ATHENS. Today, the 47-year anniversary from the Turkish invasion of Cyprus that led to the illegal occupation of over one third of the island, we are paying tribute to those who resisted the invader and especially to the fallen, said the Greek Foreign Ministry in an announcement on Tuesday.

"The entire Hellenism continues to live with the drama of the thousands of missing, displaced and trapped on Cyprus" the ministry said adding that "Greece, in total coordination with the Republic of Cyprus, is working for a fair and viable solution for the Cyprus issue, a solution based on the UN Safety Council Treaties and on the European Acquis. A Cyprus united in the context of a bizonal, bi-communal federation".

"Turkey's continuous efforts as well as of the current Turkish-Cypriot leadership for the reversal of the above prospect find us totally opposed and we reject them in their entirety" the Foreign Ministry said and concluded "The continuation of the illegal actions as well as of the new announcements from the Turkish side violate the decisions of the UN Safety Council and are in sharp contrast with the European Council's conclusions as well as with the appeals of the international community. They are reprehensible and should not be left unanswered. Turkey should stop immediately its provocative and delinquent attitude and abide by the international law".