Cyprus: What I Saw

By Alexi Giannoulias: Four years ago, I travelled to Cyprus for a fact finding trip with Senator Dick Durbin. On the second day of the trip, we visited the Mayor of Famagusta – Alexis Galanos. When the Mayor took us to the top of the Famagusta Municipality’s Cultural Center, what I saw shocked me.
I saw buildings, but no people. A sea, but no ships. Roads, but no cars. Famagusta – or as some call it Αμμόχωστος or Varosha – has for nearly 40 years been called a “ghost” city. What I saw was far scarier than a “ghost.” I was looking at death where there once was life.
39 years ago today, Turkey launched the second wave of its invasion of Cyprus. This wave, called Atilla II, resulted in the loss of Famagusta.
Sign the petition to give Famagusta back now.

What was once the most beautiful of beach resort cities and an economic hub for Cyprus now resembles a closed-down concentration camp. The Cypriots of Famagusta have waited far too long to return and bring life to their home. The government of the Republic of Cyprus has proposed confidence building measures that would return Famagusta to its rightful inhabitants. This proposal has been warmly received in the U.S., the U.N. and Europe as a strong first step towards a just and comprehensive reunification of Cyprus.
Please add your voice to those calling for the return of Famagusta. Bring life to this “ghost” city, and help bring justice back to Cyprus.
http://hellenicleaders.com/GiveFamagustaBack
Alexi Giannoulias