Page 3324 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 22 August 2012
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Along with the High Commissioner of Cyprus and several hundred members of the congregation, I attended the service and a reception afterwards. The invitation to the commemoration of the 38th anniversary contained the following information, which I would like to share with members of our Legislative Assembly.
The consequences of Turkey’s invasion were devastating and are still felt today, as over 36 per cent of the Republic of Cyprus territory, representing 70 per cent of the economic potential, came under the occupation of the Turkish military. Some 200,000 Greek Cypriots, about one-third of the total population, were forcibly expelled from the occupied northern part of the island and are to this day prevented from returning to their homes. Twenty thousand Greek Cypriots, who had remained in the occupied area after the invasion, have gradually been driven out, with fewer than 500 remaining there today.
Thousands of Greek Cypriots were killed as a result of the actions of the invading Turkish army. Until today the fate of approximately 1,400 persons is not known. About 43,000 troops from Turkey, heavily armed with the latest weapons, supported by air, land and sea power, are stationed in the occupied area, making it one of the most militarised regions in the world.
The desire of the people of Cyprus remains the unification of the island and the chance of the Turkish Cypriots to benefit from the opportunities offered by the accession of Cyprus to the European Union, and for all citizens of Cyprus to live together peacefully, with security.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
The Assembly adjourned at 12.30 am (Thursday).
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