Idalion, Cyprus. Akel secretary-general Stefanos Stefanou said a bizonal, bicommunal federation remains the only realistic framework for ending the Turkish occupation and reunifying Cyprus, warning that abandoning the agreed basis for a settlement would lead to permanent partition.
Speaking at an event marking the anniversaries of the 1974 coup and the Turkish invasion, Stefanou said the slogan “We do not forget” means continuing the struggle against the occupation until justice is achieved for all Cypriots.
Call for reunification
Stefanou said the struggle would continue until the “final vindication” of Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins.
He said justice was also needed for refugees, missing persons, enclaved people, wounded individuals, prisoners of war and others affected by the invasion.
According to Stefanou, the consequences of the invasion and ongoing occupation could only be addressed through a settlement that liberates and reunifies Cyprus and its people.
Federal settlement framework
Stefanou said Akel has consistently supported a settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, describing it as the historic compromise reached with the Turkish Cypriot side.
He said abandoning the agreed framework would not produce a better outcome, but would instead consolidate partition. He said this was what Turkey was seeking through its proposal for a two-state solution.
State structure
Stefanou said a bizonal, bicommunal federation could safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms while ensuring a single sovereignty, single citizenship and single international personality for Cyprus.
He added that such a settlement would allow Cyprus to move beyond the system of guarantees established under the Zurich and London agreements and create a modern, democratic, functional and viable state jointly governed by Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
