House President and DISY leader Annita Demetriou has renewed calls for the reunification of Cyprus, marking the 52nd anniversary of the second phase of the Turkish invasion with a message focused on Famagusta, displacement and ongoing efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue.
In a social media post commemorating the events of 14 August 1974, Demetriou reflected on the capture of Famagusta and the displacement of its residents.
"14 August 1974. Attila II entered the city. Life froze violently. Famagusta became a ghost town and its people were forced down the road of displacement."
She added:
"Fifty-two years later, our souls remain fixed there on its golden shoreline. Famagusta calls to us. All our occupied land awaits justice, together with those who continue to hold the line, our enclaved people."
Demetriou said the Turkish invasion and continuing occupation remain violations of international law and linked the quest for a settlement to the rights enjoyed by every European citizen.
Call for reunification efforts
Reaffirming her position on the Cyprus issue, she said:
"We will not stop fighting for the liberation and reunification of our homeland. For a Cyprus without occupying troops, without anachronistic guarantees and without intervention rights."
Demetriou also referred to the next steps in efforts to restart negotiations, stressing the importance of supporting the new initiative undertaken by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
"With seriousness and responsibility, we must strengthen the new effort of the UN Secretary-General. We must utilise every diplomatic tool and every opportunity within and beyond the European Union, through smart strategic coordination with Greece, to bring Turkey to the table for substantive negotiations."
Rejection of populism
She also rejected approaches that, in her view, do not contribute to a solution.
"There is no room on this path for populism, empty slogans or ideological rigidity."
Demetriou concluded her message with a pledge not to accept the status quo.
"We do not reconcile ourselves with half a homeland and we will not stop pursuing what is just. Until the blessed day of our return."
