The Cypriot government remains firmly committed to the reunification of the island and to efforts aimed at resolving the Cyprus issue, ministers said on Sunday during separate memorial services commemorating those who lost their lives in Cyprus’ national struggles.
Speaking at the religious and national memorial service for the fallen of Akanthou, Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Marinos Moushouttas said preserving historical memory and honouring those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom remained a national duty. He described Akanthou as a symbol of sacrifice and resistance, noting that the community paid a heavy price during both World Wars and the 1974 Turkish invasion.
Referring to the 52nd anniversary of the coup and the Turkish invasion, Moushouttas said the events of 1974 continue to leave deep scars on Cypriot society, with thousands displaced, killed, missing or taken prisoner. He stressed that history cannot be erased and that remembrance is essential in the pursuit of justice and the island’s reunification.
Conveying a message from President Nikos Christodoulides, the Minister reiterated that resolving the Cyprus issue remains the government’s top priority. He said the government is working to create the conditions for the resumption of direct negotiations under the agreed United Nations framework, in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the EU acquis and the principles and values of the European Union.
“Our goal remains the transformation of the Republic of Cyprus into a modern European state that guarantees security and prosperity for all its lawful residents. We want a Cyprus without guarantees, intervention rights, occupation troops or barbed wire,” he said.
Moushouttas also said the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance would continue supporting displaced persons, the families of the fallen and the missing, and other vulnerable citizens, describing such assistance as a minimal tribute to those who sacrificed for Cyprus.
At a separate memorial service in Paphos honouring Rear Admiral Eleftherios Chandrinos and the commandos who fell during the 1974 invasion, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michalis Damianos said Turkey’s intransigence remains the principal obstacle to progress on the Cyprus issue.
He reaffirmed the Republic of Cyprus’ commitment to reunification on the basis of international law, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the agreed settlement framework and the principles of the European Union.
Despite the challenges, Damianos said the government continues to pursue every available diplomatic avenue to restart negotiations. He highlighted the European Union’s increased involvement in the Cyprus issue, including the recent appointment of an EU Special Representative, and welcomed the efforts of UN Secretary-General António Guterres to create conditions conducive to the resumption of meaningful talks.
The Minister said Guterres’ recent visit to Cyprus underscored the importance of the ongoing diplomatic process.
Marking the anniversary of the Turkish invasion, Damianos said the wounds of 1974 remain open as the occupation continues, thousands of displaced people are still unable to return to their homes, and the families of missing persons continue to await answers.
He paid tribute to the commandos who died defending Cyprus in 1974, saying their courage and self-sacrifice serve as a lasting legacy for future generations and a reminder that freedom, democracy and national dignity are safeguarded through unity, perseverance and sacrifice.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied the island’s northern third. Repeated UN-led efforts to reunify the island have failed to produce a settlement, with the last formal round of negotiations collapsing at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in 2017.
The UN Chief will host the Greek Cypriot leader, President Nikos Christodoulides, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhman, at his Good Offices Mission inside the UN Protected Area, on Wednesday, 29 July, after separate meetings with the leaders and a joint private dinner the previous day.