"We are seeking a solution based on the agreed-upon United Nations framework, the relevant Security Council resolutions, and the principles and values of the European Union," said Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas in his speech at the annual National Memorial Service for Fallen Armored Corps Personnel held in Korno. 

The Pan-Cyprian Association of Armored Corps Reservists, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense and the National Guard, held the annual National Memorial Service for the Fallenat the Stavros Stylianides military camp in Korno.

As part of the ceremony, a torch relay was held, with the flame arriving from the Macedonitissa Tomb, featuring members of the Association of Armored Corps Reservists and members of the Pericles Dimitriou Cyprus Runners’ Association.

A memorial service was also held for the fallen tank crew members, and a prayer for the determination of the fate of the missing was offered by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Kyrenia. 

The event was held under the auspices of Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas, who stated in his speech that it is “it is with feelings of the deepest respect and gratitude that we hold this year’s annual national memorial service for the heroic fallen of the Armored Corps and, at the same time, offer a prayer for the clarification the fate of our missing brothers, whose whereabouts have remained unknown for fifty-two years. We pay due honor and respect to all those who rose to the occasion and answered their country’s call, selflessly and bravely defending the freedom and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.”

Mr. Palmas stated that “we reaffirm our condemnation of the 1974 Turkish invasion and its ongoing consequences, as well as the actions of the occupying power, which violate the principles of international law and the fundamental right of the Cypriot people to freedom, security, and peaceful coexistence.”

He noted that “fifty-two years later, as we touch our still-open wounds, we once again bear witness to all those instances where magnanimity and determination were sealed by heroic sacrifice. Today we pay tribute to the officers, noncommissioned officers, enlisted soldiers, and reservists of the Armored Corps, who, faithful to their country’s call, unwavering in their duty, rushed to fulfill the highest duty of defending the sacred and holy values of our people.” 

“Fifty-two years after the Turkish invasion, we are called upon once again to reaffirm our faith and our resolve to put an end to this prolonged injustice. We are fully aware of the immense responsibility and the unfulfilled duty we owe to our homeland, our ancestors, and our people. We must exhaust every effort toward resolving the Cyprus problem.” 

He noted that the President of the Republic, from the very moment he assumed office, has made it his top priority to break the deadlock and resume a substantive and sincere negotiation process, with the ultimate goal of achieving a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.  

A solution, he added, that will be based on the agreed-upon United Nations framework, the relevant Security Council resolutions, as well as the principles and values of the European Union. 

He noted that “the prolonged period of stagnation clearly complicates the situation. Difficulties are, of course, also caused by any demands from the Turkish side in favor of a solution outside the agreed framework.” 

He emphasized that “as the Republic of Cyprus, we have made concerted efforts to create the necessary conditions that will allow for the substantive involvement of the United Nations Secretary-General in restarting the negotiation process.” 

At the same time, he said, “we have sought a more active and substantive involvement by the European Union, so that the European dimension of the Cyprus issue can serve as a catalyst for breaking the prolonged deadlock and help change Turkey’s intransigence.”

 He noted that “a very serious initiative to resume talks is currently underway, which was the result of our own persistent efforts as well as our clear political will. We support the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General, and despite the problems and challenges, we are placing our trust in Mr. Guterres’s political will, in the European Union’s heightened interest, and in the clear linkage between EU-Turkey relations and the Cyprus issue, in the belief that tangible results will follow.”

In this context, he noted, “We welcome the fact that the UN Secretary-General will be in Cyprus from July 27 to 29 in an effort to resume talks. We are also particularly pleased that the Republic of Cyprus’s efforts to end the occupation and achieve the liberation and reunification of our homeland are receiving the activesupport from our partners in the European Union, the member states, the European institutions, as well as broad international support.” 

Mr. Palmas emphasized that “the international community recognizes the enhanced role of the Republic of Cyprus, which, through its successful Presidency of the Council of the European Union, has made a decisive contribution to giving substantive meaning to the Union’s strategic autonomy, including in the areas of defense and security.”

He noted that “our unwavering commitment to the struggle to end the occupation, the reunification of our homeland, and the restoration of justice is the most meaningful way to honor all those who sacrificed themselves for the freedom of Cyprus.This is the legacy they bequeathed to us and the duty we owe to them.” 

“Humbling ourselves before the sacrifice of the heroic fallen of the Armored Corps, we pledge to keep their memory and example alive and to remain steadfastly committed to the struggle until the day our homeland is finally vindicated,” he concluded.

Furthermore, the president of the Pan-Cyprian Association of Armored Corps Reservists, Konstantinos Ktoridis, noted in his address that the anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion rekindles every year the memories of the tragedy Cyprus endured, with the dead, the missing, and the refugees serving as a constant reminder of the consequences of the occupation. 

He emphasized that the Turkish threat remains a reality and stressed that preserving historical memory, unity, and solidarity are essential prerequisites for continuing the struggle for freedom and justice.

At the same time, he paid tribute to the fallen and missing armored soldiers of the National Guard, noting that their sacrifice serves as a timeless example of devotion to the homeland. 

He emphasized that the struggle for the liberation and reunification of Cyprus must continue until a mutually acceptable solution is reached, one that will ensure peace and serve exclusively the interests of the Cypriot people.

Present at the event were the Commander of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou, and the Deputy Commander of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Neosfytos Pachoulides, representatives of the security forces, representatives from ELDYK, a representative of the Greek Embassy in Cyprus, Members of Parliament Nikos Georgiou, Panikos Xiourouppas, and Sotiris Ioannou, representatives of political parties, and Member of the European Parliament Michalis Hatzipantelas. 

This was followed by a roll call of the fallen and missing (salute salvos) and the laying of wreaths.

Source: CNA