**Annita Demetriou Calls for Unity in Cyprus Problem Resolution During Coup Anniversary Speech**
In a significant address during an extraordinary parliamentary session on Wednesday, House President Annita Demetriou emphasized the need for unity among Greek Cypriots to address the ongoing Cyprus problem. Her remarks came as the assembly commemorated the anniversary of the Greek junta-backed coup d’état of 1974, a pivotal event that has had lasting repercussions on the island.
Demetriou began her speech by underscoring the importance of remembering the past, stating, “Forgetting cannot be an option for us. When the homeland continues to live the consequences of betrayal and occupation, memory becomes a responsibility.” This statement reflects a deep-seated sentiment among many Greek Cypriots regarding the historical context of the division of the island.
The House President highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by Turkey, which she accused of implementing a systematic policy aimed at altering the demographic and cultural landscape of the occupied territories. She specifically pointed to efforts to change the status of Varosha, an area that has remained closed since the Turkish invasion in 1974, and the broader implications for the buffer zone that divides the island.
In her call for action, Demetriou stressed the necessity of adhering to international law and leveraging Cyprus's status as a member of the European Union. She referenced a new initiative by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, aimed at resuming negotiations regarding the Cyprus issue, and urged stakeholders not to underestimate or ignore this effort. “Everyone must work constructively to break the deadlock and resume substantive negotiations,” she asserted, highlighting the urgency of the situation, especially with Guterres' term set to end later this year.
Demetriou also expressed the need for a unified stance between Greece and Cyprus, particularly in conveying to Turkey that it cannot expect concessions from the EU without making tangible progress on the Cyprus issue. She welcomed the recent appointment of Raffaele Fitto as the EU’s envoy in Cyprus, viewing this as a positive development that could enhance the momentum of the UN's efforts.
The House President reiterated the Greek Cypriot side's readiness to engage in a new effort to find a solution based on the principles outlined in the United Nations Security Council resolutions and European Union values. She emphasized that the principles of “one sovereignty, one citizenship, and one international personality” are non-negotiable.
In conclusion, Demetriou called for “unity, unanimity, and serious preparation” among Greek Cypriots in anticipation of forthcoming developments regarding the Cyprus problem. She articulated a vision for a liberated and reunified Cyprus, one that is safe for all its legal residents and serves as a model of cooperation and stability in the eastern Mediterranean. “We are all together, in the same boat. The liberation and reunification of our homeland is the responsibility of all of us,” she declared, reinforcing the collective commitment needed to navigate the complexities of the Cyprus situation.
As Cyprus continues to grapple with its divided status, Demetriou's call for unity and proactive engagement resonates as a crucial reminder of the importance of collaboration in pursuit of a peaceful resolution.