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On July 20th 1974, Turkey launched a brutal invasion against defenseless Cyprus, and using more
than 40,000 heavily armed troops captured 37% of the island. The invasion of Turkey and the
occupation of 37% of the island's territory as well as the continuing violation of the
fundamental human rights of the people of Cyprus have been condemned by international bodies,
such as the UN General Assembly, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth and the Council of
Europe.
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In 1974 200,000 Greek Cypriots, 33% of the total Greek Cypriot population, were forced to flee
their homes and were turned overnight into refugees. For the last 29 years these refugees have
been denied one of the most basic of human rights, the RIGHT of RETURN and SETTLEMENT to their
own homes.
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Travelers arriving in the Republic of Cyprus may enter the Republic only
through the legal ports of Larnaka and Pafos International Airports,
or the ports of Larnaka, Limassol and Pafos. The ports of Famagusta, Kyrenia
and Karavostasi, as well as the airports in the part of the Republic illegally
occupied by the Turkish invasion forces have been declared by the Government
as prohibited ports of entry and exit, and no passenger should enter or leave
the Republic from these ports. |
Following are photos of cities, villages and some famous monuments of Cyprus which are under Turkish occupation
since 1974. |