The new initiative by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to resume talks on the Cyprus issue “must not be wasted,” said AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou, speaking Thursday evening at a Remembrance and Tribute event in Ormidia commemorating the events of 1974.

Mr. Stefanou referred to the need to capitalize on the new momentum in the Cyprus issue, linking the effort to find a solution to the lessons of the historical period that led to the coup d’état against President Makarios and the Turkish invasion.

“More than half a century has passed since the tragedy of 1974. Everyone now realizes that time is not on our side. On the contrary, as the years go by, the prospect of reunifying our homeland becomes increasingly difficult,” he said.

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Referring to the events leading up to the coup, the AKEL Secretary-General noted that the overthrow of the constitutional order was the result of long-term planning by the Athens Junta and EOKA B. As he said, “the coup by the junta and EOKA B was not a spontaneous or misguided choice, nor was it the result of the so-called ‘national division,’” but “it was a plan organized and premeditated outside Cyprus that was carried out within Cyprus.”

He added that AKEL was targeted because of its stance in favor of an independent and non-aligned Cyprus, while referring to the activities of EOKA B, noting that in the period leading up to the coup, there were political assassinations, bombings, beatings, and other acts of violence. At the same time, he blamed the Athens junta for the course of events and for its handling of the Turkish invasion.

Referring to the defenders of Cyprus in 1974, Mr. Stefanou said that “the truth is that thousands of them rushed to the front lines” and that “they went without a second thought” to defend their homeland. “We honor them with tonight’s modest ceremony. With a laurel wreath, as befits heroes. We bow our heads in their memory with respect, as they deserve,” he said.

Regarding the current situation in the Cyprus issue, Mr. Stefanou noted that “new facts on the ground are constantly being created in the occupied areas,” referring to the illegal buying and selling of Greek Cypriot properties, settlement, and the destruction of cultural heritage. “Every new fait accompli makes it even more difficult to achieve a fair and sustainable solution,” he said, adding that the frustration in both communities is being exploited by those who oppose a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

Regarding the new initiative by the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Stefanou stated that the talks must resume from where they were suspended in Crans-Montana, based on the negotiating framework. “This is the only way for the new effort to be substantive, brief, and focused on the issues that remain unresolved,” he said, adding that “we believe this gap can be bridged,” provided there is political will, consistency, and a sincere commitment from all parties involved.

In conclusion, the AKEL Secretary-General noted that the commemorative events serve as a reminder of the need to continue efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem. “It is our duty not to forget. It is our vow to continue,” he said, adding that the goal remains “a free and reunified Cyprus.”

Source: CNA