Senator Ben Cardin, Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Committee in the US Senate, has called on Turkey to terminate the illegal occupation of part of Cyprus and allow the return of the legitimate citizens of Famagusta to their town, as a step in the right direction.

In an intervention to mark the 37th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, Cardin praised the leadership of President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and noted that his efforts were being undermined by Turkish intransigence and the inflow of Turkish settlers, which outnumber the Turkish Cypriots two to one.

Referring to Famagusta, Cardin said the once flourishing hub now resembles a ghost town and Turkish troops prevent the return of the legitimate citizens.

He said that, despite UN resolutions on Cyprus, Turkey continues to illegally occupy a third of Cyprus` territory, and that it was high time for Turkey to terminate its occupation and allow the citizens of Famagusta to rebuild their town.