Nicosia: Any attempt to derail from the established framework of the relevant UN resolutions on Cyprus is unacceptable and illegal, President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tassoulas, stressed Thursday addressing the plenary session of the House of Representatives in Nicosia. The President of Greece, who is paying Cyprus his first visit abroad since assuming office, noted that Greece and Cyprus will continue to actively and fully support the efforts under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General to resume negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem, “as this is in the best interest and well-being of all people of Cyprus”.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Tassoulas emphasized that Greece has never accepted and will not accept faits accomplis, asserting that violence and illegality cannot create justice. He underscored Greece’s role as a steadfast ally and defender of the Republic of Cyprus, declaring that the two nations will continue their struggle for peace, liberation, and reunification of the island.
Tassoulas pointed out that half a century has passed since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, with a significant portion of the island still under occupation and claims being made outside the agreed framework. He acknowledged the resilience of the Republic of Cyprus in refusing to accept and legalize these illegal faits accomplis.
The Greek President highlighted Cyprus’s rapid reconstruction post-invasion, its modernization, and EU accession with Greece’s help. He described the economic recovery as a miracle, noting the impressive growth rate and adherence to international law. Tassoulas also spoke about Cyprus’s strengthened role as a factor of stability and security in the region.
He mentioned the trilateral and multilateral cooperation schemes involving Cyprus and Greece, which promote peace and prosperity. Tassoulas affirmed that these schemes are open to all neighboring countries that respect international law, the law of the sea, and good neighborly relations.
The Greek President conveyed that the only path to lasting peace in the region is a just and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem. He called for ending the Turkish occupation and removing occupation troops and outdated systems of guarantees and unilateral intervention rights in Cypriot affairs.
Tassoulas asserted that UN Security Council resolutions, including the recent resolution 2771 of 2025, are the only acceptable basis for negotiations. He expressed optimism about the Cyprus issue returning to the UN agenda due to the coordinated diplomacy of the Republic of Cyprus and Greece’s full support.
He reiterated Greece’s support for resolving the humanitarian issue of missing persons in Cyprus post-1974 invasion, with over 750 Greeks and Cypriots still unaccounted for. Tassoulas vowed to continue highlighting this issue until all missing persons’ fates are established.
Welcoming Tassoulas, Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives, expressed gratitude to Greece for its unwavering support in resolving the Cyprus problem and condemning Turkey’s stance. Demetriou assured commitment to resuming negotiations in line with UN resolutions and international and European law principles.
She emphasized Europe’s role in geopolitical developments and stated that Turkey must fulfill its Cyprus-related obligations for inclusion in European defense plans. Demetriou stressed that no European security architecture is complete as long as an EU member state remains under foreign military occupation.
The ceremony at the Cyprus Parliament was attended by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, the Archbishop, Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other dignitaries. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, with repeated UN-led peace talks failing to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest negotiations in July 2017 ended inconclusively.
UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres announced an informal meeting on Cyprus in late July, following a March meeting in Geneva. The sides agreed on initiatives like opening crossing points and creating a Technical Committee on Youth. Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar was appointed as the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus to engage parties and advise on next steps.