Diplomatic sources issued a strong response to statements made by Maria Zakharova, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, regarding Greece and Cyprus.
“Everyone should be aware that the Turkish military invasion of Cyprus in 1974 constituted a blatant violation of the Republic of Cyprus’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, resulting in the illegal occupation of approximately 37% of its territory ever since, as well as the humanitarian tragedy of displaced Greek Cypriots, those living in enclaves, and the missing,” the sources stated. They recalled that the Helsinki Act was signed in August 1975.
Regarding the reference to the July 15, 1974 coup, which occurred a year before the Final Act was signed, the sources emphasized that all democratically elected Greek governments from 1974 to the present, as well as all political forces in Greece, have unequivocally condemned it. The sources also referred to the international community, which “has repeatedly expressed its position on the Cyprus issue as an international case of invasion and occupation, in direct violation of the United Nations Charter and United Nations Security Council resolutions.”
The sources also cited public statements by the Russian foreign minister that explicitly referenced the relevant UN resolutions and concluded:
Regarding references to our country’s relations with North Macedonia, we note that our dispute was peacefully resolved under the auspices of the United Nations.
Let us all reflect on the fact that there were once conferences that left an indelible mark on the history of international relations. In Helsinki in 1975, a historic breakthrough was achieved in institutionalizing peaceful coexistence among states and defining the principles that would govern their relations.”
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
