"Our heroes define the duty and responsibility we all have to do everything possible to end the Turkish occupation," said the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, on Monday, following a memorial service at the Macedonitissa Memorial for the officers and soldiers who fell during the Turkish invasion of 1974. Referring to the UN Secretary-General’s visit to Cyprus, he emphasized that the goal is to convene an expanded conference, during which the resumption of talks from the point where they were suspended will be announced.

“Today is a difficult day, and certainly not one for many words. What I would like to say is that our heroes here at the Macedonitissa Tomb, as well as wherever else they rest throughout Cyprus, in the occupied areas, in all regions of both free and occupied Cyprus, define the duty, and the responsibility of all of us who are currently in leadership positions in this country to do everything possible to end the Turkish occupation, liberate our land, and reunite our homeland,” the President of the Republic stated at the outset.

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He added that “this will also serve as a memorial for all those who sacrificed themselves so that we might exist today,” noting that the government is working with a specific plan and strategy to achieve its top priority: ending the occupation, liberating the country, and reunifying the homeland.

When asked whether a five-party conference is expected to be convened in late August or early September, the President of the Republic said that “the goal is to organize and convene an expanded conference, during which the resumption of talks from where they were suspended will be announced.”

At the same time, he noted that the Greek Cypriot side has already informed the UN Secretary-General of its readiness, adding that “everything depends on Turkey’s response.”

Ahead of the Secretary-General’s visit, he noted that efforts are continuing not only on his part and that of his Personal Envoy, but also on the part of the European Union, which, as he said, is demonstrating through its actions that it is taking on a more prominent role.

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“We hope that when the Secretary-General is here, there will be positive announcements,” said Mr. Christodoulides.

When asked to comment on whether he expects anything different from Turkey this time, the President of the Republic replied that “we will all be judged by our actions, not by our statements.”

As he noted, António Guterres has been leading a significant effort since March 2026, following discussions he had with the President of Turkey and the Turkish government, expressing the hope that this will also be reflected in practice.

The President further emphasized that “any positive developments in EU-Turkey relations that Turkey seeks depend on positive, concrete progress toward a resolution of the Cyprus issue.”

He made it clear that this pertains to the agreed framework, the principles, the values, and the law of the European Union, without any ambiguities, whether constructive or otherwise.

When asked whether pressure on Turkey had intensified, the President replied that “it is not a matter of pressure,” noting that contacts are continuing through the Secretary-General and the Personal Envoy, who is expected to travel to Turkey before visiting Cyprus.

He added that the Secretary-General’s presence in Cyprus is a positive development, recalling that “from March 2023 to the present, systematic work has been carried out with perseverance, a clear plan, and specific strategies.”

Regarding the agenda for the UN Secretary-General’s visit, he noted that it would be announced by the Secretary-General himself, though he confirmed that a joint meeting would take place.

When asked about the EU Special Envoy for the Cyprus issue, Raffaele Fito, the President said that a visit to Cyprus is not ruled out, depending on his schedule.

At the same time, he welcomed the European Union’s increased engagement, noting that the appointment of a sitting Vice President of the European Commission demonstrates the Commission President’s heightened interest.

As he said, the EU’s presence is crucial both in relation to EU-Turkey relations and to ensure that any solution to the Cyprus issue is in line with the European acquis, the principles and values of the European Union.

Finally, commenting on reports that Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will not, after all, visit the occupied territories, the President stated that “nothing changes,” adding that “nothing changes with regard to Turkey’s crime here in Cyprus over the past 52 years.”