Minister of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus Constantinos Ioannou expressed the Greek Cypriot side’s readiness to attend the upcoming meeting in New York, convened by the UN Secretary-General on October 15, with specific goals and objectives.
Speaking on Monday at an event in Thessaloniki on the 64th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus, Ioannou referred to the challenges that the Republic of Cyprus has faced since its foundation, with the saddest moments being the treasonous coup of 15 July 1974 and the Turkish invasion of 20 July 1974.
The tragic events of 1974 are the darkest point in Cyprus’ history, with the wounds still open and the Cypriot people still living as refugees, deprived of their properties and basic freedoms and rights, he said.
“Freedom from occupation and occupying troops, the prevention of division, and the creation of conditions for security and peace in our country are a top priority for the Government”, he added.
As he said, the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides demonstrates in practice the political will and the commitment of the Greek Cypriot side to the reunification of Cyprus.
Ioannou said that President Chistodoulides’s contacts in New York with the UN Secretary-General and heads of state reaffirmed the Republic of Cyprus’ commitment to the effort to resume talks within the agreed framework, which will lead to a viable and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem.
Referring to the forthcoming meeting convened by the UN Secretary-General with the two leaders in New York, Minister Ioannou stressed the readiness of the Greek Cypriot side to attend the meeting with specific goals.
“The only acceptable solution is that of a bizonal bicommunal federation, as described in the UN Security Council Resolutions and as required by the principles and values of European and international law”, he underlined while adding that the Turkish side’s claims for sovereign equality and a two-state solution are outside the agreed terms and are not acceptable.
Speaking at the same event, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Greece Stavros Avgoustides noted that the preservation of the Republic of Cyprus is a responsibility and a high duty. “We continue to demand liberation, freedom from Turkish occupation, and the reunification of the people and the territory of the Republic of Cyprus”, he stressed.
On his part, Greek Deputy Minister of Interior for Macedonia-Thrace Kostas Gioulekas pointed out that for Greece the Cyprus problem is a priority, stressing that “Hellenism has an unpaid debt: to fight continuously until the last soldier of the occupying troops leaves the island.”
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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.