Nicosia: House President Annita Demetriou on Sunday emphasized that striving for the reunification of Cyprus remains a national duty, urging unity and a return to meaningful peace discussions in anticipation of United Nations Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres' planned visit to the island.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Demetriou made these remarks during the annual memorial service for the fallen of Troulloi village at the Church of Agios Mamas in the Larnaca district. She commemorated the heroes of the community, acknowledging their sacrifice as a historical legacy of freedom and hope for future generations. Demetriou underscored that historical memory carries a responsibility for the present and future, necessitating continued efforts towards the liberation and reunification of Cyprus.
"In view of the forthcoming visit of the United Nations Secretary-General to Cyprus, our responsibility becomes even greater," Demetriou stated in her address. She called on Cyprus' political leaders to act with unity and seriousness to re-engage in negotiations and secure the resumption of substantial talks.
Demetriou reaffirmed that the goal is a comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus issue, grounded in international law, United Nations resolutions, and the values of the European Union. She asserted that such a solution should promise hope, security, and prosperity for all Cypriots and future generations.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 due to Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern region. Attempts at UN-led peace talks have repeatedly faltered, largely due to Turkish intransigence. The last significant negotiations in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ended without resolution. After informal meetings in 2025 and subsequent delays, plans for a new broader meeting are in progress as UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres' term approaches its end. Mara Angela Holgun, Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is facilitating discussions, while Raffaele Fitto represents the European Commission as the Special Representative for Cyprus, following Johannes Hahn.