The settlement of the Cyprus problem depends in essence on Turkey, which is the intransigent party, constantly violating the human rights of Cypriot citizens, President of the House of Representatives Demetris Syllouris said on Sunday. He added that the right to liberty, security and equality are “our inalienable and inviolable rights”.

Speaking during a memorial service in Pedoulas village, in the Nicosia District, Syllouris said that dedication was necessary in solving all the problems the country is facing and reach a settlement that will be fair, viable and functioning, turning Cyprus into a strong, united and free country.

According to the President of the House, “we should reflect on the kind of struggle we are waging today, in order for Cyprus to be free again” and on the way we fulfill our duty “to all those who sacrificed themselves” in the past.

If we wish to see a free Cyprus, then commemorating our liberation struggle should not be done out of habit but should be our personal duty, Syllouris added.

He said finally that the creation of an exemplar democratic and European state will bring about the greatest benefits, enabling us to meet the challenges ahead.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. President of the Republic of Cyprus Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci have been engaged in UN-led talks since May 2015 with an aim to reunify the island under a federal roof.