London, United Kingdom. Members of the Cypriot diaspora gathered outside the Turkish embassy on Monday for a peaceful protest marking the 52nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
The demonstration, organised by the Famagusta Association of Great Britain, called for the withdrawal of Turkish troops and the return of displaced people to their homes and properties.
Calls for a settlement
Participants urged the international community to maintain attention on the Cyprus issue and support efforts towards a solution based on peace and security under the sovereignty of the internationally recognised Republic.
In a statement, the association said it would continue raising awareness of what it described as human rights violations in Cyprus and campaign for justice and the restoration of rights.
Association statement
Association president Dr Vasilis Mavrou said Turkey continued to occupy 37 per cent of Cyprus, colonise the occupied areas and ignore United Nations resolutions.
He said the protest also honoured those killed during the events of 1974, missing persons, displaced people and those who remained in the north following the division of the island.
“We honour our missing persons, the trapped, the refugees and all those who kept the hope of return alive,” Mavrou said.
Community participation
Mavrou said the association would continue to demand the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and the withdrawal of Turkish troops.
Members of the Cypriot community in Britain attended the protest carrying banners calling for a resolution to the Cyprus problem and the restoration of rights for those affected by the invasion of 1974.
