Cyprus government backs Gouteras mission to restart Turkish‑Cypriot talks

Deputy Government Representative Giannis Antoniou said the Cyprus government is investing in the diplomatic mission of Antoni Gouteras, viewing it as the first step toward a sustainable solution to the island’s division. He described the effort as “constructive”, aimed at reopening substantive negotiations that could lead to a functional settlement.

Speaking at the Assia community council ceremony, Antoniou recalled the 1974 Turkish invasion, noting that the village of Assia paid the heaviest price, with 88 residents declared missing. Bones of 69 victims have been recovered; the fate of 19 remains unknown. He highlighted the tragic episode in which 70 men from Assia and nearby villages were seized, transported to a garage in Paúlidi and then to the Orni thi area of Aphanis, where they were killed, with their remains still being sought for proper burial.