Cyprus calls for renewed focus on international law on 1974 invasion anniversary

Nicosia, Cyprus. Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis called for renewed emphasis on international law on Friday as Cyprus marked the 52nd anniversary of the second phase of the 1974 Turkish invasion.

In a post on X, he said efforts continued under the UN Secretary-General to seek a settlement to the Cyprus problem and stressed a collective responsibility to “never get used to injustice”.

Diplomacy and UN framework

Letymbiotis said Cyprus’ response should be greater insistence on diplomacy, international law, United Nations resolutions, the agreed framework and convergences already achieved.

“Our response is clear, even more insistence on diplomacy, on international law, United Nations resolutions, the agreed framework and the convergences that have already been achieved,” he said.

Events of August 1974

Referring to August 14, 1974, Letymbiotis said Turkey resumed military operations while talks were taking place in Geneva.

“While diplomacy was seeking a way out, Turkey again chose weapons, to complete the crime,” he said.

He said the offensive violated the principles of the diplomatic process, the truce and the ceasefire, and described it as a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an independent state.

Refugees and division

Letymbiotis also referred to people displaced in 1974 who expected to return home within days but died without doing so.

“This is our pain, this is our collective responsibility,” he said.

He added that the passage of time could not change the legal status of Cyprus’ division.