Nicosia, Cyprus. Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides on Sunday reiterated the government’s commitment to securing a reunited Cyprus free of occupation troops, saying unity and collective responsibility were essential to achieving that goal. He made the remarks during a memorial service for Eoka fighter Petros Eliades.
Government position on Cyprus
Charalambides said Cyprus continues to face the consequences of the Turkish invasion and the ongoing occupation. He said thousands of Cypriots remain unable to return to their ancestral homes and that the island remains divided.
He said the duty of the current generation was not only to honour those who sacrificed their lives for the country, but also to work towards conditions that would allow Cyprus to be reunified.
Talks and conditions for a solution
The minister said the government and President Nikos Christodoulides were making persistent efforts to restart dialogue and negotiations aimed at achieving what he described as a viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem.
He said such a solution must be based on UN resolutions, international law and the principles and values of the European Union.
Charalambides said the goal remained a free homeland without occupation troops, where all lawful residents can live in conditions of security, peace, equality and mutual respect.
He said these efforts require unity, seriousness and collective responsibility, as well as steadfastness in objectives without departing from core principles or losing hope for the future.
Tribute to Petros Eliades
Referring to Eliades, who was mortally wounded by British soldiers in 1956 at the age of 23, Charalambides said his sacrifice served as a reminder that freedom, dignity and democracy should not be taken for granted.
He said the example of those who fought for Cyprus should continue to inspire efforts towards a peaceful and reunited future for the island.
