cyprus’ Turkish occupied areas, with the participation of Foreign Affairs Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, who is paying the UK a visit.
The day was an opportunity for MPs to renew their pledge and support for the reunification of Cyprus and also to discuss the Cyprus issue with the Federation President and representatives.
Parliamentarians were informed about the latest developments in Cyprus, including the recent, failed, attempts by Turkey for recognition of the illegally occupied area.
MPs sent a clear message about the need for consistent implementation of international law and the reunification of Cyprus.
Parliamentarians who joined the event to pledge support included Sir Roger Gale MP (Chair of Cyprus APPG), Caroline Nokes (Vice-Chair of Cyprus APPG), Theresa Villiers MP (Vice-Chair of Cyprus APPG), Bambos Charalambous MP (Vice-Chair of Cyprus APPG and Shadow Middle East Minister), Mark Jenkinson MP (Treasurer of Cyprus APPG), Mike Freer MP (Minister of Justice), Fiona Bruce (Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief).
They also included Stephen Doughty MP (Shadow Europe Minister), Fabian Hamilton MP (Shadow Peace and Disarmament Minister), Alyn Smith MP (Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for the SNP), Gagan Mohindra MP (PPS to the Foreign Secretary), Catherine West MP (Shadow Asia and the Pacific Minister), Dr. Mathew Offord MP, Geraint Davies MP, Sir Stephen Timms MP, Paulette Hamilton MP, Martin Vickers MP and Chris Stephens MP.
Political Assistants of Thangnam Debbonaire MP and Mark Menzies MP also attended.
In addition, the Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus, Rt Hon Sir Roger Gale MP, and Shadow Minister of Europe, Stephen Doughty MP, also recorded messages of support on the dark anniversary.
On 15 November 1983, nine years after the Turkish invasion of the island, Turkey instigated and endorsed a “unilateral declaration of independence” in Cyprus` occupied areas, announced by the Turkish Cypriot leadership. The United Nations Security Council with Resolutions 541 and 550 calls upon all States to respect the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, unity and non-alignment of the Republic of Cyprus. They also describe the UDI as “legally invalid.”
The illegal Turkish Cypriot regime in the occupied areas is recognized only by Turkey.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island`s northern third. Numerous rounds of talks under UN aegis to reunite the island under a federal roof failed to yield results.
Source: Cyprus News Agency