Portuguese Parliament approves Resolution of solidarity with Cyprus
Respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 29th October 2020, Nicosia
On the initiative of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), the Portuguese Parliament adopted a resolution of solidarity with Cyprus on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus.
The National Assembly of the Republic of Portugal, approving the text which was presented by the Parliamentary Group of the Portuguese Communist Party, denounced Turkey’s occupation and colonalisation in Cyprus, the illegal drilling in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus and the threats made by Turkey in relation to Varosha. The Resolution also expressed its support for the resumption of talks on the Cyprus problem, for the restoration of the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus and its transformation into a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.
The text of the Resolution:
“On October 1st. Cyprus celebrated the 60th anniversary of its independence.
Since 1974, Turkey has been illegally occupying Cyprus. Numerous Resolutions of the United Nations call for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops and settlers and the restoration of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.
The High-Level Agreements agreed between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities provide for the transformation of the Republic of Cyprus into a united state, based on a bizonal and bicommunal federation, with political equality, that will be administered jointly by the respective communities, a solution that is also advocated by the Resolutions of the Security Council of the UN.
Nevertheless, Turkey continues to occupy part of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus and proceeds to actions that are aiming at the illegal exploration for natural resources in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus, violating International Law and, in particular, the UN Law of the Sea. Regarding Famagusta, Turkey is threatening with unilateral actions that also violate International Law and the Resolutions of the UN Security Council.
The deepening of the policy of occupation by Turkey is part of the escalation with the deployment of significant military means by several countries in the Mediterranean, which represents an added threat to peace and to the prospect of achieving a fair solution to the problem of Cyprus.
For that reason, the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal:
– Calls for an end to the occupation, division and colonisation of part of the territory of Cyprus by Turkey,
– Calls for the resumption of meaningful negotiations aimed at the solution of the Cyprus problem, with the restoration of the unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Cyprus, and its transformation into a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with political equality, in accordance with the Resolutions of the United Nations, International Law and the agreements that have been achieved previously.
Assembly of the Republic of Portugal, October 9, 2020
The Members of Parliament,
JOÃO OLIVEIRA, ANTÓNIO FILIPE, PAULA SANTOS, JERÓNIMO DE SOUSA, DUARTE ALVES, ALMA RIVERA, DIANA FERREIRA, BRUNO DIAS, ANA MESQUITA, JOÃO DIAS”