We have a duty and responsibility towards the people and our history to continue the struggle for liberation and reunification of our homeland, Parliament Speaker, Annita Demetriou, said on Saturday, adding that despite the Turkish provocations and tensions, we remain committed to our goal, to safeguard human rights and fundamental values, as dictated by UN resolutions and European principles and values.
Demetriou said that we will not accept Turkey`s attempt to create a new fait accompli in the fenced off town of Varosha and our struggle will continue untl the end.
House Speaker delivered a speech at a memorial service held for the fallen and deceased members of the Cyprus army and for missing Lieutenant General Tassos Markou.
She said that today is not only a day of paying tribute but also a day of reflection on our debt to carry on the fight for the reunification and in remembrane of all those who sacrificed their lives for their country. Demetriou said that forty-seven years after the coup and the Turkish invasion our heroes` actions and sacrifice allow us to hope and teach us lessons of heroism, altruism and patriotism.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island`s northern third. Numerous rounds of peace talks under the UN aegis faile to yield results.
UN Security Council resolution 550 (1984) considers any attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible and calls for the transfer of this area to the administration of the UN. Resolution 789 (1992) also urges that with a view to the implementation of resolution 550 (1984), the area at present under the control of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus be extended to include Varosha.
Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, announced in July 2021 a partial lifting of the military status in Varosha.
On October 8, 2020, the Turkish side opened part of the fenced area of Varosha, following an announcement made in Ankara on October 6. Both the UN Secretary-General and the EU expressed concern, while the UN Security Council called for the reversal of this course of action.
Source: Cyprus News Agency