The United Nations and the European Union must exert pressure upon Turkey to change its attitude and work towards a just solution to the Cyprus problem, the people of Morphou have declared.
In a resolution by the Morphou Municipal Council and the Morphou organizations on the occasion of the 38th anniversary of the occupation of the town of Morphou by the Turkish troops, they further call for the withdrawal of all Turkish troops from the island’s northern third, occupied by Turkey since 1974.
“As a result of the Turkish invasion of 1974, Turkey’s military aggression against Cyprus tragically continues unabated for thirty-eight long years. The military occupation, forcible division, violation of human rights, massive colonization, cultural destruction, property usurpation and ethnic segregation imposed, remain the main characteristics of the status quo on the island”, the resolution notes, adding that “today, Turkey, an aspiring member of the European Union, still stands guilty of international aggression against a full member-state of the UN and the EU which presently holds the Presidency of the EU”.
The area under military occupation is experiencing an unprecedented construction and “property sale” boom with the properties affected owned by Greek Cypriots who were forcibly expelled from their homes due to the Turkish invasion. At the same time, the occupied area has become a haven for corrupt and unscrupulous businessmen out to make a quick profit from the illegal “sale” of Greek Cypriot property.
Even today, the resolution adds, “while discussions between the two communities are carried out, Turkey and the occupying troops create illegally a fait accompli on the territory in the Greek-Cypriot properties in Morphou and the broader region. This will certainly render difficult, if not impossible, a fair and viable solution”.
Morphou residents add that “the most recent development in the Cyprus problem concerns the threats of Turkey for undertaking military action against Cyprus, an answer to the hydrocarbon exploitation of Cyprus in its Exclusive Economic Zone ([AOZ])”.
Stressing that “the threats of Turkey are completely unacceptable and constitute a challenge both for the United Nations and the European Union”, the resolution underlines that it is “totally unacceptable and a threat to the regional stability therefore it must be urgently redressed”.
The resolution also refers provocative statements made by Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu as well as Turkish Prime Minister Tayip Erdogan, noting that their policies do not make “us feel optimistic on the outcome of the talks”.
“The United Nations and the European Union must exert pressure upon Turkey to change its attitude and work towards a just solution to the Cyprus problem and the restoration of the basic Human Rights of all Cypriots. Cyprus should remain an independent, single state with a single sovereignty and an international personality and territorial integrity”, the resolution underlines.
The solution must not give any country the right to intervene in the internal affairs of the state. Cyprus should not be a hostage of Turkey or other foreign interests. Such a solution should guarantee the withdrawal of all Turkish troops and settlers, the right of all refugees to return to their homes and properties in safety, the safeguarding of the three basic Freedoms, freedom of movement, settlement and the right to property, the ascertainment of the fate of all missing people and the restoration of the violated human rights of all the legitimate inhabitants of Cyprus.
