Using as a pretext the coup of 15 July 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus allegedly as a "guarantor" of the island's independence but with the sole aim of destroying it. On 20 July 1974, 40.000 Turkish troops landed on the island assisted by Turkish air and naval forces, in violation of the U.N. Charter and all principles governing international relations as well as her own contractual obligations1. On 14 August, Turkey launched a second invasion in violation of the Security Council resolutions calling for a cease-fire and troop withdrawal, and of the agreements it signed at Geneva2. As a result, approximately 40% of the total territory of the Republic of Cyprus, which in economic terms is much more significant than its size (accounting for 70% of the economic potential), came under Turkish military occupation and about 40% of the total Greek Cypriot population was displaced. Moreover, thousands of people, including civilians, were killed or ill-treated and many more disappeared and are still missing3. Turkey also pursued a deliberate policy aimed at turkifying the occupied areas and at destroying the cultural heritage of Cyprus4.
