Today marks 52 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus on 20 July 1974, which resulted in the territorial amputation of the Republic of Cyprus and the continuing tragedy of the Missing, the Displaced and the Enclaved, in violation of every principle of international law.
Greece honors the memory of the fallen and expresses its respect and gratitude to all those who defended the island with courage and self-sacrifice.
The Cyprus Issue remains, to this day, an international problem of illegal invasion and occupation of a Member State of the European Union and the United Nations.
In full alignment with the Republic of Cyprus, Greece remains firmly committed to the pursuit of a comprehensive, mutually acceptable settlement, on the basis of a Bizonal, Bicommunal Federation, with political equality between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, with a single international personality, single sovereignty and single citizenship, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and in accordance with the EU acquis and the principles and values of the European Union.
Greece stands ready and will continue to contribute constructively to the next steps of the ongoing efforts of the UN Secretary-General, with a view to the resumption of negotiations on the basis of the agreed framework, under the auspices of the United Nations.
The resolution of the Cyprus Issue, within the framework set out by the UN Security Council, the reunification of the island, and the termination of the occupation of an EU Member State's territory, remains a top national priority.
July 20, 2026