AKEL on the Anniversary of Cyprus Independence
1 October 2026, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
AKEL commemorates the anniversary of Cyprus Independence and pays tribute to all those who fought and made sacrifices for the freedom, democracy and survival of our homeland. To those who fought against British colonial rule; to the heroic martyrs of the friendship between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots who defended it against the poison of nationalism; to the defenders of democracy against the plans for partition, the coup and fascism of EOKA B’ and the Greek junta. We honour those who resisted the Turkish invasion and sacrificed their lives defending the freedom and territorial integrity of Cyprus, in a struggle that was unequal and marked by betrayal.
The independence of 1960 was a historic achievement for the Cypriot people. Despite the restrictions and obligations imposed by the Zurich–London Agreements, which were the result of an intra-NATO compromise, the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus brought an end to colonial rule and created the independent state of the Cypriot people. The very existence and international status of the Republic of Cyprus remain, to this day, a bulwark against the Turkish occupation, partition and any scheme that questions our people’s right to live freely in their homeland.
The Republic of Cyprus belongs to its people, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. Consequently, in the face of both Turkish ambitions that challenge its very existence and legitimacy, and the nationalist notions that seek to impose a single-community character upon it, the reply must remain the steadfast defence of the Republic of Cyprus as a bi-communal, independent state.
Independence Day is not merely a time for tributes. It is also a time for drawing conclusions. The modern history of Cyprus has demonstrated in the most painful way where nationalism, chauvinism and the subjugation of the country to foreign agendas lead to. The undermining of the Republic of Cyprus, the crimes committed against Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, the coup d’état and the Turkish invasion cannot be treated as isolated chapters in our history. The lessons they teach must guide the choices that are today as well.
Sixty-six years after Independence, Cyprus remains de facto divided and the Turkish occupation continues. The Turkish demands for a two-state solution and attempts to create new partitionist fait accompli on the ground that perpetuate division make the prospect of reunification even more difficult. These difficulties, however, must not be used as an excuse for abandoning the struggle, any inaction or acceptance of partition.
AKEL remains committed to the struggle to end the Turkish occupation and reunite our homeland and our people. For a Bi-communal, Bi-zonal Federation with political equality, as set out in the relevant UN resolutions. For a Cyprus free from occupying forces and anachronistic guarantees, a common homeland for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins.
This is the essential message of this anniversary: to defend the Republic of Cyprus not as a state trapped in the current division, but as the starting point and the foundation upon which the reunified Cyprus of tomorrow can be built. With perseverance, consistency and determination. Until the reunification of our homeland.
