On 11 February 1959, Greek Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis and Turkish Prime Minister Adnan Menderes signed the Zurich Agreement, establishing the framework for an independent Republic of Cyprus as a bi-communal state with equal political representation for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
Tag: Greek Cypriots
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Öncü Keçeli has sharply criticized the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union, accusing Cyprus of exploiting its rotating EU Presidency to push a “distorted” narrative on the Cyprus issue, while claiming the EU has failed to act as a neutral player in resolving the conflict.
Savvas Rotsidis (1935 – November 25, 1958), from the village of Mammari near Nicosia, was a dedicated member of EOKA, the Greek-Cypriot nationalist organization that fought for the liberation of Cyprus from British colonial rule and its eventual union with Greece. An accountant by profession, Rotsidis joined EOKA in 1955 and took part in numerous operations against British forces. Captured by the British in 1958, he was tortured but refused to betray his comrades. He was executed on November 25, 1958, becoming a martyr in the struggle for Cyprus’s independence.
The rival leaders of ethnically split Cyprus said they were ready to meet the United…
The first Joanna Sophia Fun Run/Walk Around the World in 5km took place at Castle Square in Paphos, bringing together more than 500 participants, raising awareness for epilepsy and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).
A Cyprus court sentenced Israeli businessman Shimon Mistriel Aykout to five years for illegally developing Greek Cypriot-owned land in northern Cyprus, highlighting the contentious property rights dispute stemming from the island’s 1974 division.
The election of Tufan Erhürman as the new leader of the Turkish Cypriots “opens a…
The “trial” of five Greek Cypriots detained in Cyprus’ occupied areas continues today with prosecution witness testimony, while a separate hearing for “illegal property entry” is set for Friday in Trikomo.
Limassol, Cyprus – August 28, 2025 – President Nikos Christodoulides denounced the detention of five…
Labour MP Afzal Khan has resigned as the UK’s trade envoy to Turkey after backlash over his visit to the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Khan called the trip personal, but Greek Cypriots protested, deeming it inappropriate.
Five Greek Cypriots arrested in Northern Cyprus on espionage charges will remain in custody for 13 more days, a military court in Nicosia ruled after a 15-hour hearing. Accused of aiding an illegal entry at the Strovilia crossing, the group faces additional charges, with their next court date set for August 14.
The Republic of Cyprus Government condemns the extended “detention” of five Greek Cypriots by the unrecognized regime in Turkish-occupied Cyprus, calling it a provocative act. Detained near Trikomo on espionage suspicions, the five face a “military court” again on Friday, August 1, 2025, amid ongoing investigations.
Northern Cyprus Tensions Rise: Israel Flags Security Concerns, Signals Support for Greece and Cyprus
As Cyprus commemorates 51 years since Turkey’s 1974 invasion, an Israel Hayom op-ed urges Israel to join Greece and Cyprus in countering Turkey’s military buildup in Northern Cyprus. Citing drones and missiles threatening regional stability, the piece signals a new strategic alignment, resonating with Greek Cypriots’ call for justice.
A “court” in illegally occupied Trikomo extended the detention of five Greek Cypriots for eight days, citing further interrogation needs. The defense criticized the move as a human rights violation, dismissing allegations as “shameful” and questioning the suspicion around confiscated documents.
On July 20, 1974, at 5:20am, 40,000 Turkish troops landed and invaded northern Cyprus after…
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides (right) meets EU envoy Johannes Hahn at the presidential palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, on June 24, 2025
On May 5, 2025, Cypriot President Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tatar faced setbacks in talks, with Tatar rejecting proposals on crossing points and the Mia Milia water agreement. Agreement was reached on cemetery restoration, but property disputes dominated, stalling progress on the Cyprus problem.
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar’s claim that Ottomans arrived in Cyprus before Greeks, made amid Turkish President Erdogan’s provocative visit to the occupied north, has sparked outrage. Contradicted by Greek inscriptions at the 11th-century BCE Salamis ruins, Tatar’s statement and Erdogan’s assertion of Turkish ownership threaten UN-led peace efforts, deepening divisions on the island split since 1974.
Cyprus remains divided since Turkey’s 1974 invasion, and while recent UN-hosted talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders showed progress in confidence-building measures, deep disagreements persist. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is set to appoint an envoy to revive negotiations, but major issues—including territorial disputes and governance—continue to block a path toward reunification.
Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu has cast doubt on the upcoming UN-led meeting in Geneva, arguing it will lead nowhere in resolving the Cyprus dispute. While Greek Cypriots seek a federal solution, Turkish Cypriots insist on a two-state model—a stance rejected by the Republic of Cyprus. With both sides entrenched in their positions, the talks are expected to underscore the island’s deep divisions rather than produce a breakthrough.
On February 11, 1959, Greece and Turkey reached an agreement to address the Cyprus issue.…
Cyprus’ rival leaders will join a UN-led meeting next month to revive stalled peace talks. With deep divisions on the island’s future, the talks aim to bridge differences amid ongoing diplomatic challenges.
Turkey has reiterated its support for a two-state solution for Cyprus, following discussions with the leader of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which remains unrecognized by the international community. As the United Nations prepares for peace talks in March, Greek Cypriots continue to reject this proposal, while both sides face a complex path toward resolving the island’s division.
A new documentary, Memories of 1974, delves into the personal stories of Cypriot Canadians who were impacted by the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. The film uses firsthand accounts to explore the trauma and resilience of a generation marked by displacement and loss.
Savvas Rotsidis (1935 – November 25, 1958), from the village of Mammari near Nicosia, was a dedicated member of EOKA, the Greek-Cypriot nationalist organization that fought for the liberation of Cyprus from British colonial rule and its eventual union with Greece. An accountant by profession, Rotsidis joined EOKA in 1955 and took part in numerous operations against British forces. Captured by the British in 1958, he was tortured but refused to betray his comrades. He was executed on November 25, 1958, becoming a martyr in the struggle for Cyprus’s independence.
An informal UN-hosted dinner in New York between Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar aimed to revive peace talks but ended with little progress. Both sides remained divided on key issues like sovereign equality and security guarantees, though future discussions with guarantor powers were agreed upon.
Ersin Tatar, the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, has reiterated his conditions for the recognition of sovereign equality and equal international status ahead of an informal tripartite dinner with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Tatar emphasized that formal negotiations will not commence until the acquired rights of the Turkish Cypriots are accepted and clear, unambiguous conditions are met.
Northern Cyprus President Ersin Tatar urged Greek Cypriot leadership to recognize the realities of the island, emphasizing the need for a two-state solution that acknowledges “two peoples, two states, and two democracies.” Speaking from New York, Tatar criticized increasing oppression against Turkish Cypriots and called for renewed dialogue based on political equality and mutual respect.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides expressed his readiness to immediately resume reunification talks during a speech at the UN General Assembly, urging Turkey to join the effort. He emphasized the need for peace and cooperation while addressing the long-standing division of the island following a Turkish invasion decades ago.
Australian Senator and Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed gratitude to Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos during their meeting at the 79th United Nations General Assembly. They discussed the recent escalation in the Middle East and the crucial support for the evacuation of Australians from crisis zones. Wong highlighted the strong ties between Cyprus and Australia, based on shared values and people-to-people connections, while both leaders explored avenues for increased cooperation in addressing regional challenges.
