To the Editor:

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine as they endure a brutal and violent invasion. The terrifying world-changing invasion of Ukraine did not start in 2022, nor did it start in 2010 when Russia invaded Georgia, however. It started in 1974 when the free world accepted the illegal tragic invasion of Cyprus by Turkey!

It’s difficult to witness the destruction of Ukraine and not be reminded and draw a parallel to Turkey’s violation of U.S. and International law when it illegally invaded the Republic of Cyprus in 1974 and still occupies 37% of its territory.

Much like Putin, the dictator of Russia, who wants to rebuild the old Soviet Union, the radical dictator of Turkey, President Erdogan, wants to rebuild the old Ottoman Empire. Putin and Erdogan have been operating outside the world order and believe they are immune from any consequences. Putin on the pretext of protecting the Russian minority, declared a special military operation to “de-militarize” and “de-Nazify” Ukraine. We are witnessing deaths, destruction and a monumental refugee problem.

Turkey, on the pretext of protecting the Turkish Cypriot minority, declared a special military “peace” operation resulting in 5,000 deaths, 1,600 missing, 170,000 refugees, and the establishment of a puppet state (TRNC) in the occupied area of Cyprus. The playbook was written in 1974.

Turkey was never held accountable and today, the free Western Democracies are witnessing the same playbook in Ukraine! Russia’s attack on Ukraine is criminal and wrong! It’s time to hold Turkey and Russia accountable for their actions.

Philip Christopher

President

PSEKA – International Coordinating Committee – Justice for Cyprus

Astoria, NY