“We do not forget, we remain vigilant” is the message sent by Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the sombre anniversary of July 20, describing the illegal Turkish occupation of Cyprus as an “ongoing crime.”

Fifty-two years after the invasion, the prime minister makes clear that Greece does not accept the fait accompli imposed by the violence of arms and remains unwaveringly at the side of the Republic of Cyprus.

“Every time the calendar shows July 20, our thoughts do not simply return to the sombre anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. They encounter an open wound on the island and in the heart of the entire Hellenic world,” he states in his post.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis speaks of the pain of displacement, the tragedy of the missing persons, and the illegal occupation that has continued for more than half a century, while also paying tribute to the heroes who defended freedom and refused to compromise with the fait accompli. Athens, he emphasizes, remains committed to the principles of International Law and to the decisions of the United Nations, with the aim of achieving a just, functional, and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue.

The prime minister points out that the initiative of the UN Secretary-General constitutes a new opportunity for resolving the problem, on the basis of the agreed framework of the United Nations and the European acquis.

The ultimate goal, however, is described without qualifications: “A reunified Cyprus, without an occupying army and outdated systems of guarantees.”

“This is the future that Cyprus deserves,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis concludes.