Turkey sued in US courts by Cypriots (video) - Athan Tsimpedes

(with apologies that equipment failure at 30 minutes prevented recording the rest of this event)


Lobby for Cyprus Seminar


Greek and Greek Cypriot plaintiffs sue Turkey in US courts for return of their homes in Turkish occupied Cyprus


Speakers:


Athan T. Tsimpedes
Dr Klearchos Kyriakides
Nick Kounoupias
Costas Frangeskides


5 October 2010


Speaker Profiles


Athan T. Tsimpedes is a Greek-American attorney, founder of the Tsimpedes Law Firm, based in Washington DC. He has enjoyed success in a variety of practice areas including international and domestic litigation. Athan has appeared on numerous media and news outlets regarding cases ranging from representing clients against McDonald's to advocating the rights of displaced Cypriots. Athan is currently involved in Class Action litigation advocating rights of former security personnel in the US. In another case, Athan represents the Kurdish victims of the genocideal Anfal campaign, against Iraq.


In the realm of international complex litigation, Athan represented Ms Kirkham in the landmark case of Kirkham v Air France. Ms Kirkham was severly injured while travelling outside the US. Athan successfully litigated in favour of Ms Kirkham against France because of a transaction with Ms Kirkham which was commercial in nature and had a connection to the US.


The lawsuit Athan is pursuing against the pseudo-state in occupied Cyprus was filed in the same court where Ms Kirkham's case was won. The pseudo-state of the occupied territories of northern Cyprus is not recognised as a country by the US or any member of the United Nations, with the exception of Turkey. Yet it clandestinely markets itself in America by maintaining offices, hiring employees and contractors and advertising properties for sale in the occupied area. Therefore, its US enterprise deceptively described as an 'embassy' can be sued as a business entity in the US. In other words, what Air France was to France, the pseudo-state is to Turkey. The US courts would apply the precedent of Kirkham and similar principles in favour of displaced Cypriots worldwide.


The pseudo-state has committed fraud by selling property to unsuspecting buyers who believed they were purchasing property with clean legal title. Turkish and international banks facilitating such transactions are responsible for damages against displaced Cypriots and unsuspecting prospects that were duped into the fraudulent property scheme. For its involvement, the international banking congrlomerate HSBC and its various branches are also named defendants in the lawsuit.


See also the powerpoint presentation used by AthanTsimpedes, available at:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDdDL4R8tL0


Recently the international media including American, Greek, Cypriot , Turkish and American outlets reported that on behalf of a Cypriot organisation for displaced mothers and children, Athan successfully lobbied megastars like Rihana and Justin Timberlake not to perform in the pseudo-state. A simple Google search will verify Athan's proverbial 'long arm of the law'!


Dr. Klearchose Kyriakides is a senior lecturer and a non-practising solicitor at the School of Law of the University of Herfordshire in St. Albans, England. He holds an LLB Hons (Law and Politics) Degree from the University of Birmingham together with the MPhil and PhD (International Relations) Degrees from the University of Cambridge and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Westminister. He is a Member of The Law Society of England and Wales. Dr Kyriakides lectures in constitutional law and he is the author of numerous works on constitutional and legal themes, including on Cyprus.


Nick Kounoupias is deputy co-ordinator of Lobby for Cyprus. He is a partner in a UK top 100 law firm specialising in copyright, human rights and cultural property litigation.


Costas Frangeskides is a partner in the City law firm of Holman Fenwick Willan, specialising in international litigation and dispute resolution. He is a long standing member and deputy co-ordinator of Lobby for Cyprus.


Programme:


Introduction


Costas Frangekides chairs the panel


Keynote speaker: Athan K. Tsimpedes


Prominent US Attorney Athan Tsimpedes makes a presentation on the class action he is pursuing in the US Courts on behalf of US, Cypriot and Greek plaintiffs against Turkey and its illegal regime in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus for the return of their homes and for significant damages.
http://tsimpedeslaw.com




Conclusion
by Dr. Klearchos Kyriakides


Question and answer session
Chaired by Nick Kounoupias


Persons wishing to become involved in the Lobby for Cyprus campaign  see details below.


Lobby for Cyprus is a non-profit organisation that relies on volunteers and donations to carry outs its vital campaign work. If you would like to contribute in any way to the just cause please contact:


Lobby for Cyprus
POBox 692, Edgware, HA8 4LA
Tel: +44 (0)20 8888 2566
email: admin@lobbyforcyprus.org
http://www.lobbyforcyprus.org


Lobby for Cyprus is a non-party political organisation with the aim of reuniting Cyprus

Sener Elcil - UN and EU officials turn blind eye to Turkey's settler policy in Cyprus

Archive copy of the original broadcast, spoken in Turkish, with Greek subritles:

Translation (below) into English from the Greek subtitles of Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation 'Biz Emeis' bilingual program on 16/09/2010 featuring an interview with General Secretary of KTOS (Turkish Cypriot Teachers Union) Sener Ercil. Mr Elcil  is also a member of the Executive Committee of ETUCE (European Trade Union Committee for Education) and is a founder member of "This Country is Ours" Movement in Cyprus.

It is expected that coming days will see the intensification of the struggle against the package of economic measures which is being imposed on the Turkish Cypriot community.


The KTOS Union continues, as always, to lead trade union activism in the Turkish Cypriot community. Tonight we welcome to the studio the General Secretary of KTOS Mr Sener Elcil who will update us on the current situation. Welcome.


