The unconditional support of overseas Cypriots living in Greece in the struggle of the people of Cyprus for national survival, is expressed in a resolution of the meeting of the Federation of Cypriot Organisations in Greece that convened in Athens from 23-24 May.
In the resolution, the organizations ascertain the continued Turkish intransigence for 35 years and occupation of 34.7% of the Republic of Cyprus which is now European territory, the policy of ethnic cleansing together with the continued movement of Turkish settlers to the occupied areas, the fact that one third of the population has been displaced in its own country, while there are still missing persons, as well as the unacceptable demands for recognition of the illegal regime and the obstacles raised in finding a viable, fair, democratic and functional solution to the Cyprus problem in the framework of the UN.
A solution, the resolution said, should reject any thought for separate states and confederation and should safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all lawful inhabitants of Cyprus, “especially the three freedoms (property, settlement and movement”.
They also stress that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership should respect UN decisions for a solution to the Cyprus issue and respect UN decisions for a solution.
At the same time, the Cypriot organizations welcome President Demetris Christofias’ effort to solve the Cyprus issue and convey their support to the government and National Council in this new, difficult effort. Cyprus’ membership to the EU has opened a new page in the future of the Republic of Cyprus in the framework of the wider European family, they remark.
In the resolution, the organizations note that Ankara should recognize the Republic of Cyprus and fully implement the agreement for customs union, to set a timeframe for the withdrawal of Turkish troops and settlers from Cyprus, an EU member state.
They underline that the protracting of today’s situation is not to the interest of the people and a non-solution should not be considered a solution because it leads to solidifying the occupation. The organizations convey once again the determination of Greeks living in Greece and in general to intensify their efforts until the final justification of Cyprus.
The Cypriot organizations in Greece called on the new board that was elected to continue the coordination with Greek associations to organize activities and events marking important dates in the history of Cyprus, including 1st of October, (Independence Day), 15-20 July 1974 (coup, invasion and occupation of Cyprus) and 15th November 1983, declaration of the illegal regime in the occupied areas.
It also calls on the new board to fully utilize all overseas Cypriots organizations, including PSEKA and in coordination with overseas Turkish Cypriots’ organizations to organize activities, which will promote a fair, viable and functional solution.
