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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-07-20Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] CYPRUS TURKISH INVASION - MEMORIALS20 July 2010 marks 36 years since the Turkish military invasion and subsequent occupation of 37% of Cyprus` territory by Turkey.Today, Cyprus pays tribute to those killed during the invasion and those still missing, with memorials and other events in the government-controlled areas of the Republic. Air-raid sirens wailed at 0530 local time (0230 GMT), when the Turkish invasion began 36 years ago (20 July 1974) with the landing of Turkish troops on the island`s northern shores. In the morning, a memorial service for the army officers and soldiers killed during the invasion took place at Makedonitissa Tomb in Nicosia, in the presence of Cypriot President Demetris Christofias, other officials and representatives of Greece`s parliament. In addition, an official memorial ceremony was held at Faneromeni Church in Nicosia in the presence of President Christofias. A series of other anti-occupation events will take place during the day. Political parties have issued statements condemning the Turkish invasion and occupation. Turkish troops invaded Cyprus on 20 July 1974. In a two-phase invasion and despite calls by the UN Security Council, Turkey occupied 37% of the sovereign territory of the Republic. The consequences of Turkeys illegal aggression were devastating and are still felt today by the people of this new EU member-state. Not least among these is the gross violation of human rights. [02] PAPANDREOU CYPRUS ISSUEWe actively support efforts by Cyprus President Demetris Christofias to achieve a settlement of the Cyprus problem at the negotiating table, Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou said on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, adding that for Greece the Cyprus problem constitutes a top national priority.Papandreou called on Turkey to show the necessary political will for a just settlement, noting that without it there cant be a full normalisation of the Greco-Turkish relations and that Ankaras role is crucial for a speedy settlement of the problem. The current situation in Cyprus is unacceptable and must be terminated, Papandreou underlined. The Greek PM stressed the need for a just, viable and functional settlement on the basis of the UN Security Council resolutions and EU decisions. [03] CHRISTOFIAS PAPANDREOU MEETINGPresident of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias will hold a meeting Wednesday with Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, who will make a stop over in Cyprus on his way to Israel.The meeting will take place at the Larnaka International Airport. Greek Alternate Foreign Minister Demetris Droutsas, who met Monday in Athens with Cypriot Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou, told reporters after the meeting that the discussions between the two governments will continue Wednesday at a meeting between the Cypriot President and the Greek Premier. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |