Friday marked 21 years since Greek Cypriots rejected the United Nations’ Annan plan in a landmark referendum held on April 24, 2004.

In a statement issued on the anniversary, the group Adouloti Keryneia criticised what it described as a failure to reshape Cyprus negotiations after the vote, saying this allowed the peace process to drift further from the real issue.

According to the group, the continued concessions made in talks since 2004 have weakened the national cause. It claimed the peace effort has strayed from its core objective, ending the occupation and reuniting Cyprus under a just solution.

The statement demanded an immediate end to negotiations for a bizonal, bicommunal federation. It said Cyprus should instead rely on the principles of the UN charter to seek full liberation from what it called occupation.

Adouloti Keryneia urged the public to rally as they did in the period leading up to the 2004 referendum. It warned that only through renewed unity and resistance could Cyprus avoid a permanent division.

The group’s remarks come as the island remains divided, with peace efforts at a standstill since 2017.