Ending the Turkish occupation and liberating Cyprus remains the objective, while unity among Greek Cypriots is more necessary than ever in this national effort, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicholas A. Ioannides said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a festal Vespers service for Chrysosotiras and the annual dinner dance of the Akanthou Refugee Association, Ioannides said this year’s gathering was taking place at a time of increased diplomatic activity on the Cyprus issue.
‘Our objective is to end the Turkish occupation and liberate our homeland – a country that will not be bound by anachronistic guarantees and where the human rights and security of all legal residents of Cyprus will be safeguarded,’ he said.
‘In this national effort, unity among Greek Cypriots is more necessary than ever,’ he stressed.
Ioannides said refugees and their descendants had a particular responsibility to safeguard that unity.
‘From Akanthou and Kyrenia to Morphou, Famagusta, Karpasia, Mesaoria and every occupied village, the struggle for return is a common one,’ he said.
He assured that the government would continue supporting Akanthou Municipality, the Akanthou Refugee Association and all displaced municipalities and communities in their efforts to preserve memory, identity and hope for return.
‘As a child of Akanthou, I will continue to stand by you, both at events and in every effort that keeps Akanthou alive,’ he added.
The Deputy Minister noted that 52 years had passed since the Turkish invasion and the violent displacement of thousands of people. Over the years, he said, generations had changed, families had grown and children had been born far from their ancestral land.
‘Despite this, as events such as this one demonstrate, Akanthou remains alive,’ he said.
It lives on, he added, in the stories of parents and grandparents, in the names of streets, neighbourhoods and local landmarks, and in the icons of Chrysosotir?s kept in the homes of people from Akanthou.
‘Memory is revived every time a young person is asked where they come from and replies, without hesitation, ‘From Akanthou’, even though they have never lived there,’ he said.
Cyprus’ occupied towns and villages remain alive and free for as long as they are kept in people’s hearts and minds, Ioannides said.
He concluded by praising the valuable work carried out by Akanthou Municipality and the Akanthou Refugee Association.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
CNA/AAR/HT/AGK/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY