The Government’s willingness to engage in substantive negotiations on the Cyprus issue remains unwavering, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Wednesday, citing encouragement from the United Nations Secretary-General following a recent meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides.
Speaking during the commemorative address at the doxology held at the Cathedral of Saint Theodore in Paphos for the anniversary of the start of the 1955–1959 EOKA liberation struggle, Letymbiotis said Cyprus continues to pursue every negotiating opportunity aimed at ending the current status quo.
Reference to international law and UN framework
Letymbiotis stated that the Cypriot people continue to seek justice for the consequences of the 1974 Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation, including displacement, missing persons, enclaved populations, and what he described as the alteration of the character of the occupied areas and the desecration of cultural heritage.
He noted that current international developments place international law under scrutiny.
“The question is whether respect for law will prevail over its disregard,” he said, adding that the broader challenge concerns the defence of the universal principles and values that led to the establishment of the United Nations.
He stressed that resolutions of the UN Security Council cannot be ignored or disregarded, warning that failure to uphold them would undermine not only Cyprus’ claims but also the credibility of the international system.
Diplomatic strategy and European dimension
According to the spokesperson, the Republic of Cyprus continues to utilise its membership in the European Union, its diplomatic relations with neighbouring states and partnerships with European and other countries.
He said Cyprus positions itself as “part of the solution and never part of the problem”.
Letymbiotis added that this position is the result of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s internal and external capabilities.
He said the strategy serves a single priority: the reunification and liberation of Cyprus within the agreed framework, respecting the negotiating acquis and based on the principles, values and legal order of the European Union.
“We are ready for dialogue, ready to present arguments and positions. This is what we pursue,” he said.
Call for unity and historical remembrance
The spokesperson also emphasised the importance of national unity in diplomacy, stating that unity requires historical memory.
He said societies that ultimately achieve justice are those that remain united and maintain collective remembrance.
Letymbiotis added that future generations should be informed about the history of the EOKA struggle not to replicate it but to understand it and draw strength from its example.
Commemorations in Paphos
Following the doxology, a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony took place at the statue of EOKA fighter Evagoras Pallikarides.
A reception followed at the Paphos Officers’ Club, jointly organised by the Holy Metropolis of Paphos, the National Guard, the Paphos Reserve Officers Association and the Municipality of Paphos.