Cyprus pays tribute to all those who perished defending the Republic during the 1974 military coup against the democratically elected President of Cyprus and the Turkish invasion of the island.
The military coup against the first President of the Republic, the late Archbishop Makarios, engineered by the military junta then ruling Greece, was followed five days later by the Turkish invasion, which resulted in the illegal occupation of 37% of the Republic’s territory and its de facto division.
The wailing of sirens was heard at 8.20 local time, the exact time when the coup started. A church service for those killed during the coup was held this morning at Saint Constantinos and Eleni church in Nicosia, in the presence of Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades. Wreaths were laid at the tombs of those killed defending the Republic.
In his statements following the church service, President Anastasiades said that the 40th anniversary of the coup brings back memories of events which everyone hopes will never happen again.
He noted that today is dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives to defend democracy and freedom and those who lost their lives for the territorial integrity of the Republic.
In his memorial speech, Minister of Education and Culture Costas Kadis said “with deep thoughts and aware of our heavy debt, forty years after 1974, with the memories still fresh and wounds still open from the treacherous coup and the brutal Turkish invasion, we honor today the memory of those who lost their lives to defend democracy and the freedom of the country. ”
He also stressed that “being fully aware of the reality and risks of the current unacceptable status quo, we must work with solidarity for the survival of Cypriot hellenism in the land of their fathers and take historic decisions that will determine our future”.
Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos II, who officiated the service, in his statements to the press expressed hope these events which unfortunately have divided the country would never happen again.
He called for caution and unity among the people, adding that clear thoughts are required by everyone in order to get out of the terrible deadlocks, both national and economic ones.
The memorial was attended by the President of the House of Representatives, the Ambassador of Greece, leaders or representatives of political parties and other political and civic officials.
