MEP Costas Mavridis (DIKO – S&D) intervened on behalf of his political group in the debate on “Condemnation of the illegal unilateral declaration of the separatist entity created by Turkey in Cyprus and the ongoing Turkish military occupation”. The debate was held before the Vice-President of the European Commission Rafael Fitto and the Danish Minister for European Affairs, Marie Bjerre, in the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels.
Mr. Mavridis, in his intervention, briefly described the events and Turkey's ongoing crimes in Cyprus as follows:
"The separatist formation in occupied Cyprus is a creation of Turkey, as correctly recorded in the title of the discussion, which maintains, finances and controls it with its occupying troops. The UN Security Council condemned its proclamation, calling on all states to avoid actions of direct or indirect recognition of it. And the European Court of Justice decided that this is a subordinate administration in Turkey, without any legitimacy."
The Cypriot MEP then pointed out that "In this puppet state, on EU territory, Turkey transferred thousands of settlers from the Turkish mainland, many times more than the Turkish Cypriots, methodically committing the crime of colonization. Now it is proceeding with another crime, the massive usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas. How many crimes does it have to commit for us to impose measures? How many crimes?"
In closing, Mr. Mavridis, addressing the European partners, stated characteristically: "We have many wishes, resolutions and condemnations. And something for those who are watching. Justice will one day prevail, but on that day we will remember not only the crimes, but also our partners in our European family, who at the critical moment turned their backs and remained silent."
