Jul222025

On Sunday, 20 July 2025, the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK
coordinated a series of events to mark 51 tragic years of continued occupation
by Turkey of the northern third of the island of Cyprus.
The Federation and the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain organised the
annual memorial services in all Churches to commemorate those who sacrificed
their lives defending Cyprus in 1974 and prayers for our Missing Persons on
Sunday July 20th. The Official Archiepiscopal memorial service took place at the
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God, Wood Green,
with memorials also being held in all the Churches of the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese.
Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis officiated the Divine Liturgy on behalf of
Archbishop Nikitas. The official memorial address was delivered by Cyprus High
Commissioner Kyriacos Kouros, alongside a speech by the Federation’s
President Christos Karaolis.
In his address, High Commissioner Kouros said that “Today we are called to
honor all those who resisted the events of that dark summer.” These include
“those who stood against the attempts to overthrow democracy, those who
stood against the invader with bravery, self-denial and a deep sense of duty” and
“the heroes who sacrificed for the freedom of the homeland, leaving us a legacy
of dignity and the historical responsibility to continue.”
Speaking about recent progress on the Cyprus issue, the High Commissioner
said that “On 16 and 17 July, the President of the Republic, in his capacity as
leader of the Greek community in Cyprus, attended the second extended
meeting on the Cyprus problem in New York.” “The President,” he added “was
there to demonstrate that we want a resumption of negotiations for a solution to
the Cyprus issue from where we left off in 2017.” He continued that “we demand
a solution of a bicommunal, bizonal federation, with one sovereignty, one
citizenship and one international personality.”
The High Commissioner also emphasised that “the action of the Cypriot diaspora
in the United Kingdom is extremely important.” He said, “Your presence in the
public affairs of the host country is essential,” and that with even more active
political participation, with targeted action, with a strong Cypriot voice in the
British Parliament, we can keep the Cyprus problem alive on the agenda of every
British government.”

   

In his remarks, Bishop Iakovos recalled his memories of the horrific moments in
the summer of 1974 when Turkey invaded Cyprus. He said “On this day, we pray
for all those who lost their lives defending Cyprus against the coup and Turkish
invasion, as well as those who are still missing. It is our duty to continue the
campaign, so that one day the whole of Cyprus will be free and reunited”. Urging
members of the congregation not to forget the continued occupation, he said
“We must be active citizens in this country and remind the Government and
public that one-third of Cyprus remains under occupation by Turkey”.

The Federation President Christos Karaolis also addressed the audience. He began
saying that “today, here and across the UK, Greek Orthodox Churches are
marking the 51 tragic years since the Coup d’etat and Turkey’s illegal invasion and
on-going occupation of Cyprus.” He added that “we must also remember our
strength and our steadfast efforts since 1974 to build Cyprus and campaign for
its freedom and reunification,” which has led Cyprus to becoming a stable,
reliable and predictable ally in what is otherwise a troubled part of the world.”
Mr Karaolis highlighted that “the people of Cyprus and its diaspora have never
wavered from the campaign to end the occupation.” Showing this, he said “this
year’s #HandsOffCyprus e-campaign resulted in over 65% of MPs in the UK
being contacted by their constituents about the Cyprus issue.” He added that
because of the e-campaign, MPs from across the UK “reaffirmed their support
for a solution to the Cyprus issue, based on the agreed UN framework, EU acquis
and international law.”
In closing, Mr Karaolis stated to the audience “please rest assured that for as
long as it is necessary we will continue to do our utmost to lead the UK Cypriot
campaign for a free, united Cyprus.” He added that “the Geneva and New York
Meetings show that the Cyprus issue is still alive, and it is on each and every one
of us to ensure that this remains the case.”

   
Also in attendance was Ambassador of Greece Yannis Tsaousis, members of the
Cypriot and Greek Diplomatic Services, Officers of the National Federation of
Cypriots and representatives of community associations.
Following the Memorial Service, Federation Executive members delivered
resolutions to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer MP and the Turkish Ambassador in
the UK. These resolutions marked the 51 years since the illegal invasion and
occupation of Cyprus began in 1974. They also reaffirmed the UK Cypriot
community’s commitment to achieving a free, united Cyprus. The representatives
also laid a wreath at the Cenotaph to commemorate those who lost their lives in
1974.

The Federation’s resolution to the Prime Minister highlighted that “In a period of
less than nine months, you and President Nikos Christodoulides have met three
times,” which “included your historic visit to Cyprus in December, when you
became the first UK Prime Minister in over 50 years to visit Cyprus for a bilateral
meeting.” The resolution added that “While encouraging, the UK must continue its
ministerial presence at all high-level meetings to ensure that Turkey engages
constructively and returns to negotiations based on the agreed UN framework.”
In the resolution to the Turkish Ambassador, the Federation reminded him of the
“forced displacement of over 200,000 refugees from their homes and
communities, the murder and disappearance of thousands of victims and the
deprivation of basic human rights and welfare for the enclaved communities.” The
letter continued that “the clear illegality and immorality of these acts has
rendered Turkey’s attempts to push the illegal permanent partition of Cyprus an
abject failure.” In conclusion, “the only path forward then to the benefit of all
Cypriots is Turkey’s return to the negotiating table for a solution based on the
internationally agreed framework.”