AKEL Commemorates 49th Anniversary of Turkish Invasion, Urges Resumption of Talks for Cyprus Solution
Nicosia, 14 August 2023: As Cyprus marks the 49th anniversary of the second phase of the 1974 Turkish invasion, political party AKEL has called for the resumption of talks to find a solution for the long-standing conflict on the island. The invasion, which resulted in bloodshed and division, continues to cast a shadow over Cyprus and the lives of its people.
AKEL paid tribute to the brave individuals who sacrificed their lives in August 1974 while defending Cyprus against the invaders. The party expressed its respect for the fallen heroes and their families, as well as for the war-stricken victims, wounded and disabled, and the women who suffered unthinkable acts of violence during that dark period.
The invasion, carried out by Turkey with the backing of the US and NATO, saw the occupation of 37% of Cyprus’ territory, further deepening the divide between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. The Turkish army left a trail of destruction, displacing thousands of people and perpetrating acts of rape and death. Famagusta, in particular, stands as a painful reminder of the treachery committed by the Greek junta and EOKA B, who ordered its abandonment without putting up a fight.
Now, on the anniversary of this devastating event, the occupying power continues to impose new challenges, particularly in Famagusta. AKEL is deeply concerned about the direction the Cyprus problem is taking and the potential for a permanent partition of the island. The party is committed to maintaining the unity of Cyprus and rejects any partitionist solutions.
AKEL firmly believes that the only way to reverse the disastrous course of events is through a comprehensive solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality. The party emphasizes the need to resume the talks based on the Guterres Framework and the entire negotiating acquis, which were interrupted in 2017 at Crans Montana. By doing so, AKEL aims to counter the demands put forth by Turkish President Erdogan and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar for sovereign equality and a two-state solution.
To commemorate the anniversary of the second invasion, AKEL held a symbolic event at the Monument to the Heroically Fallen, Murdered and Missing Persons of 1974 in Deryneia. This was followed by a memorial service at the Deryneia checkpoint. The events were a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the people of Cyprus and a call to action to work towards a peaceful and just resolution of the Cyprus problem.
As Cyprus reflects on the 49th anniversary of the Turkish invasion, it is crucial that all parties involved come together in a spirit of cooperation and dialogue. By resuming the talks and finding common ground, Cyprus can move closer to achieving a lasting solution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. AKEL remains committed to this goal, advocating for a united and prosperous Cyprus that can move forward from the shadows of the past.
