This year marks the 41st anniversary of the unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) of Cyprus’ Turkish occupied areas.
On 15 November 1983, nine years after the Turkish invasion of the island, Turkey instigated and endorsed a “unilateral declaration of independence” in Cyprus’ occupied areas, announced by the Turkish Cypriot leadership. The United Nations Security Council with Resolutions 541 and 550 calls upon all States to respect the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, unity and non-alignment of the Republic of Cyprus. They also describe the UDI as “legally invalid.”
The illegal secessionist entity in the occupied area of Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey.
Political parties and other organisations issue today announcements and declarations condemning the UDI, while antioccupation events are being organized.
The union of Turkish occupied municipalities and communities is holding an event in the evening to condemn the anniversary, that will be addressed by President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides. Political leadership and parties are also issuing statements.
Protests are also being organised by the Pancyprian Student Coordination Committee (PSEM).
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island`s northern third. Numerous rounds of talks under UN aegis to reunite the island under a federal roof failed to yield results.
