The legitimate inhabitants of the town of Famagusta demand the immediate return to their homes without further delay and call on the government, the political world and the organised groups of Cyprus to make all necessary representations internationally and to continue to promote the particularity and priority of Famagusta.
In a resolution they adopted during an anti-occupation event on Saturday evening, organised by the Famagusta Municipality in the village of Dherynia, the inhabitants of the fenced-off town of Famagusta call on the EU to play a leading part in the return of the citizens of the European town, and also call on the UN to implement its resolutions.
The Famagusta residents say the return of their town will create the preconditions for a Cyprus settlement, as well as conditions of productive cooperation with the Turkish Cypriots.
”We declare our irrevocable decision to continue, in the most decisive way, our struggle to return to our homes and properties, and call on the rest of the people of Cyprus to join us in this struggle,” they add.
Addressing the gathering, Acting President of the Republic, MP Costas Papacostas, said Turkey, as an occupation force, is obliged to return the town of Famagusta to its legitimate inhabitants, without demanding anything in return that would constitute the upgrading of the puppet regime in the occupied areas and the deepening of the division.
”We assert our rights, we demand the return of the town and we are struggling for a peaceful, functional and viable solution of the Cyprus problem, based on a bizonal bicommunal federation, which will reunite our people and country and will guarantee a better future for everyone,” he said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou Markoulli said in her address that the government is making all necessary representations and is promoting the particularity and priority of Famagusta and the necessity for the immediate compliance of Turkey with UN resolutions and high level agreements.
”In our continuous contacts with successive EU presidencies, the return of Famagusta to its legitimate inhabitants is the red line and necessary precondition for any progress in deliberations on a European level,” she pointed out.
Greek MP Athena Korka, speaking on behalf of a delegation representing the Greek parliament, sent a message of encouragement and support, demanding justice in the struggle for the immediate return of the legitimate inhabitants to their homes.
She said the Greek MPs express their support to the struggle of the Greek Cypriots, adding that Cyprus, an EU and UN member state, could not continue to be under occupation.
In his speech, Famagusta Mayor Alexis Galanos said Famagusta has been for the past 33 years a shameful sight and a disgrace to the international community and particularly civilised Europe, noting that ”the town, that was an example of spiritual rebirth, historical heritage and economic growth, remains silent, without anyone raising his voice for justice.”
Galanos noted that ”Turkey, which is seeking a place in the European civilised world, insists on holding Famagusta hostage by force, as war loot and as an ace up its sleeve in the blackmailing games it is trying to play against Cyprus and its people.”
He furthermore called on the Greek Cypriot side to step into ”aggressive diplomacy” and assured that, ”no matter how many years pass, the Famagusta citizens will never stop believing in their just cause and will never turn their backs on Famagusta and the occupied areas.”
Referring to a recent campaign to gather signatures for the return of Famagusta, Galanos said it was ”the most authentic, pure and unadulterated expression of our will” and that their aim was to make the international community aware of the crime against the Cypriot refugees, including those of Famagusta.
The event began with a gathering at the church of St. Modestos in the village of Dherynia, followed by a march to the Famagusta Cultural Centre, in Dherynia, where Metropolitan Bishop of Constantia and Famagusta Vassilios offered a prayer at the monument of Famagusta citizens who have passed away, followed by the laying of wreaths.
After the speeches and the adoption of the resolution, a concert was given by the Famagusta Municipality choir, singer Costas Hadjichristodoulou and the musical group of Vassilis Hadjiloucas.
