The Government remains firmly committed to the goal of Cyprus’ liberation and reunification, making full use of all diplomatic and negotiating means to resume peace talks, Deputy Government Spokesman Giannis Antoniou said on Sunday, addressing the annual memorial service for the fallen soldiers of the 3rd Company of the 211 Infantry Battalion in Kaimakli.
Antoniou noted that despite Turkey’s continuing intransigence, Nicosia has achieved significant steps forward, including the convening of two informal multilateral meetings under the UN Secretary-General, the appointment of a Personal Envoy, and the designation of former EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn as the European Commission’s Special Envoy for the Cyprus issue.
“The next milestone is the informal expanded conference announced by the UN Secretary-General, to be held after today’s process for the election of the new Turkish Cypriot leader,” he said.
He added that once the process for the illegal “elections” that are being held in Cyprus’ Turkish-occupied areas on Sunday is completed, President Christodoulides is ready to meet with the new Turkish Cypriot leader, whoever that may be, in good faith and sincerity, for a solution based on the principles of the United Nations and the European Union.
“We are realistic and do not harbor illusions. That is precisely why we work methodically, persistently, and with focus, in order to make use of every diplomatic and negotiating opportunity that could overturn the negative stance of the Turkish side,” Antoniou stressed.
He paid tribute to the men of the 3rd Company who, in July 1974, resisted Turkish attacks on the northern suburbs of Nicosia, writing, as he said, “pages of admirable courage and resistance.” He recalled that the Company, under the command of Captain Charalambos Lottas, faced superior forces without reinforcements or adequate equipment, fighting a valiant and unequal battle to defend the freedom and dignity of the Cypriot people.
“Today we honor those who fought to defend freedom, uphold legality, and fell in the name of the territorial integrity of our homeland,” the Deputy Government Spokesman said, adding that “we owe them much — above all, the assurance that we will strive to be worthy of their sacrifice and work with all our strength to see our country free and reunited.”
Antoniou underlined that resolving the Cyprus issue remains the Government’s highest national priority, noting that Nicosia will continue to work with determination and persistence to create the conditions for the resumption of talks.
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. LLP
