The President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides, emphasized the importance of the enclosed area of Famagusta as a first step in the effort to resolve the Cyprus problem on Tuesday evening, noting that it constitutes the most important Confidence-Building Measure (CBM) and the most significant proof of a genuine willingness to achieve a solution and the reunification of Cyprus.
At the same time, he reiterated the government’s commitment to the effort to resume negotiations, emphasizing the need for a strong domestic front.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
In his remarks at the commemorative event organized by the Anorthosis Famagusta Association to mark October 28, 1940, held in the event hall of the Monastery of St. George Kontou in Larnaca, President Christodoulides stated that Cyprus is at a critical juncture in its history, emphasizing everyone’s responsibility to respond to the common goal of ending the occupation and achieving liberation.
“We will all be judged by our response to the call for a strong internal front, with absolute respect for any differing approaches or views, in achieving our common goal of ending the occupation and securing liberation,” he said.
He added that, just as the Greeks of Cyprus answered the call of history during World War II, so too is there now an obligation to answer the call in the struggle for the country’s future.
“This struggle will truly be vindicated through the achievement of our ultimate goal, which is none other than the liberation of our homeland from occupation—the liberation from this illegal state of affairs,” he noted.
Acknowledging that there are many challenges and obstacles, the President of the Republic emphasized that “we remain committed to the effort to resume negotiations through assertive realism, with perseverance, and with a clear plan and roadmap for where we wish to go.”
President Christodoulides made special mention of Famagusta, noting that “it is at the forefront of the effort to resolve the Cyprus problem.”
“I truly believe—and this is precisely what I am doing and insisting on regarding the issue of the enclosed area as a first step—that it constitutes the most important confidence-building measure, the most important proof, and that is where we will all be judged on whether we truly desire a resolution to the Cyprus problem and the reunification of our homeland,” he said.
“That is why this issue is on the table and our efforts continue,” he added.
Referring to the anniversary of October 28, President Christodoulides said that the epic events of 1940 symbolize resistance and struggle, as well as the defense of values such as dignity, freedom, and democracy.
He placed particular emphasis on the participation of Cypriots in World War II, noting that approximately 20,000 volunteers from Cyprus joined the Allied forces, including members of Anorthosis.
He made special mention of Varnavas Serifis, Loukis Liasides, Antis Fanos, and Christos Christodoulides, members of the club who lost their lives on the battlefields.
The President of the Republic described Anorthosis Famagusta as one of the most historic clubs in the Greek world, highlighting its enduring contribution to national and social struggles, sports, culture, and volunteerism.
He noted that, especially after the exodus, the Association demonstrated the greatness of its members’ spirit, emphasizing that beyond its athletic and cultural achievements, its greatest contribution is “the cultivation and preservation of historical memory.”
Finally, he congratulated Anorthosis for its long-standing tradition of organizing events to mark national anniversaries, highlighting the importance of preserving historical memory and passing it on to future generations.
“Our historical memory must remain alive, and Anorthosis is doing just that,” he concluded.
Source: CNA
