Nicosia banks on UN, EU interest and EU-Turkey link to restart Cyprus talks, government says
Nicosia is banking on the UN Secretary-General’s political will, the European Union’s increased interest and the “clear link” between EU-Turkey relations and the Cyprus problem, as it supports UN efforts to restart talks, Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki said on Sunday.
Speaking at the annual memorial service for those who fell in 1974, held at the Panagia Chrysoaimatousa church in Chlorakas, Piki said the state’s goal remained the end of the occupation, the liberation and reunification of Cyprus and the transformation of the Republic of Cyprus into a modern EU and UN member state.
Conveying President Nikos Christodoulides’ assurance that a settlement of the Cyprus problem is the top priority for him and the government, Piki said historical vindication was not only a matter of remembrance, but also one of continuous effort.
She said the Greek Cypriot side supports the ongoing effort by the UN Secretary-General to restart talks. Despite the difficulties and challenges, she added, “we are banking on Mr Guterres’ clear political will, the European Union’s increased interest and the clear link between EU-Turkey relations and the Cyprus problem.”
Through a multi-level and dynamic foreign policy, stronger ties with strategic partners, Cyprus’ constructive role in the EU and the wider region and the strengthening of the economy, she said, the Republic of Cyprus had helped revive international engagement and set in motion processes that Nicosia hopes will lead to a return to the negotiating table.
Piki also said the Republic of Cyprus seeks to be part of the solution and never part of the problem, making use of its EU membership, its excellent diplomatic relations with neighbouring states and its cooperation with European and third countries.
At the same time, she added, Cyprus is strengthening its role as a pillar of stability, cooperation and peace in the Eastern Mediterranean, while also contributing to humanitarian corridors for the delivery of aid to populations affected by wars and conflicts.
She said Cyprus is also steadily strengthening its defence capabilities and strategic preparedness, using the tools provided by its EU membership. Cyprus, she noted, was among the first member states to make use of the new European SAFE financing mechanism for defence and security.
During the memorial service in Chlorakas, the state and the Church paid tribute to five heroes who sacrificed their lives for their country and freedom during the dark days of the coup and the Turkish invasion in July 1974. Andreas Ellinas, Theodoros Petrou, Charalambos Kyrillou and Demetris Zinieris were murdered by coup elements, while Christodoulos Polydorou fell in battle trying to halt the advance of the Turkish invaders.
The memorial service was followed by the laying of wreaths at the fallen heroes’ monument in Chlorakas square, while the Fallen of 1974 Park, on Eleftherias and Kapodistria streets at the entrance of Chlorakas, was also inaugurated.
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.
