Embargoed! pleads begs supporters to
Sign petition to ban the ‘bloody map’ and stop hatred of Turks
The Chairman of Embargoed! Fevzi Hussein has sent out a plea for support for their latest petition: “I am inspired by the level of enthusiasm and positive feedback received from the first version of the petition. This new one has some minor changes and we hope to get thousands of signatures and to present them to the relevant authorities as soon as possible.”
The appeal states: “Some Greek Cypriot lobbyists and political parties continue to use the deeply offensive ‘Bloody Map’ symbol despite major objections by Turkish Cypriots requesting that the use of this foul imagery ceases. The message behind the map is simple: ‘Turks are murderers responsible for the tragedy in Cyprus’. This false projection not only incites hatred of Turks, but is also extremely upsetting for thousands of Turkish Cypriots who endured years of persecution at the hands of Greek Cypriots, and who were finally saved by the intervention of the Turkish army in Cyprus on 20th July 1974. Contrary to carefully propagated myths, Turkey did not wake up that day and decide to send its military might into Cyprus because it did not have anything better to do. As a Guarantor Power, Turkey was obliged to help stop the bloody conflict, where Cypriots were being killed mercilessly because of the desire by Greek EOKA terrorists to pursue ENOSIS (union with Greece). Turkish Cypriots believe that, but for this intervention, there would not be many Turks alive in Cyprus today. Human rights group Embargoed! is committed to a fair and long-lasting solution in Cyprus where both sides are treated equally. For this to become a reality there must be a serious effort to reconcile the wrongs of the past, which includes a deliberate effort to move away from hate propaganda such as the ‘Bloody Map’.
By signing this petition you agree to support the statement and the unquestionable view that hate imagery associated with Cyprus, both pre- and post-1974, must stop now.”
Copies of the petition can be obtained from Fevzi at [email protected], or from [email protected]. Embargoed! can work only as much as its supporters allow it, and they have already received considerable media coverage in the UK and are hoping for support from North Cyprus in full measure.