Speech by the General Secretary of AKEL Stefanos Stefanou at the event to denounce the anniversary of the pseudo-state declaration

 

Orfeas checkpoint, Nicosia

14 November 2025, AKEL C.C. Press Office

We have gathered here this year too, at the Orfeas checkpoint, to denounce the declaration of the pseudo-state. This event, which has been held for decades, is a constant and integral part of our Party’s anti-occupation initiatives. These initiatives are ongoing, persistent, and deeply rooted in the struggle to end the occupation and reunify our homeland.

Our anti-occupation events always have two key elements:

First, to denounce Turkey’s illegal actions against Cyprus and our people because the Cyprus problem is primarily one of invasion and occupation – and AKEL consistently emphasizes this.

Second, to highlight the need for a solution because it makes no sense to talk only about the problem without talking about the way out of it.

When we talk to representatives of the international community, the first question they always ask us is: what solution are you seeking and how will you achieve it? The most meaningful anti-occupation demonstrations are therefore those which, together with condemning the occupation, reaffirm the commitment to the goal of the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Everyone knows that the occupation is the result of the Turkish invasion of 1974. Fewer people remember, however, as we do — that Turkey managed to set foot in Cyprus because it was preceded by the treacherous coup d’état of the Greek junta and Grivas’ EOKA B, which provided the alibi and facilitated the invasion by the occupying power. We remind everyone that the de facto partition is the result of NATO plans. And that is precisely why we repeat: the path to a solution cannot involve Cyprus joining NATO. AKEL will never accept such a possibility.

Everyone is talking about a solution. However, few are taking a clear position on what solution we are seeking. AKEL is the force that consistently states that the solution can be nothing other than a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality. It is the only agreed basis for a solution, the only solution recognized by the international community, the only realistic one.

Comrades,

Fellow compatriots,

The sad anniversary of the illegal declaration of the pseudo-state reminds us that the status quo is not stable. It is a situation that is constantly deteriorating. The passage of time consolidates the partition, deepens the problems, and takes away opportunities to build a future for our children.

The solution to the Cyprus problem can create new prospects for the economy, energy, water, and tackling the climate crisis. It is wrong to underestimate the possibilities that a solution and reunification would open up. Just as it is wrong to underestimate the dangers of continuing the occupation.

AKEL consistently and clearly points out what we are seeking to achieve with the solution and how we can achieve it:

• Our goal is to end the occupation, the de facto partition, and reunite our country and people.
• Our goal is to restore the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots.
• We seek the transformation of the Republic of Cyprus into a federal, bi-zonal, bi-communal state with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship, and a single international personality, which will be jointly administered by Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots within the framework of political equality, the content of which has already been agreed and is recorded in the convergence agreed.
• We are struggling for a functional and sustainable solution capable of supporting a modern state and a prosperous society.

The above objectives can be achieved on the basis and within the framework of the solution of Bizonal, Bicommunal Federation. And to be precise, we have already come a long way towards achieving the above objectives. That is precisely why we insist that the negotiating acquis that has been created after many years of persistent negotiations with the Turkish Cypriot community must be safeguarded. We must invest in this in order to create the conditions for completing our efforts and achieving a comprehensive solution. This, after all, is the position of UN Secretary-General Guterres, which he has clearly stated on several occasions and on numerous occasions.

Mr. Guterres points out that the negotiations should continue from where they left off at Crans-Montana in 2017, preserving the negotiating acquis. He notes that the negotiations be conducted on the basis of the Guterres Framework, focusing on the issues that are still pending.

The Greek Cypriot side must respond positively to Mr. Guterres’ intentions with positions, initiatives, and actions. Without any ambiguities, contradictions, or vague statements.

Towards this end, appropriate and thorough preparations must be made so that we are ready and not caught off guard or, worse still, overtaken by developments. Movement on the Cyprus problem is expected to intensify in the period ahead. The UN Secretary-General has already made it clear that he intends to convene a new informal expanded meeting, which this time will focus on the resumption of negotiations. At this meeting, the Greek Cypriot side must present a concrete plan aimed at exploiting every opportunity and every incentive to break the deadlock and resume the negotiations from where they left off.

Dear friends,

Whenever we are faced with developments surrounding the Cyprus problem, a debate begins on the domestic front as to whether the procedure can move forward, given Turkey’s position in favor of the unacceptable and rejected two-state solution. This debate has begun again in the light of recent developments, which now include the question of how Mr. Erhürman will proceed. Some have already revived the mistaken position that all Turkish Cypriot leaders are the same in an attempt to kill any prospect and hope of a solution.

Some are asking questions in good faith and with genuine concern about whether we will be able to achieve anything this time. But there are also those forces and circles who are constantly worried that we might indeed reach a bicommunal federal solution. They worry that the deadlock might finally be broken and that we might proceed with negotiations, starting from the point where they were interrupted.

They have every right to uphold this position, but they have no right to accuse those who hold a different position of supporting Turkey’s positions. What they are doing is shameful and despicable, and all they are proving is the emptiness of their positions.

But let those who reject everything and usually propose unrealistic options, cultivating illusions, answer the following question: what will happen if everything we have agreed on so far is scrapped? The answer is easy and simple: we will be left with the partition of Cyprus.

These views are short-sighted and dangerous, and they permanently undermine the future of our country. AKEL stands and will continue to stand against such and similar views. Having said that, I hasten to reiterate that AKEL does not forgive Turkey for its illegal actions and unacceptable positions. However, everyone is judged by their actions. That is precisely why we must make a concerted, consistent, and intense effort to break the deadlock and resume the negotiations.

At the negotiating table, it will become clear who wants what.

That is precisely where the intentions of each side will be revealed.

Only on the ground can Turkey’s positions and intentions be tested, namely whether it will continue to insist on two states solution or return to the solution of Bizonal, Bicommunal Federation.

Action is the criterion of truth. Mobility leads to progress. Immobility and lack of initiative perpetuate the impasse on the Cyprus problem. And the impasse consolidates the de facto partition.

As AKEL, we declare that we are ready to support any initiative that can create momentum for a solution. We have done so in the past and we will do so now, because for us, the solution and reunification are our very history. It is our life’s vision. We want to live in a Cyprus where Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, and Latins live together in unity and security, building their future and shaping their lives.

As AKEL, we will continue to inform/enlighten society. Both about the content of the solution we are seeking, about Bizonal, Bicommunal Federation, and the prospects that the solution will open up for our country. It is our belief that knowledge dispels fears and prejudices and helps our society learn from the past. With rationalism and with our eyes fixed on the future and not constantly trapped in the tragedies of the past.

We will continue to build relationships of trust and common struggle with the Turkish Cypriot community. The Turkish Cypriots are our natural allies in the struggle for a solution and reunification. Their recent vote proved once again the majority’s commitment to federation. It proved once again that the majority wants a solution because it does not want to live with Turkey’s suffocating embrace.

As Mr. Guterres said, the distance remaining to a solution is one mile. We just need to start where we left off. Let’s not dwell on the problems, but look for solutions.

Fellow compatriots,

Cyprus and its people deserve better days.

A free, reunited, independent and sovereign homeland.

A country that is a bridge of peace, cooperation, and creativity.

A country that will manage to:

• heal its wounds,
• abolish the barbed wire of occupation,
• build the future in conditions of lasting peace, security, progress, and prosperity.

This is the Cyprus we deserve!

This is the Cyprus we are fighting for!