Freedom is not an abstract concept but the right to live in one’s homeland without barbed wire and occupation troops, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Minister Christos Senekis said on Wednesday, delivering a commemorative address marking the anniversary of October 28, 1940, at the Apostle Barnabas Cathedral in Nicosia.
Speaking in the presence of President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, the Minister linked the messages of Greece’s historic “No” to the continuing Turkish occupation of Cyprus, stressing that 52 years after the invasion, the island continues to suffer its consequences.
He said the passage of time could not legitimise the consequences of unlawful violence, noting that Greek Cypriots understand freedom not only through history but also through its absence, reflected in homes left behind, silent churches and occupied towns and villages.
Senekis stressed that ending the occupation and liberating the homeland remained the national objective, adding that patriotism required prudence, unity, responsibility and commitment to the national interest.
Turning to efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, he said President Christodoulides was systematically working to create the conditions for the resumption of substantive negotiations through sustained diplomatic initiatives.
He highlighted recent UN-sponsored contacts, the UN Secretary-General’s personal interest and the EU’s active involvement as important elements of these efforts.
“We seek to resume talks from where they left off in 2017, on the basis of the agreed framework and with full respect for the EU acquis,” he said.
The objective, he added, was a comprehensive settlement ending the occupation, removing outdated guarantees and intervention rights, and safeguarding the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the fundamental rights and freedoms of all its lawful residents.
Acknowledging the difficulties, Senekis said that the difficulty of achieving a goal did not diminish the duty to pursue it, while disappointment over previous efforts could not justify abandoning the prospect of a settlement.
He called for unity and determination in pursuing negotiations without compromising fundamental principles and values.
“The peace we seek is not the silent acceptance of injustice. It is the restoration of justice,” he said, stressing that the objective was not to legitimise division under another name.
Referring to the anniversary, the Minister described Greece’s rejection of Italy’s ultimatum in 1940 as an act of national dignity and resistance to subjugation.
He also highlighted the contribution of Cypriots during the Second World War, noting that many fought alongside Allied forces despite Cyprus remaining under British colonial rule.
He pointed to the historical contradiction that Cypriots fought for the freedom of other nations while being denied the right to self-determination after the war.
Concluding, Senekis expressed hope that Famagusta, Morphou, Kyrenia and Karpasia would one day cease to be places of memory and longing and become living parts of a free homeland.