Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-07-17

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] FM on Cyprus issue

[01] FM on Cyprus issue

In a statement on the occasion of the completion of 35 years since the Turkish invasion against Cyprus in the summer of 1974, Bakoyannis reiterates Greece's support to the initiative and the effort of Cypriot President Demetris Christofias to reach a Cypriot solution to the Cyprus problem and calls upon Turkey to prove in deeds that it can follow European principles and values.

"The wounds which the invasion and continuous occupation of the Republic of Cyprus have left behind must close and the Cypriot people should be able to live again reunited and safe in the EU", she says.

Bakoyannis notes that Turkey still holds the key for the solution of the Cyprus problem, pointing out that Turkey's role is crucial.

"A positive response by Turkey would contribute to the achievement of a solution that would give a new impetus to its EU accession course and to the promotion of Greco-Turkish relations", she notes.

Referring to the 20th of July 1974, day of the Turkish invasion against Cyprus, she points out the tragic consequences of the invasion, the refugees, the mass violation of human rights, the destruction of cultural sites and the humanitarian issue of the missing persons.

The foreign minister points to Turkey's policy to illegally bring to Cyprus settlers from Anatolia, saying that this policy continues until today, "changing the demographic and cultural structure of the island".

"The international community has not accepted and will never recognise the faits accomplis of violence in Cyprus", she concludes.

Turkey invaded Cyprus in July 1974. As a result of the Turkish invasion 37% of the Cypriot territory remains under Turkish occupation since 1974.

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