**Parties Mark Independence Day with Calls for Reunification**
On Thursday, political parties in Cyprus commemorated the 66th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus, emphasizing the need for renewed efforts to address the ongoing division of the island. The parties, including Alma, Edek, Dipa, and the Cyprus Greens, issued statements reflecting on the significance of the day while urging action to prevent the status quo from becoming permanent.
In their statements, the parties paid tribute to those who fought for Cyprus's independence and stressed the importance of safeguarding the Republic. Alma described the current period as an “extremely difficult and critical juncture,” noting that substantive negotiations to resolve the Cyprus problem have yet to resume despite the efforts of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The party expressed concern over Turkey's insistence on a two-state solution and highlighted the dwindling time before Guterres' term concludes.
Alma called for a proactive approach, rejecting both fatalism and the creation of “false expectations.” They urged that all possible avenues be explored to break the deadlock and resume meaningful negotiations based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The party also warned against the consolidation of the island's division and the growing separation of the north from the prospect of reunification. In a call for unity, Alma emphasized that Turkish Cypriots should not be viewed as adversaries, advocating for stronger ties between the Turkish Cypriot community, the Republic, and the European Union as part of the reunification efforts.
Edek echoed similar sentiments, referring to the Republic of Cyprus as the “common home” of all Cypriots and an “institutional shield.” The party reiterated its commitment to the struggle against occupation and for reunification, emphasizing the need to base these efforts on international law, EU principles, democracy, and human rights. Edek paid homage to those who resisted British colonial rule, defended constitutional order during the 1974 coup, and opposed the subsequent Turkish invasion.
Dipa also voiced its commitment to ending the occupation and achieving reunification, labeling it the country’s “greatest national duty.” The party expressed a desire for future generations to inherit a “free, secure, and reunified Republic” rather than a divided homeland. Dipa reaffirmed its support for a “just, viable, and functional” settlement based on UN Security Council resolutions and the agreements reached during the 2017 talks in Crans-Montana. The party stressed that achieving reunification requires political will, consistency, active diplomacy, and leveraging Cyprus's international and European alliances.
The Cyprus Greens contributed to the discourse by urging the government to pursue a solution without tactical maneuvering. They argued that frequent changes in positions and tactics pose additional risks and diminish the prospects for a settlement. The Greens called for Cyprus to utilize its EU membership to exert greater pressure on Turkey, suggesting that the European Union should apply pressure commensurate with that directed at Russia.
Despite the challenges posed by Turkey's longstanding negative stance, the Greens emphasized the responsibility of both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders to approach the issue with sincerity, political will, and courage. They highlighted that the continuation of the current status quo creates further risks and negative consequences, warning that interruptions in negotiations could lead to new faits accomplis.
As the Republic of Cyprus marks another year of independence, the calls from political parties reflect a shared desire for a resolution to the island’s division. The emphasis on unity, active diplomacy, and international cooperation underscores the ongoing commitment to finding a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem.