Refugees from Turkish-occupied Kyrenia conveyed their determination for a just, viable and functioning solution to the Cyprus problem during an anti-occupation rally, on Friday, in Nicosia, protesting the 1974 Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation of the island's northern third.
The event at the military cemetery of Makedonitissa Tomb, was organised by the Municipalities of Kyrenia, Lapithos and Karavas, the Union of Communities of Kyrenia District, as well as other refugee associations of Kyrenia District.
In a resolution they approved, they emphasised, among other things, the need for a solution that ensures the return of all refugees to their homes and property.
In an address on behalf of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, under whose auspices the event was held, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Petros Xenophontos, pointed out, among other things, that "it is imperative to put an end to the absurdity that maintains and perpetuates the presence of occupying troops, the violation of human rights and basic freedoms and the ongoing colonisation and alteration of the demographic composition of our country."
He noted that "the unacceptable situation that was created with the Turkish invasion and the continued occupation of a large part of our country is unfortunately continually consolidating. "Turkey has demonstrated for decades the same intransigent attitude and continues the violation of human rights, the usurpation of our properties, the colonisation, the destruction of our cultural heritage and the claim of the permanent presence of Turkish troops in Cyprus, disregarding the European acquis and ignoring international law," he added.
He stated, moreover, that despite the provocative claims of Turkey, the President of the Republic is making strong and tireless efforts to engage the EU and international players in the dialogue process to resolve the Cyprus issue.
He added that the EU is the best guarantee for the reunification of the island, for the smooth coexistence of all its legal residents.
He further underlined that "we seek a just, viable and functioning solution, a solution that will liberate our homeland and allow our people after 49 years of continuous efforts and through historical compromises to live together in conditions of security and prosperity in a free and reunited homeland".
The Mayor of Kyrenia, Rita Elissaiou Komodiki, in her speech on behalf of the organisers, underlined, among other things, that "we continue to condemn the maximalist demands and claims put forward by Turkey for the solution of the Cyprus problem, the creation of an independent 'Turkish Cypriot state' and the consequent repercussions of its demands".
She stated that the people of Kyrenia want a solution "based on respect for human rights, the principles and values of the UN Charter, the decisions of the Security Council, the interstate agreements, the European acquis, international laws and regulations."
In the resolution adopted during the event, the people of Kyrenia, among others, call on the international community and especially the major powers to exert their influence on Turkey, in order to withdraw its occupation troops, terminate its intransigent attitude and its demands for anachronistic guarantees.
They also emphasise that the solution to the Cyprus issue must be based on UN resolutions, international law and the European acquis, to free Cyprus from the occupying troops and settlers, to ensure the return of all refugees to their homes and properties, to guarantee the human rights and basic freedoms of all Cypriots and to ensure peace and prosperity for all the residents of Cyprus.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency