Cyprus stil occupied still divided 1974-2017

In July 1974, Turkey invaded the Republic of Cyprus in violation of the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of international law. Beyond the immense human suffering and the great material losses, the dire consequences of the invasion and subsequent illegal military occupation by Turkey are still felt today: • For 43 consecutive years Cyprus and its people remain artificially divided by the use of force. • Approximately 37% of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Cyprus is still under illegal military occupation by Turkey, with the presence of thousands of heavily armed Turkish troops rendering the occupied area of Cyprus, proportionally, one of the most densely militarised areas in the world. • 200,000 Greek Cypriots, over a third of the total population, who were forcibly expelled from the occupied northern part of the Republic of Cyprus, where they constituted about 70% of the population, are still deprived of the right to return to their homes and properties. • Approximately 1,020 persons, civilians and soldiers, are still missing, while the Turkish side refuses to cooperate fully in ascertaining their fate. • Around 420 Greek Cypriots and Maronites, out of 20,000 at the end of August 1974, remain CYPRUS STILL OCCUPIED, STILL DIVIDED 1974-2017