By Michael Peters Kyriacou, President, Cyprus Community of NSW
At a recent funeral of a community member, their sibling said their parent had left them the most valuable inheritance anyone can give: “to continue to stand up for Cyprus.”
It’s no secret that the Cypriot community is undergoing a generational change in NSW, as it is in Cyprus and throughout the diaspora.
Those who witnessed the catastrophic events of 1974 became the keepers of the commitment to seek justice for the people of Cyprus.
The invasion of Cyprus is more than a footnote in history – more than a story that stirs emotion. It is a lived experience, a daily reminder for the residents of the island.
The invasion and occupation forced a third of the population to leave their ancestral homes, not knowing the fate of their loved ones. Even today, 1,619 Greek Cypriots remain unaccounted for.
The occupying foreign forces have changed the demographics and even the names of the land, aiming to rewrite the history of Cyprus at the end of a loaded gun.
The events of 1974 represent a tragedy that even the Athenian playwrights of classical times would struggle to encapsulate in their emotional repertoire.
Time may have made some lose patience or hope – perhaps even accept a fate that sets a dangerous precedent for smaller nations globally.
Every few weeks, another refugee – another Cypriot who witnessed these events – is laid to rest, taking with them the pain of betrayal, invasion, murder, and theft of their ancient homeland.
As the direct link with 1974 diminishes, age may have wearied them, but not their memory. Their narratives—what they saw, how they felt, the loss of family, identity, and homeland—endure. That pain persists, and the commitment is passed to the next generation.
Fifty-one years on, the tragedy remains no less palpable.
Recently, the UN Secretary-General appointed a personal envoy to deal with the Cyprus issue: Ms María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, a respected Colombian diplomat who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs (2010–2018) and Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations. She is tasked with resolving the “Cyprus question.”
Despite the occupying power’s desire to retain what was taken illegally, the global community remains virtually unanimous that Cyprus should be unified, not divided.
The region is now vastly different than it was in 1974.
The European Union’s growing involvement, alongside recent discoveries of natural gas that have shifted regional political and economic dynamics, has added new momentum to reunification efforts.
The recent appointment of EU Special Envoy for Cyprus, Mr Johannes Hahn, by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is a major step in supporting the UN’s work.
Mr Hahn will play a pivotal role in assisting the UN special envoy in bringing both sides closer to a viable resolution.
Through its envoy, the EU will participate in renewed talks aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question. This is yet another sign that the ongoing commitment and collective efforts must not be underestimated.
The UN and EU have reiterated that their priority remains the protection of human rights and welfare for all Cypriots. This belief aligns with the long-standing hopes of refugees and residents alike.
We must remain vigilant, continuing to remind the international community of our commitment to a solution based on UN Security Council Resolutions and EU values and ideals.
It is the continued efforts and intergenerational commitment that will keep this promise alive, no matter how long it takes.
This year, the Cyprus Community of NSW is honoured to host Mr Andreas A. Grigoriou, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus.
Mr Grigoriou has had a distinguished career in public service, holding senior positions across ministries such as Justice and Public Order, the Postal Services, the Office of the Commissioner of Electronic Communications and Postal Regulation, the VAT Service, and the Ministry of Finance.
The Justice for Cyprus Committee (SEKA) is holding a Memorial Service in memory of the fallen and prayer for the missing persons on Sunday July 27, 2025, 9:30am at the Cathedral of The Annunciation of Our Lady, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, 242 Cleveland St, Redfern. Following the Service, coffee and light refreshments will be served at the church hall where a brief address will be delivered by our honoured guests.
This is followed by Wreath Laying Ceremony – Cenotaph Martin Place at 1:30 pm.
This is a time for all Cypriot compatriots, all Greeks, Australians of all generations and backgrounds to reflect, remember and recommit to a just cause for Cyprus.
Further information is available online at: www.thecyprusclub.com.au/SEKA.
