Greece says Cyprus ‘not alone’ on anniversary of Turkish-occupied north’s ‘independence’

Greece called for the restoration of international order and an end to the Turkish occupation in the northern part of Cyprus on Friday, on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of “independence” declared by the occupation regime.

“Today marks the sad anniversary of the declaration of the pseudo-state in the occupied territory of Cyprus by Turkey, a reminder to the international community of the flagrant violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and of International Law that has been ongoing for 36 years,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“The Republic of Cyprus is currently facing new provocations and violations of its sovereignty and sovereign rights by the occupying power. Cyprus, a member-state of the United Nations and of the EU, does not stand alone against these challenges,” the ministry continued.

“Turkey must realise that escalating illegalities and provocations cannot but lead to a proportionate escalation of international reactions against it. International Law exists in order to be implemented. It must be implemented by all, in full and not selectively,” it added.

The ministry reiterated that Greece will “never accept or recognize" the consequences of the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus.

“Greece’s national objective remains always the restoration of international legality on the island, the termination of the occupation, the abolition of the absolutely anachronistic system of guarantees and intervention rights, and the achievement of an agreed, viable and functional solution to the Cyprus issue on the basis of the UN Security Council Resolutions.”