The coming days will be important for the Cyprus issue, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday, speaking after a student parade in Nicosia to mark October 28, Greece’s national anniversary, also known as “Ochi Day.”
Speaking to reporters at the Greek Embassy after the parade, President Christodoulides said that ‘despite the challenges, difficulties and problems, we are not resting in our efforts to achieve liberation, end the occupation and reunify our homeland.’
‘I repeat, there are many problems, many difficulties and many challenges. But, taking into account the situation at the beginning of 2023, it is clear that when there is a specific plan, when there is planning, and when there is persistence and patience, yes, positive results can be achieved,’ he continued.
Referring to his meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader on Tuesday, he said it had taken place in a very positive atmosphere.
‘The discussion was constructive, and on such an important day for Hellenism, I want to assure the Cypriot people that I will do everything humanly possible to bring about positive developments,’ he said.
Asked whether there had been any developments regarding the NAVTEX for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) and whether a development was a matter of hours, the President said that ‘the Republic of Cyprus is taking all necessary steps on this matter in the exercise of its sovereign rights, away from the public eye and without making many statements.’
Referring to the October 28 anniversary, he extended his best wishes to Hellenism and Greeks around the world.
‘I congratulate everyone who took part in today’s parade, including our university students, school students, the municipalities and communities under occupation, and organised groups,’ he added.
The President also welcomed the Kavala Lyceum of Greek Women and the Corfu Philharmonic to Cyprus.
He noted that ‘there are many lessons to be drawn from the epic of 1940 and the resistance of the Greeks. What I would like to focus on is that there can be no compromise or concessions on matters of sovereignty and dignity. Whatever the cost, our brothers and sisters in Greece have shown that there can be no compromise or concessions on these issues.’
‘I also want to highlight a fact that is sometimes forgotten by some: nearly 20,000 Cypriots took part, standing alongside Greece and the Allied forces, and a large number of our compatriots lost their lives in battle. This shows why we truly want to honour such anniversaries: we should follow the example set by the Greeks of 1940, adapting it to today’s realities,’ he said.