(Q) The holidays are over ...


(A) We don't have holidays, as the union I mean. Our teachers and students have been on holiday but we continue with our duties.


(Q) What is the situation today within the trade union movement?


 (A) As you know, the Turkish government has for a long time now been imposing its policies on our community. In order to be able to react to these policies various unions, from all the political platforms have joined together on a single platform. This consists of 35 unions. A basic purpose for our joint platform is to react to Turkey's economic measures. Because, with the pretext of the international economic crisis, Turkey is trying to impose on the Turkish Cypriot community some of its own perceptions. This is not something new. It is something which began in 1986, or even earlier. It is therefore the duty of every Turkish Cypriot who loves his country to oppose the measures because the fundamental basis of these measures is the assimilation of the Turkish Cypriots and the absorption of the north into Turkey.


(Q) Is the trade union movement itself sufficiently united? Do you have common decisions or are there different views amongst you?


(A) As I said earlier, the platform consists of 35 unions from different political viewpoints. Among these there are unions with very strong ideological and political affiliations. Many of these had in earlier times  been members of the "This Country is Ours" movement. Some unions joined us more recently but they had been closely related with the subservient administration. What unites us is our reaction to the attack which is being made on workers' rights. Politically however we do not have common goals. Although we are fighting for a solution and for a united federal Cyprus some of the other unions are happy with the existing situation, and some of them support the creation of a separate state in the north. This is one basic point of difference between us.


(Q) Would you say that there has been a reaction against Turkey's policies because it has cut funding to Turkish Cypriots?


(A) That would not be a correct representation of what is happening. The existing political administration in the north has been created by Turkey. It is a system that has been created by the Turkish governments in which, although apparently there is a vote for the election of the leadership and of the officials of the administration, the place is effectively ruled by the beaureocrats of the Turkish embassy who have the determining say. There is the "Finance Minister" and the economic advisors. The "Minister" can not make any policies without the support of his advisors. The same applies to the "Education Minister". Without the approval of these advisors the "Minister" can not do anything. The political regime is founded on the perception that he who pays has the final say and the others must obey the instructions.


The contention that Turkey supports us, as they say, economically is mistaken and I can explain the factors to you. In earlier times Turkey spent close to 350 million dollars a year on construction projects and other expenses. As far as we know, recently this sum has grown to 700 million. These are official figures regarding the gift, loan or help from Turkey. According to official figures, our imports from Turkey are around 1.6 billion dollars a year. I do not include unofficial figures. If we estimate the cost of the presence in the north of illegal workers this rises to 4 billion dollars. Money which leaves Cyprus to Turkey. Because all our imports and economic relations are with Turkey the north is a profitable place for Turkey. It is a colony. It spends one and gains five.


(Q) Turkey frequently talks about the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots and about an embargo that must be stopped. Would the lifting of isolation of the Turkish Cypriots be beneficial to Turkey?


(A) Turkey has until today never accepted the idea that the Turkish Cypriots can rely on their own resources and determine their own future. What Turkey wants is a subservient entity. That is why Turkey never allowed the creation in the north of a healthy economic environment. The economy in the north consists of a host of activities which are not commensurate with the self respect of the Turkish Cypriots. There is at this time an economic system which is based on the casinos, the gambling clubs, pornography and money laundering. Lately, newspapers write about a trade in drugs. In Turkey for example there was the interception of a load of 142 kilos of heroin and all indications point to the north. This means the mafia and those who benefit from illegal acts have settled in the north. You can not base an economy on such things. The economy of a place depends on production an not on the kind of things I have mentioned. Production in our country has stopped completely.


We do not consider it right to talk about isolation and embargos. Embargo is what applies to Cuba. In the north one can today arrange imports from any country one wants to. The Turkish Cypriots can go to the south for their shopping. They can travel to all the countries of the world either directly from Larnaca or through Turkey from Ercan. For that reason it is a mistake to talk of isolation. Isolation exists only for the separatist entity in the north. There is a decision about this by the United Nations. There is no isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community. As long as the separatist entity exist it will be isolated. We must know this very clearly because this is the policy of the international community based on the decisions of the United Nations.


(Q) Turkey has recently increased its pressures on Turkish Cypriots, and has done so in a more blatant manner than has been the case in the past. Not only does this happen blatantly but it happens in an insulting manner, such as for example the recent statements by the Turkish Prime Minister on Turkish television. 


(A) It is well known that with the support of the U.S.A. and because of its relations with the European Union, Turkey is becoming a large economy. Some of the factors which contribute to the strengthening of Turkey are the projects to transport natural gas through Turkey, the support of moderate Islam in the Middle East, and the making of Turkey into America's and NATO's policeman in the Middle East. For the European Union Turkey represents a huge market and a place for cheap production. Turkey is exploiting the fact that the political balances are based on economic power.


Since 1974 Turkey continues the process of placing settlers in the north. Despite this being a war crime the international community turns a blind eye to this. As a result the population in the north is estimated to be between 720 thousand and a million.


Turkey is trying through political imposition, to implement assimilation of the Turkish Cypriot communuty. With the political power which the AKP Government has acquired the Turkish government no longer needs the Turkish Cypriots and so it is now openly pursuing its colonialism in Cyprus provoking the international community. As regards the Turkish Cypriots, it oppresses them with the aim of forcing them to move to the south or to immigrate to other countries. The oppression of the Turkish Cypriots happens not only through economic means, but also culturally and through religious means. Turkish ministers who visit the country spend their evenings opening gambling establishments and their days signing agreements for the building of mosques and facilities related to them. Turkish Cypriots are therefore exposed to the pressures by Turkey to change their cultural identity and lose their natural characteristics.


