A resolution calling on the US government to reconsider its policy concerning the promotion of the ending of the so-called “isolation” of the Turkish Cypriots, as well as direct trade and flights to and from illegal airports in the occupied north of Cyprus, was unanimously adopted by the board of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE).
The resolution was submitted by President of the World Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” and SAE Vice-President Coordinator for Cypriots Abroad Philip Christopher and adopted on Monday during the meeting of the SAE Board in Nicosia prior to the 15th Îœeeting of the Central boards of PSEKA and POMAK that convenes Wednesday.
In the resolution, SAE members express disappointment that the US policy, following the 24 April 2004 referendum, has not shown respect for the will of the overwhelming majority of Greek Cypriots and “request the US government to reconsider its policy concerning the promotion of the ending of the so-called “isolation” of the Turkish Cypriots, as well as direct trade and flights to and from illegal airports in the occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus”.
It notes that “the welfare and prosperity of all the people of Cyprus lie with the economic integration of the two communities and the unification of the economy of Cyprus, and not with the encouragement of separatist policies”.
“We call upon the international community to impress upon Turkey to fulfill its obligations emanating from the UN charter, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in particular 541 and 550”, the resolution says.
Furthermore, it calls upon the government of Turkey to fulfill its obligations towards the European Union by immediately ratifying and implementing fully and without discrimination the EU-Turkey Customs Union, to include the Republic of Cyprus as well as to align itself with EU policy and stop blocking the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to international organizations.
“We urge the government of Turkey to accept the proposal of the government of Cyprus with regard to the opening of the Famagusta port under the auspices of the EU, together with the return of the town of Varosha to its lawful inhabitants and the establishment of a moratorium in the illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot property in the occupied part of Cyprus”, the resolution notes.
It also urges the immediate and unconditional implementation by Turkey of the rulings of the ECHR that found Turkey responsible for the continuous violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Greek Cypriots.
“We urge the immediate and unconditional implementation by Turkey of all UN resolutions on Cyprus, calling for the withdrawal of its occupation troops and the repatriation of the illegal settlers, the return of all refugees to their homes in safety, the restoration of human rights and fundamental freedoms to all Cypriots, the full and effective investigation of the fate of the missing persons and the return of city of Varosha to its lawful inhabitants”, it adds.
The SAE board also commends the government and people of Cyprus “for their pivotal role in the evacuation of the practical totality of US citizens and those of third countries from Lebanon during the recent crisis”, noting that the crisis “has demonstrated once again the strategic importance of Cyprus in stabilizing efforts in a volatile region and Cyprus is a credible ally of the US in the struggle against international terrorism”.
