Today, we all remember and honor Cyprus and its fighters. The international community must not forget the events of the illegal Turkish invasion of Cyprus 38 years ago, or its consequences: the uprooting of Cypriot Hellenism, with many Cypriots becoming refugees; the mass violations of human rights; the Turkish settlement policy; the pillaging of Cyprus’s Hellenic and Christian Orthodox historical and cultural wealth; the major humanitarian problem of the missing.
Thirty-eight years have passed since then, and Cyprus remains a semi-occupied country. This is the hard truth – one aspect of the current “reality” of the Cyprus issue. But there is another perspective: the tested endurance of and progress made by the Republic of Cyprus, which has established itself on the international and European stage, generating feelings of respect and admiration throughout the world.
Anyone who underestimates this historic development – the Republic of Cyprus’s having gained its rightful equal position in the European family, and currently holding the Presidency of the EU – is making a mistake.
The finding of a comprehensive, just, viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem, within the framework of the UN Security Council resolutions and Cyprus’s membership in the EU, is vital to sustainable peace, stability and prosperity in our wider region. It is a prerequisite for the full normalization of Greek-Turkish relations, as well as for Turkey’s European course.
The Greek people and political leadership are and will remain at Cyprus’s side, supporting the Cypriot people. The current state of affairs – the economic crisis – will not impact Greece’s position, which is a historical given and indissolubly linked with that of Cyprus.
With this conviction, the Greek government bows to the memory of our fallen brothers and expresses our respect and patriotic gratitude to all those heroic Cypriot and Greek fighters who faced the forces of the invader in the tough confrontation of 1974.
July 20, 2012