Thousands of emails have been sent to members of the British Parliament over recent weeks as part of the campaign #HandsOffCyprus, organised by the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom.
The initiative marks 52 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and the ongoing occupation of part of the Republic of Cyprus.
According to the Federation, the online campaign has already reached more than half of all Members of Parliament in the House of Commons.
Goal to keep Cyprus issue on political agenda
The aim of the #HandsOffCyprus campaign is to ensure the Cyprus issue remains high on the UK political agenda and to increase awareness among British lawmakers.
The central message of this year’s effort calls on the British government to encourage Turkey to return to negotiations for a Cyprus settlement based on the agreed United Nations framework, international law and the EU acquis.
Strong participation from Cypriot diaspora
Federation President Christos Karaolis thanked the Cypriot community in the UK for its strong participation in the campaign.
He said the initiative continues to reach over 50% of UK MPs each year, sending a clear message that the Cypriot diaspora remains committed to a settlement and the reunification of Cyprus.
He added that the community wants an end to what he described as the “ongoing illegal occupation” of the island.
Easy online participation for supporters
The Federation is urging those who have not yet taken part in the #HandsOffCyprus campaign to send a message to their local MP and share the initiative with friends and family.
The process takes only a few seconds via the campaign’s website, with organisers stressing that even a simple action can have a significant political impact.
The campaign, available at cypriotfederation.org.uk/mp, is designed to make it easy for supporters to contact MPs directly and raise awareness of Cyprus-related issues.
Annual diaspora initiative ahead of 1974 anniversary
The #HandsOffCyprus campaign is held annually by the Cypriot diaspora in the UK ahead of the anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion.
It aims to inform and sensitise British MPs on developments in Cyprus and the positions of the Cypriot community regarding reunification efforts.
Also read: Akrotiri: Messages sent to staff over suspicious objects
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