Explore Cyprus’ Lesser-Known North – Letter to the Editor of Winnipeg Free Press
Mr. Paul Samyn
Editor
Winnipeg Free Press
1355 Mountain Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2x3B6
Re: Explore Cyprus’ Lesser-Known North
Dear Mr. Samyn,
I bring your attention to the article of March 22, 2025 by Joachim Hauck with the title “Explore Cyprus’ Lesser-Known North.”
Almost 51 years ago on the pretext of protecting a Turkish Cypriot minority, Turkey illegally invaded the Republic of Cyprus killing more than 5,000 innocent Greek Cypriots, committed ethnic cleansing by forcibly removing 200,000 Greek Cypriots from their ancestral homes, destroyed 500 historical Greek Orthodox churches, imported more than 300,000 Anatolian settlers and established the pseudo state of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) recognized only by the country of Turkey.
The article of March 22nd encouraging tourists to visit the occupied north, which is in violation of numerous United Nations resolutions, is an embarrassment for the Winnipeg Free Press.
Similar to the Russian invasion of Ukraine that has received worldwide condemnation, Turkey unilaterally annexed 36% of the Republic of Cyprus, a member state of the United Nations and the European Union. Turkey maintains 40,000 troops in the north and has kept the Island divided since 1974. The Turkish Cypriot minority that was 120,000 in 1974, is now a minority in the northern occupied area.
In addition, you should know that in 1974, the land ownership of the Turkish minority was less than 10% and the properties and homes of Greek Cypriots are sold with fake titles. More than 2,000 Canadian citizens have lost their homes and properties.
Mr. Joachim Hauck who wrote the article, either does not know the tragic history of Cyprus or has chosen to ignore the illegal brutal invasion and continued occupation.
We are demanding an immediate retraction of this offensive article!
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”
With respect,
Philip Christopher
President