Cablegate: Greek Mfa Statement Condemns 25th Anniversary Of

VZCZCXRO3288
RR RUEHAG RUEHDF RUEHIK RUEHLZ RUEHROV RUEHSR
DE RUEHTH #1562 3230613
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 180613Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY ATHENS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2801
INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
RUEHAK/AMEMBASSY ANKARA 5297
RUEHNC/AMEMBASSY NICOSIA 2976
RUEHIT/AMCONSUL ISTANBUL 2037

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

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