This year marks the 39th anniversary of the declaration of the “pseudostate” in Cyprus’ Turkish occupied northern area. This act was condemned by UN Security Council resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984) which called it legally invalid and asked for its immediate withdrawal. Resolution 550, also called upon all States not to recognize the purported state of the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” set up by secessionist acts nor to facilitate or in any way assist that secessionist entity.

Nicosia once again condemns the unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) which took place on 15 November 1983.

Protests are taking place in the Republic organised by the Pancyprian Student Coordination Committee (PSEM) and the Pancyprian Federation of Student Unions (POFEN), while the union of Turkish occupied municipalities is holding Tuesday evening an event in Larnaca to condemn the black anniversary. Political leadership and parties are also issuing statements.

On 15 November 1983, nine years after the Turkish invasion of the island, Turkey instigated and endorsed a “unilateral declaration of independence” in Cyprus` occupied areas, announced by the Turkish Cypriot leadership. The United Nations Security Council with Resolutions 541 and 550 calls upon all States to respect the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, unity and non-alignment of the Republic of Cyprus. They also describe the UDI as “legally invalid.”

The illegal Turkish Cypriot regime in the occupied areas is recognized only by Turkey.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island`s northern third. Numerous rounds of talks under UN aegis to reunite the island under a federal roof failed to yield results.