For 8 years Cyprus lis been a divided country. In 1974 an invasion by Turkish troops resulted in the capture of 40 percent of Cypriot territory by the military. The consequences for the Cypriot people were devastating: 280.000 refugees. 4.000 killed. and 2.100 missing. Unfortunately. these numbers only tell the beginning of the suffering endured by the Cypriots. Who among us wasnt strongly moved after reading the reports about the murder and rape of civilians. and the destruction of villages that occurred after the invasion. Nor can we forget the thousands of refugees who fled from the fighting and are denied any compensation for the homes and land they left. I am sure that all Members of the House are aware of the violation of human rights which has persisted in occupied Cyprus. documented and reported by the European Commission of Human Rights and Amnesty International. It is only appropriate for this country to call for a complete end to such atrocities and complete disregard of basic human rights.
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refugees