The European Commission this week formally appointed executive vice-president Raffaele Fitto as its new special representative for Cyprus, confirming his role in supporting United Nations-led efforts to reunify the island.

Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis described the appointment as a significant development, saying the Republic of Cyprus was working consistently and persistently to create the conditions needed for the resumption of substantive negotiations.

Addressing an event in Limassol marking the July 1974 coup and the Turkish invasion, Hadjimanolis said that “stagnation could not be an option.”

Speaking on behalf of President Nikos Christodoulides at the event, which was organised by the Limassol municipality, she added that Cyprus was working closely with the United Nations Secretary-General and the European Union to achieve substantial progress and concrete results on the Cyprus issue.

However, Hadjimanolis made clear that “the objective was not simply to begin another round of talks, but to create real prospects for a sustainable and functional settlement, based on the agreed United Nations framework, the negotiating acquis, the principles and values of the European Union and European law.”

Referring to the coup and Turkish invasion, the deputy minister said preserving historical memory remained a duty towards those who sacrificed their lives, as well as the missing persons, enclaved people and refugees who continue to live with the consequences of 1974.

She emphasised that ending the occupation, securing liberation and reunifying Cyprus constituted the only justification for their sacrifice.

At the same time, Hadjimanolis noted that, despite the consequences of the Turkish invasion, the Republic of Cyprus had developed into a modern European state governed by the rule of law, with an active international role.

Nevertheless, she stressed that “the continued occupation of part of the Republic’s territory remained a permanent violation of international law.”

Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis also addressed the event, emphasising the importance of preserving historical memory and paying tribute to the fallen, the missing persons and all those who experienced the consequences of the coup and the Turkish invasion.