(Q) Bearing in mind everything you have told us about the pressures by Turkey on the Turkish Cypriots but also bearing in mind the economic crisis of the last two to three years what are the current economic circumstances for the Turkish Cypriots?


(A) The system which has been imported is intended to create a favoured 'ruling elite'. To create a subservient administration which already exists in the north. They will be amply rewarded while the other sections of the society will be low pay, reduced to the same levels as in Turkey. The normal living conditions in the north, and the basic needs are the same as in the south. On the other hand the living standards in Turkey are much lower in comparison with Cyprus. By reducing the living standards of the Turkish Cypriots it is basically forcing them to live with lower incomes and forces them to migrate. With reference to the administrators, the ruling elite, will receive astronomically higher incomes. On the one hand they will be the favoured group of officials, those who are  subservient to Ankara's wishes, and on the other hand there will be the lowly paid workers of the public and private sectors. These are the circumstances we face today. We do not believe there is an economic crisis in the north of the island - there is no such thing. Everything changes very fast in Cyprus.


With the solution of the Cyprus problem and with the economic integration, everything I have already mentioned will change. For us the solution of the Cyprus problem is the key to a solution of all the problems. Even the confidence building measures will bring economic relief. According to economic studies which have been made, after the return of Famagusta there will be a need for two billion euros for the reconstruction of the city. An injection of two billion will create tremendous economic development. The operation of the port of Famagusta under the EU's supervision will be the answer to all those who mislead the world by talking about 'isolation'. On the other hand however it will constitute a big movement for the development of trade.


We stress that the fact that the solution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of the island and the economic integration will bring a solution to all the problems which we face today. The economic system in the north is characterised by technical crises because it is not based on strong foundations. The economy is not based on production.


(Q) - The Turkish Cypriots are citizens as much of the Republic of Cyprus as also of the European Union. Why do the European Union and the United Nations not react to the (Turkish) policy of political assimilation of the Turkish Cypriots? Why do the unions not undertake any initiatives in that direction?


(A) - In relation to this we have undertaken initiatives with reference to the European Union, through the European Parliament. I have personally had meetings with officials of the European Parliament. As you know, I am a member of the Executive Committee of ETUCE, representing Cyprus, and I periodically travel to Brussels where we often have meetings with European Parliament officials whom we brief on behalf of the unions. I had, for example, meetings with MEPs who are members of the contact group with Turkish Cypriots, but they have not displayed the slightest interest. As I said at the beginning, the balance of power contains the logic of ignoring the Turkish Cypriots. The United Nations and the administrative bodies of the European Union and of its member countries ignore the Turkish Cypriots. Fundamentally they are not even interested in the Cyprus problem. What does interest them is relations between Turkey and the European Union. It is all a matter of appraising trade relations where money talks, something which is alien to democratic discourse. The interests of the large countries are often a reason for displacing, or ignoring even, the interests of small countries and communities. We do however continue our representations on this matter. 


(Q) - In relation to the Republic of Cyprus?


(A) - I would have difficulties saying that the officials of the Republic of Cyprus make sufficient steps on this matter. We feel that government officials of the administration led by Mr Christofias do not promote a serious policy against those who impose on Cyprus the policy of assimilation of the Turkish Cypriot community. To give you one example, according to the Geneva Convention of 1949, the invasion and the subsequesnt colonisation of the occupied territories is considered to be a war crime. This can be the subject of a recourse to the International Court at the Hague only be countries involved. We have not seen the officials of the Republic of Cyprus, beyond just words, making any movement in this direction. I am referring always to the continuing colonisation in the north. We, as Turkish Cypriots, expect of the officials of the Republic of Cyprus to make a recourse to the international court at the Hague and to challenge Turkey at an international level. This would be a significant initiative. We as the Turkish Cypriot community can not have recourse to the International Court at the Hague because only countries have this right. The officials of the Republic of Cyprus have to undertake such an initiative which we have been anticipating for so long.


[Note: The fact that any matter brought to the International Court at the Hague will only be accepted if all countries involved in the case agree to it being considered, and that Turkey does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus and will certainly not accept such a case being heard - should be mentioned as being relevant]



(Q) - We only have about four minutes left so I would like to touch on a different matter as my last question. What role can the unions play from now on regarding efforts to solve the Cyprus problem and secondly, what do you consider to be the biggest obstacle in our moving towards a solution?


(A) - Our grouping represents unions with varying political views. In the large ones we believe that a solution of the Cyprus problem would solve all the problems. For a solution of the Cyprus problem we must begin with confidence building measures. The perpetuation of the talks has harmed the communities, and particularly the Turkish Cypriots.


As part of the policy of assimilation of the Turkish Cypriots, in addition to the importation of settlers, we have seen in recent years the large capital owners of Turkey making serious investments in the north. We see them investing in large hotels and other projects. This is a danger to Turkish Cypriot investments. Capital in the north has started changing hands.


In our progress towards a solution we expect to see serious initiatives. Famagusta is one of these. We believe that there must be significant steps towards rapprochement between the two communities.


The biggest obstacle to achieving a solution is the policy which Turkey is pursuing. The Turkish Governments are trying to prevent a solution while generating the impression that they want it. At the talks now we have Mr Eroglu who had previously always stated that he is against a solution. Today he presents himself as being in support of a solution, repeating that "we said yes while the Greek Cypriots said no to a solution". I remember well that Eroglu had gone from village to village, and from house to house in his efforts to prevent a solution. It does not matter who is talking - what does matter is who is hiding behind him. Eroglu is an employee who is following Turkey's instructions, and he has been told to appear in favour of a solution, but he acts in a way so as to prevent a solution. The Cyprus problem is one issue in relations between Turkey with the European Union. We Turkish Cypriots are hostages to this situation.


Turkey is not interested in the Turkish Cypriots but in the territory in the north and they usee this as a pretext. The survival of our community does not concern them. Turkey must put an end to this policy. It must make specific steps in the direction of a solution.


Beyond that, the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities must learn to cooperate. They must accept that they are all Cypriots and that they must live together on this island.


Thank you very much for being with us today.

(Ends)

Links to the Youtube videos of this item, with subtitles in English, will be inserted here once upload completes.

See previous articles and video on this blog at:

Turkey for Thanksgiving and Cyprus problem unresolved

http://aspectsofreality.blogspot.com/2009/11/turkey-for-thanksgiving-and-cyprus.html

Supporting Dissidents in Turkish occupied Cyprus

http://aspectsofreality.blogspot.com/2009/11/supporting-dissidents-in-turkish.html

Please add your name to support the petition on the web, placed online by Turkish Cypriots, and already signed by many of the leaders of the Turkish Cypriot movement:

http://www.turkishinvasioncyprus.com

Cyprus marks anniversary of second wave of Turkish invasion 1974

1974 Illegal Invasion of Cyprus -- Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bt-3-Yhow0&NR=1

We are all prisoners of knowledge. To know how Cyprus was betrayed, and to have studied the record of that betrayal, is to make oneself unhappy and to spoil, perhaps for ever, one's pleasure for visiting one of the world's most enchanting islands. Nothing will ever restore the looted treasures, the bereaved families, the plundered villages, the groves and hillsides scalded with napalm. Nor will anything mitigate the record of the callous, and crude politicians who regarded Cyprus as something on which to scribble their inane and conceited designs. But fatalism would be the worst betrayal of all. The acceptance, the legitimization of what was done - those things must be repudiated. Such a refusal has a value beyond Cyprus in showing that acquiescence in injustice is not 'realism'. Once the injustice has been set down and described, and called by its right name, acquiescence in it becomes impossible. That is why one writes about Cyprus in sorrow but more - much more - in anger."

-Christopher Hitchens

1974 Illegal Invasion of Cyprus -- Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQqnyF-jhi0&feature=related

In 1974, a coup d'etat by the Greek Army Officers, which were located in Cyprus, tried to overthrow Makarios, who was the president of Cyprus. This created enough problems, which facilitated the invasion of Cyprus by the Turkish military. The first invasion took place on July 20, 1974. A second invasion took place less than a month later, on August 14, 1974. To this day the Turks still remain in Cyprus even though they are in violation of the UN charter. During the invasions more than 200,000 Greek Cypriots were displaced and became refugees in their own country. Thousands were killed and almost 2,000 people reported missing are still unaccounted for.

36 years later Turkish Troops still occupy the 37% of the island which they occupied in 1974

From the Cyprus Mail 14th August 2010

THE 36TH ANNIVERSARY of Turkey’s second offensive against Cyprus was condemned across the  local political spectrum yesterday.

On August 14, 1974, Turkish troops expanded their occupation to include the tourist resort of Famagusta in the east and the rich citrus-growing area of Morphou in the west. In total, almost 37 per cent of the island ended up under Turkish occupation.

Turkish troops first invaded Cyprus on July 20, 1974, five days after the legal government of the late Archbishop Makarios III was toppled by a military coup engineered by the military junta then ruling Greece.

Two unproductive conferences in Geneva followed; the first between Britain, Greece and Turkey and the second with the additional attendance of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot representatives.

On August 13 the Turkish Foreign Minister called for the respective enclaves to be divided into cantons, and demanded an immediate response.

Greece, Britain and America all saw this as unreasonable. The next day the Turkish army mounted a second full-scale offensive, three weeks after a ceasefire was declared on July 22, and despite the fact that talks were still being held and agreement seemed about to be reached.

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat began a fresh round of UN-led talks in September 2008. A new Turkish Cypriot leader  Dervis Eroglu was elected in April  this year and has picked up the talks where Christofias and Talat left off.

What the item by the Cyprus Mail does not convey is the reason for having choosen to insert the two videos clips above, which communicate somewhat more effectively what those words  actually meant for some of the people who experienced the brutality of what Turkey still has the gall to call its 'peace operation' in Cyprus.


Items below are recordings of events in the UK, spoken in English, to mark the 36th Anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus

turkish_troops_out_of_cyprus on livestream.com

Unfortunately neither US Policy, or British Policy, give expression to the words "Turkish Troops out of Cyprus" as judged by the Obama visit, or the more recent Cameron visit to Turkey - so THAT is the root of a problem which needs to be resolved, if the Cyprus problem is to be 'solved'.


