Nicosia: Cyprus' political leadership has renewed its commitment to reunification, national unity, and intensified efforts to resolve the longstanding Cyprus problem. This pledge was made during a special plenary session of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, marking the 52nd anniversary of the July 15, 1974 coup and the subsequent July 20 Turkish invasion.
According to Cyprus News Agency, House President Annita Demetriou highlighted that "forgetting can never be an option" while the consequences of occupation persist. She, along with party leaders and parliamentary representatives, emphasized the importance of renewed UN-led negotiations, stronger European Union involvement, and the necessity to end the island's decades-long division. The session was attended by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.
Demetriou called for national unity and reaffirmed support for UN-led efforts to restart reunification talks. She underscored the importance of the European dimension in addressing the Cyprus issue and criticized rhetoric advocating for a two-state solution, describing it as an obstacle to positive progress. In her address, Demetriou condemned the 1974 coup and invasion, paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the Republic's freedom and integrity.
Demetriou accused Turkey of pursuing a systematic policy of settlement in occupied areas and attempting to change the status quo in Varosha and the buffer zone. She described these actions as violations of international and European law, stressing that Cypriots remain the only EU citizens unable to enjoy their fundamental rights across 37% of their country.
She also highlighted the UN Secretary-General's initiative to restart negotiations as a significant effort and urged all parties to work constructively to resume meaningful talks. Demetriou emphasized the need for European partners to pressure Turkey for progress on the Cyprus issue and welcomed the appointment of a new EU Special Representative to enhance the European presence in the UN initiative.
Demetriou also addressed the suffering of women and girls during the Turkish invasion and called for Turkey to assume responsibility for these crimes. She concluded her address by stating that division cannot be Cyprus' future, with the goal remaining a free and secure Cyprus that exemplifies cooperation and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
DISY's Demetris Demetriou warned that the current status quo is unsustainable and reiterated that a bizonal, bicommunal federation remains the only framework for ending the occupation and reunifying the island. AKEL's Stefanos Stefanou called for negotiations to resume from Crans-Montana, urging the Greek Cypriot side to respond positively to the UN Secretary-General's initiative.
ELAM's Christos Christou rejected the bizonal, bicommunal federation framework, arguing it would align Cyprus closer to Turkish demands. DIKO's Nicolas Papadopoulos noted the EU's increasing view of Cyprus as part of the solution in the Eastern Mediterranean, while ALMA's Odysseas Michaelides warned that the current opportunity for progress may be the last. Direct Democracy's Dimitris Souglis emphasized framing the Cyprus issue as one of invasion and occupation, advocating for the use of diplomatic, political, and legal tools against Turkey's violations of international law.