66 years of the Republic of Cyprus

October 2026 This year marks the 66th anniversary of the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, a historic achievement for the Cypriot people as a whole. Despite the limitations and shortcomings that characterized the independence agreement, it represented a significant milestone in our nation’s journey and laid the foundation for Cyprus’s sovereign statehood. Unfortunately, the foreign and domestic interventions, conspiracies, and betrayals that followed led Cyprus into new tragedies, culminating in the treacherous coup orchestrated by the Greek military junta, the Turkish invasion of 1974, the continuing occupation, and the unlawful division of our homeland. Despite these difficult circumstances, the Republic of Cyprus has, throughout its 66 years of independent existence, achieved remarkable progress in economic development, social policy, education, and culture. This progress is, above all, a testament to the hard work, creativity, resilience, and determination of the Cypriot people. We must always remember that the Republic of Cyprus remains our strongest political and legal instrument in the struggle to end the occupation, overcome division, and achieve the reunification of Cyprus within the framework of a bicommunal, bizonal federation. If Australia—a nation built by people from diverse national, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds—can prosper through cooperation, mutual respect, and harmonious coexistence, then Cyprus too can evolve into a truly independent and multicultural state, a shared homeland for all its people. As Cypriots, and as refugees living in Australia, we send this message to our homeland together with the assurance that we will continue to stand steadfastly alongside the Cypriot people. At the same time, we appeal for unity and solidarity. The time has come to put aside our internal differences and focus on our common objective: ending the occupation and securing the future of Cyprus. In today’s challenging geopolitical environment, what is at stake is not only our country’s natural and offshore resources, but also the very existence and continuity of our homeland as we have known it and inherited it. ADELAIDE

Greek Tribune Adelaide, South Australia