Cyprus Marks 42 Years Since “Illegal” Breakaway Declaration

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus has issued a statement marking the 42nd anniversary of what it calls the illegal declaration of a separatist entity in the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island. The ministry said the violation of Cyprus’s territorial integrity, international law, the UN Charter, and relevant Security Council resolutions continues to this day.

Cyprus condemned ongoing efforts by Turkey and the authorities in the occupied areas to promote international recognition of the breakaway entity and to push for a “two-state solution.” The statement urged all countries to uphold UN Security Council Resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984), which explicitly reject the unilateral declaration as legally invalid.

The government reiterated that it rejects any attempt to legitimise the division of the island or to accept the status quo imposed by the 1974 occupation. It stressed that the international community, including the European Union, remains committed to a settlement within the long-established UN framework.

According to the statement, this framework is based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined in Security Council resolutions. Cyprus said it is ready to resume substantive negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue.

The ministry reaffirmed the Republic’s “firm commitment” to freeing and reuniting Cyprus and its people in line with international law, Security Council decisions, and the principles and legal order of the European Union.