Nicosia: The passage of time does not erase memory and cannot write off the responsibilities and the violations by Turkey which is occupying Cyprus, nor can it distract us from its illegal methods to create faits accomplis on the island, to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, a member state of the United Nations and the European Union, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Ministry emphasized that the sad anniversary of the Turkish invasion marks fifty-one years of occupation and flagrant violation of the fundamental principles of international law and the human rights of the people of Cyprus, including the displaced, the enclaved, the missing, and their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the resumption of the negotiation process, based on the agreed United Nations framework, remains the government’s highest priority and the only way to end the occupation and the division. Efforts continue with the aim to create the conditions necessary for a return to negotiations, with a steadfast commitment to international law and European principles and values.
Furthermore, the MFA reiterated the government’s full commitment to the goal of reunification, on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation, in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions. This solution aims to be just, viable, and functional, compatible with European laws, safeguarding the rights of all Cypriots, and honoring those who sacrificed their lives for their country.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, ended inconclusively.
A second informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format was held in New York, on July 16-17, 2025.