The Minister of the Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou, reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the Cyprus issue through negotiations within the framework of the United Nations and European law, while also emphasizing the strengthening of foreign policy, strategic partnerships, and the country’s role in the EU.

On Thursday evening, Mr. Ioannou delivered, on behalf of the President of the Republic, at the commemorative event “Days of Remembrance and Honor for the Resistance and Democracy,” held at the Cultural Foundation of the Holy Monastery of Kykkos in Archangelos. He emphasized that the top priority of the President of the Republic of Cyprus and the Greek Cypriot side remains the resolution of the Cyprus problem and that the goal remains the transformation of the Republic of Cyprusinto a modern, reunified European state, a member of the European Union and the United Nations.

“With a sense of responsibility toward the Cypriot people and with full awareness of our historic mission, we are working consistently to create the conditions for the resumption of negotiations toward a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, based on the agreed United Nations framework, the negotiating acquis, and the principles, values, and law of the European Union,” he said.

He added that “a particularly significant effort in this direction has been underway recently, which was launched as a result of our clear political will and the persistent diplomatic efforts of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. This effort is recognized by the international community and reinforced by our country’s enhanced role as a reliable partner in the European Union and the wider region.”

“Our side continues to consistently support the initiatives of the United Nations Secretary-General and to work constructively toward creating the necessary conditions for the resumption of the talks. Despite the difficulties and well-known challenges, we remain committed to the goal of a functional and sustainable solution that will reunite our homeland and our people and ensure the peaceful coexistence of all lawful residents of Cyprus,” he emphasized.

He said that “through the dynamic foreign policy we are pursuing, by strengthening our strategic partnerships, through our active participation in the European Union, and by continuously bolstering all the pillars of strength of the Republic of Cyprus, we are working to strengthen our country’s international standing and create the conditions that will allow for a return to dialogue.”

“Our goal remains the same and unwavering: the transformation of the Republic of Cyprus into a modern, reunified European state, a member of the European Union and the United Nations, where all its lawful residents will live in conditions of peace, security, democracy, and prosperity,” he added.

Mr. Ioannou noted that the coup, which was organized by the junta in Athens and carried out by local collaborators, was directed against democracy and weakened the country’s defenses, creating the conditions that Turkey exploited to carry out its illegal invasion.

“The coup was the act of treason that weakened our country’s defenses, creating the conditions that Turkey exploited to carry out its illegal military invasion,” he said.

The Minister emphasized that memory is not only a tribute to the past but also a compass for the future and the foundation of democratic consciousness. He underscored the unity that historical truth brings about and the importance of condemning the coup, as well as continuing to condemn the invasion and occupation as a non-negotiable national obligation.

He made special mention of the work of the Committee for the Compilation and Maintenance of the Registry of Resistance Fighters, which, as he noted, contributes to the documentation of history and the preservation of collective memory, while also conveying to younger generations the message that democracy cannot be taken for granted.

“The Committee for the Compilation and Maintenance of the Registry of Resistance Fighters is carrying out work of exceptional importance in this regard. By recording and documenting the actions of the Resistance Fighters, it serves not only historical research but also the restoration of historical truth and the preservation of collective memory,” he said.

Source: CNA