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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-07-15Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>Thursday, 15 July 1999CONTENTS[01] House of Commons gathering to mark 25th anniversary of Turkish invasionBritish MPs from all political parties gathered at the House of Commons yesterday at a special meeting organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the National Federation of Cypriots to mark 25 years since Turkey invaded Cyprus.The gathering was chaired by Labour MP Eddie O'Hara, who said that the British government has a responsibility towards Cyprus which it will never be allowed to forget. He added that MPs would continue to call for a Cyprus with a single nationality and sovereignty, united for all its citizens. Other speakers at the gathering said that all the MPs Friends of Cyprus try through various discussions, questions and other actions to keep the problem alive in the minds of members of the British government with the ultimate aim of seeing an end to the illegal occupation of part of Cyprus by Turkey. They stressed that although they were all from different political parties, nevertheless they had a common aim and would continue fighting for it until Cyprus is vindicated. [02] New York City Council condemns Turkish invasionThe Council of the City of New York has issued a proclamation condemning the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.The proclamation points out that it is estimated that over $200 million worth of American military equipment is deployed by the Turkish government in its illegal occupation of Cyprus and that the expense of maintaining Turkish troops in Cyprus equals half of America's more than $500 million of annual foreign aid to Turkey. It stresses that the United States has strongly opposed Turkey's continuing occupation of Cyprus which is in contravention of numerous United Nations resolutions and adds that the Turkish Cypriot leadership, with the encouragement and backing of Turkey, has refused to respond in a positive manner to the UN Secretary-General, frustrating all efforts for a negotiated solution. Speaking at a gathering in New York yesterday, the Speaker of the City Council, Mr Peter Vallone, said that the US should exercise its power so that freedom be restored in Cyprus and the human rights of all its citizens are respected. [03] Australian Labour Party leader condemns Turkey's continuous violations of international lawAustralian opposition Labour Party leader Mike Rann has said that he will continue to raise publicly the Turkish government's flagrant violations of international law at every forum and opportunity both within Australia and abroad.In an open letter he sent to the Turkish Ambassador in Australia today on the 25th anniversary of Turkey's invasion and occupation of Cyprus, Mr Rann says that the Turkish government's absolute refusal to abide by UN Security Council and UN General Assembly resolutions on Cyprus has shown that it has not been prepared to behave as a responsible member of the international community. "Turkey wants to be part of Europe but ignores EU and European Parliament resolutions about Cyprus", he said and urged Turkey to abide by a decision of the European Court of Human Rights to award compensation to a Greek Cypriot refugee whose property rights Turkey has continuously violated. From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |