I join my colleagues todaythe 19th year of the occupation and division of the Republic of CyprusIn this special order recognizing this solemn anniversary. Thirtythree years ago. the island of Cyprus gained its independence from Great Britain. however. for 19 years. the northern part of the Island has been under the grip of foreign occupation. When Turkish troops invaded Cyprus. 200.000 Greek Cypriots were driven from their homes. deprived of their possessions. and reduced to refugee status in their own land. Since the invasion. the Island has been marked with violence and bloodshed. When the Island was originally divided in 1974.