CYPRUS
Safeguarding the Republic of Cyprus is a top priority, President says

Safeguarding and strengthening the Republic of Cyprus is a top priority, both domestically and internationally, said the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, speaking at the commemorative event on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the 1950 Referendum on Union with Greece, organized on Wednesday evening at the Archbishopric Palace, in Nicosia.

The event was organized by the Council for the Historical Memory of the EOKA Struggle 1955-59 (S.I.M.A.E.), the Associations of EOKA Fighters 1955-59 and the Foundation for the Liberation Struggle 1955-59.

“Against the backdrop of developments in our geographical region, which is of particular geostrategic importance, and in the turbulent international arena, which we are called to navigate, as a small country under occupation, we are making every possible effort, using all available power factors, internal and external, to achieve our number one goal, our highest priority, which is the liberation and reunification of our country,” the President of the Republic pointed out.

Stating that he is aware of the difficulties, obstacles, and challenges, President Christodoulides said that “we have a full understanding of the correlation of forces” adding that Cyprus opts for realism and pragmatism.

In this very context, he explained, “we are capitalizing on the European status of the Republic of Cyprus, we are strengthening the network of synergies that we maintain with third countries, we are strengthening our political and diplomatic footprint with actions and not just words and we are expanding the power factors of our country.”

“Even though the purpose and vision of the 1950 Referendum for “union and only union” did not succeed, even though the struggles of the Greek Cypriots had the sole motivation and purpose of exercising the right to self-determination and union with Greece, we must all admit that this pure struggle led to the Republic of Cyprus, which is undoubtedly our most important achievement in this land and the preservation and strengthening of its status, both domestically and internationally, is a top priority,” President Christodoulides stressed.

“So, united, we continue to change our country, so that Cyprus becomes a place of peace, security, prosperity and progress. For all and without exclusion,” he said.

Additionally, the President said that he firmly believes in the power of unity and its effectiveness, indicating at the same time that “through such modest ceremonies we must not only honour historical events but also learn from the messages that emerge from such important historical developments.”

The event, which concluded with the National Anthem, was addressed by Archbishop George of Cyprus and the President of S.I.M.A.E., Andreas Maimarides. The President of the Parliament, Annita Demetriou, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, and the Ambassador of Greece, Ioannis Papameletiou, were present, among others.

Source: Parikiaki.com

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