Please support us by adding your name to the petition at:


http://www.turkishinvasioncyprus.com

Rally for Human Rights and for a Free United Cyprus - Cyprus Week 2010

CYPRUS WEEK - Rally for Human Rights and for a Free United Cyprus




"UK CYPRIOTS CALL ON CAMERON TO ACT FOR JUSTICE AND UNITY IN CYPRUS"

National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom
Britannia Road, London, N12 9RU.
Tel: 020 8445 9999 Fax: 020 8445 9977
http://www.cypriotfederation.org.uk

19th July 2010 - Press Release

British Cypriots joined politicians from across Britain’s political spectrum yesterday to condemn Turkey’s intransigence over efforts to end its continuing illegal military occupation of the northern part of Cyprus.

A petition was delivered to Prime Minister David Cameron, calling for the UK to use its influence with the Turkish Government in order to press Turkey to withdraw its occupying troops and to play an active and positive role in current efforts to reunite Cyprus for the benefit of all Cypriots.

A letter to the Turkish Ambassador to the UK was also delivered following a demonstration outside the Turkish Embassy in London. Later, a march through the heart of London culminated in a mass rally in Trafalgar Square. The annual July London “Rally for Cyprus” was organised by the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, to mark the twin anniversaries of the fascist coup by the military junta then ruling Greece on 15h July 1974, and the illegal invasion of Cyprus by the Turkish army which followed 5 days later, on 20th July 1974.

Twelve days before the rally, on 6th July 2010 , an event took place in the Houses of Parliament to offer support to relatives of people still missing since Turkey invaded the island in the summer of 1974 and to lobby politicians for their support. 

The rally in Trafalgar Square was addressed by several British politicians from the main parties. Mr Peter Droussiotis, President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, and The Minister of Communications and Works of the Republic of Cyprus, Mrs Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, also addressed the event.

In his opening address, Mr. Droussiotis said:

“We expect the new British Prime Minister David Cameron whom we petitioned at 10 Downing Street today and the new Foreign Secretary William Hague to tell Turkey that it must change its tune on Cyprus, that it must, at long last, change course, if it wants to make further progress in Europe.

“Turkey’s unacceptable behaviour in Cyprus must not be rewarded; it must be punished if it is not corrected. The new British government has a unique opportunity to help bring this about – to make this vital and principled change to its approach to Turkey.”

Tribute was then paid to former MPs in attendance, still showing their support for Cyprus; Tom Cox, Eddie O’Hara, Andrew Dismore and Ian Twinn. Respects were also paid to Rudi Vis, the former MP for Finchley and Golders Green and a long-standing friend of Cyprus and the UK Cypriot community, who died earlier this year. Other parliamentary supporters of the Cyprus cause in attendance included Transport Minister Theresa Villiers MP, Mike Freer MP, Matthew Offord MP, Alan Meale MP and Jim Sheridan MP.

The Cyprus High Commissioner HE Alexandros Zenon and his Deputy Mr Dimitris Hatziargyrou represented the Cyprus High Commission at the event while the Mayors of the occupied towns of Kyrenia and Morphou, Mrs Maria Ioannou and Mr Charalambos Pittas, respectively, represented Cypriot towns and villages under Turkey’s military occupation.

Jim Sheridan MP, a Scottish MP, then delivered the wishes of the people of Scotland for a solution to the Cyprus problem before stating that the Coalition Government had been elected on a pledge of delivering fairness and that: “There is no greater cause for fairness than in Cyprus” and calling upon the UK Government to ensure that Turkey cannot gain EU member status while occupying another EU state.

The Minister of Communications and Works of the Republic of Cyprus, Mrs. Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, who was the main speaker at the event, then addressed the audience, firstly by recognising the good turnout for the rally, saying that “Your participation in this massive demonstration gives a strong message that this injustice … cannot longer be tolerated, a message that must reach all policymakers in the UK.”

The Minister added:

“European values and principles are being trampled upon by Turkey. The values of democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law, which are the very foundations of the United Kingdom, are being made a mockery by Turkey’s illegal actions in Cyprus.

“Our message is not one of despair, it is one of hope, of resolve and of re-dedication to the cause of peace, justice, freedom and unity for Cyprus. We have searched for 36 years for a peaceful solution and we shall continue to do so. We want a common future with our Turkish Cypriots compatriots, in peace, prosperity and security as citizens of the European Union.”

Matthew Offord, the recently elected Member of Parliament for Hendon, spoke of the his and his colleagues’ determination to hold the British Government to account, saying that it had been elected on pledges of fairness and that Cyprus is an example of where fairness must be delivered, adding:

“If Turkey wants to join the EU, it must fulfil their obligations to the people of Cyprus. That means that there is no division of the island. That means the return of property to the people from whom it was taken in the invasion of 1974. And that means that people who are missing must be located and identified, so that their relatives can begin the grieving process. Until that happens, Turkey is not welcome in the EU. Until then, we keep fighting.”

Mike Freer, new MP for Finchley and Golders Green, added his support, saying that he would work with his colleagues in Parliament to maintain a high profile for Cyprus on the Government’s foreign policy agenda.

The last guest speaker was Alan Meale MP, a stalwart supporter of reunification of the island of Cyprus, who expressed his dismay at returning to the rally each year to demand a solution, rather than to celebrate a reunited island. He added:

“Here we stand in Trafalgar Square, in the shadow of the South African Embassy, asking for an end to apartheid in Europe. And until we get that, there is no place for Turkey in the EU. There is no place for them in Europe while they occupy part of Cyprus.

