Nicosia: The Government is committed to continuing the efforts as regards the Cyprus issue, Cypriot Ministers stressed in their speeches on Sunday at the memorial services for the fallen heroes and prayers for the missing persons, 52 years after the Turkish invasion against Cyprus in 1974.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Minister of Interior Konstantinos Ioannou spoke at the memorial service of the fallen soldiers of the 398th Infantry Regiment during the Turkish invasion, in Potamia. He emphasized that the heightened interest from the European Union and the clear political will of the UN Secretary-General to resume negotiations on the Cyprus issue allow the government to face developments with cautious optimism. He reiterated the government's commitment to ending the occupation and achieving a sustainable solution based on UN Security Council resolutions, the European acquis, and EU principles.
Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michael Damianos addressed the annual national memorial service for the heroes of Akaki who fell during the Turkish invasion of 1974. He highlighted the government's firm commitment to resuming substantive negotiations for a viable solution in accordance with international law and United Nations resolutions. Damianos acknowledged the international community's recognition of Cyprus's persistent efforts and political will.
Minister of Education, Sport and Youth Dr Athena Michaelidou delivered a eulogy at the memorial service in Pafos, stressing the need for full restoration of human rights and justice, aligned with UN resolutions on Cyprus. She highlighted the humanitarian issue of the missing as a priority in every negotiation effort.
Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides emphasized the state's responsibility to continue the search for missing persons and to work towards a just solution to the Cyprus problem. He mentioned the identification of remains of fallen heroes, which, although painful, provides closure to families.
Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Irene Piki, noted the government's support for the UN Secretary-General's efforts and the importance of the European Commission Special Representative's appointment in resolving the Cyprus issue. She reiterated the government's commitment to resume talks within the agreed UN framework.
Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Nicodemos Damianou, emphasized the government's tireless work towards creating conditions for resuming direct negotiations. He acknowledged the international community's recognition of Cyprus's political will and efforts.
Deputy Minister of Social Welfare of the Republic of Cyprus, Clea Papaellina, noted that resolving the Cyprus issue remains a top priority for the government. She emphasized the ongoing serious initiative to resume talks, supported by Greece, EU partners, and other states.
Shipping Deputy Minister of the Republic of Cyprus, Marina Hadjimanolis, underlined the government's commitment to ending the occupation and reuniting Cyprus. She emphasized the importance of continuing the struggle for a free, reunited Cyprus.
Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis highlighted the new political environment created by the UN Secretary-General's initiative and the EU's active involvement. He assured that the government would continue to utilize every opportunity to solve the national problem, emphasizing the persistent diplomatic efforts by President Christodoulides.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous rounds of UN-led peace talks, negotiations have yet to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest talks in 2017 ended inconclusively, and efforts are ongoing to resume negotiations with input from international actors, including the European Union.
A Committee on Missing Persons was established to address humanitarian concerns, aiming to identify and return remains to relatives. As of June 2026, significant progress has been made, with numerous missing persons exhumed and identified, though many still remain unaccounted for.