Greek Leaders Commemorate 50th Anniversary of Turkish Invasion of Cyprus

Greek leaders marked a solemn milestone on Saturday, observing the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus on July 20, 1974. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis joined Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia for a commemoration event at the presidential mansion, reaffirming Athens’ steadfast support for the Republic of Cyprus in its quest for reunification under UN resolutions.

In Athens, Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou attended a memorial service honouring those who lost their lives during the 1974 conflict. She emphasized Greece’s commitment to seeking justice for the missing and achieving a fair and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue based on international law.

Additionally, the presidents of the SYRIZA and PASOK parties are already in Cyprus, in part to promote a restart of Cyprus talks and to meet with Cypriot leadership. Along those lines, SYRIZA President Stefanos Kasselakis has announced plans to “internationalize”, as he said, the issue of the missing persons from the conflict.

The anniversary coincides with a military celebration in the Turkish-occupied parts of Cyprus, attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey describes the celebration as the “50th Anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation.” This juxtaposition underscores the ongoing tensions and differing narratives surrounding the historical events.

Earlier discussions between UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Prime Minister Mitsotakis have underscored calls for renewed UN-mediated talks aimed at resolving the long-standing division of Cyprus.