GREEK MFA STATEMENT CONDEMNS 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF

UNCLAS ATHENS 001562 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL CY TU GR SUBJECT: GREEK MFA STATEMENT CONDEMNS 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF "INDEPENDENCE" OF THE "TURKISH REPUBLIC OF NORTHERN CYPRUS" ¶1. (SBU) On November 15, the Greek MFA issued a statement regarding the 25th anniversary of creating the "TRNC" in ¶1983. The statement reiterated Greece's position that this was "a provocative illegal action in violation of the fundamental rules and principles of international law" and stressed that "this unacceptable state of affairs must be brought to an end." It also noted Greece's support for the Cypriot reunification effort by Republic of Cyprus President Christofias. The full text of the statement is provided in para 2. ¶2. (U) BEGIN TEXT OF GREEK MFA STATEMENT ON TURKISH CYPRIOT UDI: Announcement regarding the anniversary of the illegal declaration of the pseudo-state in northern Cyprus Twenty-five years ago, the declaration of the pseudo-state in the section of Cyprus under Turkish military occupation was ) and remains ) a provocative illegal action in violation of the fundamental rules and principles of international law. The 15th of November 1983 is a dark date, not only for Cyprus and Greece, but also for all those who believe in and respect international legality. The Cyprus problem remains an international issue of the foreign, illegal occupation of the territory of an independent member state of the international community and the European Union. This unacceptable state of affairs must be brought to an end. This is the purpose of the negotiations taking place at this time. Greece gives its full support to the tireless efforts of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Christofias, so that justice can be restored and the reunification of Cyprus can become a reality, with Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots enjoying the security and prosperity that comes with membership in the European Union. END TEXT OF GREEK MFA STATEMENT SPECKHARD