Showing posts with label refugees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label refugees. Show all posts
Thursday, 7 October 2010
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
Saturday, 14 August 2010
Cyprus marks anniversary of second wave of Turkish invasion 1974
1974 Illegal Invasion of Cyprus -- Part 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
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
Please support us by adding your name to the petition at:
http://www.turkishinvasioncyprus.com
Monday, 19 July 2010
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/
"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/
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/
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/
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Cyprus vs Turkey in the European Court of Human Rights 18th Nov 2009
"The applicants are all Cypriot nationals of Greek-Cypriot origin.
They claim to be the owners of movable and immovable property
located in the northern part of Cyprus, which has been occupied
by the Turkish army since 1974. They allege that the Turkish authorities
are preventing them from having access to this property and
disposing of it as they wish." (see details at the ECHR website)
Having waited for years for an empty slot in the European Court of
Human Rights' ever-so-busy schedule for the hearing on the 18th ...
... about whether the Immovable Property Commission (IPC)
which was set up by the 'state', previously declared subservient
to Turkey in the Loizidou case by the ECHR itself, which Turkey
created through its invasion and continuing occupation of almost
half of Cyprus and which is only recognised by Turkey itself and
has been condemned by an innumerable number of UN Resolutions ...
Mr Wood representing Turkey
... WHETHER the IPC is a sufficient and adequate mechanism
so that the ECHR can get rid of its problem of constipation
resulting from the sheer number of cases outstanding against
Turkey by Cypriots - by referring cases to the IPC to 'settle' there,
instead of the ECHR having to deal with all those cases ....
Mr Anderson for the defence
Mr Demetriades for the defence
... and having chosen to hear the case before the
19 member bench of international judges in GRAND CHAMBER ...
Mr Saini for the Republic of Cyprus
Mr Lowe for the Republic of Cyprus
-- it transpires the ECHR is unlikely to deliver a verdict
for 9 to 12 months!
Is that not a PREPOSTEROUSLY long time for them
to think about what seems like an open and shut case ?
WHY IS IT GOING TO TAKE THEM THAT LONG ?
Full video of the hearing can be viewed by clicking below
The video can also be downloaded from links at the following
Archive dot org facility: http://bit.ly/11v3mz
Saturday, 20 June 2009
Apostolides v Orams Case - ECJ Judgement Explained
The landmark case by the European Court of Justice upholds the rights of Greek Cypriot property owners to enforce judgments against those illegally occupying or profiting from their lands in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus.
Video is provided below of a 19th June 2009 meeting chaired by Mr Haris Sophoclides, President of the International Federation of Cypriot Organisations, with main speakers being Mr Costantis Candounas lawyer for Mr Apostolides in his case against David and Linda Orams, Mr Meletis Apostolides Plaintiff in the case against the Orams's, Mr Costas Frangeskides as a Partner in the Law Firm which represented Mr Apostolide's interests in the UK and at the ECJ, and Mr Nick Kounoupias on behalf of Lobby for Cyprus as organisers of this event and a long-standing Cypriot Lobby Group in London ( http://www.lobbyforcyprus.org )
See also a video recorded in March 2009, when Mr Candounas explained the background of this case in more detail, available online at:
http://www.archive.org/details/ConstantisCandounasApostolidesvOrams-UpdateandJudgement which is the subject of a post on this blog here.
The video embedded below is available from the YouTube Playlist here
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
European Court of Justice judgement in favour of Apostolides
See January 2010 Judgement report here
Cherie Blair QC (lost her case representing the Orams')
See also a previous posting on this weblog of an ACGTA Seminar by Costantis Candounas, who had represented Meletis Apostolides in this case, available on this blog here
Source:
http://curia.europa.eu/en/actu/communiques/cp09/aff/cp090039en.pdf
Press and Information
PRESS RELEASE No 39/09
28 April 2009
Judgment of the Court of Justice in Case C-420/07
Meletis Apostolides v. David Charles Orams & Linda Elizabeth Orams
A JUDGMENT OF A COURT IN THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS MUST BE RECOGNISED AND ENFORCED BY THE OTHER MEMBER STATES EVEN IF IT CONCERNS LAND SITUATED IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE ISLAND
The suspension of the application of Community law in the areas where the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control and the fact that the judgment cannot, as a practical matter, be enforced where the land is situated do not preclude its recognition and enforcement in another Member State.
Following the intervention of Turkish troops in 1974 Cyprus was partitioned into two areas. The Republic of Cyprus, which acceded to the European Union in 2004, has de facto control only over the southern part of the island while, in the northern part, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has been established, which is not recognised by the international community with the exception of Turkey. In those circumstances, the application of Community law in the northern area of the Republic of Cyprus has been suspended by a protocol annexed to the Act of Accession.
Mr Apostolides, a Cypriot national, brought an appeal before the Court of Appeal (England and Wales), in the course of a dispute between himself and a British couple, the Orams, seeking the recognition and enforcement of two judgments from a court in Nicosia. That court, sitting in the southern part of Cyprus, ordered the Orams to vacate land situated in the northern part of the island and to pay various sums. The Orams had purchased the land from a third party in order to build a holiday home on it.
According to the findings of the Cypriot court, Mr Apostolides, whose family was forced to leave the north of the island at the time of its partition, is the rightful owner of the land. The first judgment, given in default of appearance, was confirmed by another judgment ruling on an appeal brought by the Orams.
The national court referred to the Court of Justice a number of questions concerning the interpretation and application of the Brussels I Regulation1. It asks, in particular, whether the suspension of Community law in the northern part of Cyprus and the fact that the land concerned is situated in an area over which the Government of Cyprus does not exercise effective control have an effect on the recognition and enforcement of the judgment, in particular in relation to the jurisdiction of the court of origin, the public policy of the Member State in which recognition is sought and the enforceability of the judgment. In addition, it asks whether the recognition or enforcement of a default judgment may be refused, on account of the fact that the document instituting proceedings was not served on the defendant in sufficient time and in such a way as to enable him to arrange for his defence, where the defendant was able to bring an appeal against that judgment.
First of all, the Court declares that the suspension provided for in the Act of Accession of Cyprus is limited to the application of Community law in the northern area. However, the judgments concerned, whose recognition was sought by Mr Apostolides, were given by a court sitting in the Government-controlled area. The fact that those judgments concern land situated in the northern area does not preclude that interpretation because, first, it does not nullify the obligation to apply the regulation in the Government-controlled area and, second, it does not mean that that regulation must thereby be applied in the northern area. The Court therefore concludes that the suspension of Community law in the northern area provided for by the protocol annexed to the Act of Accession, does not preclude the application of the Brussels I Regulation to a judgment which is given by a Cypriot court sitting in the Government-controlled area, but concerns land situated in the northern area.
Next, the Court states, first, that the dispute at issue in the main proceedings falls within the scope of the Brussels I Regulation and, second, that the fact that the land concerned is situated in an area over which the Government does not exercise effective control and, therefore, that the judgments concerned cannot, as a practical matter, be enforced where the land is situated does not preclude the recognition and enforcement of those judgments in another Member State.
In that connection, it is common ground that the land is situated in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus and, therefore, the Cypriot court had jurisdiction to decide the case since the relevant provision of the Brussels I Regulation relates to the international jurisdiction of the Member States and not to their domestic jurisdiction.
The Court also states, as regards the public policy of the Member State in which recognition is sought, that a court of a Member State cannot, without undermining the aim of the Brussels I Regulation, refuse recognition of a judgment emanating from another Member State solely on the ground that it considers that national or Community law was misapplied. The national court may refuse recognition only where the error of law means that the recognition or enforcement of the judgment is regarded as a manifest breach of an essential rule of law in the legal order of the Member State concerned. In the case in the main proceedings, the Court of Appeal has not referred to any fundamental principle within the legal order of the United Kingdom which the recognition or enforcement of the judgments in question would be liable to infringe.
