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State
of
Executive
Chamber
Proclamation
Whereas, the
Empire State is proud to be home to one of the Nation’s largest populations of
Greek Americans, many of whom trace their roots to Cyprus, and this community
has added to the growth and development of our State and Nation, and continues
to thrive as a result of the contributions made by its people in areas such as
the arts, education, industry, business and community service; and
Whereas, the
Republic of Cyprus has remained one of the last major unresolved areas of
foreign occupation in Europe since July 20, 1974, when events unfolded that were
profoundly tragic for the people of the Republic of Cyprus as their island was
invaded by Turkish armed forces, documented as one of the most egregious
military assaults of the 20th century and
Whereas, this act of aggression and the subsequent colonization by
Turkey resulted in the loss of 37 percent of the Cypriot ancestral land, the
forced expulsion of 200,000 Greek Cypriots from their northern homes, and the
destruction of historical monuments and places of worship which stand as
testaments to the 10,000 year-old Cypriot Civilization - moreover,
nearly 1,500 Greek Cypriots disappeared and hundreds others were relegated to
enclaves where they continue to endure discrimination and other hardships; and
Whereas, on April 24, 2004 the Annan Plan for a solution of the
Cyprus problem was rejected by an overwhelming majority of Greek Cypriots during
a referendum as it did not meet their minimum expectations on human rights,
democratic values and fundamental freedoms for all Cypriot citizens; and
Whereas, the Republic of Cyprus formally joined the European Union
on May 1, 2004 as the only divided country in Europe with troops occupying its
land, and the government and people of Cyprus continue to struggle for the
withdrawal of all Turkish troops from the island, for reunification, and for the
return of refugees to their homes and properties, as they search for a solution
based on the rules of International and European Law that will respect the
sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus;
and
Whereas, it is fitting for all New Yorkers, characterized by their
spirit of international goodwill, to join with people of Greek Cypriot ancestry
and the worldwide community in pursuing a humanitarian mission to aid the
Republic of Cyprus in its return to peace and unity;
Now,
Therefore, I, George E. Pataki, Governor of the State of
Given under
my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at Capitol in the City of
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