Ariel Rivera-Diaz calls for Turkish Troops to Immediately Withdraw from Cyprus

“This Sunday July 20^th will mark 51 years since the brutal invasion of Cyprus by Turkish armed forces which resulted in an illegal occupation of almost half of the sovereign island nation, thousands of people were killed mostly civilians—forcing 200. 0000 people from their homes, with over 2,000 people still missing. It is unacceptable that the international community functionally ignores one of the most vicious, uncalled for military invasions in recent history,” said Rivera-Diaz.

“Right here in communities in the Bronx, and Queens we have Cypriot Americans who came here as refugees who had their family members killed, and their homes stolen, while others still anxiously seek information about the fate of friends and relatives they never saw again,” added Rivera-Diaz. “Not only was private property seized, historical monuments and places of worship were destroyed, as well as religious artifacts plundered, and sold on the black market,” said Rivera-Diaz.

“We will always support the victims of this senseless aggression, and we stand by Cyprus and pray for a just resolution and swift reunification of the Island,” said Rivera-Diaz.