Athens, Greece. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described July 20 as an “open wound” while marking the 52nd anniversary of the start of Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus.
He said Greece remains committed to supporting the Republic of Cyprus and a settlement based on international law and United Nations resolutions.
Anniversary statement
Mitsotakis said that each July 20 recalls not only the anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, but also “an open wound” for the island and for Hellenism.
He referred to the “ongoing crime of the illegal occupation”, the pain of displacement and the plight of missing persons.
Fifty-two years after the invasion, he said, Greece honours those who defended freedom and refused to accept the consequences of armed violence.
Settlement efforts
Mitsotakis said Greece stands firmly alongside the Republic of Cyprus and supports a just, functional and sustainable resolution of the Cyprus issue in line with international law and UN resolutions.
He said an ongoing initiative by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres aimed at resuming negotiations offered an opportunity for a resolution.
“The goal is a reunified Cyprus, without an occupation army and outdated guarantee systems,” he said, describing it as a modern country that could prosper within the European Union.
Background
Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus followed a coup d’état on the island five days earlier that was sponsored by Greece’s military junta.
The events in Cyprus contributed to the collapse of the junta in Athens and Greece’s transition to democracy.
