Serres, Greece. The division of the island cannot be a solution to the Cyprus problem, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said on Saturday at an event for the fallen and missing in Serres. He said the government would not accept the status quo of the occupation and reaffirmed the goal of reunification.
Remarks on the Cyprus issue
Ioannou said that 52 years later, the Greek Cypriot community continues to face the consequences of the Turkish invasion and that refugees are still unable to return to their ancestral homes.
He said the government would not compromise with what he described as the fait accompli of the occupation, calling the status quo a fundamental violation of human rights and an open wound for many Cypriots.
Government position
Ioannou said the government’s position is firm and unchangeable, and that its goal remains the liberation and reunification of Cyprus, as well as the removal of occupation troops and what he described as anachronistic guarantees.
Support from Greece and Europe
He said Cyprus has received support from European countries, particularly Greece, and added that Greece has stood by Cyprus for 52 years.
Greek frigate mission
Asked about the mission of the Greek frigate to Cyprus last March, Ioannou said that beyond the pride felt by Greek Cypriots, the mission’s main purpose was to defend Cypriot Hellenism against potential attacks.
He said the mission had not only symbolic value but also made a practical contribution to the defence and defensive armouring of Cyprus.