Forty years of Turkish occupation is a long time, the President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades said on Sunday, noting that the time has come for all to realize that a Cyprus solution will be to the benefit of all people.
The President of the Republic was speaking after a memorial service, held at the “Tomb of Makedonitissa”, the military cemetery in Nicosia, where officers and soldiers that died during the 1974 Turkish invasion are buried.
President Anastasiades also sent a message to Turkish President Abdullah Gül, who is paying an illegal visit to the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus, noting that “provocations are not in line with Turkey`s public claims”.
The President referred to the prospects of a solution for the young people, the security it will provide for the future and for the continuation of life in ancestral lands.
All this, he added, makes it imperative for all to think positively, even for those who deny to do so, such as Turkey and some among the Turkish Cypriot community.
It is time to act for what our country deserves, turn it into a modern European country, safeguard human rights, as well as the prospects of cooperation and prosperity, for the sake of a safe future.
Speaking on the role of Ankara in a Cyprus solution, the President requested its “active and substantial engagement”, noting that Turkey continues to occupy the island`s northern part.
He went on by saying that good will statements or even provocative and negative statements on the part of Turkey can not lead to a solution.
It takes courage to recognize that no derogations are allowed in human rights issues, the President concluded.
From his part, the Greek Ambassador in Cyprus, Vasilis Papaioannou, stated that Greece and Cyprus honor those who have fallen while defending liberty and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.
He said that Athens and Nicosia are determined to continue their common struggle to put an end to the Turkish occupation, to liberate the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus and to reunify the island into a modern, European democracy.
Papaioannou stated finally that Greece and Cyprus cooperate fully and coordinate their actions in all levels, while noting that the fight will continue until justice is done.
The memorial service was attended by the country`s political and military leadership, foreign diplomats and relatives of the fallen.
July 20th, 2014, marks the 40th anniversary since Turkey invaded in Cyprus and occupied its northern third.
