Nicosia: The international community and the European Union must transition from words to actions concerning the Cyprus issue, stated Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives, during an extraordinary plenary session. This session condemned the 1974 coup d’©tat and the subsequent Turkish invasion.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the session was attended by the President of the Republic, the Archbishop of Cyprus, various Ministers, Deputy Ministers, the Ambassador of Greece, and representatives from the 1974 Fighters Association. A minute of silence was observed to honor the heroes and martyrs of Cyprus who sacrificed for democracy and freedom.
Demetriou highlighted the risks posed by stagnation and prolonged impasse in the Cyprus issue. She welcomed the new initiative by the UN Secretary-General and the reappointment of his personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, as positive steps. Additionally, the appointment of Johannes Hahn as the EU Special Envoy for the Cyprus issue was noted as significant.
She emphasized the importance of the upcoming informal expanded conference in New York, despite low expectations. Demetriou stressed that it should serve as another step towards restarting negotiations aimed at a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.
Demetriou advocated for more active EU and international involvement, emphasizing the need to leverage Cyprus’s geostrategic position and coordinate with Greece, described as Cyprus’s strongest ally. She stated that the Cyprus issue cannot be addressed in isolation but must be considered within the context of international developments.
She called for the EU and international community to move beyond rhetoric. Demetriou warned against double standards and insisted that Turkey’s European aspirations depend on its stance on the Cyprus issue.
Demetriou accused Turkey of aiming to alter the demographic character of the occupied areas and of creating new faits accomplis. She described the days of July 15th and 20th, 1974, as wounds that still bleed, marking them as times when Cyprus was plunged into darkness.
She accused Turkey of violating international law, including the United Nations Charter, by maintaining illegal military occupation of over 36% of the Republic of Cyprus’s territory, a long-standing EU member.
Demetriou concluded by reflecting on the tragic consequences of the Turkish invasion, remembering those who resisted, the fallen, missing persons, and those who suffered silently. She urged for national reflection and justice, emphasizing the responsibility of memory for future generations.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, with Turkey occupying its northern third. Numerous UN-led peace talks have yet to produce results due to Turkish intransigence, with the last negotiations in 2017 ending inconclusively.
An upcoming informal meeting on Cyprus is scheduled in New York, following a previous meeting in Geneva. The UN Secretary-General appointed Maria Angela Holguin as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus to reengage with the parties for the next steps. Meanwhile, the European Commission designated Johannes Hahn to work closely with Holguin on the settlement process.