Our debt to our country is not limited to reciprocating to condemn the occupation and to mourn over ruins. Our national goal is to get rid of the occupation.
The illegal, separatist act of Turkey, in November 1983, was a continuation of the crime committed against Cyprus in the summer of 1974 with the aim of gradually legitimizing the perpetrators of the invasion and occupation.
It was another sad milestone in the implementation of Ankara's dichotomous plans, which continues, not only to maintain the illegal formation, but also to seek its upgrade. Forty-six years later, Turkish intransigence is escalating: With illegal actions in the EEZ, the unacceptable opening of the Varosia coastline and Erdogan's provocative picnic today inside the besieged city.
A city that over the centuries has been an example of economic development, historical heritage and spiritual development. A city that for 46 years remains silent, hostage to negotiating tactics. A city that remains a living testimony to the tragedy of occupation and division. A disgrace to the international community and civilized Europe. But at the same time a symbol of militancy. Not only the people of Famagusta, not only of our refugee world, but for the entire Cypriot people.
This black anniversary reminds the international community of the continuing violation of fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and of international law. The systematic settlement, the alteration of the demographic data, the alteration of the place names, the destruction of the cultural and religious heritage, the usurpation of the Greek Cypriot properties show that the Turkish plans remain immovable. At the same time, the current spokesman of the Turkish positions and demands, Ersin Tatar, clearly states that he was elected by mandate for two states.
If all this emphasizes anything, however, is the need to resolve the Cyprus problem. And to achieve this, there is a recipe: Resumption of dialogue as soon as possible, substantive negotiations, unity on the home front, will and determination. An informal five-party meeting will lay the necessary groundwork for the start of substantive negotiations as soon as possible, on the basis of the Guterres framework, the convergences so far and the Joint Declaration of 11 February 2014.
Every day and not just every year on such a day we must remember that our duty is not fatalism and apathy. Our debt to our country is not limited to reciprocating to condemn the occupation and to mourn over ruins. Our national goal is to get rid of the occupation. It is the liberation and reunification of our homeland. Because non-solution is not solution. It is a national catastrophe. It means the perpetuation of the Turkish army, the threat of total colonization by hundreds of thousands, the border with Turkey and the annihilation of the Turkish Cypriot community. New accomplishments will be consolidated day by day.
We are in all five of the Cyprus problem with the risk instead of reuniting our divided homeland of losing both the EEZ and Varosi. The hour of responsibility, then, has arrived. At this crucial crossroads, we must support the President of the Republic in his efforts to restart the dialogue. Aiming to make Cyprus a normal and modern state. It is something we owe to the next generations of Cypriots.
* DISY Famagusta District Secretary, Larnaca Municipal Councilor