As President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, has repeatedly stated, the government will continue to seek the further involvement of the international community and the European Union in the effort to create the necessary conditions for the resumption of dialogue on the Cyprus issue, the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Athena Michaelidou, stressed on Friday, speaking at an event commemorating the EOKA 1955-1959 fighter Grigoris Afxentiou, held at the Kalo Chorio Primary School in Larnaca.

Representing the President of the Republic at the event, the Minister of Education added that “in this context, we must work in unity and solidarity” for a free, democratic and prosperous country.

She said that “in this direction, we are fighting our own battle” for the restoration of the human rights of Cyprus’ citizens, on the basis of a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue.

She pointed out that “our side’s will is clear, to find a mutually acceptable solution in order for Cyprus to become a truly independent state, in which peace and security conditions will prevail”.

“We hope that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side will soon demonstrate, as they should, respect for the international law and the European acquis and the same determination and constructive attitude as ours, so that we can soon enter into a new round of negotiations, which, through appropriate preparation, will bring about substantial progress”, she stated.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.