Famagusta Mayor Alexis Galanos urged Wednesday all the Cypriots to attend this year`s anti-occupation rally, marking the 38th anniversary since the seizure of the town by the Turkish troops in the summer of 1974.

This, he said, will send the message that despite all the difficulties, Cyprus does not forget and keeps on struggling for its freedom and unity.

Presenting at a press conference the program of the event, Galanos acknowledged that this year things are very difficult due to the economic situation and the general disappointment that people feel.

“One more reason that we insist on organizing such events. A sound economy has always been a solid foundation for our struggle to free our country. We shall not allow this situation to influence our long standing demands for the solution of the Cyprus problem and the return to our city, “he said.

The Mayor sent out the message that Famagusta is a symbol of the struggle of the people of Cyprus, the return, and restoration of human rights in Cyprus, saying that as long as Famagusta and other areas continue to be under Turkish occupation, Cyprus as a whole is in danger.

Pointing out that Famagusta is a European city which is held captive and systematically destroyed by the Turkish army even during Cyprus’ EU Presidency, Galanos expressed disappointment at the indifference shown by Europe, as it tolerates the occupation of  part of one of its members by the military of a candidate country.

This year’s rally will take place on 4 August at Deryneia checkpoint, in close proximity to the occupied town of Famagusta on the eastern coast. President of the Republic Demetris Christofias will be the key speaker.

A minute`s silence will be observed in memory of those killed during the 1974 Turkish invasion. There will also be a short speech by the Mayor of Famagusta and a cultural program.

On 14 August, the day the Turkish troops launched their second offensive and started moving towards Famagusta, there will be a memorial service in Deryneia.

The events will be attended, inter alia, by a delegation of the Greek Parliament and Mayors of Greek towns.

Famagusta was captured by the advancing Turkish troops during the second phase of the Turkish invasion, in mid August 1974.

Ever since it has remained sealed off, under the control of the Turkish military. UN Security Council resolution 550 (1984) considers any attempts to settle any part of Varosha (the fenced off area of Famagusta) by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible and calls for the transfer of this area to the administration of the UN.

UN led talks have been under way since 2008 with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.