Letter sent to The New York Times

April 19 1998

re: "Cypriot woes"

Sir,

Your editorial "Cypriot Woes" on 3 April 1998 entirely misrepresents the tragedy Cyprus.

You should be aware that the Greek Cypriot population of the north of Cyprus was ethnically cleansed by the Turks in 1974 - they are now refugees in their own land. The invasion by Turkey was illegal and in breach of international law.

Turkey has remained in occupation of northern Cyprus for almost 24 years - it has over 40,000 troops on the island and 100,000 colonists to support the Denktash regime. The Turkish Cypriot population has dwindled. Furhtermore, contrary to your view many Turkish Cypriots would be happy in a united island as would the Greek Cypriots but the West has not facilitated unification. Indeed US government policy has been pro-Turkish not pro-Greek Cypriot as you suggest. The US now has military bases and universities in the occupied area and continues to support Turkey militarily and financially.

With a hostile country of 60 million on their doorstep and over 40,000 troops on its land, Cyprus has every right to protect itself by the purchase of anti-aircraft missiles (which are by their very description defensive not offensive weapons).

You chose to ignore the countless UN resolutions and EU decisions denouncing the actions of Turkey. It has not been in the interests of the West (primarily the US) to enforce those resolutions by sanctions. Moreover, the Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, has not been reasonable in his acceptance to settlement - as successive UN Secretary Generals will tell you he has thwarted every attempt to settle.

Finally, the so-called "TRNC" is an illegal regime propped up by Turkey. To recognise it would give credence to ethnic cleansing, murder and theft. The land is illegally occupied. Turkey should remove its troops, repatriate its colonists and allow the refugees to return to their homes. Without this there can be no lasting peace and the US should realise that peace in the Eastern Mediterranean is more important than placating Turkey.

Yours faithfully
Lobby for Cyprus