The UN Secretary-General’s intention to convene a new, expanded conference now creates “a clear prospect of returning to the substance of the Cyprus issue,” Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letympiotis stated today during his commemorative address at the national memorial service for the five heroes of Letymbou.
He emphasized that the new momentum has a specific political foundation, based on the Security Council resolutions, the agreed framework, and the negotiating achievements up to Crans-Montana.
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Mr. Letympiotis emphasized that the sacrifice of the five heroes serves as “a call to vigilance and a compass for unity,” noting that freedom and justice require national unity, a clear direction, a plan, and unceasing effort.
Referring to developments in the Cyprus issue, he emphasized that from the very first day he assumed office, the President of the Republic has made the resumption of the negotiation process a top national priority.
As he noted, this effort has yielded concrete results, including the appointment of a Personal Envoy, expanded meetings in Geneva and New York, the personal involvement of the United Nations Secretary-General, and, after sixteen years, the UN Secretary-General’s visit to Cyprus.
The Government Spokesperson also noted that the Secretary-General’s intention to convene a new expanded conference now creates, as he put it, “a clear prospect of returning to the substance of the Cyprus issue”.
Mr. Letympiotis emphasized that this new momentum has a specific political basis, starting with the Security Council resolutions, the agreed framework, and the negotiating achievements up to Crans-Montana.
“Time does not legitimize the fait accompli of the invasion, nor will it obscure the pursuit of partition,” he said.
At the same time, he underscored the importance of the European Union’s more active engagement in the United Nations’ efforts, noting that the European Council’s Conclusions, linking EU-Turkey relations to progress on the Cyprus issue, and the appointment of Raffaele Fitto create, as he put it, “a new political reality.”
“The European perspective and the perpetuation of the occupation are politically incompatible,” he stressed, stressing that anyone seeking a substantive upgrade of their relations with the European Union must demonstrate in practice their respect for international and European law, first and foremost in Cyprus, as a full member state of the EU.
The Government Spokesperson also noted that the Republic of Cyprus is strengthening itself diplomatically, economically, and in terms of defense, with the aim of strengthening its negotiating power and pursuing an active foreign policy.
“We approach every effort with a sincere desire for a solution and an unwavering commitment to our principles,” he noted, reiterating that the goal is “a free and reunified Cyprus, without occupying forces, anachronistic guarantees, and interventionist rights.”
Referring to the community’s five heroes—Panagiotis Dimitriou, Andreas Chrysostomou, Andreas Lardos, Andreas Michael, and Sotiris Maratheftis, who has been missing since 1974 —he said that Letymbou “sacrificed its sons at three critical turning points in modern Cypriot history: during the October 1931 riots, in the bloody battles of Tillyria in 1964, and in the struggle to defend the Republic of Cyprus in 1974.”
As he noted, three generations forged “an unbroken chain of honor,” proving that patriotism gains value when it is transformed into a sense of duty, service, and personal responsibility.
In closing, Mr. Letympiotis emphasized that we owe it to the five heroes to preserve their memory, defend the Republic of Cyprus, and continue the struggle for justice.
He concluded his commemorative speech with a pledge that the struggle will continue “until final justice is served” and with the goal of “the liberation and reunification” of Cyprus.
Source: CNA
