An event at the British Parliament for the anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus was organized on Tuesday evening by the Famagusta Association of Great Britain and the British Inter-Party Parliamentary Committee (APPG) for Cyprus.
First to speak was the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Kingdom, Andreas Kakouris, representing the President of the Republic.
After underlining the important role that the UK can play in the Cyprus issue, he said that the aim of events like the present one is to keep the attention of the British decision-making centers in Cyprus.
He then noted that although it may be easy to forget after 49 years, we must not forget that Cyprus is still in possession of part of its territory.
Secondly, referring to the crisis in the Middle East, he recalled that Cyprus has proven that it is a pillar of stability and security in the region, even helping in the current crisis by activating the Hestia project.
Finally, he spoke about Famagusta and Turkey's systematic violation of Security Council resolutions, speaking of a "creeping encroachment" that must be dealt with in its infancy, because if they are created on the ground then the necessary quick action will become even more difficult back to the negotiating table.
The High Commissioner concluded by emphasizing that "there are not two states in Cyprus" and welcoming London's "very clear" position in favor of a solution within the framework of the United Nations, based on a bi-zonal bi-communal federation with political equality.
APPG Member for Cyprus Caroline Noakes, Conservative MP for Southampton, also stressed the need to return to the negotiating table to restore the principle established by the United Nations in favor of an ILO solution. He assured the present members of the parish that they have many friends in the British Parliament.
In a short intervention, Famagusta municipal councilor Andreas Kazamias expressed his great disappointment at Turkey's unacceptable actions in Famagusta and condemned the "provocative, illegal and reprehensible" violations of international law and Security Council resolutions.
The co-organizer of the event, President of the Famagusta MB Association, Dr. Vassilis Mavrou, attempted a summary of the Cypriot history and the situation in Famagusta from independence onwards, commenting that independence did not fulfill the wishes of the Cypriot people, due to Turkey's ambition to partition the island.
He asked for greater determination from the United Nations and the United Kingdom in the implementation of the resolutions on Cyprus, with a request for the withdrawal of the occupying troops and the creation of conditions for the return of the refugees under the legitimate government of the Republic of Cyprus.
He then listed violations of resolutions and international law by Turkey, from the intention to colonize the enclosed city and the construction of houses on Greek Cypriot occupied land to the "new invasion" that he said has taken place in the Cypriot EEZ.
"Turkey's goal is to sabotage any possible negotiations for the reunification of the island," said Dr. Mavrou and added that "the ultimate Turkish goal is to change the demographic balance of Cyprus."
Noting that in communication with him, the British political leadership of the parties has made clear their support for a DDO solution and has rejected the two-state solution, he concluded that what the Cypriots are asking for is for London to show solidarity, determination and international leadership so that the resolutions are implemented , which means that perhaps the only option to convince Turkey is to impose sanctions on it.
This was followed by a statement by Metropolitan Vassiliou of Constantia and Famagusta, who described with emotion how the Turkish occupation has affected him, his family and the congregation.
The floor was then taken by the now independent MP for North London and former leader of the Labor Party, Jeremy Corbyn, who stated that he was very saddened by the unchanged situation in Cyprus for 49 years.
He agreed with Dr Mavrou that a more decisive stance was needed from the United Nations, the United Kingdom and Turkey's Western allies. "More pressure should and could be exerted on Cyprus," Mr. Corbyn assessed.
"Britain has a very special role to play as a guarantor power and the British government, both the current one and the one that emerges from the next election, should be pushed to take reunification more seriously," concluded Jeremy Corbyn.
Scottish National Party (SNP) Glasgow MP Chris Stevens referred to the humanitarian drama of missing persons and the violation of human rights in Cyprus. He also called for the return of the legal residents of Famagusta under conditions of peace and security.
The event was closed by APPG co-organiser Cyprus Chairman Sir Roger Gale, Conservative MP for Kent for decades, who noted that Famagusta was lost because the lack of response from the British government after the first Attila gave the Turkish invaders the impetus to go further .
He emphasized that the settlement of Famagusta by Turkey "cannot be allowed" and added that his own experience shows that the two communities in Cyprus can coexist and cooperate in the one Cyprus that exists. "Cyprus does not belong to the UK, it does not belong to Turkey or Greece, it belongs to you," he told the gathered Cypriots.
He added that the only way to find a solution is for the two sides to restart talks under the auspices of the United Nations.
He assured that Cyprus has the support of all parties in the British Parliament. "We will be with you as long as it takes," he concluded.
Present at the event, in addition to the dozens of Cypriots from the village, were also other MPs, such as Mike Wood, Martin Vickers, Peter Grant.
Source: KYPE