On the 52nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the Cyprus issue remains an international matter of illegal invasion and occupation of a member state of both the European Union and the United Nations.
In a statement issued on Sunday, marking the events of July 20, 1974, the Ministry noted that the invasion resulted in the territorial division of the Republic of Cyprus and the continuing tragedy of thousands of missing persons, displaced individuals, and enclaved residents, in violation of international law.
The statement also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the conflict and expressed Greece’s respect and gratitude to all who defended Cyprus with courage and self-sacrifice.
Reaffirming Athens’ longstanding position, the Ministry stressed that Greece, in full coordination with the Republic of Cyprus, remains committed to achieving a comprehensive and mutually acceptable settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. It emphasized that such a solution should provide for a single international legal personality, a single sovereignty, and a single citizenship, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the European acquis.
The Ministry further stated that Greece will continue to contribute constructively to the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General to restart negotiations within the agreed framework and under UN auspices.
Concluding its statement, the Ministry underscored that resolving the Cyprus issue, reunifying the island, and ending the occupation of the territory of a European Union member state remain among Greece’s highest national priorities.
Source: mfa.gr
