The Turkish intervention in Cyprus in 1974 is frequently misrepresented as an example of Turkish expansionism. The situation in Cyprus is not what the uninformed observer thinks or pretends to think it is. In Cyprus the constitutional settlement, which Turkey had guaranteed together with the UK and Greece, had been violated, and Turkey had a treaty right to intervene.

The historic decision by the Turkish Cypriots to declare independence was not a separatist endeavor, but an act of self-defence undertaken 20 years after being forced out of the bi-national partnership State of 1960 by the Greek Cypriot partner; and having been physically driven from their homes and properties in 103 villages across the island in a campaign of violence and ethnic cleansing that had started in 1963. Terrorized, displaced and disenfranchised, the Turkish Cypriots had no choice but to reorganize themselves in the areas or "enclaves'' under their control, in a collective act of survival, and to start running their own affairs. 15. November 2004 is the 21st anniversary of the proclamation of the independent state TRNC, The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The UN does know, and the EU must learn, that the Greek Cypriot Administration has practiced ethnic cleansing and all forms of violence, oppression and discrimination against the Turkish Cypriots 1963 to 1974, and has since continued to try to bring about their economic and social collapse through an inhuman embargo covering all aspects of human life. The EU is also clearly violating the basic human rights of the Turkish Cypriot population of Cyprus. Why? Why? Why? 65% of the Turkish Cypriots had said YES to Union with Europe where as 75% of the Greek population said NO! Where is justice in what the EU is doing? Where are the promises made to the Turkish Cypriots?

The Greek Cypriots should appreciate the fact that after all they did and still continue to do to the Turkish Cypriots, the Turkish Cypriot side is still pursuing avenues of agreement with them, based on equality, mutual respect and peaceful co-existence side-by-side.

The Cyprus conflict is today 40, and the TRNC 21 years old. The TRNC wants nothing more than self-determination, freedom and peace, to follow the path of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Long live the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus TRNC

Turkish Cypriot Associations in Europe

15.11.2004