Res. No. 475
Resolution condemning the Turkish occupation of part of Cyprus, now in its 30th year, and calling for a solution to the Cyprus problem based on all relevant United Nations resolutions.
By Council Member Vallone
Whereas, On July 20, 1974 the nation of Turkey invaded the sovereign
Republic of Cyprus and occupied 37 percent of its territory, land which still
remains under Turkish military occupation today; as a result of the occupation,
200,000 Greek Cypriots (1/3 of the population of Cyprus) were forcibly expelled
from their homes and became refugees within their own country; and
Whereas, This illegal occupation still persists, with destructive and tragic
consequences, including ethnic cleansing and human rights violations; presently
over 1,500 Greek Cypriots (and 4 American citizens) are missing and remain
unaccounted for; and
Whereas, Since the invasion, the United Nations has adopted numerous
resolutions on behalf of Cyprus that call, inter alia, for the withdrawal of all foreign
forces from the island, the safe return of the refugees to their homes, the
restoration of human rights, and the respect for the sovereignty, independence,
territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus; and
Whereas, After 30 years, it is now time for a responsible solution to the
problem of Turkish occupation, a solution based on all relevant United Nations
resolutions which will reunite the people of Cyprus and ensure that Cypriots will
be able to live in peace, security, prosperity, and with the full enjoyment of their
human rights; and
Whereas, During this new millennium it is time for genuine peace to come
to Cyprus and to the sensitive region of the Eastern Mediterranean; now,
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York condemns the Turkish occupation of part of Cyprus, now in its 30th year, and calls for a solution based on all relevant United Nations resolutions
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7/16/04