DECLARATION OF AKEL ON THE BLACK ANNIVERSARY OF THE TURKISH INVASION

 

 

Thirty-nine years after the horrific day of 20th July 1974, AKEL condemns and denounces in the strongest possible terms, yet again, the brutal invasion of the Turkish Attila, the on-going occupation, ethnic cleansing Turkey has imposed, the colonization and destruction of our cultural heritage.

The invasion of Turkey was the second part of the anti-Cyprus conspiracy that was instigated by foreign forces with the cooperation of Ankara. That conspiracy unfortunately found obedient executors in Athens and Cyprus. Without the treacherous actions of the junta of Greece, Grivas and EOKA B these foreign forces could not have implemented their plans to destroy the Republic of Cyprus and surrender half of Cyprus to Turkey. This historical truth cannot be hidden, regardless of the attempts by certain circles and forces that not only do not make any references to EOKA B, but indeed provocatively honour those who attempted to dissolve Democracy and the Republic through arms.

The Turkish invasion of Attila brought havoc and destruction. Thousands of dead, wounded, war-stricken people, missing persons, enclaved people in the occupied areas and refugees.

We pay homage to the memory of the fallen, who although betrayed, resisted the Turkish Attila and defended with their lives the independence of Cyprus. We express once again our unreserved support to the relatives of our missing persons, insisting on ascertaining their fate. We support the refugees, enclaved people in the occupied areas and war-stricken people, stressing that the plight of the economic crisis must not diminish the state’s assistance towards them. We rally our forces with those of the refugees in the struggle to ensure the right of return.

Another black anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus finds the Cypriot people at the forefront of the struggle for liberation from the occupation and for the reunification of our country. Our goal is to achieve a solution as soon as possible. The parameters of the solution are given, namely the resolutions of the United Nations, the High-Level Agreements, International and European law. The solution must provide for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, as defined in the resolutions of the United Nations; a solution of a united state with a single sovereignty, a single international personality and a single citizenship. The solution must end the occupation, colonization and any foreign dependence. It must safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Cyprus as a whole, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

Unfortunately the intransigent stance of Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot leadership, encouraged by the tolerance shown by Turkey’s allies, has to date not permitted a solution of the Cyprus problem. Apparently the efforts to solve the Cyprus problem will be renewed in autumn. There is a general assessment that the new effort will be quite serious, but also very pressing on the part of the international community. An attempt to combine the solution of the Cyprus problem with the issues of the economic crisis and natural gas cannot be excluded.

Having this given situation in mind, the greatest possible seriousness, collective approach in the handling of the issue, the best preparation and of course the steadfast adherence to the principles of the solution of the Cyprus problem is imperative. There is a need to exhibit determination for a solution far from empty slogans. The President of the Republic has every right to promote his policy on the Cyprus problem. However as AKEL, we advise that the work done over the last five years should be used in the future too. AKEL is ready to contribute creatively and responsibly provided that there will be a collective handling of the issue and respect to the principles of the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Unity on the domestic front constitutes an indispensible precondition for the success of our struggle. Certainly unity cannot be an opportunistic slogan of some communication policy. Unity must be based on principles such as the respect of the history of the country, the waging of an equal dialogue, respect between political forces and towards a different point of view. Unity does not mean the leveling of existing political differences, but an attempt of synthesis of views. AKEL will continue to work for unity within this framework.

At the same time AKEL insists on the policy of rapprochement and addresses a militant greeting to the patriotic Turkish Cypriots, who in adverse conditions are waging their own struggle. Furthermore, we assure the people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike, that we will remain firm and resolute opponents of nationalism, chauvinism and the extreme-right wing ideas that are poisoning the relations between the two communities.

The vision of a free and reunited homeland that will safeguard a safe and secure future for all its citizens Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins will continue to guide and inspire us.