In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), in collaboration with ΣΕΚΑ Victoria, the Cyprus Community of Melbourne & Victoria, and the 50th Year Action Group, unite to advocate for a free and united Cyprus.
To honour those who lost their lives and those still missing, the Greek Centre will be illuminated in red, and communities across Victoria will gather to commemorate this tragic anniversary. These acts of remembrance symbolise solidarity with displaced families and a commitment to defending the history, culture, and religion that have been integral to Cyprus for thousands of years.
This solemn anniversary marks a tragic milestone, emphasising the prolonged occupation of more than one-third of the island. The invasion of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey in July 1974 was a violation of international law, leading to widespread displacement and suffering. As these organisations mark this significant date, they have reaffirmed their stance against this injustice and their support for a peaceful resolution.
The enduring impact of the invasion is felt deeply within the Cypriot community, and the organisations stand united in their resolve to remember the victims and support those who continue to seek justice. Remembering these tragic events and coming together as a community is vital.
Furthermore, they have called upon the global community to join them in their advocacy for human rights and the sovereignty of Cyprus. The injustices faced by the Cypriot people must not be forgotten, and the community must collectively strive for a future where Cyprus can exist as a unified and peaceful nation.
ΣEKA Victoria President Pavlos Andronikos said, “Remembering is of the utmost importance, for it makes acquiescence impossible. To want justice, you have to remember the injustice. The Greek building bathed in red light is a symbol of our remembering. We remember all those unjustly killed, the missing, the women violently raped, the refugees who lost not just homes but villages as old as time. Remembering is a call to action, to anger, to protest, to hope.”
The Hon. Theo Theophanous, a former Government Minister, and currently President of the Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria, stated that, “The Cyprus Community of Melbourne has always been a focal point for maintaining Greek and Cypriot culture and language. But for the last 50 of its 92 years of existence it has also been a place of support for refugees, for those who lost loved ones in the Turkish invasion and a voice demanding reunification.”
“After 50 years Cyprus is at a crossroads with a new separationist regime wanting to divide Cyprus permanently, effectively into two countries. This is designed to cause division amongst our communities in Australia that have always supported a unified Cyprus under a federal system. We call on the Australian Government to place pressure on Turkey to reverse this trend and come back to real negotiations for a free democratic, unified Cyprus,” Mr Theophanous added.
The President of the GCM, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, made a statement: “As we illuminate the Greek Centre in red, let it serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder of our unwavering commitment to the cause. Together, we can keep the memory of this tragic event alive and work towards a brighter future for Cyprus. We encourage all members of our community and beyond to participate in our commemorative activities and stand with our Cypriot brothers in solidarity.”
The Cypriot community will gather on Sunday 21st July 2024, at Federation Square at 2:00 pm. There will be a flag-raising ceremony and wreath-laying. This will be followed by speeches from state and federal politicians, and community church leaders.
