Cyprus Settlement

In response to “Cyprus Seeks U.S. Pledge of Protection” (May 22), and the letter by Greek Consul Aris Anagnos (May 22):

In 1974, Turkey intervened in Cyprus to protect the Turkish Cypriot community and to prevent the imminent annexation of Cyprus by Greece and the annihilation of the Turkish Cypriot population. Turkish intervention was legal and totally in accordance with the international treaties that established the Republic of Cyprus.

From 1964 to 1974, Greek Cypriots with the support of the Greek military regime in Athens unconstitutionally seized power within the Cypriot government, destroyed the Republic of Cyprus and resorted to ethnic cleansing toward the Turkish Cypriot community in order to unite the island with Greece. After this Athens-sponsored coup even the ousted head of the Greek Cypriot administration, Archbishop Makarios, told the world at the United Nations that Greece was occupying Cyprus and that both Greek and Turkish Cypriots were in grave danger. Since the 1974 Turkish intervention, peace prevails in the island and there is no intercommunal fighting and bloodshed. Turkish Cypriots no longer fear for their lives.

The search for a political settlement in Cyprus continues at a time when old federations are collapsing in other places all over the world and ethnic tragedy and genocide unfolds in Bosnia. Last month leaders of the Turkish and Greek communities met again in New York under the auspices of the U.N. secretary general in their quest to find a solution to Cyprus problem.

This solution, which should allow Turkish and Greek Cypriots to live side by side, must be lasting and viable and based on political equality for Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities. Turkey will continue to support a negotiated settlement within the bizonal, bicommunal federal structure in Cyprus.

OGUZ CELIKKOL

Consul General of Turkey

Los Angeles