President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus on Saturday reiterated the necessity of ending Turkish occupation of the island and pursuing reunification during a speech in Kalamata, Greece, the Cyprus Mail news website reported.
Speaking at an event where he was named an honorary citizen of Kalamata and awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of the Peloponnese, Christodoulides emphasized the need to end division and occupation, which he said undermine the progress and prosperity of Cyprus.
The occupation of Cyprus refers to the ongoing presence of Turkish military forces on the northern part of the island since 1974. This situation was prompted by a coup in Cyprus backed by the Greek military junta, which aimed to unify the island with Greece. In response, Turkey launched a military intervention, citing its role as a guarantor power under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, part of the Treaty of Nicosia, which established the Republic of Cyprus.
The intervention led to the division of the island into two parts: the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish-controlled northern area. In 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) declared independence, but it is only recognized by Turkey. The northern region remains under Turkish military control, with an estimated 30,000-40,000 troops stationed there.
The division has resulted in displacement, loss of property and ongoing tensions between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. Numerous attempts at reunification, including United Nations-sponsored negotiations and the Annan Plan of 2004, have so far failed to resolve the conflict. The Republic of Cyprus is a member of the European Union, while the northern area remains isolated internationally. The occupation and division remain central issues in Cypriot politics and diplomacy.
Christodoulides voiced support for United Nations-led initiatives and said he remains hopeful that cooperation from Turkey could revive negotiations for a mutually beneficial resolution.