Last night in the House of Commons, the Rt Hon Dame Theresa Villiers was presented with an award from the Famagusta Association of Great Britain, for her long campaign in support of a free and united Cyprus.
Responding to this recognition, Theresa said "I thank the Famagusta Association for honouring me in this way. During my 25 years in elected office, I championed the cause of Cyprus and called for a settlement to reunite the island so all Cypriots can live together once again. That cause continues to have my full support."
Addressing the gathering in the Grand Committee Room, Theresa said "Over the years I have had many meetings and discussions about Cyprus, but those I had with the displaced residents of Famagusta have been some of the most moving.
It is always deeply saddening to hear of those fateful days in August 1974 when people in Famagusta heard war approaching. They fled their homes with only what they could carry with them. Many thought they would be back in just a few days. Yet more than 50 years later, they are still waiting to return.
Varosha, once the jewel of the Eastern Mediterranean, fenced off by the Turkish military; homes, hotels, churches left to crumble; exiled residents forbidden to visit even to tend to the graves of their loved ones. This has been clearly condemned in UN Security Resolutions. The courts have consistently ruled in favour of Famagusta refugees, upholding their property rights. But these resolutions and judgements have been disregarded.
Justice demands that the displaced be allowed to return to Famagusta in safety and dignity. Tragically, many of them have passed away without this wrong being righted. The passage of time does not make a wrong, any less wrong. We owe it to everyone forced out of Famagusta to say clearly and loudly: "Give them back their city. Give them back their homes".
Others who also received awards last night included Bob Blackman MP and Sir Roger Gale MP, as well as former MPs, Mike Freer and David Burrowes. The awards were presented by the President of the Famagusta Association of Great Britain, Dr Vassilis Mavrou. The event took place in the presence of Cyprus High Commissioner to the UK, HE Kyriacos Kouros.
