Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, at the beginning of today's briefing for political reporters, marked the 52nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the Greek news agency ANA-MPA reported for BTA.
„Every anniversary serves as a reminder of a lasting national trauma. Historical truth cannot be erased, and occupation can never be accepted as a fait accompli. Greece pays homage to the memory of the dead and expresses its respect and gratitude to all who defended Cyprus with courage and sacrifice. In close cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus, Greece remains committed to the search for a comprehensive and mutually acceptable solution based on a bizonal and bicommunal federation. Greece remains ready and will continue to contribute constructively to the next steps of the ongoing efforts led by the UN Secretary-General, with a view to resuming negotiations on the basis of the agreed framework under the auspices of the United Nations,” said Marinakis.
He also said that this year’s European Commission Rule of Law Report confirms Greece’s sustained and measurable progress, placing the country among the 13 EU member states with an improved score. Marinakis noted that since 2020, the number of Commission recommendations to Greece has decreased from seven to four, and that for the third consecutive year, positive developments have been reported with respect to all recommendations made in the previous year.
He stressed that progress in the media sector is due to reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, improving the institutional functioning of the media and protecting journalists. Among them, he mentioned the new framework for the registers of print and electronic media, the modernization of the Hellenic Radio and Television Corporation (ERT), the licensing regime for regional television stations, the strengthening of the National Council for Radio and Television (ESR) and the establishment of a National Media Council as a self-regulatory body.
At the same time, the government spokesman highlighted initiatives to enhance the safety of journalists and to promote the legislative framework against malicious lawsuits aimed at preventing public participation (so-called SLAPP cases). He pointed out that the European Commission report is a documented response to those who, in his words, continue to damage the country's reputation abroad. He added that the Greek government will continue to resolutely strengthen press freedom, transparency, the rule of law and democracy.
With regard to fire safety measures, Marinakis said that the Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes and the Fire Service's investigative services are working on high alert. From the beginning of the year to July 16, 2026, 577 administrative fines totaling approximately 786,000 euros have been imposed and 197 arrests have been made under the procedure for violations found at the scene of the act.
He stressed the importance of complying with fire safety measures and changing public behavior in order to prevent forest fires. Marinakis also noted that Greece will be the first country to receive the new “Canadair“ aircraft (Canadair) in 2028, with a total of seven new-generation aircraft expected to be delivered by 2031.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued an official statement today on the 52nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 (called the “Peace Operation in Cyprus“ by the Turkish authorities), stating that Ankara will continue to support the Turkish Cypriots and honor the memory of the fallen Turkish soldiers, TRT Haber reported, BTA reports.
On this date in 1974, the Turkish army invaded the northern part of the island in response to a coup d'état aimed at annexing the island to Greece. In 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), recognized only by Ankara, was unilaterally declared in the northern part of the island occupied by Turkey. Turkey insists on a two-state solution to the Cyprus issue, while the Republic of Cyprus and Greece maintain a position for a federal solution. In the Republic of Cyprus, today's anniversary is marked with commemorative ceremonies and memorial services for those who died and disappeared during the invasion, while in the Turkish-occupied part of the island, festive ceremonies and military demonstrations are organized.
“On the 52nd anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation, I pay tribute with affection to our heroic martyrs and with gratitude to our veterans. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Turkish Cypriots on their Peace and Freedom Day – July 20 – and I send my greetings to my Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters. As a homeland and a guarantor country, we will never leave the Turkish Cypriots alone in their just struggle,&rdash; Erdogan said.