Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos warned against any “illusion of normality” regarding the Cyprus issue, stressing that time does not bring a solution but changes realities.

Speaking at the opening of the World Conference of Overseas Cypriots, on Tuesday, in Nicosia he said: “We will not become suicidal,” rejecting any notion of a two-state solution or acceptance of the occupation.

“Time does not bring a solution. When the experience is daily, vivid, existential, it cannot be a memory – it is a responsibility, a duty for all of us,” Kombos said.

He added that some people hope that time will even bring acceptance. “Acceptance of what? The continuing occupation? The danger, which is real and existential? The demand for two states or our consent to a defunct Republic of Cyprus? Ladies and gentlemen, we will not become suicidal,” he said.

He also reiterated Nicosia’s commitment to a settlement within the UN framework.

“We have a duty to do everything possible to resolve our national issue through initiatives, proactive steps, with absolute commitment to the framework of the UN Security Council. There is no other option, and this is the clear message to all: negotiations strictly within this framework.”

The Foreign Minister expressed the state’s gratitude to the diaspora, describing it as an extension of the Republic that consistently supports Cyprus and its interests worldwide. He highlighted a new strategy for relations with overseas Cypriots, noting that the plan is already being implemented to strengthen institutional ties and use modern digital tools for better communication.

Among the steps announced were the launch of a new website and digital platform for diaspora affairs, the pilot implementation of the e-Consul platform for consular services, development of a mobile application in cooperation with Greece to inform overseas Cypriots on national issues, and the creation of a digital identity to enhance connectivity with diplomatic missions and social media.

Concluding, Kombos assured the diaspora of the state’s “unwavering gratitude and support.”

Addressing the same conference, Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yiannis Loverdos underlined Athens’ unwavering commitment to the goal of terminating the Turkish occupation of Cyprus, while reaching a comprehensive, just and viable solution, within the framework of the relevant United Nations resolutions.

In his address, Loverdos spoke of a Cyprus settlement that would reunify, while providing for the withdrawal of all occupying troops on the island and the termination of the anachronistic system of guarantees.

“Cyprus and Greece will never accept the fait accompli of the continued Turkish occupation of more than a third of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus,” he stressed.

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.