December 2017

President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades strongly condemned the unilateral declaration of the Turkish Cypriot breakaway state of the north, 34 years ago.

Anastasiades said the action went against everything that had been previously agreed on.

Meanwhile in the north, the declaration of the so-called Turkish republic of northern Cyprus on November 15, 1983 had been celebrated with a military parade and turkish fighter aircraft overflights.

"One illegality follows another," the president said. "The biggest one was the invasion, the next one was the declaration of the breakaway state."

Greek Cypriot pupils took to the streets last week to protest the anniversary. They descended on crossing points in Nicosia where they shouted anti-occupation slogans.

The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also condemned the 34th anniversary of the unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) in the north saying that it was a blatant violation of international law.

"Today’s regrettable anniversary of the unilateral declaration of independence, announced by the Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus’ occupied areas, is a stark reminder to the international community that an independent state, which is also a UN and EU member, remains under foreign military occupation," the Greek ministry said in a statement.

Authorities also condemned the violation of the Republic’s airspace by Turkish warplanes which were participating in celebrations in the north.

According to the Civil Aviation’s air traffic control, four Turkish warplanes violated Nicosia airspace during the "celebrations". The planes that arrived from Turkey flew over Kyrenia, the coast of Karpasia, Famagusta and over the parade in northern Nicosia.

The planes had flown at very low altitude, an official said, as low as 500 feet over Morphou Bay, and circled twice over Nicosia.

The so called Turkish republic of Northern Cyprus is not recognised by any country of the world except Tuyrkey.