**UK Cypriots Urge British MPs to Prioritize Cyprus Problem Amid Ongoing Occupation**
Thousands of emails have been dispatched to over half of the British Members of Parliament (MPs) as part of the #HandsOffCyprus campaign, organized by the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom. This initiative coincides with the 52nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion and subsequent occupation of part of Cyprus, which has been a contentious issue for decades.
The campaign is designed to galvanize support from the Cypriot community in the UK, urging them to contact their MPs and advocate for a renewed focus on the Cyprus problem. The federation has emphasized the importance of the UK government taking proactive steps to encourage Turkey to return to negotiations aimed at resolving the division of Cyprus. They are calling for a solution that adheres to the agreed United Nations framework and complies with international and European Union law.
Christos Karaolis, president of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, highlighted the urgency of the situation. "We must continue our efforts to spread the message that Cypriots want to see the end of Turkey’s illegal ongoing occupation," he stated. The federation is encouraging participation from Cypriots who have yet to engage in the campaign, noting that the process of sending an email to an MP is designed to be quick and accessible, taking "less than 30 seconds of your time."
The #HandsOffCyprus campaign also serves as a platform for raising awareness about the long-standing issues faced by Cypriots due to the division of the island. The federation's outreach efforts aim to not only inform MPs but also to rally the community to take a stand on this critical matter.
In recent developments, the United Nations has been actively involved in seeking a resolution to the Cyprus issue. Maria Angela Holguin, the UN Secretary-General's envoy on Cyprus, has been meeting with leaders from Cyprus, Turkey, and the European Union. These discussions are aimed at organizing an enlarged meeting to facilitate the resumption of talks regarding the future of Cyprus.
The ongoing occupation remains a sensitive topic for many Cypriots, both on the island and in the diaspora. The National Federation of Cypriots in the UK has been a vocal advocate for the rights of Cypriots and the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As the anniversary of the invasion approaches, the federation's campaign underscores the importance of international attention and action regarding the Cyprus problem.
The #HandsOffCyprus initiative reflects a broader desire among the Cypriot community to see tangible progress in negotiations and a resolution to the division that has persisted for over five decades. As the campaign continues, the federation remains hopeful that increased communication with British MPs will lead to greater awareness and support for the cause.
In conclusion, the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK is mobilizing the community to advocate for a renewed focus on the Cyprus problem, coinciding with a significant anniversary. Through the #HandsOffCyprus campaign, they aim to engage British MPs in a dialogue about the ongoing occupation and the need for a resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of the Cypriot people.