BTN News: The piercing sound of air raid sirens echoed through the early morning skies of Cyprus on Saturday, marking the 50th anniversary of a day that forever altered the island’s destiny. Every year, this sound reverberates across the Greek Cypriot-controlled south, a somber reminder of the Turkish invasion that followed a coup by those favoring unification with Greece.
A Tale of Two Sides
In the northern third of Cyprus, Turkish Cypriots commemorate what they view as their salvation from Greek Cypriot dominance after years of violent conflict over the island’s future. This date also marks the establishment of their self-declared state, recognized only by Turkey, which continues to station over 35,000 troops in the region.
Celebrations and Remembrances
Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will oversee the “golden jubilee” celebrations, featuring a military parade, the debut of Turkey’s first aircraft carrier, and an aerial display. In stark contrast, the Greek Cypriots in the south observe the anniversary as a national tragedy. The events include the unveiling of monuments to fallen heroes, religious services, and a gathering at the Presidential Palace, where Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will speak for the first time.
The Road to Peace: A Struggle for Unity
Despite numerous attempts at reconciliation, including United Nations-mediated talks to unify the island into a federation of Greek and Turkish Cypriot zones, hope remains tenuous. The last significant peace effort collapsed seven years ago, leading Turkey and Turkish Cypriots to push for a two-state solution—a proposal firmly rejected by Greek Cypriots.
The Role of International Bodies
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is considering initiating new peace talks, contingent on a confidential report by his special envoy, María Ángela Holguín Cuellar, who has spent six months assessing both sides. The European Union, which Cyprus joined in 2004, urges both parties to demonstrate a “genuine commitment” to a peace agreement aligned with the UN-backed plan for a federated island.
Calls for Unity and the Future
An EU spokesperson emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Too much time has been lost. A forced division is never a solution. The hope for a better future, a united Cyprus, still exists.” As Cyprus marks this significant milestone, the island’s divided communities reflect on their shared history and the ongoing quest for a peaceful and unified future.
