Cyprus marks 43 years since the illegal declaration of the breakaway state

November 15, 2026, marked the 43rd anniversary of the illegal declaration of a breakaway state in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus. The act, which occurred on November 15, 1983, remains recognized only by Turkey and has been consistently condemned by the international community as legally invalid.

Cypriot officials, including President Nikos Christodoulides and Archbishop Georgios, issued statements reiterating their commitment to the reunification of the island. They referenced UN Security Council Resolutions 541 and 550, which explicitly characterize the secessionist move as null and void and call on all states to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. The Pancyprian Association of Refugees also condemned the ongoing occupation, noting that previous concessions by the Greek Cypriot side have not yet resulted in a breakthrough.

Looking ahead, President Christodoulides emphasized that the government remains dedicated to diplomatic efforts for liberation. He expressed hopes for progress at the upcoming tripartite conference under the UN Secretary-General, aiming for the resumption of substantial negotiations to achieve a just, viable, and European solution without occupation armies or outdated guarantee systems.