Nicosia: House President Annita Demetriou emphasized on Sunday the pivotal role of Cyprus in Turkey’s aspirations to engage in European initiatives, highlighting that Ankara’s path to participating in key European policies, such as common defense, security, and the customs union, is contingent upon its relationship with Cyprus and Greece.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Demetriou made these remarks during the annual national memorial for the heroes of Liopetri, where she underscored the enduring impact of the Turkish invasion and occupation. She described the ongoing challenges faced by Cyprus, including the existence of refugees within their homeland, missing persons, and communities living in enclaves under duress, illustrating the situation as lives constrained by barbed wire and memories inherited by younger generations.

Demetriou called for unity, seriousness, and determination among Cypriots, emphasizing the heavy national responsibility to safeguard Hellenism in Cyprus amidst Turkey’s unyielding stance. She stressed the importance of continued cooperation between Cyprus and Greece, advocating for the strategic use of international law, EU principles, and alliances to counter Turkish intransigence and foster conditions conducive to liberation and reunification.

The House President reiterated the necessity of leveraging Cyprus’ EU membership to convey to Turkey that its ongoing occupation of Cypriot territory, insistence on a two-state solution, provocative actions within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and escalations in the Aegean are major hindrances to its European aspirations.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and subsequent occupation of the northern third of the island. Despite numerous attempts at UN-mediated peace negotiations, a resolution remains elusive, with the latest discussions at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana in July 2017 ending without an agreement.