“Struggles sometimes take decades, as you all know. But for those who have lost homes and relatives we must continue to fight until we win a solution and free Cyprus from tyranny. There can be no peace until Turkey removes its troops from the island.”

Mr Droussiotis closed the rally by thanking everyone who had come to show their support and solidarity.

Ends

Photos of the rally will be available in the media resources section at: www.cypriotfederation.co.uk
Videos of the speeches can be viewed at:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=7D8574A86F1740BE
Subscribe to our RSS News via our website http://www.cypriotfederation.org.uk 

For more information, please call Tony Sophoclides on 07887 935 335
 



Sunday 18th July 2010


This year's events take place against the backdrop of the 36th  anniversary since the Greek junta coup against the government of the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish invasion and occupation of 34.7% of the Republic of Cyprus.


These events are also intended to celebrate the Accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU which will hopefully lead to the unification of the island as a truly independent federated state for all the people of Cyprus.


This year is also the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Cyprus in 1960




PROGRAMME: 13 – 20 July 2010




"Raising the flags of the Republic of Cyprus and of the European Union"


Tuesday, 13th July 7.00 PM : Raising the flags of the Republic of Cyprus and of the European Union and an Exhibition of the Archives of Theatro Technis and of the Cypriot Community in Camden, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Unity Theatre Trust. Also poetry and music by the harpist Ricardo Curbello and others.


View full video of this event at:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=0311A5518A9332CB




"Lobby for Cyprus Seminar - "Law and Ethics of the Turkish occupation of Cyprus"


Wednesday, 14th July, 7.30 pm : The Seminar consisted of three presentations:


1. Costas Frangeskides: “CAN THE CYPRUS ISSUE BE SOLVED THROUGH THE COURTS?” - A lawyer’s perspective on the role of the law in the search for a just settlement.


2. Kyriacos Christodoulou: “THE CYPRUS ISSUE - A REFUGEE PERSPECTIVE”


3. Dr. Klearchos Kyriacides: “THE TURKISH INVASION AND OCCUPATION OF CYPRUS: a case study in unethical behaviour.


See full video of the seminar at:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1EBFB3E56E8953BF






"RALLY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND FOR A FREE UNITED CYPRUS"


Sunday, 18th July, 4.30 PM :  RALLY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND FOR A FREE UNITED CYPRUS, starting outside the Turkish Embassy at Belgrave Square London SW1 at 3.00pm and marching to hear the main speaker at Trafalgar Square, Erato Kozakou Markoullis.


See full video of this event at:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=7D8574A86F1740BE








For further information:
info@theatrotechnis.com http://www.theatrotechnis.com
pressenquiries@cypriotfederation.org.uk  http://www.cypriotfederation.org.uk




Readers of this weblog are asked to add their names to the online petition at:


http://www.turkishinvasioncyprus.com/

Law and Ethics of the Turkish Occupation of Cyprus Seminar - Cyprus Week 2010

CYPRUS WEEK - Law and Ethics of the Turkish Occupation of Cyprus



Wednesday 14th July 2010

This year's events take place against the backdrop of the 36th  anniversary since the Greek junta coup against the government of the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish invasion and occupation of 34.7% of the Republic of Cyprus.

These events are also intended to celebrate the Accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU which will hopefully lead to the unification of the island as a truly independent federated state for all the people of Cyprus.

This year is also the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Cyprus in 1960


PROGRAMME: 13 – 20 July 2010


"Raising the flags of the Republic of Cyprus and of the European Union"

Tuesday, 13th July 7.00 PM : Raising the flags of the Republic of Cyprus and of the European Union and an Exhibition of the Archives of Theatro Technis and of the Cypriot Community in Camden, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Unity Theatre Trust. Also poetry and music by the harpist Ricardo Curbello and others.

View full video of this event at:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=0311A5518A9332CB


"Lobby for Cyprus Seminar - "Law and Ethics of the Turkish occupation of Cyprus"

Wednesday, 14th July, 7.30 pm : The Seminar consisted of three presentations:

1. Costas Frangeskides: “CAN THE CYPRUS ISSUE BE SOLVED THROUGH THE COURTS?” - A lawyer’s perspective on the role of the law in the search for a just settlement.

2. Kyriacos Christodoulou: “THE CYPRUS ISSUE - A REFUGEE PERSPECTIVE”

3. Dr. Klearchos Kyriacides: “THE TURKISH INVASION AND OCCUPATION OF CYPRUS: a case study in unethical behaviour.

See full video of the seminar at:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1EBFB3E56E8953BF



"RALLY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND FOR A FREE UNITED CYPRUS"

Sunday, 18th July, 4.30 PM :  RALLY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND FOR A FREE UNITED CYPRUS, starting outside the Turkish Embassy at Belgrave Square London SW1 at 3.00pm and marching to hear the main speaker at Trafalgar Square, Erato Kozakou Markoullis.

See full video of this event at:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=7D8574A86F1740BE




For further information:
info@theatrotechnis.com http://www.theatrotechnis.com
pressenquiries@cypriotfederation.org.uk  http://www.cypriotfederation.org.uk


Readers of this weblog are asked to add their names to the online petition at:

http://www.turkishinvasioncyprus.com/

Raising the Flag of the Republic of Cyprus and of the EU - Cyprus Week 2010

CYPRUS WEEK - Raising the Flag of the Republic of Cyprus and of the EU



Tuesday 13th July 2010



This year's events take place against the backdrop of the 36th  anniversary since the Greek junta coup against the government of the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish invasion and occupation of 34.7% of the Republic of Cyprus.

