Mr. Speaker, if you will indulge me, as this is my first time rising in this place, I want to congratulate you on your election and thank the people of my community for their trust.
I am limiting myself to one petition today, which is on behalf of Canada's strong Cypriot community. The community has brought this petition to the attention of the House noting that the Turkish military invasion of Cyprus in 1974 was illegal and brutal, resulting in the ongoing occupation of 37% of the island and 57% of its coastline. This occupation has led to significant human rights violations, including a loss of life, the displacement of thousands of Cypriots and the ongoing presence of Turkish military forces at illegal settlements.
This community, throughout the world and in Canada, marked the 50th anniversary of this tragic invasion last year and is calling for justice, freedom and human rights for the Cypriot people. There are various other aspects mentioned, including UN Security Council resolutions calling for an end to the occupation of Cyprus.
The petitioners call on the House to uphold all UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus and condemn Turkey's ongoing illegal occupation of northern Cyprus; to advocate for the complete and immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops; to ensure no Canadian arms, military equipment or technology is sold to Turkey or used against Cyprus or other oppressed groups; to continue rejecting the recognition of the illegal occupation; and to advocate for a free, united Cyprus based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the European Union's statements.