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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-07-24
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Thursday, 24 July 2003 Governor of New York proclaims July 20th as
"Justice for Cyprus Day"
[01] Governor of New York proclaims July 20th as "Justice for Cyprus
Day"
The Governor of New York Mr George Pataki has proclaimed the 20th of July
as "Justice for Cyprus Day" during a ceremony in Manhattan last Sunday
(20th July 2003), in the presence of the Archbishop of America, Demetrios,
the Consul Generals of Greece and Cyprus and many members of the Greek-
American community. In his speech, Mr Pataki condemned the invasion of
Cyprus and said that justice for Cyprus means enabling people not just to
travel across the green line but to return and live in their ancestral
homes and have their properties restored. Mr Paraki expressed the hope that
he may experience the day when as Governor he would issue a proclamation,
not calling for justice for Cyprus, but celebrating the prevalence of
justice in Cyprus. The State of New York Executive Chamber proclamation
reads as follows: "Whereas the Republic of Cyprus remains one of the last
major unresolved areas of foreign occupation in Europe; beginning on July
20 1974, events unfolded that were profoundly tragic for the people of the
Republic of Cyprus when the island was invaded by Turkish Armed Forces,
documented as one of the most egregious military invasions of the 20th
century; and Whereas, this act of aggression and the subsequent colonization
by Turkey resulted in the loss of 37 percent of the Cypriot ancestral land,
the forced expulsion of 200,000 Greek Cypriots from their northern homes,
the destruction of historical monuments and places of worship which stand
as testaments to the 10,000 year old Cypriot civilization; moreover nearly
1,5000 Greek Cypriots disappeared and hundreds of others were relegated to
enclaves where they continue to endure discrimination and other hardships;
and Whereas, after more than a quarter of a century, the time has come for
a solution to the problem in the Republic of Cyprus based on all the
relevant resolutions adopted by the United Nations; the sense of injustice
in this matter has continuously shown the attention of the world-wide
community; landmark decision made on May 10, 2001 by the European Court of
Human Rights stated than fourteen violations of human rights had been
perpetrated by Turkey in Cyprus; in addition on June 11, 2001, the UN
Security Council reiterated the parameters of a settlement based on UNSC
Resolution 1251 which calls for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from
the island, the return of the refugees to their homes, respect for the
sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and the unity of the
Republic of Cyprus and; Whereas, the legacy of liberty that inspired
America's founders continues to forge a bond of goodwill and friendship
among people worldwide, and guides our State, Nation and the course of
Western civilization; in light of its recognition by the international
community and status as a member of the European Union and in acknowledgement
of the recent advances made earlier this year towards an equitable
resolution, Greek Cypriot Americans have greater hopes for the emergence of
a more just and humane future and the prevalence of the rule of law in the
Republic of Cyprus ;and Whereas, our State is fortunate to be home to one
of the Nation's largest population of Greek Americans who trace their roots
to Cyprus, a beautiful island nation rich in history, tradition and Culture
that has endured the burden of a hostile occupation for the past 29 years;
it is fitting to recognize the noble cause of the Cypriot and Greek
American Communities in their collective call for peace, justice and a
return to the Republic's former glory and grandeur;
Now, Therefore, I George E. Pataki, Governor of the State of New York, do
hereby proclaim July 20, 2003, as Justice for Cyprus Day"
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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