A Cyprus settlement ought to turn the country into a “normal state, without occupation troops, guarantees or intervention rights” said Klelia Vassiliou, the Deputy Government Spokeswoman.

Speaking Sunday during a religious memorial service in Mesogi, Paphos, Vassiliou also said that our duty is to fight for an honest, decent, just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem, that will safeguard the national and physical survival of present and future generations.

We desire Cyprus to become truly free, independent and sovereign and its citizens to enjoy conditions of security and prosperity, the Deputy Government Spokeswomen noted.

Abandoning our main position for a solution that is in line with UN and EU principles, would be an insult to our heroes who sacrificed their lives for Cyprus, she concluded.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.