These events are also intended to celebrate the Accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU which will hopefully lead to the unification of the island as a truly independent federated state for all the people of Cyprus.


This year is also the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Cyprus in 1960


PROGRAMME: 13 – 20 July 2010

"Raising the flags of the Republic of Cyprus and of the European Union"

Tuesday, 13th July 7.00 PM : Raising the flags of the Republic of Cyprus and of the European Union and an Exhibition of the Archives of Theatro Technis and of the Cypriot Community in Camden, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Unity Theatre Trust. Also poetry and music by the harpist Ricardo Curbello and others.

View full video of this event at:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=0311A5518A9332CB


"Lobby for Cyprus Seminar - "Law and Ethics of the Turkish occupation of Cyprus"

Wednesday, 14th July, 7.30 pm : The Seminar consisted of three presentations:

1. Costas Frangeskides: “CAN THE CYPRUS ISSUE BE SOLVED THROUGH THE COURTS?” - A lawyer’s perspective on the role of the law in the search for a just settlement.

2. Kyriacos Christodoulou: “THE CYPRUS ISSUE - A REFUGEE PERSPECTIVE”

3. Dr. Klearchos Kyriacides: “THE TURKISH INVASION AND OCCUPATION OF CYPRUS: a case study in unethical behaviour.

See full video of the seminar at:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1EBFB3E56E8953BF



"RALLY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND FOR A FREE UNITED CYPRUS"

Sunday, 18th July, 4.30 PM :  RALLY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND FOR A FREE UNITED CYPRUS, starting outside the Turkish Embassy at Belgrave Square London SW1 at 3.00pm and marching to hear the main speaker at Trafalgar Square, Erato Kozakou Markoullis.

See full video of this event at:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=7D8574A86F1740BE




For further information:
info@theatrotechnis.com http://www.theatrotechnis.com
pressenquiries@cypriotfederation.org.uk  http://www.cypriotfederation.org.uk

Readers of this weblog are asked to add their names to the online petition at:
http://www.turkishinvasioncyprus.com/

New British Parliament provides fresh support for Cyprus

National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom
Britannia Road, London, N12 9RU.
Tel: 020 8445 9999 Fax: 020 8445 9977

http://www.cypriotfederation.org.uk


7 July 2010


"New Parliament provides fresh support for Cyprus"

Newly elected members joined stalwart friends of Cyprus in Parliament last night, committing themselves to the cause of reunifying the island.


At an annual event organised by the National Federation of Cypriots in the Palace of Westminster, Parliamentarians addressed members of the Cypriot community and later took questions from the audience, in what amounted to a positive demonstration that political will and commitment among new MPs is strong.


The meeting started with Federation President Peter Droussiotis congratulating MPs on their election or re-election and welcoming all guests before paying tribute to Rudi Vis, the former MP for Finchley. A minute’s silence was held in recognition of Mr Vis’s unfaltering commitment to healing division on the island.


Mr Droussiotis then called upon the new Government to meet its special responsibilities to Cyprus, saying:


“Turkey is Europe’s biggest emerging economy, a fact that the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, acknowledged in his first keynote speech after the General Election. He said that Britain will make a particular effort to work with Turkey. But Turkey’s political and economic importance does not give it the right to seek to hold Cyprus and the Cypriot people hostage to further its own geo-strategic interests.


“We expect the British Government to fulfil its special responsibilities to Cyprus and for Mr Hague to tell Turkey that it must recognise Cyprus and end its occupation in the north of the island.”


Chris Bryant MP, Shadow Minister for Europe, then related his dismay at Mr Talat’s replacement by Dervis Eroglu as the Turkish Cypriot community’s leader in negotiations in Cyprus, saying that it was “very painful for us to see the two leaders of the two communities having to start work again”. He added:


“A two state solution is no solution. That would simply reward bad behaviour and condone the present situation. We need to see an end to division, we need to see completely free trade and traffic and everyone should be able to enjoy the prosperity that the European Union can bring.”


He also stated his fear that Turkey could start “looking to the East, and not to the EU” if Turkey was made to feel that it was not welcome in the European Union.


Theresa Villiers, Transport Minister and MP for Chipping Barnet, welcomed the presence of new MPs and reiterated her support for the reunification of Cyprus. She added that she had recently spoken with Foreign Office ministers to emphasise the importance of reaching a solution in Cyprus, before praising the efforts of the Cypriot community in the UK in sustaining a voice for Cyprus here in what she described as a “vital struggle to see progress to remedy injustice in Cyprus”.


Nick de Bois, the newly elected MP for Enfield North, stated that one of his aims in standing for election was to make sure that Cyprus was firmly on the agenda of the Government. He related his pride in the fact that the Cyprus problem had featured not only in the Conservative manifesto for the general election but also in the coalition agreement of the new Government. Mr de Bois went on to commit to “representing the views of his Cypriot constituents” in the years to come.


Jim Sheridan, Member of Parliament for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said that politicians also had a role to educate British people in the “horrible history” of the Cyprus problem. He further stated:


“I do not accept the argument that because Turkey is a large country and a large economy, that they can then ignore the atrocities that have taken place and the occupation.”


