House President Annita Demetriou on Sunday stressed that the pursuit of Cyprus’ reunification remains a national responsibility, calling for unity and a return to substantive peace talks ahead of the expected visit of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to the island.
Speaking at the annual memorial service for the fallen of Troulloi village at the Church of Agios Mamas in Larnaca district, Demetriou said the heroes of the community had become “part of history” through their sacrifice and left behind a legacy of freedom, patriotism and hope for future generations.
She said historical memory was not confined to the past but constituted a responsibility for the present and the future, adding that this responsibility requires the continuation of efforts for the liberation and reunification of Cyprus.
“In view of the forthcoming visit of the United Nations Secretary-General to Cyprus, our responsibility becomes even greater”, Demetriou said in her memorial address.
She said Cyprus’ political leadership must work “with unity, seriousness, responsibility and a clear direction” to return to the negotiating table and secure the resumption of meaningful negotiations.
Demetriou reiterated that the objective remains a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem based on international law, United Nations resolutions and the principles and values of the European Union.
She said such a solution should guarantee a future of hope, security and prosperity for all Cypriots and future generations.
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.
After informal meetings in 2025, followed by a hiatus of several months, deliberations are underway for a new meeting in broader format to be held, as the term of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres nears its end. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acts as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.
CNA/SH/EC/AGK/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY