The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendiasstates in his message which was read on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the event of the Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus to celebrate the National anniversaries of March 25, 1821 and April 1, 1955, at the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation:
“Your Grace,
Mr. Minister of Defense,
Dear guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
With feelings of brotherly love and faith in the final success of the struggle for the freedom of Cyprus, I am addressing this primordial and living hearth of Hellenism and Orthodoxy, for the celebration of the anniversaries of March 25, 1821 and April 1, 1955.
Allow me, before any other mention, to pay tribute to the Cypriot freedom fighters:
In memory of Ethnarch Makarios. In memory of the many other Cypriot Metropolitans, Abbots, clergy and laity who were hanged or beheaded during the Greek Revolution of 1821. In memory of all those younger Heroes who gave their lives in the struggle for the self-determination of Cyprus, as well as its integrity.
To express the same respect and the same patriotic gratitude to the Cypriot and Hellenic fighters of 1974, who faced the superior military forces of the invader, under the burden of the criminal coup.
69 years ago, on April 1, 1955, the armed liberation struggle of the National Organization of Cypriot Fighters, EOKA, began under the leadership of Archbishop Makarios, later President of the Republic of Cyprus.
Greece bows with respect, awe and emotion to the selflessness and heroism of the young Cypriot fighters who gave their lives in this national liberation struggle.
The contribution of the fighters is a source of inspiration and constant commitment to the Cypriot cause.
Eternal Honor and Glory to the nine hanged youths, who rest in the Imprisoned Memorials of Nicosia.
Eternal Honor and Glory to all four of our Heroes of Cyprus who fell fighting and rest together with the hanged children of Hellenism in the Imprisoned Monuments of Nicosia:
This year marks 203 years since the Revolution of 1821, the most important event in Modern Greek History. Milestone for the rebirth of the Nation and the establishment of the modern Greek state.
With pride, Ecumenical Hellenism celebrates the glorious anniversary and honors the memory of the named and anonymous heroes of our National Palygenesis.
The Revolution of 1821 was based on the faith, courage, determination and foresight of the Greek patriots, who had as their main resources the awareness of their origin, their faith and the long Tradition of Struggles for the freedom of the Nation.
This catalytic event for the history of the wider region of the Balkans and the Mediterranean proved that the competitiveness and strong will of a people can determine its historical course.
In this great Race the Cyprus was present. The contribution of the Cypriot patriots, famous as well as the common people, who fought and sacrificed themselves on the altar of freedom, was the greatest.
The vision and values that inspired the ’21 Fighters remain timeless and relevant. Especially today, when we are experiencing very difficult times.
The 21st Struggle for Cypriot Hellenism also takes on additional topicality. Which, a full 50 years after the Turkish invasion, is still suffering the hardships of the military occupation of the northern part of Cyprus, the settlement, the fate of the missing and the displaced.
Regarding the Cyprus issue, I will repeat the obvious: It was and continues to be the highest priority of the Greek State, regardless of Governments.
Once again, I underline the constant engagement of Greece and Cyprus in our common struggle and goal: For a solution, on the agreed basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. On the basis of the Decisions of the United Nations, with the application of the European acquis throughout the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. By abolishing the anachronistic and unacceptable for a sovereign member state of the United Nations and the EU, the system of guarantees and the invasive “rights” of third parties.
As the Greek Government consistently and repeatedly emphasizes, there can be no full normalization of Greek-Turkish relations without the resolution of the Cyprus issue. Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots must freely decide on their common future, without outside interventions that work to the detriment of the negotiation and the intended solution. Away from misleading communication tactics and attempts to distort the past by distorting history, with narratives and practices contrary to International Law for which the invader has been condemned many times by the International Legal Order. Tactics such as the above lead the negotiations to an impasse and do not contribute to the jointly declared will for a comprehensive and mutually acceptable solution.
For its part, Greece will continue to support the efforts of the Secretary General of the United Nations, in close cooperation and coordination with the Republic of Cyprus and its President Mr. Nikos Christodoulidis. It is not possible for a European capital, Nicosia, of a UN and EU member state to remain divided for 50 years.
The Republic of Cyprus, a modern rule of law, has been a full member of the European Union since 2004. European membership and identity give Cyprus a strong voice and a reliable presence, as well as the right to the unwavering application of the acquis communautaire throughout the Cypriot territory.
Tangible evidence of the high reliability and geopolitical value of Megalonis is the “Amalthia” initiative for the creation of a sea corridor for sending humanitarian aid to Gaza. I salute her Joint Undertaking to Promote a Sea Corridor to Gaza from Republic of Cyprus, the European Commission, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Qatar and the United States of America. Cyprus’ leadership in establishing the Amalthea Initiative was instrumental in making this collective effort to create a maritime corridor possible.
The contribution of both Greece and Cyprus to the recent upgrading of EU relations with another important country in the region, Egypt, has been pivotal. A country which is closely linked to Athens and Nicosia not only within the framework of the actions of the European Union, but also through the strategic bilateral relations we maintain as well as the tripartite and multilateral cooperation schemes in which all three participate.
It is a fact that Cyprus and Greece are pillars of stability and security. This close cooperation and brotherly relationship of ours works for the benefit of the peoples of the wider region and their peaceful coexistence, always within the framework of respect for International Law, the Law of the Sea and the rules of good neighborliness.
A cornerstone of Greece’s position in the Cyprus issue is the continuous cooperation and full coordination of our two governments, in all sectors, including defense.
In this period of time, Greece is starting the biggest reform of its Armed Forces since the establishment of the modern Greek state, the “Agenda 2030”.
A complete design that gives weight
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in a new organizational structure of our Armed Forces,
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in the use and exploitation of modern weapon systems,
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in a modern model of service and reserve, which takes into account the demographic developments in our country
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to the development of the domestic defense industry so that we stop buying off the shelf weapons systems and means.
An agenda that emphasizes the creation of a defense ecosystem for the development of Innovation and Technology, so that Greece can effectively respond to all forms of threats, wherever they come from. A strong Greece also means a strong Cyprus.
It goes without saying that all Greek governments are always on the side of the Republic of Cyprus for the reunification of Cyprus, for the benefit of all Cypriots, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
I will repeat one more time to make it clear to everyone. THE Cyprus not lies down by far.
From the revolution of 1821 and the struggle of 1955, Greek men and women must learn lessons of national prudence, foresight, courage and unity, with confidence in our strengths and our future.
Today, I convey to you the brotherly love, support and solidarity of every Greek man and woman.
And I assure you once again of the undivided support of the Greek Government, all the Greek political forces and the body of the Greek people for Cypriot Hellenism.
Thank you”.
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