Nicosia: The illegal secessionist actions of the occupying regime, stemming from the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation, will never be accepted, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized. He expressed hope for the resumption of negotiations with the new Turkish Cypriot leadership ‘without terms and conditions.’
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides issued a written statement on the anniversary of the so-called declaration of the pseudo-state. He condemned Turkey’s and the secessionist forces’ attempt to divide Cyprus, highlighting its rejection by the international community and UN Security Council resolutions.
Turkey’s ongoing efforts to secure diplomatic recognition for the illegal entity established by force have been unsuccessful, the President noted. He affirmed that the violation of international law and secessionist actions will never gain acceptance.
President Christodoulides reiterated the obligation to overturn the invasion’s consequences and end the current status quo, aligning with UN resolutions and EU principles. Since taking office, he has prioritized resuming talks for Cyprus’s liberation and reunification, interrupted in 2017.
His efforts have resulted in appointing a UN Secretary-General envoy and conducting broader meetings on Cyprus. At the EU level, his advocacy led to the appointment of an EU Special Envoy and support from key EU leaders for resuming talks based on agreed frameworks.
President Christodoulides expressed optimism that the election of the new Turkish Cypriot leadership could lead to talks resuming ‘without terms and conditions,’ aiming for a final settlement. He remains committed to tirelessly pursuing this objective.
The declaration of an illegal breakaway entity on November 15, 1983, in Turkish-occupied areas, was condemned by the UN and international community as legally void. This followed the island’s partition after the 1974 Turkish military invasion, which resulted in the ongoing occupation of one-third of Cyprus.