Athens, 20 July, 1999
Ďn the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation of northern Cyprus, Mr. George A. Papandreou, Greek Minster for Foreign Affairs, made the following statement:“For 25 years, we have been witnesses to the continuing violation of the principles of international law by Turkey within Cyprus. For 25 years, the international community has failed to make any meaningful contribution to a just solution to the Cyprus problem. Today, despite the dramatic changes in Europe during the past decade, the walls raised during the violent division of Cyprus remain firmly in place. The occupation of Cyprus constitutes a black page in the history of European Civilization which must be reversed as soon as possible. This is in all our interests for the sake of peace, security and development throughout southeast Europe. Above all, it is in Turkey’s interests to participate constructively to achieving a solution. For Turkey, Cyprus is not merely a matter of historic guilt: it is a problem on whose solution Turkey’s path towards Europe in the 21st century will depend. The recent crisis in Yugoslavia revealed the impasses to which nationalism leads. It is a lesson that should not be forgotten by Turkey, which persists in policies of intransigence and nationalism.
At the same time, the international community must prove in practice that it can implement the same principles of international law in Cyprus as in other international problems. Selective sensitivity to certain issues is directly linked to a loss of credibility and legality in the international arena. The legal resolutions passed by the United Nations to bring about a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem must be respected and upheld.
Today is not only a day to accuse. It is a day to consider the historical progress of Hellenism, to consider our actions and shortcomings in the recent past. The tragedy in Cyprus also demonstrates the impasse created by Greek nationalism. Our memory of history cannot be selective.
Today, the international
community has undertaken a new initiative. The political powers in Cyprus
and Greece must work with pragmatism and a sense of historical responsibility
to resolve the political problem and restore Cyprus to an island where
all citizens can live together in peace, regardless of race and religion.
This is the best defense that Cypriot Hellenism can use against Turkish
intransigence.”