The Cyprus Issue

On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus with massive military force. The pretext was a coup against President Makarios on July 15 instigated by the military junta of Greece. A second wave of invasion followed in August of the same year, in violation of ceasefire agreements arranged by the UN.

Turkey occupied 36,2% of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Cyprus and forcibly expelled from their homes about 200,000 Greek Cypriots. These displaced people, who in effect became refugees in their own country, constituted 69% of the population of the occupied areas and about one quarter of the total population of the island.

To this day, these persons are deprived of their right to return to their homes and properties.