Annita urges pressure on Turkey to withdraw

A resolution calling on the international community to exert pressure on Turkey to withdraw from Cyprus was handed to House President Annita Demetriou on Thursday by representatives of Kyrenia, Lapithos and Karavas.

Demetriou, who is called on to use her influence in European parliaments for a just settlement, said there was no other path than to “persist with our strategy for a solution.”

The House president, who said she was not interested in running for president of the Republic in 2028, received the resolution adopted on the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion, saying that “no matter how many years pass, we never forget.”

“We will continue the struggle for freedom, liberation and the reunification of our homeland,” she said.

Demetriou assured the delegation she would be forwarding their resolution to the MPs.

Referring to the younger generation, Demetriou said “it was time for the young to make their own effort without any hindrance from the older generation, so that our young people can take the reins of their own generation.”

The delegation said their position was to rid Cyprus of Turkish troops and for the refugees to return home.

The resolution, adopted on July 22 during an anti-occupation event in Nicosia, calls for a just and functional solution to the Cyprus problem, in line with UN rulings.

Demetriou also met with a group of students participating in a practice exercise at the House.

Asked by a student if she intended to run for president of the Republic in 2028, Demetriou said she did not.

“I am not interested in 2028. I am interested in my country doing well. I am interested in knowledgeable people entering the parliament,” she said.

She also wondered what would become of the country if people who did not have any knowledge got into parliament.

“I love the House. I like legislative work very much. If someone asked me to choose between the House and the presidency of the Republic, I would choose the House,” she added.