Mike Capuano: “On July 20th 2000, we will mark the 26th anniversary of Turkey's invasion of the sovereign State of Cyprus. It was on…”

“On July 20th 2000, we will mark the 26th anniversary of Turkey's invasion of the sovereign State of Cyprus. It was on this date in 1974, Turkish troops began a campaign of terror. During the Turkish invasion, nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots were forced to flee their homes in the northern part of the island of Cyprus. After twenty-five years, Greek Cypriots are still prohibited from returning to their homes and remain refugees within their own country. Over 1,400 men, women and children who vanished during the invasion have not been accounted for, and the Turkish government continues to refuse to provide information as to their whereabouts. During these 26 years of occupation, Turkey has relocated some 80,000 Turkish citizens to Northern Cyprus, thus changing the demographic structure in the north. Most of the homes and land that have been reoccupied by Turkish citizens were once the homes of Greek Cypriots who were evacuated during the invasion. Historical institutions of cultural and religious heritage, including archaeological sites and churches, have been pillaged and in many cases completely destroyed. Tragically, there are only 500 Greek Cypriots still living in the occupied area, and even those few families are subject to constant and systematic campaigns of harassment and intimidation. In some instances, they are forbidden to travel and attend school, clearly being denied of their basic rights.”