Archbishop Georgios called for no further concessions on the Cyprus issue and urged adherence to the principles defended by Archbishop Makarios III, saying Turkey would not be satisfied by additional compromises.

Speaking after a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Archbishop Makarios III at Throni, the Archbishop said Makarios embodied the type of leadership needed today, noting that "for Makarios, compromise was not unacceptable; unconditional surrender was unacceptable."

He added that, while calls are now being made, including by the United Nations, for further concessions, the Greek Cypriot side should follow Makarios's approach. He argued that "the occupier cannot be satisfied with further concessions" and that principles must be defended.

"These are the principles that Makarios defended throughout his life. We owe it to him to listen if we are to survive," he added.

Asked about the recent visit to Cyprus by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Archbishop criticised the stance of the United Nations, saying that the Secretary-General, like his representatives, should be upholding the organisation's values.

According to the Archbishop, there is little indication that they are serving those values. Instead, he said, they appear to be seeking "middle-ground solutions", which, in his view, would ultimately lead to arrangements that are not sustainable over time.

The Archbishop also argued that, in an era defined by human rights and European Union membership, the Greek Cypriot side should insist on full implementation of the European acquis, so that Cyprus' citizens enjoy the same rights as all other European citizens, including freedom of movement, settlement and property ownership.

"We are not asking for anything more than what free people enjoy," he concluded.

Source: CNA