Cyprus celebrates Independence Day, emphasizes reunification goals

NICOSIA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus on Wednesday marked the 65th anniversary of its independence with a military parade in Nicosia, highlighting national resilience and aspirations for reunification.

President Nikos Christodoulides in a televised address called for continued efforts to resolve the division caused by the 1974 conflict. He described reunification as possible and reaffirmed Cyprus' commitment to rights and equality for all residents.

Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, when a Turkish military intervention followed a coup by Greek army officers. Since then, the island has remained partitioned, with Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots living separately.

Cyprus became independent on Aug. 16, 1960, with Independence Day officially observed on Oct. 1 since 1979. Enditem