Nicosia: Fifty years after the initial conflict, the Cyprus government remains committed to finding a viable and workable solution to the long-standing Cyprus problem. This commitment was reiterated by Deputy Government Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou during a speech at the naming ceremony of a hall at the Primary School of Kapedes. Antoniou emphasized that the goal is to resume negotiations from where they left off in 2017, while respecting European principles and values.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Antoniou conveyed the President of the Republic’s readiness to engage in an informal extended meeting as agreed at a recent New York dinner with the UN Secretary-General. The President is also willing to meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader in Nicosia to explore the possibility of opening new crossing points. Antoniou expressed support for the United Nations and the Secretary-General’s initiatives, emphasizing that Cyprus is committed to seeing the Cyprus problem back on the negotiating track.
Antoniou stres
sed the importance of transforming the Republic of Cyprus into a state that ensures security and prosperity for all its legitimate citizens. Despite challenges, the government remains dedicated to achieving a Cyprus free from occupying forces, working together with partners in the European Union to overcome obstacles. Antoniou expressed a deep conviction that a solution is attainable and vowed to do everything possible to achieve justice for Cyprus.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson also spoke about the significance of naming the Kapedes Primary School hall after Panayiota Nicolaou, one of the unaccompanied children hosted in Greece from 1974 to 1979. He highlighted the stories of these children as a testament to the solidarity and strong ties between Cyprus and Greece.
Antoniou noted that 456 children traveled unaccompanied to Greece during that period, with Panayiota Nicolaou being the only one who did not return alive. Her remains now rest in Kapedes, alongside her parents. He praised the Ministry of Ed
ucation, Sports, and Youth for educating students in Cyprus about the experiences of the unaccompanied children, ensuring that this tragic chapter of Cypriot history is not forgotten.
The government supports the efforts of those who communicate the history of Cyprus, particularly the unaccompanied children of 1974, who continue to share their stories despite personal pain. Antoniou concluded by emphasizing the state’s duty to preserve the memory of those who have perished and to carry forward the struggle for a united Cyprus.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of the northern third of the island. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has yet to be reached, with the last significant negotiations ending inconclusively in 2017 at Crans-Montana, Switzerland.