In July 1974, using as a pretext the criminal coup against President Makarios, Turkey invaded northern Cyprus.

As a result, 37% of the island was occupied, 180,000 Greek Cypriots who were forcibly expelled from this area became refugees in their own country and, to this day, are deprived of the right to return to their homes and properties.

In addition to this crime, 1619 Greek Cypriots are still missing.

The Turks, showing no respect for the cultural heritage of Cyprus, destroyed and looted Byzantine Churches, monuments and antiques and many of the islands treasures were smuggled abroad.

Sadly, the Island’s cultural heritage - reaching back to the 7th Millennium B. C and is part of the common heritage of Mankind - continues to this day to be systematically and deliberately destroyed in the occupied areas.

Since the Invasion, 85,000 Turkish immigrants have been illegally transported to the occupied areas of Cyprus. The fact that there is a large military presence of some 35,000 Turkish troops in the occupied areas and an attempt to change the place names of villages and towns is clear evidence that Turkey is attempting to turn Northern Cyprus into a Turkish Province (the so called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus).

Despite The European Commission of Human Rights finding Turkey guilty of gross violations of human rights in Cyprus during and after the Invasion, Cyprus is still a divided country.

The UN Security Council’s Resolution condemning Turkey and her actions against Cyprus have also had no effect upon Turkey.

There have been numerous talks to find a solution to the Cyprus problem but, so far, nothing has been agreed upon due to the lack of co-operation by the Turkish side to find a fair and just solution.