Cyprus, Greece Once Again Call Turkish Presence In Northern Cyprus Illegal - Statements

Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published November 16, 2018 | 01:03 AM

ATHENS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) Greece and Cyprus issued statements on Thursday, the 35th anniversary of proclamation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), once again saying that the move was illegal and was condemned by the whole international community.

Cypriot government spokesman Prodromos Prodromou said in a statement that the TRNC had no legitimacy and pointed out that the main goal of Nicosia was to put an end to the "occupation" of Northern Cyprus.

"In order to achieve that, efforts are constantly being made to reach an acceptable and sustainable solution based on high-level agreements, resolutions and decisions of the United Nations, as well as the principles and values of the European Union, to reach a solution that will ensure the future of peace, cooperation and prosperity for all Cypriots in a reunited common homeland," Prodromou said.

He expressed hope that Turkey and the TRNC would show the necessary political will and resume the negotiations on the Cypriot settlement.

The Greek Foreign Ministry called the anniversary of the TRNC proclamation a "sad date."

"This anniversary, which is sad for the international community, reminds everyone about the blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, as a result of the illegal Turkish military invasion, occupation of a part of the territory of Cyprus and its colonization," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Athens called on Ankara to comply with resolutions of the UN Security Council that demand to put an end to the "illegal" existence of the TRNC. Greece also called on Turkey to work on a fair and comprehensive solution of the Cypriot conflict that will ensure fundamental rights of all residents of the island.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when the Turkish troops entered the island. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was declared in 1983 and is recognized only by Turkey, while the international community considers it to be a part of the Republic of Cyprus.