A serious, multi-level effort is currently underway, both publicly and behind the scenes, based on a specific plan by the UN Secretary-General, to convene a new, expanded conference on the Cyprus issue this summer, which will lead to the resumption of talks aimed at a solution, said Victor Papadopoulos, Director of the Press Office of the President of the Republic.

In a commemorative address at the National Memorial Service for the fallen of Pellapais and the officers, noncommissioned officers, and paratroopers of the 33rd Parachute Squadron, at the Church of Saint Eleftherios in Moutagiaka, Mr. Papadopoulos noted that “these are critical and decisive moments for the course of our national cause.”

As he said, “a serious, multi-level effort is underway, both in the foreground and behind the scenes, based on a specific plan by the Secretary-General, to convene a new, expanded conference on the Cyprus issue this summer that will lead to the resumption of talks, in a way that creates prospects for a solution.”

Addressing the congregation, he noted that “the President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides, who from the very first day of his administration has remained steadfastly committed to the goal of the liberation and reunification of Cyprus, has launched efforts to break the deadlock and to restart a new initiative by the UN Secretary-General, with the sole purpose of resuming substantive negotiations that will lead to a solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, the points of convergence identified at the negotiating table until the talks were suspended in Crans-Montana, the European acquis, and European principles and values.”

He added that “Faced with a protracted impasse that has lasted for so many years and the intransigent stance of the Turkish side, which demanded a solution outside the agreed-upon United Nations framework— namely a two-state solution, President Christodoulides correctly recognized immediately that conditions would have to be created so that the Secretary-General, too, could see a way forward and re-engage in a new initiative, while simultaneously creating incentives to change Turkey’s intransigent stance, without our side making any concessions or compromises on the substance of the Cyprus issue or on the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus.”

According to Mr. Papadopoulos, “a major effort was rightly launched to ensure that the European Union—which needed to become effectively involved—would provide the necessary guarantees,” adding that “the foreign policy with a clear Western and European orientation and without wavering that the Christodoulides government pursued, as well as the credible manner in which the Republic of Cyprus conducted itself within the European Union, bore fruit and yielded results.”

“The Cyprus issue was explicitly and explicit, and unequivocal manner in the European Council Conclusions of April 2024 with Turkey’s European aspirations or ambitions, thus creating the incentives the Secretary-General needed to launch a new initiative to change Turkey’s stance,” he said.

He further emphasized that “today, despite the difficulties that no one underestimates, we are facing a new effort by the Secretary-General that was made possible by our actions, to break the deadlock and resume talks in a way that creates a tangible prospect for resolving the Cyprus issue, a solution that is, first and foremost, functional and sustainable, within the framework of United Nations resolutions, the European Acquis, as well as European principles and values.”

“The President of the Republic, with proven political will, is doing everything possible to ensure the success of the new initiative by Mr. António Guterres and his personal envoy, Ms. María Ángela Olguín,” he said, adding that “the greatest possible unity between the political leadership and the people is an essential prerequisite for the success of our common goal, which is none other than liberation from occupation.”

Mr. Papadopoulos emphasized that unity on the domestic front is a “necessary prerequisite” for the success of the effort, noting that “no other political expediency takes precedence over the national goal of liberation and reunification.”

Furthermore, he spoke at length about the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers of Pellapais and the 33rd Commando Squadron, emphasizing that “their memory is not merely a historical reference, but an enduring responsibility.”

“We honor the heroes who stood their ground against the invader, choosing duty over safety and dignity over retreat,” he said.

He also referred to specific individuals and events from the period of 1974 and the Turkish invasion.

He also referred to Operation “LAVIDA” and the operations of the 33rd Commando Squadron on the Pentadaktylos heights, noting that “the commandos operated under extremely difficult conditions, achieving significant objectives, but were abandoned without the necessary reinforcements.”

In conclusion, Mr. Papadopoulos said that the State must continue its efforts toward a “free, reunified, and peaceful Cyprus,” noting that the greatest tribute to the fallen is to preserve historical memory and continue the struggle “without forgetting and without compromising on our principles.”

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Source: CNA