THERE will be no postern gates left open by anyone in this country, because history has taught us the harshest lesson, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Wednesday, at an event marking the anniversaries of the coup that overthrew Archbishop Makarios’ democratically-elected government on July 15, 1974, and the Turkish invasion that followed five days later.
The ‘postern gate’ reference was an allusion to the fall of Constantinople in 1453 through such an opening, through which the enemy was able to enter, and eventually capture, the city.
“I wish that this sad anniversary is the last one that sees our island divided and that this summer is the last one in which the citizens of our country are deprived of self-evident rights and continue to live in yearning and in insecurity,” Anastasiades said.
“For 42 years we have lived an absurdity that is unmatched in the history of the world.”
Anastasiades said that much is owed to “those who gave their life for democracy and in protection of our country”, and that “we owe it to their memory to be steadfast in our struggle”.
“We must prove that no fight was in vain, that we utilised the freedom of half our country toward the great goal of ridding it of the occupation and shaping a home country that will respect its citizens and their rights,” Anastasiades declared.
Referring to the ongoing negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem, the president argued that “other than dialogue, there is no other path to a country free of occupation armies and dividing barbed-wire fences”.
Earlier, Anastasiades met with Greece’s deputy House Speaker Yiorgos Varemenos, who arrived in Cyprus to take part in the anniversary events of the Turkish invasion.
“The Greek government steadfastly supports the continuation of talks for a settlement of the Cyprus problem, and stands by the Cypriot government’s side for a solution that reflects the principles and resolutions of the United Nations, without occupying forces, and away from the anachronistic institution of guarantees,” the Greek delegate said after the meeting.
“We are all aware that this is an opportunity – I don’t want to say it’s the last one, but there is an urgency to it. It is a historic circumstance that we must take advantage of.”
A similar sentiment was voiced by Greek Premier Alexis Tsipras, who tweeted the country’s focus on the need to find a just solution in the Cyprus problem, that will safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity.
“42 years since the [Turkish] invasion and occupation, the need for a just and viable solution remains as timely as ever,” Tsipras said in a second tweet.
Following a meeting with House Speaker Demetris Syllouris, Varemenos said his presence in Cyprus is not only a political experience, but a sentimental one as well.
“Turkey seems to be battling some of its demons, but it needs to respect constitutional legality and democracy, which goes hand in hand with the principles of humanitarianism and international law, if it is to persuade itself that it chooses the European path,” Varemenos said.
“There are no selective solutions on this; if Turkey truly wants to take this course, this is a single package.”
Meanwhile, speaking at an event of “condemnation, remembrance, and honour” of the 1974 Turkish invasion, organised by the ‘Dikomo 74’ association, former Cyprus President Demetris Christofias, who hails from the occupied village, said the people who “brought Cyprus to this state” now lead it.
“The leaders of this evil are at the country’s helm, and they even preach to us on unity every July,” Christofias said.
“In recent years, we have heard ‘mea culpa’ many times. But we have heard no ‘mea culpas’ for the coup, which uprooted us and scattered us all across the non-occupied part of the island, or even abroad.”
Elsewhere in his speech, Christofias said the failed coup in Turkey might benefit Cyprus in the very near future.
“The coup in Turkey and Erdogan’s prevalence makes him dominant, and sufficiently powerful, at least at present, to be able to make decisions on the Cyprus problem, too,” Christofias said, before pointing out the Turkish leader’s democratic shortcomings.
On the other side, Turkish Cypriots in the island’s north celebrated the 42nd anniversary of Turkey’s ‘peace operation’, which was prompted by the “Greek junta on July 15, 1974”, according to leader Mustafa Akinci.
“The next two months are important and critical for the future,” Akinci said of efforts to reach a settlement to the Cyprus problem, adding that it may well be the last one for a federal solution.
“We certainly don’t want this effort to fail. We know a solution will create positive results and new opportunities for cooperation, not just for the two communities on the island, but for the region, too.”
Earlier, however, so-called Foreign minister in the north Tahsin Ertugruloglu said the presence of the Turkish army on the island remains “the only source of security” for Turkish Cypriots.
“In the event of a solution to the Cyprus problem, the continuation of Turkish guarantees is a prerequisite for the Turkish Cypriot side,” he said.
Akinci’s speech was followed by a parade featuring a military band, soldiers from Turkish occupation forces stationed on the island, veterans, students, but no tanks or heavy military vehicles, per an earlier decision by the Turkish Cypriot leader.
