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Students from Paphos schools took to the streets Friday to protest the illegal declaration of the so-called pseudo-state and to commemorate the Polytechnic uprising on the anniversary of November 17, 1973.
The demonstration began at Stelios Kyriakides Stadium at 10 a.m. before marching to the Makarios III and Resistance Monument. Students carried signs with messages such as “Peace in Cyprus cannot be prevented,” “Imperialism is the only enemy,” and “I do not forget, I fight.”
At the monument, Ephraim Michael, a member of the PSEM Secretariat and secretary of ESEM Paphos, addressed the crowd. He emphasized that the younger generation is sending a clear message: “Cyprus belongs to its people.” Michael called for continued efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem based on international law and UN resolutions, advocating for a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, one sovereignty, and the protection of human rights for all Cypriots.
“The struggle continues so that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can live freely and peacefully together, without armies, barbed wire, or foreign guardians,” he said, noting the stagnation of negotiations since 2017 has only deepened the island’s division.
Michael also drew parallels between the Polytechnic uprising and Cyprus’ own struggle, highlighting the students’ role in opposing fascism and imperialism. “The Technical University cannot remain just a historical memory,” he said, linking the fight against dictatorship in Greece to the ongoing fight for Cyprus’ reunification.
Students vowed to continue advocating for the liberation of Cyprus and for peaceful coexistence among Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians, Maronites, and Latins, denouncing Turkey’s partition plans. The event concluded with an artistic program, attended by a small contingent of Paphos public officials to ensure safety and smooth organization.
