Condemn Turkey's occupation of Cyprus
Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to condemn Turkey’s occupation, uphold UN resolutions, demand Turkish troop withdrawal, ban Canadian arms sales to Türkiye, and refuse recognition of the occupying regime. The government responds that Canada supports a single Cypriot state, supports UN-led reunification, participates in UN peacekeeping in Cyprus, and assesses export permits case-by-case.
Why we would sign this petition
- It would align Canadian policy with UN Security Council resolutions and international law, signaling clear support for Cyprus’s sovereignty.
- Prohibiting arms sales to Türkiye would reduce the risk of Canadian military equipment being used against Cypriots or other vulnerable groups.
- Pressing for troop withdrawal and non‑recognition could increase diplomatic pressure toward a negotiated, UN‑led reunification.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Public condemnation or unilateral measures could strain Canada–Türkiye relations and complicate cooperation within NATO and other international forums.
- A strict ban on arms exports may be hard to enforce and could have unintended legal or economic consequences for Canadian exporters.
- Sustained diplomatic engagement and multilateral negotiation might achieve more durable progress than public denunciations or unilateral restrictions.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas: The Turkish military invasion of Cyprus in 1974 was illegal and brutal, resulting in the ongoing occupation of 37% of the island and 57% of its coastline; The Turkish occupation led to significant human rights violations, including the loss of lives, the displacement of thousands of Cypriots, and the ongoing presence of Turkish military forces and illegal settlers; Cypriots and Hellenes across the world, including the Cypriot diaspora in Canada, are marking the 50th anniversary of this tragic invasion and are calling for justice, freedom, and human rights for the Cypriot people; The Republic of Cyprus is a member of the European Union and the United Nations, and its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity must be respected according to international law; The United Nations Security Council has passed multiple resolutions calling for the withdrawal of Turkish troops and settlers, and the reunification of Cyprus based on respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms for all Cypriots; and The occupation has impacted not only Cypriots but also other communities targeted by Turkey's actions, such as Assyrians, Kurds, Syrians, and Armenians. Therefore, we, the undersigned citizens and residents, call on the Government of Canada to: Uphold all UN Security Council Resolutions on Cyprus and condemn Turkey's ongoing illegal occupation of northern Cyprus; Advocate for the immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops; Ensure no Canadian arms, military equipment, or technology are sold to Turkey for use against Cyprus or other oppressed groups; Continue rejecting the recognition of the illegal occupation regime in northern Cyprus installed by Turkey; and Advocate for a free, united Cyprus, based on the relevant UN Security Resolutions and the European Union Acquis.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob Oliphant The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to advancing international peace and security while upholding the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and fundamental human rights. Canada has long been engaged in the Cyprus peace process through our participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. The peacekeeping operation in Cyprus, known as Operation Snowgoose, began in 1964 and continues today. It is one of Canada's longest and best-known overseas military commitments, with approximately 28,000 Canadians serving there over the years, 28 of whom gave their lives in service to the mission. Guided by the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions, Canada actively encourages dialogue between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities in pursuit of a reunification of Cyprus, a mutually acceptable and peaceful resolution, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with political equality as set out in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. As stated in those resolutions, Canada supports a single State of Cyprus with a single sovereignty and international personality and a single citizenship, and which has a sole legitimate Government that represents and exercises legal authority over its right for sovereignty and territorial integrity on the entire island. In parallel, Canada and Türkiye have engaged in constructive dialogue regarding export controls, re-establishing a clear understanding of the requirements of Canada’s export control regime. As stated in its Notice No. 1108, Canada will take appropriate action should credible evidence be found regarding the misuse of any controlled Canadian good or technology, including to commit or facilitate serious violations of international human rights law. In doing so, Canada is firmly committed to meeting its obligations under international law, including as a State Party to the Arms Trade Treaty and other international commitments. In line with its North Atlantic Treaty Organization obligations, Canada rigorously assesses all export permit applications on a case-by-case basis under our comprehensive risk assessment framework. Canada reaffirms its steadfast commitment to a peaceful, diplomatic resolution in Cyprus and to working with our international partners to foster global security and prosperity.