Cyprus FM condemns Erdogan's illegal visit to occupied areas

Cyprus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unequivocally condemned the illegal visit of the Turkish President to the occupied areas on the anniversary of the Turkish invasion, as well as provocative statements on the Cyprus issue that challenge the agreed framework for a bicommunal, bizonal federation solution.

Such rhetoric, the Ministry said, aims to promote the "recognition" of the illegal secessionist entity and works against any prospects for a resolution of the Cyprus issue, at a time when the Republic of Cyprus is making intense efforts to resume negotiations within the agreed framework of the United Nations.

In a press release, the Ministry said that 20 July marked 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 violent displacement of 200,000 Greek Cypriots, the seizing of their properties while thousands were killed and other persons are missing with their fate remaining unresolved to this day.

"Regardless of how many years have gone by, the Cyprus issue remains an international issue which concerns illegal invasion and occupation, in violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter," the Ministry said.

Condemning "unequivocally the illegal visit of the Turkish President to the occupied areas, who once again chose to participate in 'celebratory events' on such a mournful day for our island," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underlines that the presence of Recep Tayyip Erdogan "affirms the full responsibility borne by Turkey, which systematically promotes its unlawful designs in Cyprus, in violation of international law and relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions".

"Within this framework, the Turkish President chose to reiterate the unacceptable and provocative statements on the Cyprus issue, challenging the agreed framework for a bicommunal, bizonal federation solution," the Ministry added.

Furthermore, "during a period in which the Republic of Cyprus is making strenuous efforts to restart negotiations for finding a solution within the agreed framework of the UN, this kind of rhetoric attempts to promote the "recognition" of the illegal secessionist entity and works against any prospects for the resolution of the Cyprus issue," the Ministry said.

In addition, the participation of the Turkish President in the "inauguration of a new wing" and a new "terminal" at the illegal "airport" in Turkish occupied Tymbou (Ercan) clearly reaffirms Turkey's long-standing policy aimed at strengthening the dependence of the occupied areas on Turkey and promoting a two-state solution.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that Turkey's unacceptable actions in the occupied areas, including, among others, the gradual opening of the enclosed area of Varosha, constitute a blatant violation of international law and relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions. It added that the Foreign Affairs ministry is taking all appropriate actions and measures in response to these developments.