Nicosia: Cyprus is working towards a viable, functional, and resilient settlement that will safeguard the rights of all the country's lawful residents to live, work, and pursue their activities wherever they choose, in conditions of peace, security, and prosperity, President Nikos Christodoulides stated. He made these remarks on Wednesday evening at an anti-occupation commemoration organized by the municipalities, communities, refugee associations, and organizations of the Kyrenia district.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the President sent a message to the Turkish government, the Turkish Cypriot leader, and all stakeholders in Cyprus and abroad, asserting that with political will, a settlement benefiting all parties concerned could be achieved. President Christodoulides highlighted the heavy toll paid by Kyrenia due to Turkey's illegal invasion and the ongoing occupation over the past 52 years, emphasizing the major losses suffered by both military personnel and civilians.
He accused Turkey of violating international law and the fundamental rights of Cyprus' lawful residents, while attempting to legitimize the faits accomplis created by the invasion. Referring to the case of Kyrenia refugee Titina Loizidou, he noted that the European Court of Human Rights ruling confirmed the fundamental principle that 'illegality does not create law,' regardless of time elapsed or Turkey's attempts to impose its will through force.
The President reiterated the country's policy to free Cyprus from occupation, aiming for a solution that ends the current situation and secures conditions necessary for a modern, functional European state. He emphasized the objective of ensuring a solution that allows all lawful residents the right to live and work in peace, security, and prosperity.
Additionally, President Christodoulides expressed his aim to secure a leading role for the EU in resolving the Cyprus problem. He underscored that the Cyprus issue is also a European problem, thus obligating the EU to play a decisive role. With the UN Secretary-General's initiative underway and his visit to Cyprus scheduled for July 27-29, he highlighted the EU's active and leading role in ensuring a settlement compatible with the Republic of Cyprus' status as an EU member. He linked progress in EU-Turkey relations to substantive developments in the Cyprus problem.
The President affirmed that Cyprus would remain an EU member state post-settlement, with all corresponding rights and obligations, pledging ongoing efforts to achieve a settlement that frees Cyprus from occupation and reunifies it. He stressed that the assertion of Kyrenia as a border is an objective for ensuring genuine reunification in all aspects of daily life.
Kyrenia Mayor Joseph Violaris stated that a viable future cannot exist while occupation and related crimes are treated as normal. He emphasized refugees' desire for a solution that enables their return home without creating new insecurity conditions.
Archbishop Georgios marked the anniversary as a particularly somber day for Kyrenia and its residents, criticizing the occupying power's efforts to Turkify the town. He condemned visits and overnight stays in Turkish-occupied areas, equating them to financial support for the occupation. He called for the full application of the EU acquis across Cyprus, including freedom of movement, establishment, and property ownership.
A resolution adopted at the event condemned the occupation, expressed solidarity with missing persons' families, and called for full clarification of their fates. It advocated for a just and viable settlement based on UN Security Council resolutions, international law, and the EU acquis, aiming to free Cyprus from occupying forces and safeguard human rights for all Cypriots. The resolution urged the President and all political forces to support the demands of Kyrenia refugees and was presented by the Mayor of Kyrenia to the President and the Archbishop.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have yet to yield conclusive results, with the latest negotiations in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ending inconclusively.