Fifty-two years after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, Greece says the memory of the events remains alive, honoring those who lost their lives, those still missing, and all who defended the island.
“Today, we honor the fallen, the missing, and all those who stood in defense of the freedom of the island of Cyprus,” Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias said in a post on the social media platform X.
Dendias stressed that the Cyprus issue remains “a matter of illegal occupation,” adding that “Nicosia cannot remain today the last divided capital in Europe.” Addressing the people of Cyprus, he said Greece’s message was clear, particularly in light of recent developments: “For the Greek Armed Forces, Cyprus is close at hand.”
52 χρόνια από την τουρκική εισβολή στην Κύπρο, η μνήμη παραμένει ζωντανή. Τιμάμε τους πεσόντες, τους αγνοούμενους και όσους υπερασπίστηκαν την Ελευθερία της Μεγαλονήσου.
Το Κυπριακό παραμένει ζήτημα παράνομης κατοχής. Η Λευκωσία δεν μπορεί να είναι σήμερα η τελευταία διαιρεμένη… pic.twitter.com/Dcy5Xy5HlX
— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) July 20, 2026
Greece’s Foreign Ministry message
In a statement issued on the anniversary of the Turkish invasion, Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the Cyprus issue as “an international matter of illegal invasion and occupation of a member state of the European Union and the United Nations.”
This year marks 52 years since the Turkish military operation of July 20, 1974, which resulted in the territorial division of the Republic of Cyprus and the ongoing humanitarian consequences involving thousands of missing persons, displaced people, and those living in enclaves, in violation of fundamental principles of international law.
“Greece pays tribute to the memory of those who fell and expresses its profound respect and gratitude to all those who defended Cyprus with courage and self-sacrifice,” the Foreign Ministry said.
It reiterated that the Cyprus question remains “an international issue involving the illegal invasion and occupation of the territory of an EU and UN member state.”
Greece’s position on a Cyprus settlement
The Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that, in close coordination with the Republic of Cyprus, Greece remains committed to a comprehensive and mutually acceptable settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with political equality, a single sovereignty, international personality, and citizenship, in line with UN resolutions and EU principles.
Greece also pledged continued support for the UN-led process aimed at resuming negotiations, stressing that a final solution to the Cyprus issue, the reunification of the island, and the end of the occupation remain a top priority.
