Greek Cypriots marked the October 28, 1940 anniversary on Wednesday with church services, wreath-laying ceremonies and parades across the government-controlled areas of Cyprus.
The anniversary commemorates Greece’s rejection of an ultimatum issued by Fascist Italy in 1940, marking its entry into the Second World War.
In Nicosia, a thanksgiving service was held at the Apostle Barnabas Cathedral in the presence of President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, House President Annita Demetriou and other officials.
President Christodoulides and Greek Ambassador Constantinos Kollias subsequently took the salute at a parade outside the Greek Embassy, with the participation of war veterans, students, scouts and representatives of various organisations. Similar celebrations were held in towns and communities across the island.
Letymbiotis highlights unity and the struggle against fascism
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Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, speaking in Paphos, highlighted the enduring significance of the struggle against fascism and the importance of national unity, particularly for Cyprus, which continues to experience the consequences of the Turkish invasion of 1974 and the ongoing occupation.
He stressed that the anniversary was an opportunity to honour those who fought for freedom and democracy and to pass on the values of solidarity and national dignity to future generations. Letymbiotis underlined the importance of never abandoning the struggle for justice and expressed hope that Cyprus would be free by the next anniversary.
Piki stresses efforts to end occupation and reunify Cyprus
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Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki said in Larnaca that strengthening Cyprus’ economic, geopolitical and defence capabilities remained a top priority for President Christodoulides, with the ultimate aim of ending the Turkish occupation and reunifying the island.
She said President Christodoulides was working systematically to create the conditions for the resumption of direct negotiations on the Cyprus problem, based on the agreed UN framework, previous negotiating achievements and EU principles and law. Any settlement, she added, must guarantee security, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots.
Piki also referred to the contribution of more than 4,000 volunteers from Larnaca who joined the Allied forces during the Second World War, stressing the importance of preserving historical memory without passing hatred on to future generations.
Tsolaki sends anniversary wishes to Cyprus and Greece
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Transport, Communications and Works Minister Evie Tsolaki, who represented the government at the anniversary parade in Limassol, highlighted the importance of commemorating the historic occasion and extended her wishes to Cypriots and Greeks.
She expressed hope for the best possible future for both Cyprus and Greece, as students, scouts, associations and members of the National Guard took part in the parade along Makarios III Avenue.
Ioannides stresses close cooperation with Greece
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Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides said that ending the Turkish occupation and liberating Cyprus remained a top priority, stressing that the country was pursuing this goal in close cooperation with Greece.
Addressing an anniversary event in Xylotymvou on behalf of President Christodoulides, Ioannides described cooperation between Cyprus and Greece as a strategic necessity and reaffirmed the goal of a just, viable and functional settlement, in line with international law and the EU acquis, without occupation troops, settlers or intervention rights.
He also stressed that strengthening Cyprus’ defence capabilities, economy and institutions would reinforce efforts to end the occupation.