Nicosia: Turkey’s stance on Cyprus remains unsupported by the global community, regardless of Turkish narratives and celebrations in the Turkish-occupied regions of the island, stated President Nikos Christodoulides. This declaration came after a ceremony held at the Cathedral of the Apostle Barnabas in Nicosia, commemorating those who perished during the 1974 Turkish invasion. The event included a prayer for the liberation of Cyprus, attended by the nation’s political and military leaders.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides emphasized that July 20th serves as a day of remembrance and reverence for those who sacrificed their lives for the existence of the Republic of Cyprus. He highlighted the importance of reflecting on the past 51 years to forge conditions to end the occupation and reunite the country, as a testament to the memory of the fallen.
President Christodoulides underscored the Republic’s commitment to asserting realism and leveraging internal and external power dynamics to achieve the goal of liberation. He reaffirmed that Cyprus remains steadfast in its refusal to accept the occupation, maintaining that the nation will not relinquish any territory.
Commenting on the Turkish President’s illegal visit to the occupied areas for celebrations marking Turkey’s invasion, President Christodoulides described them as “festivities of shame.” He noted that Turkey’s occupation of Cypriot and European territory hinders its strategic ambitions, including its European aspirations and regional role, resulting in significant repercussions for Turkey.
The President reiterated that Nicosia’s actions aim to ensure Turkey continues to bear this cost, while signaling readiness to negotiate based on an agreed framework. He emphasized that Turkey’s position is not endorsed by the international community, despite statements to the contrary.
Reflecting on the informal meeting on Cyprus held in New York on July 16-17, President Christodoulides mentioned that Cyprus had set three primary objectives, all of which were achieved, including scheduling new meetings to advance efforts led by the UN Secretary-General. He acknowledged the UN’s limitations in imposing its will on Turkey, advocating for more active EU involvement, which possesses the necessary means to exert pressure on Turkey.
The memorial service for the 1974 invasion victims was attended by key figures, including the President of the Parliament, Council of Ministers members, Members of Parliament, Greece’s Ambassador to Cyprus, and a Greek parliamentary delegation.
Cyprus, divided since 1974 following a Turkish invasion, has seen multiple UN-led peace talks fail due to Turkish intransigence. The last negotiation round in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ended without resolution.
A subsequent informal Cyprus meeting in New York is expected to follow this year’s initiatives, with further dialogue anticipated during the UN General Assembly high-level week in September. Discussions continue on various issues, including crossing points and a solar energy project in the buffer zone. The European Commission has appointed Johannes Hahn as Special Envoy for Cyprus to aid the settlement process in collaboration with Maria Angela Holgun, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus.