Archbishop George of Cyprus: Turkey Seeks to Establish Control Over the Entire Island

Archbishop George of Cyprus, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, issued a strong statement during the World Congress of Cypriots, held in Nicosia from July 29 to 31. The hierarch emphasized that Ankara’s true strategic goal remains the seizure of the entire territory of Cyprus, and called on the international community and his compatriots to reconsider their approaches to resolving the protracted conflict.

According to the website “The Life of the Church,” Archbishop George appealed to Cypriots living in the diaspora to preserve their national and spiritual identity. According to him, in the context of global assimilation, it is extremely important to pass on to future generations the traditions, language, and Orthodox faith that form the foundation of the Cypriot people.

Speaking about the political aspect, the head of the Church noted that the current strategy for negotiations on the Cyprus issue requires revision. “‘For Turkey, dialogue has become a tool through which they get everything they want, effectively turning the problem of illegal occupation into an interethnic dispute,’ the archbishop stated. He emphasized the need to more actively defend the norms of international law and called on the UN and its Secretary-General to more resolutely uphold the principles of justice regarding Cyprus’s sovereignty.

Concluding his remarks, the hierarch called on all Cypriots to unite, stressing that only solidarity and a relentless struggle will prevent further expansion and secure the salvation of their homeland.