Nicosia: Our State, the Republic of Cyprus, is our most important achievement, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, emphasized on Sunday during the commemoration of the 66th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus's declaration.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides made a statement on 'X', underscoring that today marks a significant milestone, 66 years since the Republic of Cyprus was declared. This historical moment is the culmination of the enduring struggles of the Cypriot people, particularly the national liberation and anti-colonial movement led by EOKA, which eventually resulted in the country's independence.
The President reiterated the importance of respecting, protecting, and enhancing the status of the Republic of Cyprus, both domestically and internationally. He highlighted the prioritization of strengthening the nation's security and economy. By implementing policies aimed at modernizing the state and improving the quality of life for all citizens, Cyprus seeks to enhance its international stature, ensuring it is regarded as a reliable and innovative partner on the global stage.
In his statement, the President expressed that a more robust Republic of Cyprus would be better positioned to pursue the long-sought goal of liberation, ending the Turkish occupation, and achieving the reunification of the homeland. He envisions a solution that is functional and sustainable, offering new perspectives and hopes under conditions of peace and security.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of the northern third of the island. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has remained elusive due to persistent disagreements. The most recent negotiations, held in July 2017 at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ended without an agreement.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, approaching the end of his term, has announced plans to convene another broader meeting after sufficient preparation, although no timeline has been provided. Guterres has gained consensus from both sides and the guarantor powers for this initiative. Mara Angela Holgun, Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is actively engaging with the involved parties, while Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto now serves as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus, following EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.