Nicosia: Only a few meters from Famagusta, still under Turkish occupation, the city's displaced citizens reaffirmed their vow to return once more, during the events organized in Deryneia by the Municipality of Famagusta, under the slogan "Famagusta is not a hashtag. It is your history."
According to Cyprus News Agency, the events commenced with the twinning ceremony of the displaced Municipal authorities of Famagusta with the Serbian Municipality of Ljubovija. Following the ceremony, the displaced citizens of Famagusta, alongside other citizens, marched towards the Deryneia checkpoint. Here, they delivered a resolution to UNFICYP, urging Turkey to cease its illegal activities in Famagusta, respect International Law and United Nations resolutions, and contribute to a comprehensive solution for the Cyprus issue. The resolution calls for the return of the enclosed area to its lawful residents under United Nations administration and encourages unity among the people and leadership for the return of Famagusta.
Subsequently, a memorial service was held at the monument for the deceased people of Famagusta, honoring those who fell in 1974, murdered civilians, and those who passed away without returning to their cherished city. The event at the Cultural Center of the Municipality in Deryneia included a music performance by the Municipality's choir and greetings from the President of the Cultural Committee of the Municipality of Famagusta, George Hadjitheodosiou, who emphasized the ongoing struggle and the enduring memory of Famagusta.
George Nicolettos, Mayor of Paralimni - Deryneia, addressed the gathering, highlighting that the return of the enclosed city is a mandate from the United Nations resolutions and should not be overlooked. He noted that the recent visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Cyprus raised hopes for progress on the Cyprus issue.
Dr. Simos Ioannou, Mayor of Famagusta and a refugee from Varosha, delivered an emotional speech, detailing the 52 years of exile marked by waiting, unfulfilled promises, and undying hope. President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, as the keynote speaker, spoke of the injustice faced, asserting that these feelings fuel the determination to liberate their homeland. He expressed his commitment to negotiating a lasting solution to the Cyprus issue, stating he would not be the President to sign a transient solution or one that leads to division.
The event was attended by House President Annita Dimitriou, Ministers, representatives of the Greek Parliament, delegations from Serbia and the UK, foreign ambassadors in Nicosia, Mayors of Greek cities, party leaders, and others.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. UN-led peace talks have repeatedly failed due to Turkish intransigence. The latest negotiations in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ended without resolution. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres plans to convene another meeting in a broader format after sufficient preparation, having secured consensus from both sides and the guarantor powers. Mara Angela Holgun, Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked with engaging the parties, while Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto serves as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus.