President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday that the sacrifices of those who died during the 1974 Turkish invasion define the responsibility of today’s leadership to work towards ending the occupation and reunifying Cyprus.
Speaking after the memorial service at the Tomb of Makedonitissa for fallen officers and soldiers, Christodoulides said the country’s heroes set the duty for those currently in positions of responsibility.
“The heroes here at the Tomb of Makedonitissa, and wherever they rest across Cyprus, define the duty and responsibility of all of us who are currently leading the country to do everything possible to end the Turkish occupation, liberate our homeland and reunite our country,” he said.
He added that this would be the true tribute to those who sacrificed their lives, noting that the government was working based on a specific plan aimed at achieving its main priority: ending the occupation and achieving reunification.
UN-led effort for expanded conference
Asked about the possibility of a five-party or expanded conference taking place at the end of August or beginning of September, Christodoulides said the goal was to convene an expanded meeting where the resumption of negotiations would be announced.
“From our side, we are ready. We have conveyed our readiness to the Secretary-General,” he said, adding that developments depended on Turkey’s response.
The President said preparations continued ahead of the visit of the UN Secretary-General, with efforts involving both the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, as well as the European Union, which he said had demonstrated a stronger role.
Christodoulides expressed hope that the UN Secretary-General’s visit would lead to positive announcements regarding the restart of negotiations.
Turkey will be judged by actions, President says
Asked whether he expected a different approach from Turkey this time, Christodoulides said that “everyone will be judged by actions and not statements”.
He said the UN Secretary-General had begun an important effort since March 2026 following discussions with the Turkish President and the Turkish government.
The President stressed that any positive developments in EU-Turkey relations sought by Ankara were linked to concrete progress on resolving the Cyprus issue.
He clarified that his position remained based on the agreed framework, principles, values and European Union law.
EU role remains important, Christodoulides says
Christodoulides said the increased involvement of the European Union was welcomed, noting that it had been a priority since the beginning of his administration.
He said the EU had a key role in two areas: EU-Turkey relations and ensuring that any potential Cyprus settlement would be compatible with the European acquis, principles and values.
“The Republic of Cyprus is an EU member state and will continue to be one after a possible solution; therefore, the European Union has a leading role to play,” he said.
Erdogan’s absence does not change situation, President says
Commenting on reports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would not attend events in the occupied areas marking the anniversary of the 1974 invasion, Christodoulides said this would not change anything.
“Mr Erdogan will not come, but someone else will represent him, possibly the Turkish Vice President or a minister. However, this does not change anything regarding Turkey’s crime in Cyprus for 52 years,” he said.
Also read: Occupied north holds events for 1974 Turkish invasion anniversary
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