The Prime Minister of France,
Dominique de Villepin
20 September 2005
Dear Prime Minister,
Turkey’s Recognition of the Republic of Cyprus
I would like to congratulate you and thank you wholeheartedly on your recent (2nd of August 2005) and present stance towards Turkey. It was about time somebody, or somebody’s country, stood up against the madness led by the Anglo-American policies to undermine Europe.
I am a Greek from Famagusta, Cyprus, just like my parents and all my ancestors throughout the generations, and I have not been able to visit my hometown as a free man for 31 years, nor my house, which is situated within that shameful fence.
For over 30 years Turkey occupied by force half of Cyprus. For one year Turkey now occupies half the territory of a member state of the European Union. 40,000 Turkish troops are now occupying a European country by force. What action or measures have been taken to put an end to this disastrous, shameful and unspeakable situation? It would seem a good idea and a good time for the formation of a European force to deal with situations like this and for any other future requirements.
I would solemnly ask you to help resolve the Cyprus problem before Turkey gets more advantages from the European Union without giving anything in return. Please do not let, Mr Prime Minister, this country benefit from Europe without resolving the Human Rights issue on the island of Cyprus, without mentioning what is happening in the very mainland Turkey.
Do not give Turkey more unless they withdraw the 40,000 Turkish Army, until they take the thousands of Turkish illegal settlers from Anatolia back to their country and until all the refugees who fled in 1974 return back to their homes and the lands of their ancestors free.
Since the Turkish invasion, Turkey tried very hard to change the demography and the history of Cyprus to their advantage. They keep on destroying and raping most of the ancient, historic monuments, which are testimony to the history of this island. They steal their treasures and their Greek names and use them as stables for animals systematically for over 31 years, just like in medieval times.
The name of Marc Antonio Bragadino comes to mind when he suffered the most terrible death in 1571 when the Ottomans first invaded and captured Famagusta and Cyprus. Similar atrocities were committed during the invasion of 1974, but I would prefer to stop here on the torment that Cyprus had to undergo in the hands of the Turks.
I would finally like to thank you for all your support towards our long-suffering country.
As a Greek, I like France. All Greeks like France.
Vive la France!
May God give you health and strength with the same determination and spirit.
Yours sincerely,
N S Savvides
New Barnet