Furthermore, as regards the enforceability of the judgments concerned, the Court states that the fact that Mr Apostolides might encounter difficulties in having the judgments enforced cannot deprive them of their enforceability. Therefore, that situation does not prevent the courts of another Member State from declaring such judgments enforceable.
Lastly, the Court states that the recognition or enforcement of a default judgment cannot be refused where the defendant was able to commence proceedings to challenge the default judgment and those proceedings enabled him to argue that he had not been served with the document which instituted the proceedings or with the equivalent document in sufficient time and in such a way as to enable him to arrange for his defence. In the case in the main proceedings, it is common ground that the Orams brought such proceedings. Consequently, the recognition and enforcement of the judgments of the Cypriot court cannot be refused in the United Kingdom on that ground.
[1 Council Regulation (EC) No 44/2001 of 22 December 2000 on
jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in
civil and commercial matters]
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2007:297:0020:0021:EN:PDF
Mr and Mrs Orams - Lost Case
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Cyprus's progress towards unity -Time for Turkey to meet its obligations on Cyprus
Cypriot Lobby at the British Parliament
Palace of Westminister
Tuesday, 3rd March 2009
![[item image]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_u0zZgv3VNBa3mR5MM9l9wZnFthEkJPSEfhbpzHKz3jPFlQp6fJ_7LxPHKK4Lt4T3UmZOj26hln4eTezlCOypkHXSRJUlbwJQH0lpwDB2v9UqgZZST8-cmC1I5CZjwlKbLXBUu7m_nxaQuRZQVcfZi1P01n3RUtdF0XGnUP5Y5TjJXEKMT_OaRYZ3PjEQlj-wiSLiMQcmAzMab8fnHgpxVkbrnuynBrsyGKvc-US4KNN91yMFClCxvvol95Isl5goFAy_pXh4dZ8DUkU9NUGOWJqRWkIQ=s0-d "[item image]")
Sir Gerald Kaufman MP
Roger Gale MP
David Burrowes MP
Alan Meale MP
Lord Dubs
Lynne Featherstone MP
Mark Francois MP
(Shadow Minister for Europe)
Theresa Villiers MP
David Lepper MP
Tom Cox - former MP
Rudy Vis MP
Simon Hughes MP
David Amess MP
Andy Love MP
in association with the
President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK
Peter Droussiotis
The National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom
http://www.cypriotfederation.org.uk
Details: enquiries@cypriotfederation.org.uk
The full video of this event can be seen here at Archive dot org
and is embedded below:
-------------------
Supplementary Documents Supplied during the meeting:
"The Cyprus Question, A Brief Introduction"
Availabe as a PDF Document online at:
http://www.moi.gov.cy/moi/pio/pio.nsf/All/09EB0C510F401217C2257267003781C7?OpenDocument
"Human Rights Violations in Cyprus by Turkey"
Availabe as a PDF Document online at:
http://www.moi.gov.cy/moi/pio/pio.nsf/All/161BEF02BABC2218C22574720036E95E?OpenDocument
Other documents available online as "Aspects of the Problem":
Latest Developments on the Cyprus Problem
Turkish Invasion
Unacceptable situation
Results of Invasion
Refugees
Missing Persons
Enclaved
Turkish Colonisation
Turkish illegal restrictive measures against Cyprus and European Union shipping
Destruction of Cultural Heritage
Available online at:
http://www.moi.gov.cy/moi/pio/pio.nsf/a_problem_en/a_problem_en?OpenDocument
--------
This video is also available in "clip form" (one clip per speaker)
from a Playlist at YouTube
Pressure Turkey now to meet its obligations on Cyprus
This item has also been posted to:
http://www.cyprus-forum.com/cyprus22607.html
http://www.lgr.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=92
National Federation of Cypriots in the UK Group on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=14229354838
Various other Facebook locations, including a link at my own profile there
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