Half a Century Later: Cyprus Remains a Divided Island

The 50th anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus saw contrasting reactions from Greek and Turkish Cypriots, reflecting the island's ongoing division. While Turkish President Erdogan attended a military parade in Turkish-held Northern Cyprus, Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis commemorated the 'barbaric' invasion in the south. Reconciliation remains elusive as both sides hold firm to differing visions of the island's future.

Greek Cypriots mourned and Turkish Cypriots rejoiced on the 50th anniversary of Turkey's invasion, reflecting the island's continued division. The ethnically split island remains a source of tension between NATO allies Greece and Turkey.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan attended a military parade in north Nicosia, marking the 1974 Turkish offensive, while Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended events in the south commemorating the 'barbaric' invasion. Erdogan emphasized Turkish Cypriots' freedom from cruelty, whereas Mitsotakis advocated for a unified Cyprus with a single sovereignty.

Reunification talks have been stalled since 2017, with Greek Cypriots favoring a federated state and Turkish Cypriots supporting a two-state solution. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides reflected on the somber anniversary, comparing it to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Antagonism persists as each side memorializes its sufferers differently.

(With inputs from agencies.)