Democratic Party leader addresses Cyprus issue at memorial service

On Friday evening, Nikolas Papadopoulos, president of the Democratic Party (DIKO), attended an annual memorial service in Agios Kassianos for those who fell during the 1974 Turkish invasion. During his speech, Papadopoulos reaffirmed his party's commitment to finding a functional, federal, and European solution for the Cyprus problem. He accused Turkey of maintaining a goal of gaining full control over the island. Papadopoulos stated that the goal of the Cypriot people remains the liberation of Kyrenia, Famagusta, Morphou, and all occupied territories. He explicitly rejected any potential solution based on a two-state model or confederation. Furthermore, he emphasized that his party will not accept any settlement that would legalize the occupation or turn Cyprus into a Turkish protectorate. The event highlighted the ongoing political tension regarding the status of the divided island and the persistent refusal of the party to compromise on sovereignty.