Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou has reiterated the government's commitment to resolving the Cyprus issue through negotiations based on the United Nations framework and European law, while highlighting Cyprus' strengthened foreign policy, strategic partnerships and role within the European Union.
Speaking on behalf of President Nikos Christodoulides at the commemorative event Days of Remembrance and Honour for Resistance and Democracy, held at the Cultural Foundation of the Holy Monastery of Kykkos in Archangelos, Ioannou said that resolving the Cyprus issue remains the foremost priority of both the president and the Greek Cypriot side.
He stressed that the goal remains the transformation of the Republic of Cyprus into a modern, reunified European state that is a member of both the European Union and the United Nations.
"With a sense of responsibility towards the Cypriot people and full awareness of our historic mission, we are working consistently to create the conditions for the resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue, on the basis of the agreed United Nations framework, the negotiating acquis and the principles, values and law of the European Union," he said.
Ioannou added that a particularly important effort is currently under way in that direction, driven by the government's clear political will and persistent diplomatic efforts.
"This is an effort that is recognised by the international community and strengthened by our country's upgraded role as a reliable partner within the European Union and the wider region," he said.
"Our side continues to consistently support the initiatives of the United Nations Secretary-General and to work constructively towards creating the necessary conditions for the resumption of talks. Despite the difficulties and well-known challenges, we remain committed to the goal of a functional and viable solution that will reunite our homeland and our people and ensure the peaceful coexistence of all lawful residents of Cyprus."
He said that through a dynamic foreign policy, stronger strategic partnerships, active participation in the European Union and the continuous strengthening of all elements of state power, the government is seeking to bolster Cyprus' international standing and create the conditions that will allow a return to dialogue.
"Our objective remains one and unchanged: the evolution of the Republic of Cyprus into a modern, reunified European state, a member of the European Union and the United Nations, where all its lawful residents live in conditions of peace, security, democracy and prosperity," he said.
Referring to the events of 1974, Ioannou said the coup organised by the military junta in Athens and carried out by local collaborators was directed against democracy and weakened Cyprus' defences, creating the conditions that Turkey exploited to launch its invasion.
"The coup was the betrayal that weakened the defence of our homeland, creating the conditions that Turkey exploited in order to proceed with its illegal military invasion," he said.
The minister stressed that remembrance is not only a tribute to the past but also a guide for the future and a cornerstone of democratic consciousness. He highlighted the importance of historical truth, the condemnation of the coup and the continued condemnation of the invasion and occupation as a non-negotiable national obligation.
Ioannou also made special reference to the work of the Committee for the Compilation and Maintenance of the Registry of Resistance Fighters, which he said contributes to documenting history and preserving collective memory while conveying to younger generations the message that democracy should never be taken for granted.
"The Committee for the Compilation and Maintenance of the Registry of Resistance Fighters performs work of exceptional importance. Through the recording and documentation of the actions of the Resistance Fighters, it serves not only historical research but also the restoration of historical truth and the preservation of collective memory," he said.
Source: CNA