He added that “if they [Turkey] want to join the club of Europe then they have to meet the criteria,” before calling for more action on accounting for people who went missing during the invasion of 1974 and are still unaccounted for. He also decried the destruction of the cultural and religious heritage in the occupied area.


Hendon’s new MP, Matthew Offord, then addressed the meeting, saying that “it is not acceptable that Turkey doesn’t allow ships and other vessels from the island [of Cyprus] to use its ports” and that it showed “double standards when considering the recent flotilla that went to Israel and the comments Turkey made to Israel”.


He said that the United States has an important role to play but that the EU is also key, adding his support for Turkey’s accession to the EU only upon three conditions being satisfied: the reunification of Cyprus, the return of property to its rightful owners and the missing people to be accounted for.


The recently re-elected Member for Enfield Southgate, David Burrowes MP, recognised that progress has been made regarding the matter of missing people but that “information and reconciliation are two very different things”. He called for MPs to help to grow support among parliamentary colleagues to swell the political understanding of the Cyprus cause in Parliament.


Mr Burrowes added that “Dr Eroglu’s succession of Mr Talat is a negative development because it meant that we lost the dynamic of the talks between Mr Talat and President Christofias,” a dynamic that “had led us away from the blame game”.


Mike Freer MP said that he shared colleagues’ concerns that “Turkey should face West and not East, but we should not allow Turkey to join the EU while it continues to occupy an EU state.”


Mr Freer said, “Part of my job is to ensure that the Foreign Secretary honours his commitments to Cyprus”.


Brandon Lewis MP told the audience how we was new to the issues of the division of Cyprus but was impressed at the strength of cross-party support for the reunification of Cyprus, before committing his efforts to help the cause in Westminster.


Longstanding friend of Cyprus, Andy Love MP, told of his “heavy heart” at having to once again address a meeting whose theme was the division of Cyprus, rather than to celebrate its reunification. Mr Love called on the Government to make Cyprus a much bigger priority because:


“The UK has a special role in Cyprus. We were there at the creation of the independent Republic of Cyprus, we are a guarantor power and that gives us a special responsibility. And Britain has a role in the world … as a member of the EU and the Security Council of the UN, where it must push and cajole all parties in the Cyprus problem to make sure that a proper dialogue takes place.”


However, he added, there is also a need for US influence because it has “a critical relation ship with Turkey” which can be used to “push Turkey in the right direction.”


Mark Menzies MP entered Parliament at the general election in May, representing the Fylde constituency in Lancashire. Mr Menzies declared that he had neither a constituency interest or a great deal of knowledge about the Cyprus problem but that he had come to the event to “listen and to take away information” about Cyprus. He said that, by doing so, he would be able to “support my colleagues in sometimes making Ministers’ lives uncomfortable and keeping Cyprus on the agenda.”


Stating that the Cyprus problem was clearly “a marathon, not a sprint” he committed himself in helping to “keep things moving.”


Alan Meale MP was the last Parliamentarian to address the event. He praised the Cypriot community in their efforts, citing the presence of many young people at the event as an example of how “you must be doing something right!”


Mr Meale said he looked forward to the Cyprus Presidency of the EU (in 2012), because “it will give us impetus… at present, the international community is just making excuses, allowing the status quo to remain.”


However, he added that there are reasons for optimism, telling of the positive discussions that he had held with Vice-President Biden of the US last year, as part of a delegation to Washington.


He praised the new MPs for their contributions to the event and for committing their efforts to the cause of reunifying Cyprus.


Following questions from members of the Cypriot community, Mr Droussiotis closed the meeting, expressing his pleasure at the support from new Members of Parliament.




Speeches by Mr Droussiotis and British Parliamentarians can be seen at the Federation’s website and also at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1F582EE7A90F1DEC







ENDS


For more information, please call Tony Sophoclides on 07887 935 335.
You can subscribe to our RSS News via our website www.cypriotfederation.org.uk

PS:


See also video of the entire one day conference "Cyprus - 50 Years of Independence - Achievements and Challenges” held at the London Metropolitan University on 30th June 2010, which included a briefing by Government Spokesman Mr Stefanos Stefanou "The Need for a settlement of the Cyprus Problem and current developments".

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Video of Rally for Cyprus at Trafalgar Square 2009


http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=36BC99A9D4BFB4B1
and as a single clip:
http://www.archive.org/details/NationalFederationofCypriotsintheUnitedKingdomRallyforCyprusatTrafalgarSquare2009


Cypriot Lobby in House of Commons 2009


"Pressure Turkey now to meet its obligations on Cyprus"
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=28E2A60DADC873AC


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Rally for Cyprus 2008:


http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=CE43019C29408E30


Rally for Cyprus London 2008 P1 - Belgrave Square to Trafalgar Square
http://www.archive.org/details/PeterDroussiotisRallyforCyprusLondon2008P1of2
Rally for Cyprus London 2008 P2 - At Trafalgar Square
http://www.archive.org/details/PeterDroussiotisRallyforCyprusLondon2008P20f2.mpg


Lobby at House of Commons 2008:


"New Hope for Unity in Cyprus"
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=CF04A3A986A899DB


and as a single clip at:
http://www.archive.org/details/PeterDroussiotisCyprioFederationLobbyBritishParliament080708


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"Rally for Cyprus 2007"
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=C6C50479E5376B39




and as a single clip at:
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-6439870769358513421#


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See Video Gallery at:
http://www.cypriotfederation.org.uk/