The government expects to see indications in the near future regarding the potential for a comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus issue, said Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou on Sunday, during a speech at the national and religious memorial for the national anniversaries of March 25, 1821, and April 1, 1955, in Nicosia.
Greek Independence Day is celebrated annually on March 25, commemorating the start of the Greek War of Independence in 1821. On April 1, 1955, the Greek Cypriot anti-colonial movement was launched seeking union with Greece.
He noted that the government’s priority was to reach a comprehensive solution for Cyprus, one that involves the withdrawal of occupying troops, ensures human rights, and is dignified, functional, and sustainable. Such a solution, he emphasised, would reunite the people and allow for the creation of conditions for peace, justice, development, and prosperity, recognising Cyprus’ importance as a pillar of stability and security in the region.
“It is with this goal in
mind that the President of the Republic tirelessly pursues initiatives aimed at promptly restarting negotiations to achieve a fair and sustainable settlement of the Cyprus issue,” he said.
He added that these persistent efforts and the political will of President Christodoulides led to the appointment of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General and the tangible support of the European and international community.
Acknowledging the realities and challenges, including Turkish intransigence, Ioannou stressed the government’s unwavering position on achieving a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus.
“We expect that in the immediate future we will have indications as to whether our goal will be achieved, so that we can, through dialogue, deliver to the new generation a prosperous homeland free from occupation,” he said.
He noted that this was a national obligation to those who heroically fought to defend freedom, regardless of the size of the enemy.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded an
d 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. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres appointed María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar of Colombia as his personal envoy for Cyprus, to assume a Good Offices role on his behalf and search for common ground on the way forward in the Cyprus issue.
Source: Cyprus News Agency