Nicosia: The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, attended a memorial service on Monday to honor those who fell during the Turkish invasion and participated in a prayer service for the liberation of Cyprus. The service, conducted by Archbishop Georgios, was held at the Apostle Barnabas Cathedral in Nicosia. Joining the President were key figures such as the Vice-President of the Greek Government, Kostis Hatzidakis, the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, and the Minister of Defence, Vasilis Palmas, among other officials.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the former Chair of the House Committee on Education, Pavlos Mylonas, addressed attendees after the service, emphasizing the need for perseverance, unity, and faith in justice to achieve Cyprus' freedom. He reflected on the Turkish invasion of July 20, 1974, describing it as the darkest day in Cyprus's history, which altered the island's destiny. He called for a resolution based on international law, human rights, and the sovereignty of Cyprus, underscoring that the struggle is against occupation and law violations, not against any people or the Turkish Cypriots.
Mylonas stressed the importance of unity and shared responsibility, urging citizens to support the President in this challenging endeavor. He highlighted that nations lose victory when they lose faith, asserting that Cyprus has not lost faith, dignity, or hope. The aim remains for future generations to live in a peaceful and secure Cyprus, free from occupying forces and external interventions.
Vice-President Kostis Hatzidakis reaffirmed Greece's commitment to constant cooperation with Cyprus in resolving the Cyprus issue. He expressed hope that the 52nd anniversary of the invasion would be the last under current conditions, paying tribute to those who fell, the missing, and surviving veterans who defended Cyprus's freedom and integrity during the conflict.
Hatzidakis noted Cyprus's endurance through 52 years of occupation as a UN and EU member state. He emphasized the collective duty to vindicate this struggle, aiming for the end of the Turkish occupation and Cyprus's reunification. A mutually acceptable settlement should adhere to UN resolutions and ensure EU laws apply across Cyprus, freeing the island from occupying troops and outdated guarantees.
He highlighted ongoing cooperation between Greece and Cyprus, supporting the UN Secretary-General's initiative for negotiations to achieve an agreed settlement. At a separate memorial service at Makedonitissa's military graves, Hatzidakis reiterated the need for reunification based on UN resolutions and the European acquis.
President Christodoulides, along with other officials, attended the Makedonitissa service. The ceremony included a roll call of the fallen, gun salutes, wreath-laying, a minute of silence, and the national anthem. The President engaged with relatives of the fallen and visited the Noratlas military aircraft on display, reminiscent of the one shot down during Operation NIKI 4 in July 1974.
Cyprus has remained divided since Turkey's 1974 invasion, which occupied its northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has been elusive due to Turkish resistance. Recent informal meetings in 2025 have sparked discussions for a new, broader meeting as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's term concludes, with Mara Angela Holgun leading the Cyprus engagement.