President Nikos Christodoulides on Wednesday expressed his readiness to return to the dialogue table immediately to continue Cyprus problems talks.

In a written statement issued on the 50th anniversary of the second-leg of the Turkish invasion, Christodoulides said: “I am ready to come to the dialogue table even tomorrow, on the basis of the agreed framework for the search for a solution, the negotiating acquis and of course the principles and values of the EU, of which Cyprus is a member state and will continue to be a member state after the Cyprus settlement.”

A prerequisite in the effort “for the success of our struggle” is the existence of a strong internal front, he said.

“Today marks the 50th anniversary of the fateful day of the second phase of Turkey’s barbaric invasion, which violently divided Cyprus, placed it under occupation, expelled thousands of our compatriots and tragically determined the future of Cyprus, its people and its modern history,” Christodoulides said in his statement.

“Half a century later, we condemn the crime in Cyprus, the ongoing occupation and we do not forget. We honour and commemorate the fallen, the missing, the heroes, the women and children of the refugees,” he added.

He added: “We know very well that vindication will come only through a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, liberation, reunification, when real conditions of peace and security prevail in Cyprus.”

According to Christodoulides, the current situation is not and cannot be the future of Cyprus and the country’s children.

“No solution is not a solution. We do not compromise with the occupation, we remain militantly optimistic for a reunited Cyprus as we deserve,” he said.

He added that from the first moment he took office, he has been working tirelessly to break the deadlock and resume talks with the aim of resolving the Cyprus problem.

“The only goal is the successful conclusion of the effort that has been underway in recent months by the UN Secretary General, as a result of the recognition of our clear political will by the international community to resolve the problem,” he added.

Christodoulides said the challenges that exist in the context of the Cyprus settlement efforts can be addressed through the European acquis, which safeguards the interests and fundamental freedoms of all European citizens.

He concluded by stating that “in this effort for the success of our struggle”, the existence of a strong domestic front and the continued efforts for a strong, prosperous and thriving Republic of Cyprus is a prerequisite.