Oldest Greek Cypriot diaspora group sends resolution to UK PM

At its recent annual general meeting the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood approved a resolution to the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the Cyprus issue, it announced on Tuesday.

The resolution marks the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and the start of the occupation, which it characterised as “a failure of international diplomacy, a violation of international law and human rights.”

“The ongoing division of Cyprus is a disgrace to the international community and must be addressed. If we write to you on the occasion of the abominable sixtieth anniversary […] the fight for justice could be completely lost and the failure to reunify Cyprus would forever burden history,” the resolution’s authors said.

The signatories on behalf of the organisation, the oldest of the Greek Cypriot diaspora founded in London in 1934, call on the British PM and his government to ensure that the UK remains committed to its obligations to Cyprus, as defined in international and European law.

They note that this is particularly important in light of the new impetus created by the appointment of a personal envoy of the UNSG for Cyprus.

The resolution recalls the special role of the UK regarding Cyprus, calling for a message to be sent towards Turkey, as in the case of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

It also calls for the reversal of any divisive actions that seek to create a fait accompli, the implementation of UN resolutions, and the acceptance that a reunited Cyprus does not need guarantor powers.

Finally, Sunak is urged to actively support UN efforts to resume negotiations as soon as possible, and to redouble his efforts to achieve a solution for Cyprus which would act as a “beacon of hope” for the peaceful coexistence of religions.

The resolution is signed by the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood President Aris Charalambides and Secretary Andreas Karaolis.