NICOSIA, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus's Defence Minister Christoforos Phokaides appeal to the international community and the Europe Union to exert pressure on Turkey.
To commemorate the Turkish military action in 1974, Greek Cypriots organized solemn church services in memory thousands of people killed in several days of fighting and in air attacks.
"The time has come to put an end to this aberration of having an EU member state under occupation", Phokaides said at the memorial service for the fallen during the Turkish military action, organized by the National Guard and the Defence Ministry, at the Tomb of Makedonitissa.
He asked from the international community and powerful countries to put their leverage on Turkey, reminding Ankara that it must honor its obligations in view of its bid to enter the EU, according to Cyprus News Agency.
There is substantial hope that we will be able to reverse the impasse this time, and that the current process of negotiations will lead to a functioning and viable compromise, Phokaides said.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey militarily intervened and controlled the north of Cyprus following a coup on the island by some Greek military officers.
In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot authorities declared breakaway and set up "the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", which is recognized only by Turkey.
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