Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition on behalf of citizens and residents of Canada who would like to draw the attention of the House to the plight of the people of Cyprus.
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. The Turkish occupation led to significant human rights violations, including the loss of lives, the displacement of thousands of Cypriots and the ongoing presence of the Turkish military forces and illegal settlers.
This being the 50th anniversary of that tragic event, the petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to uphold all UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus and condemn Turkey's ongoing illegal occupation of northern Cyprus; advocate for the immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops; ensure no Canadian arms, military equipment or technology is sold to Turkey for use against Cyprus or other oppressed groups; continue rejecting the recognition of the illegal occupation regime in northern Cyprus installed by Turkey; and, finally, advocate for a free, united Cyprus based on the relevant UN resolutions and the European Union acquis.