On the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the Cyprus Peace Council honors the memory of all those killed, missing or displaced as a result, as well as all those who continue to suffer the consequences of the tragic events of 20 July 1974.

The Turkish invasion was preceded by the fascist coup d'état orchestrated by the Greek military junta and its collaborators in Cyprus. They were both part of the imperialist plan that led to the partition of our homeland, inflicting devastating consequences on the Cypriot people. The occupation of a significant part of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus remains one of the gravest unresolved issues in Europe.

The invasion constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, the UN Charter and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. It resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries, the displacement of nearly one-third of the island’s population, the agonizing and unresolved search to determine the fate of the missing, and the destruction of our country's cultural and religious heritage. More than five decades later, the consequences of the invasion and the ongoing occupation continue to burden the people of Cyprus and hinder the prospects for lasting peace and justice.

The Cyprus Peace Council reaffirms its unwavering commitment to peace, reconciliation, and cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. We firmly believe that the future of Cyprus lies in the reunification of our country through a just, viable, and peaceful settlement based on the relevant United Nations resolutions. Such a solution must be founded on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality as provided for in the UN framework, ensuring the existence of a single internationally recognized state, with a single sovereignty, a single international personality, and a single citizenship. Only through dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence can Cyprus become a united homeland for all its people.