Resolving the Cyprus issue is a top priority for the President of the Republic and the Government, said on Sunday the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Klea Papaellina, noting that “a very serious initiative” is underway to resume talks.

Ms. Papaellina was speaking on behalf of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, at the annual memorial service for the fallen and missing held by the Municipality of Polemidia at the Church of Panagia Evangelistria in Kato Polemidia.

As she said, fifty-two years after the tragedy of 1974, tribute is paid to those who defended the freedom, territorial integrity, and independence of Cyprus.

Referring to the Turkish invasion, she said that it shattered lives and dreams, uprooted thousands of people, and left behind the dead, the missing, refugees, and a divided and partially occupied homeland.

During the memorial service, special tribute was paid to Neophytos Neophytou, Panikos Charalambous, Andronikos Melachroinos, Evelthon Ioannides, and Christos Kyratzis.

Neophytos Neophytou, a 33-year-old reservist, was assigned to the 2nd Commando Squadron and had been missing since July 22, 1974. His remains were located in 2017 in a mass grave in Pogazi, Kyrenia, and he was buried in Pano Polemidia.

Panikos Charalambous was serving in Sychari and, according to the speech, was taken prisoner during the battle in the Vouno–Koutsoventi area and executed in cold blood.

Andronikos Melachroinos, from Argaki, was wounded during the initial phase of the invasion and died a few days later, at the age of 21.

Evelthon Ioannidis, from Neo Livadi, Morphou, remained at his combat post in Mia Milia until the very end and was posthumously awarded the Defender of Freedom Medal.

Christos Kyratzis, from Agios Amvrosios in Kyrenia, served in the 33rd Commando Squadron; he was killed during the invasion and was buried at the Macedonitissa Memorial.

“Their names are not merely part of a list. They are part of Cyprus’s history and our collective memory,” said the Deputy Minister.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, she conveyed the assurance of the President of the Republic that its resolution is a top priority for him and the government.

As she noted, the government is working to create the conditions for the resumption of direct negotiations toward a comprehensive solution, based on the agreed United Nations framework and the principles and values of the European Union.

He added that “a very serious initiative to resume talks,” which was launched in part due to the persistent efforts and political will of the Republic of Cyprus.

Ms. Papaellina noted that Cyprus has the support of Greece, its EU partners, the European institutions, and other states.

In conclusion, she stated that the greatest tribute to the fallen and the missing is to continue the effort to end the occupation and liberate Cyprus.

“The best promise we can make is to keep our historical consciousness alive and to continue on the path toward justice,” he said.

Source: CNA