Cyprus: Fifty Years of Division and Controversy

Air raid sirens marked the fiftieth anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus, a pivotal event that split the island and still fuels tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Turkish President Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis attended separate commemorations, reflecting ongoing divisions. Peace talks remain stalled, hampering reunification efforts.

Air raid sirens wailed at dawn in Nicosia, Cyprus's divided capital, as Greek Cypriots mourned and Turkish Cypriots celebrated fifty years since Turkey invaded part of the island following a Greek-inspired coup. The island remains a point of contention between Greece and Turkey, despite both being NATO partners.

On Saturday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan attended a military parade in north Nicosia, marking the day in 1974 when Turkish forces launched what they call a 'peace operation'. In contrast, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended a memorial event in the south, commemorating what Greeks refer to as the 'barbaric Turkish invasion.'

Mitsotakis shared an image of a blood-stained Cyprus map on LinkedIn, labeling it a 'national tragedy of Cyprus.' Meanwhile, Erdogan praised the 'Cyprus Peace Operation' for rescuing Turkish Cypriots from cruelty but left room for dialogue, stating Turkey is open to negotiations for long-term peace and resolution in Cyprus.

(With inputs from agencies.)