Cyprus still occupied still devided 1974-2018

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 44 consecutive years Cyprus and its people remain forcibly and artificially divided. • Over 36% of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Cyprus is still under illegal military occupation by Turkey, with the presence of dozens of thousands of heavily armed Turkish troops rendering the occupied area of Cyprus one of the most densely militarised areas in the world. • 200.000 Greek Cypriots, over a third of the 1974 total population, who were forcibly expelled from the northern part of Cyprus, where they constituted about 70% of the population, are still deprived of the right to return to their homes and properties. • More than 1.130 persons, civilians and soldiers, are still missing, while the Turkish side refuses to cooperate fully in ascertaining their fate. • Around 410 Greek Cypriots and Maronites, out of 20.000 at the end of August 1974, remain enclaved in their still-occupied villages, living CYPRUS STILL OCCUPIED, STILL DIVIDED 1974-2018