Nicosia: The need for unity at home was underlined in statements on Tuesday by President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, after a memorial service for those who fell during the coup of 15 July 1974, at the Cemetery of Saints Constantine and Helen in Nicosia, in the presence of the country’s political, religious and military leadership.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides emphasized the importance of honoring those who fought and sacrificed themselves for the Republic of Cyprus. He stressed that internal unity is crucial for achieving national goals, especially at the current juncture. Following his remarks, the President laid a wreath at the Resistance Monument in the Presidential Palace Park, an event attended by state, political, and military leaders, as well as relatives and representatives of resistance fighters.
The President is set to travel to New York for an informal expanded meeting on Cyprus. Before his departure, he attended a special session of the Plenary of the House of Representatives, commemorating the anniversaries of the coup and the subsequent Turkish invasion.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, following a coup by the Greek military junta on July 15th, which led to Turkey’s invasion on July 20th and the occupation of the northern third of the island. Despite numerous UN-led peace negotiations, the conflict remains unresolved, with the last round of talks in July 2017 at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ending without an agreement.